1969 Camaro vs 1967 Mustang Fastback
The original pony car showdown. Ford started it, Chevy perfected it. Which one deserves your garage space?
This is the rivalry that defined American muscle. Ford invented the pony car with the 1964½ Mustang — a sporty compact that everyone could afford. Chevy responded in 1967 with the Camaro, and by 1969, they'd built something special. The '69 Camaro is widely considered the pinnacle of first-gen F-body design. The '67 Mustang Fastback is the shape that launched a thousand posters. Both are icons. Both have massive aftermarket support. So which one gets your money?
Specifications
1969 Chevy Camaro SS/Z28
Specifications
| Engine | 350 V8 (Z28) / 396 V8 (SS) / 427 V8 (COPO) |
| Power | 290-430 hp depending on package |
| Torque | 290-450 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 3-speed auto / 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Weight | 3,300 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108 inches |
| Production | 243,085 (all 1969 Camaros) |
Notable Features
- • First redesign from 1967-68
- • Z28 was the Trans-Am homologation special
- • SS 396 brought big-block muscle
- • COPO 427s are the holy grail
1967 Ford Mustang Fastback
Specifications
| Engine | 289 V8 / 390 V8 / 427 V8 |
| Power | 200-390 hp depending on engine |
| Torque | 282-427 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 3-speed auto / 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Weight | 2,758 lbs (base) |
| Wheelbase | 108 inches |
| Production | 472,121 (all 1967 Mustangs) |
Notable Features
- • Fastback roofline (the look)
- • GT package available
- • First year for big-block option
- • Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds
Head to head
Looks
SS/Z28The '69 Camaro's redesigned body is aggressive without being cartoonish. The Mustang fastback is iconic, but the Camaro just has better proportions. This is subjective — obviously — but most gearheads agree the '69 is the best-looking first-gen Camaro, while the '67-68 Mustang was arguably bettered by the '69-70 Mach 1.
Performance
SS/Z28The Z28's 302 was purpose-built for Trans-Am racing. The high-revving small block made the car a scalpel on track. Mustang's big-block options were more brute force than finesse. Both have drum brakes that'll scare you, but the Camaro's suspension was more sophisticated out of the box.
Parts availability
FastbackNobody beats the Mustang here. You can build one from scratch with reproduction parts. The Camaro's close — Dynacorn makes full bodies — but the Mustang aftermarket is deeper, older, and has more options at every price point.
Entry price
FastbackComparable condition Mustangs run $10-15K less than Camaros. The Mustang's higher production numbers (Ford sold way more of them) means more supply. Driver-quality Mustang fastbacks can still be found under $40K; good-luck finding a comparable '69 Camaro at that price.
Investment potential
TieBoth are blue-chip muscle cars. Neither is going to crater in value. The Camaro's rarer packages (Z28, COPO) have more upside, but you'll pay a premium to get in. The Mustang's Shelby variants command big money too. For standard SS or GT cars, appreciation will be modest but steady for both.
Community
TieBoth have massive, helpful communities. Camaro guys have NastyZ28 and Team Camaro. Mustang guys have Vintage Mustang Forum and countless marque clubs. You'll find help at any swap meet for either car. Call it a wash.
The verdict
The Mustang is the safer bet for a first classic — better parts availability, lower entry price, and you can't swing a dead cat at a car show without hitting someone who knows how to work on one. But the '69 Camaro is the cooler car. The styling aged better, the Z28 package was a legitimate weapon, and it doesn't have the 'secretary car' stigma of early Mustangs. If documentation matters to you, the Camaro's harder to verify (more fakes). If you want to stand out at shows, the Mustang won't do it — they're everywhere. Pick your poison.