Mustang, Camaro, or Firebird?

[ClonerJams]

Every now and then I get the itch to get a muscle car. Price point under 15k (I'm aware this limits things), preferably a V8 but not a deal breaker. Of these 3, what in your opinion would you get? I know its not a real specific question given all the different models and generations, but I'd love to get some car guys thoughts.

 

[BCClone]

Get a Chevelle if going that price and want a basic muscle car.

Sorry wasn’t an option but don’t know what timeframe you want.

 

[Rabbuk]

2 fieros

 

[hoosman]

I drove an 83 z28 (manual 4bbl 135 hp) and an 89 formula (auto TBI 220 hp). I liked the Pontiac much better. I do like the styling of the new Mustang (not the Estang). The 60’s muscle cars are cool but expensive. The gen2 TransAm I think is almost as cool, but cheaper - and would be a better value.

 

[Kinch]

Depending on mileage, I would get a camaro

 

[ClonerJams]

Depending on mileage, I would get a camaro

Reliability, performance, look? Just curious on why you prefer the Camaro over the other two

 

[cydnote]

At one time I was living the dream. I owned a '79 Trans Am that I purchased as a dealer car, less than 300 miles and current year. Navaho Blue, T-tops, and a mild blue velour interior. 407 big block engine--I believe the final year available. Black Firebird emblem on hood interrupted slightly by the air intake and a spoiler on the back. The handling was something I thought was awesome but I never have driven anything to compare it to. It would go faster then the speedometer--I pegged/broke it twice. Can't recall with certainty but i think 120mph. I know my (now) wife noticed the car before she met me. Price tag was $4200 and certainly doable in your budget

 

[JP4CY]

My mom had a TransAm when I was a kid.
Thing was bad ass. Roof leaked all the damn time.
White with a blue eagle on hood. Black interior.

 

[fsanford]

Have a 68 Firebird, just thought everybody had a Camero and I wanted to be different. Plus Pontiac was the higher end make imho

 

[CYdTracked]

I'll add the Monte Carlo to this discussion. Loved the one I had.

If I could buy any muscle car the 1969 Dodge Charger is at the top of my list. Yes the Dukes of Hazzard has something to do with why I like that car but I'd probably prefer one in all black if I had one.

 

[Kinch]

Reliability, performance, look? Just curious on why you prefer the Camaro over the other two

Reliability and back then my friends preferred Camaro.

 

[cydnote]

I'll add the Monte Carlo to this discussion. Loved the one I had.

If I could buy any muscle car the 1969 Dodge Charger is at the top of my list. Yes the Dukes of Hazzard has something to do with why I like that car but I'd probably prefer one in all black if I had one.

Rockford Files > Dukes. I think I read somewhere Garner loved the Firebird but for some reason didn't like the Trans Am bird on the hood.

 

[Cy4Lifer]

Barracuda, Challenger, or Super Sport Nova

(Hey, this is a good idea for a future CF bracket event?!?)

 

[AgronAlum]

Years? Wants? Needs?

Is it a project or does it need to be complete? Are you a parts guy or a body work guy if it is a project? The good years of the cars you listed will probably be projects at that price range.

 

[NWICY]

Go with the screaming eagle Trans Am with the 440(?) Engine. My personal dream car would d be a early 70s Dodge Charget with the 400 (?) In it. I had a 74 with the 318 it would hold its own but wasn't great. Made a lot of road cred when kept up with a kid with a road runner with s 383 in it for a 10 mile sprint between towns ran neck and neck, neither one could pull away from the other. About 110 for that many miles, young and dumb LOL. Back when you think you were bullet proof. Oh well I survived.

 

[Kinch]

Dodge Charger is awesome.

 

[dmclone]

Any of these cars pre-90 are going to be pretty unreliable compared to today's standards. In my younger years, I owned a Camaro and multiple Firebirds. I'm not much for nostalgia and can't imagine owning one of these today.

 

[pourcyne]

1991 Camaro convertible, 13.9 K, at Klemme in Davenport. Would.

 

[singsing]

Mopar

 

[ClonerJams]

Years? Wants? Needs?

Is it a project or does it need to be complete? Are you a parts guy or a body work guy if it is a project? The good years of the cars you listed will probably be projects at that price range.

Years - mid 90s or later. I don't have experience working on cars, so not wanting a project. Just wanting something fun to drive that isn't going to be breaking down constantly.