Drag Race: Mustang vs Camaro vs Charger

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Some say that muscle cars are only good for one thing: a drag race. We totally agree with that sentiment. Today, modern muscle cars are much better at handling corners than they were back in the 70s. The current Ford Mustang is quite capable on just about any road course in the world. The same can be said for the current Chevrolet Camaro which (depending on trim) comes with a magnetic ride system that allows the car to adjust its dampening on the fly.

Despite all of the current advancements in these cars that make them much more road course-friendly, we can’t argue with the fact that after all these decades, muscle cars are still really good at drag racing. Lining two muscle cars side by side in a drag race is the foundation of the greatest rivalries in American pop culture. 

That being said, what about lining three iconic American muscle cars together for one drag race? That is what the UK YouTube channel carwow did in a recent video.

The crew sourced a supercharged Ford Mustang King Cobra, a supercharged Chevrolet Camaro, and a Dodge Challenger SRT Scat pack that also has a supercharger on it. Are you detecting a theme here? Who is your pick for the winner of this all-American drag race? First, let’s take a closer look at the competitors.

Ford Mustang “King Cobra” 

Ford Mustang “King Cobra” | carwow YouTube channel

The first competitor is an unofficial resurrection of a limited edition Mustang variant from the 70s called the “King Cobra.” The original King Cobra was meant to be a car that could easily do double-duty as a street car and drag racer. This particular King Cobra certainly fits that description.

Under the hood is a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine that makes 735 horsepower and 508 ft-lbs of torque. The power goes through a Hurst 6-speed automatic transmission and is put to the floor with a set of drag radial tires in the rear. This ‘stang will be a major threat in this drag race.

Chevrolet Camaro

A supercharged red Chevrolet Camaro preparing for a drag race.
Supercharged Chevrolet Camaro | carwow YouTube channel

The Chevrolet Camaro in this three-way battle is another custom-tuned vehicle with a short but impactful spec sheet. This Camaro is equipped with a 6.2 liter V8 engine so it already has a displacement advantage over the Mustang. The Camaro has a centrifugal supercharger bolted on which boosts it to 650 horsepower and about 508 ft-lbs of torque.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via the stock 8-speed automatic transmission. The Camaro does not seem to have drag race radial tires attached and is running on high-performance street tires instead.

Dodge Challenger SRT Scat pack

Red supercharged Dodge Challenger SRT with Scat Pack widebody preparing for a drag race.
Dodge Challenger SRT Scat Pack | carwow YouTube channel

The carwow video states that the Dodge Challenger in this drag race is an SRT model but also has the “Scat Pack.” Technically speaking the SRT is a separate trim from the Scat Pack and both trims cannot be combined from the factory. However, since the Scat Pack is mostly a collection of subtle performance and aesthetic modifications, it is not impossible for a buyer to add the Scat Pack to an SRT model after purchase.

Either way, the important thing about this Challenger is the fact that it has a 600 horsepower supercharged 6.4-liter V8 engine with 440 ft-lbs of torque.

Drag Race: Mustang vs. Camaro vs. Challenger which one wins?

This is a tough call to make. All three muscle cars have similar power figures and discrepancies are addressed in other areas. For example, the Camaro has less power than the Mustang but it is also the lightest car of the trio. The Challenger is the heaviest car and has the lowest power and torque figure so it appears to be at a major disadvantage. Though, numbers do not always translate to asphalt.

It is an interesting drag race to watch and the results may not be what you expect. We recommend making a prediction and then watching the carwow video above to see if your guesses pan out. 

RELATED: Mustang vs. Camaro vs. Challenger: Which is Cheapest to Insure?

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Tesla Model 3 vs. Toyota Camry: Ultimate Ownership Cost Analysis

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Usually, the Tesla Model 3 and the Toyota Camry aren’t really cars you’d compare. One is an EV, the other a gas-powered econobox. However, when you put things in terms of cost to own, the picture becomes a little clearer. In fact, you may just be surprised at the results. They’ll certainly highlight the advantages of EV ownership.

How much does a Tesla Model 3 cost per month?

RELATED: Real EV Range Is Often Different Than Automakers’ Estimate – Here’s Why

So, let’s start with the most obvious number, as it is technically a monthly cost. Base MSRP for a Tesla Model 3, sans FSD, is $39,999. Obviously, that’s quite a lot more than the Toyota, at $25,000. Now, this is where things get interesting. If you take a look at Tesla’s 2020 Impact Report, you’ll see a direct comparison to the Camry.

In the report, Tesla points out that the Model 3, while initially more expensive, will become cheaper to own over 5 years/60,000 miles. According to them, that’s because of the lower maintenance and depreciation costs of a Tesla Model 3. In all, the brand says it costs about $0.55 per mile. So, in reality, your monthly costs will vary depending on how many miles you drive on average.

A new Toyota Camry costs more to own than you think

You can’t argue with the looks of the Toyota Camry | Toyota

RELATED: Is Polestar as Good as Tesla?

Luckily, that’s pretty simple math on your end. Let’s say you drive an average of 1,200 miles a month, roughly on par with the national average. That’s about $660 per month, on average. Of course, there will be months where that number is only the cost of charging. Keep in mind these are costs averaged across a calendar year. However, the Toytota, per Tesla, is still cheaper.

If we’re trusting Tesla here (don’t, do your own research), the Toyota Camry will cost you about $0.50 a mile. Or about $600 a month. Honestly, I kind of see the logic here. Tesla wants you to see this and say, “well if it’s only $0.05 a mile…” Frankly, I agree with that logic. Objectively, the Model 3 is a much, much nicer car than a Toyota Camry.

It’s all about choice at the end of the day

A side profile shot of a dark blue Toyota Camry
Turns out, even a car like the Toyota Camry can be expensive to own | Toyota

So, in plain black and white, the Toyota Camry will be the cheaper car to own over 5 years or 60,000 miles. However, these are both commuter cars. I’d rather take a Tesla onto the highway every day than a Camry. Having been in both, the Tesla, despite its flaws, is just nicer.

That said, it’s all about choice. You know that Toyota Camry will still be running on the day you die, and Tesla hasn’t been around enough for us to feel confident saying that about a Model 3. So, if you want the Tesla, lease it. If you want the Camry, buy it and it’ll become an ancestral family heirloom for generations to come.

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How Many Years Should a Car Last?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Cars are fun and useful, but they are by no means a good investment. The average vehicle depreciates fast, especially for the first few years after it drives off the dealership lot. A car can be an even bigger money pit if it frequently breaks down and needs expensive repairs.

To avoid this, it’s best to purchase a model with a high reliability rating. Fortunately, many modern vehicle are also built to outlast older models by several years. So, how many years should a car last, and is there any way to make yours last longer?

The average age of cars on the road

Recent studies have shown that most vehicles can live about 12.1 years before needing costly repairs. The lifespan of electric vehicles is less conclusive, but a few automakers offer lifetime warranties on the batteries. Additionally, used cars are more popular than new vehicles on today’s market because of the semiconductor chip shortage. 

However, the decreased inventory of new cars also means used cars are now more expensive. This means the average lifespan of a vehicle might remain the same. Still, as we learned from the recession, it might just result in another upward trend.

Can a vehicle last longer than 12 years?

Twelve years isn’t a magic number for any car, especially if you drive fewer miles than the national average per year. According to Car and Driver, the average driver travels more than 1,000 miles per month, up to 13,500 per year. Similarly, if you drive more than 15,000 miles per year, expect your vehicle to deteriorate faster.

Your driving behavior can also influence how quickly your vehicle will wear out. Speeding and aggressive stopping create more strain on expensive components like the brakes and engine. In general, city driving is typically harder on a car because of all the stop-and-go traffic. 

During highway driving, you can go for long stretches without having to shift gears. You also usually won’t run over as many potholes as you would on city roads, saving your suspension and wheels. However, the high speed limits on these roadways might also encourage people to drive too fast.

Vehicles that are primarily used for off-roading will also wear out faster than daily drivers. Although some automakers offer protective equipment for the undersides of these cars, they can still become damaged over time. These vehicles also get more frequent washing, potentially resulting in peeling body paint. 

Being exposed to the elements for extended periods isn’t great for any car, off-roader or not. A vehicle that drives on salted roads in the winter can accumulate corrosion if not properly maintained.

Cars that last 10 years or more

According to Forbes, there are many automakers offering vehicles that last 15 years. SUVs are usually the longest-kept vehicles, with the Toyota Highlander being the most beloved. Honda and Subaru also produce many long-lasting vehicles, while Acura and BMW lead the luxury segment.

The Chevy Colorado stays with its owners for the same amount of time without the high maintenance costs of other pickups. With routine oil changes and at-home maintenance, any of these models could easily last 20 years or more. A few have reportedly reached 500,000 miles.

Still, use your own discretion when shopping for used cars with high mileage. For example, a 2018 model with over 90,000 miles might have more issues than a similar car that age. Always check a vehicle’s history report to ensure it has been properly serviced throughout its lifetime.

RELATED: How Long Should You Keep a Car?

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Jeep Increases 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Prices Shortly After Launch

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Just a few short months after the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer became available, Jeep has increased the prices. The pair of SUVs came to market in July 2021. The Wagoneer Series II started at $69,995, while the Grand Wagoneer was $88,995. Both have now been raised to starting prices of $70,845 and $89,845, respectively. What made Jeep increase the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer prices?

Why the price jump?

CarsDirect discovered the price had been raised without a single word from Jeep. They seemingly tried to slip it in without anyone noticing. Though the exact reasoning is unknown, the price jump most likely won’t have much of an effect on the sales of the vehicles. The increase was a jump of only about 1% of the total price, so people shopping for SUVs in this price range won’t really notice.

The most expensive trim for the Grand Wagoneer now costs $106,845 before adding any extras. This is a colossal amount of money, and the makes it the most expensive Jeep model by far. To put it into perspective, the most expensive trim of the Cadillac Escalade has an MSRP of $108,240.

What is the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer?

2022 Grand Wagoneer (left) and 2022 Wagoneer (right) | Stellantis

If you’ve managed to completely miss the release of the two SUVs, you might be wondering what makes it worth over $100,000. For starters both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer come standard with V8 engines. The Grand Wagoneer is only available with all-wheel drive while the Wagoneer has both rear and all-wheel drive versions.

The Grand Wagoneer shares a class with the Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and other large luxury SUVs. That’s a whole lot to compete with, but it just might be able to do it.

Are the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer worth $106,845?

The Grand Wagoneer uses body-on-frame underpinnings, which are derived from the Ram 1500. Though it will have a much smoother ride than the pickup truck, attributed to the independent rear suspension.

The Grand Wagoneer also features an adaptive air suspension system that can raise its ride height up to 3.6 inches. The max tow-rating of 9,860 lbs makes it nothing to scoff at as far as towing capacity. Cap it all off with a ground clearance of 10-inches and you’ve got yourself a luxury-offroad-towing machine.

Interior Features

The Nappa-leather-upholstered front seats and dashboard of a 2022 Wagoneer with a sunroof parked in a forest
2022 Wagoneer front interior | Stellantis

Filled with interior technology and amenities, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer brings the best to the table. A 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster surrounded with wood accents, customizable ambient interior lighting, heads-up display, camera-fed rearview mirror, and a rear-seat monitoring system that plays video through the center touchscreen. The center console features a 12.0-inch touchscreen sitting atop a 10.0-inch touchscreen. With a minimum trim level of the Series II, you’ll find another touchscreen placed for the front seat passenger’s use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, there are USB ports in all three rows of seats, and there’s a subscription-based wi-fi hotspot if you need to connect. The rear passengers aren’t left out, as yet another touchscreen is available there, with another one added in the rear if buyers choose to opt for the entertainment system.

The technology-filled interior is also quite spacious. Inside you’ll find enough seating for 7 or 8 passengers, 71 cu. ft. of cargo space at full capacity, and 27 cu. ft. behind the second row. This massive SUV has enough technology and space to fit a big family and keep them entertained.

Changing the price without acknowledging it is a bit strange, but it isn’t significant enough to worry about. Less than $1,000 more for a vehicle that costs this much isn’t going to change your mind if you’re in the market for an SUV of this caliber. The reasoning behind the price increase remains unknown, and it is too early to see official sales numbers for the Wagoneer. We don’t know why Jeep increased the prices of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer shortly after launch.

RELATED: The New Jeep Grand Wagoneer Is a Real American Range Rover

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