« Raging Bulls: Contact and Carnage in Germany! CarDomain Blog Home 1967 Oldsmobile Limo on eBay »
November 18, 2009
IROC vs. 5.0: Which Would You Choose?
By Rob Einaudi
Editor-in-Chief
Ok guys, time for a 3rd gen vs. Fox body showdown! This 1989 Mustang GT looks to have been nicely redone and it’s a 5 speed to boot. The 1988 Camaro IROC Z-28 is unrestored and has some fading paint, but this is slightly rarer car, too, with the L98 5.7 liter TPI (which was only available with the automatic). And of course both come in a killer black/grey color combo. So, which would you choose?
Comments
Post a comment
Please login to CarDomain to post a comment.
MP81Kyle
Nov 29, 2009 at 11:18 am
IROC FTW.
phoenix_rising
Nov 29, 2009 at 4:57 am
camaro ftmfw! these camaro has more style, grace, and powertoday as it did nearly 25 years ago. but I would rather have a trans am than either one of these. I love me some potiacs!
Ferrari458
Nov 27, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Mustang 5.0
blubyu87gt
Nov 20, 2009 at 4:36 pm
When faced with this same decision I went with both haha They are equally fun to drive and both have similar mods but still the Fox is the faster and does handle better. Main thing I dislike about the Z is the auto only for the 350 and the Y pipe single exhaust crap. For the Fox it has to be the four lug and pinto-esq rear drums.
RustyS10
Nov 20, 2009 at 12:55 pm
I’d go with the iroc… but i’d prefer its trans am gta counterpart, they look much better in my opinion… those mustangs definatly look like escorts and are more cramped under the hood than my S10! I hate working on mustangs but they are definatly lighter… not to mention the chevy 350 has a WAY bigger aftermarket than the mustang, 80% of the jegs site is for smallblocks dart and world make twice as many smallblocks as fords
josejsilva88
Nov 20, 2009 at 11:36 am
Chevy Baby!! The camero has more potential and is way better looking… I wonder why artist always sing and rap about Chevys!!!
monteman777
Nov 20, 2009 at 10:45 am
When I saw this, I just had to post. IROC ALL THE WAY!!!
The Fox bodies look too much like Escorts, they have no style. Plus the Camaro has much more potential (especially if you swap an LSX engine in).
BAD-54
Nov 20, 2009 at 9:07 am
5.0 for sure
Sepno77
Nov 20, 2009 at 7:35 am
I’ll take the ford w/ a chevy engine in it.
KustomKiely
Nov 20, 2009 at 5:50 am
Chevy Camaro.
GenuineChevy
Nov 20, 2009 at 5:32 am
“I can tell you from experience that third generation Camaros are horribly unreliable cars.” really???? I have a 91 RS and the only thing thats been replaced on it is the fuel pump. She’s a beast!
I have nothing but good things to say about the third gens. Maybe its because i grew up in an all GM family but how can you go wrong? The only major problem i’ve had in any GM of mine is a tranny that likes to hold gears everyonce in a while in a 91 jimmy
Raceman06
Nov 20, 2009 at 5:13 am
Camaro all the way you cant go wrong with Chevy’s.
The_Cordia_Kid
Nov 20, 2009 at 3:35 am
I can tell you from experience that third generation Camaros are horribly unreliable cars. However, I’ve heard Mustangs of that era aren’t much better. The Mustang is a more reasonable car, and easier to live with if you’re using it to commute on a daily basis, but looking at the two, there’s no denying the fact that the Camaro is just plain gorgeous, while the Mustang’s styling is just busy and kind of “blah.”
Though I might live to regret it, I’d choose the Camaro.
Biggunna
Nov 19, 2009 at 11:53 pm
5.0 all the way. Some people forgot that in those times IROC’s only turned left. Sure put a Supercharger on one of those LS1’s without any suspension work and see if it turns a road course close to a stock Cobra.
65stangGuy
Nov 19, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I would take the FOX over that IROC anyday. the IROC is not very comfortable to drive.
80-zcamaro
Nov 19, 2009 at 9:04 pm
I have a soft spot for the Fox body Mustang, {though the 2 I owned (a 1983 coupe and a 1989 hatchback)with only 2.3 liter engines and I hated the performance} the 5.0 L was a great car for what you paid for. It was lighter than the Camaro and it seemed to be cheaper and easier to modify. I also Have a soft spot for Camaro’s and the IROC was a nice looking car for the 80’s, I think that in my opinion they are today more apealing than the 80’s Mustang but that is just my opinion. You are also comparing apples to oranges, Camaro has always purpously tried to be different than Mustangs and they were also more money so it would depend on what you were looking for to decide on what you wanted to buy. The Mustang, raw power in a cheap Muscle car or a higher scale Muscle car that is more expensive in everyway. I think I myself would buy the 1985-1989 IROC…….
OddballStang
Nov 19, 2009 at 8:35 pm
I gotta say, both are good cars, but I’d have to go with the Mustang. You can mod the 5.0 as much as you want, and the Mustang it lighter, and better looking, I seem to remember most head to head comparison test likeing the Mustangs handling better. Besides, latter Mustang don’t suffer from the ’80s look as bad as the Camaro
ACCORD2HARMONY
Nov 19, 2009 at 7:50 pm
lemme c… oh International Race of Champions Z-28 duh
insane73
Nov 19, 2009 at 7:37 pm
crazy my user names on a comment i did not post. the one at 6:34. i did post the one at 6:35. this kind of stuff really needs to be fixed on here. this site worked so much better before da update.
SporTruckRT
Nov 19, 2009 at 6:27 pm
5.0 – Enough Said.
JM0523
Nov 19, 2009 at 5:48 pm
To all the mustang lovers why dont you put a 99 LS1 up against a 99 mustang gt and see what happens…… Thats what i thought…. and for everyone that says put an ls1 up against a cobra, throw a supercharger on an ls1 and see what happens..
cadillac2009
Nov 19, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Fox Body Mustang All The Way.
Im A Chevy guy, but the Fox body mustangs are very nice. Especially the 1989 mustang. That was the nicest mustag.
91foxbody302
Nov 19, 2009 at 5:45 pm
5.0 has SO much more potentiol plus its lighter and thts why mustangs have ALWAYS ben around when the camaros went into hiding till this year and there still slow stock when there modded i will say there quik
CJB22
Nov 19, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Definantly the camaro those mustangs look like escorts
fijianplayer
Nov 19, 2009 at 4:12 pm
love both carsbut the iroc looks handles and drives better the the 5.0 i used to have a 5.0 till i drove the iroc.
DynastySign27
Nov 19, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Has to be the Mustang. In its day the 5.0 was faster than the 350 IROC and cheaper. Larger after market support, 14 year production run, ability to update to later engine and suspensions, and the available choice of when new a manual trans. I guess Chevy didn’t think IROC owner could shift and chew gum(or sing along to Bon Vovi) at the same time.
dough957
Nov 19, 2009 at 1:58 pm
let me get the 5.0 with the sbc in it
stav20
Nov 19, 2009 at 1:10 pm
definitly the IROC n im not sayin this cuz im a chevy boy but u could make them both fact but the iroc looks better and has better aero and if it was slower has a way better resale
StangkillinS10
Nov 19, 2009 at 12:12 pm
i know that the 5.0 is faster but i think the IROC has more potential and looks better. so ill take the iroc
95BlckFirebird
Nov 19, 2009 at 11:25 am
tough chice….i’ll take the Stang
Chris Bicknell
Nov 19, 2009 at 10:06 am
IROC all the way.
BlackdExplorer
Nov 19, 2009 at 9:08 am
I would have a hard chose choosing beetween the 2 seems how one has a better weight ratio but they others packing more HP. ive ssen alot of fast mustangs at the tracks so MUSTANG those 5.0 kill the competition to Chevy at the Tracks
blackfriday490
Nov 19, 2009 at 8:32 am
If I had the opportunity to buy one new, I’d probably get a Camaro. But here, I vote Mustang. Mainly because it’s a 5 speed and in much better shape. Plus, the Camaro is from Minnesota, and although it looks pretty good, there could be developing issues that they deliberately didn’t photograph. Obviously to me it’s close though, or I wouldn’t even point these things out.
suburban_gorilla
Nov 19, 2009 at 7:49 am
MUSTANG! 5.0
camaroz28_96
Nov 19, 2009 at 7:39 am
I would pick IROC. always loved the 3rd gen and never been a fan of fox body stang. gotta go with IROC
Fetus9
Nov 19, 2009 at 7:33 am
I pick the IROC, 1989 Mustang = Slower than my mom
ROUSH_STG2
Nov 19, 2009 at 7:10 am
Mustang with LS1 motor, then you can have the best of both worlds.
LT1 sucks! Couldnt sport the Camaro however, I would have to put on my fake Mullet, so it would have to be the 5.0, Hell even Vanilla Ice knew what was up!
timpalass
Nov 19, 2009 at 7:02 am
Hmmm…..It takes a 350 to compete with a 302. I’ve never had a 305 camaro beat my 5.0.
bitchnbobb
Nov 19, 2009 at 6:19 am
over rated vs. over rated! Both cars look awesome and I got friends who drive both kinds. Im a chevy fan so Id have to take the chevy. Them engines fit in anything.
DJs-zj360
Nov 19, 2009 at 5:55 am
IROC…UROC…WEROC!
GenuineChevy
Nov 19, 2009 at 5:28 am
IROC!
Nothing beats a third gen
meissenation
Nov 19, 2009 at 5:04 am
IROC all the way
Maffew
Nov 19, 2009 at 4:57 am
The fox body, but only because of the transmission. If it were a lx notch, it’d still be my choice…. even more so.
dragorphan
Nov 19, 2009 at 3:33 am
ISUCK JUNARO. no thanks 5.0 all the way.
Sjors
Nov 19, 2009 at 1:25 am
I am going for the Camaro
ILLY-Sase
Nov 19, 2009 at 1:12 am
Those Fox body styles remind me too much of Ford Escorts. Its just too small (i’m 6′4″) and too blah. Id take the Iroc any day over it. Whats a new paint job?..IROC for the win. plus i’d drop a 383 Crate motor in her anyway.
thore
Nov 18, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Personally I do not like either one. BUT, if I had to choose I would have to take the 5.0. I don’t think that I could drive a wife-beater Camaro.
wsbob
Nov 18, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Even if it needs more work I still say the Camaro that F-Body styling gets me
Jnic815
Nov 18, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I’d take either honestly… any v8 is better than a 4 banger.. but the tpi on the 3rd gen Camaros suck, nothing a carb conversion cant fix
nasshh
Nov 18, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Ill be cruisen’ down the street in that Maro
jockn’ the bitches
slappin’ the hoes
Brendan4077
Nov 18, 2009 at 10:20 pm
iroc the mustang gt is trash
IH-international
Nov 18, 2009 at 9:45 pm
camaro!!!! screw the 5.0 ho’s!!! literally!!!
Esoteric18
Nov 18, 2009 at 9:32 pm
F-BODY!!!! Iroc all day.
89RSCAMAROMAN
Nov 18, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Iroc… love the fox body mustangs but im a big fan of chevy camaros. both cars have alot of potential but if it came down to it id be driving of with the maro!
Joes87GT
Nov 18, 2009 at 9:04 pm
I’m shocked, but pleasantly surprised, at the sight of this topic. That said, it’s disappointing to see slighted remarks but, thankfully it is only a few who feel it is necessary to throw out ‘disses.’
Obviously, I’m a Mustang guy, but I will always have respect for the Camaro. Still, that respect can’t get me to switch the the ‘maro – I see far too much potential in the 5.0!
Big ups to all of those who have voted, commented, and checked out my ride. You are great.
BOSSIROCZ
Nov 18, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Iroc baby had both 89 iroc 88 gt iroc gets it!
nick8705
Nov 18, 2009 at 8:09 pm
the i-roc… all day long, especially with the 5.7, the 5.0 stangs are sluggish, ive had both(still have the camaro if that says anything)
ford_tar
Nov 18, 2009 at 7:19 pm
stang even thought i dont really know anythin bout the either but i seen how SEXY a stang can be especially that beautiful voice outta the 5.0 stang… god thats the way to be!@
4-circles
Nov 18, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Mustang
toyotadriver008
Nov 18, 2009 at 6:45 pm
stang
chevymc1970
Nov 18, 2009 at 6:38 pm
IROC any day always loved the 3RD gen i used to like the fox stangs now im just sick of them everyone has them
insane73
Nov 18, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I’ve had both camaros and mustangs. I had less trouble out of my camaros.But the mustang in this case is pretty sweet looking…..but would not trade my Eclipse for a mustang or camaro.
insane73
Nov 18, 2009 at 6:34 pm
IROC any day always loved the 3RD gen i used to like the fox stangs now im just sick of them
Alex Vickers
Nov 18, 2009 at 6:08 pm
IROC, plain and simple.
-
By the way, the Mustang technically doesn’t have a 5 litre engine. A 302 is a 4.94 litre engine, and most people realize that rounds out to 4.9. It’s pretty much false advertisement.
troutster52
Nov 18, 2009 at 6:05 pm
5.0 all the way. 302 with a 5 speed, better looking that a comparable Camaro AND can be mistaken for an escort makes it the quintessential sleeper/pavement eater.
peteswrxturbo
Nov 18, 2009 at 5:20 pm
I’ve had a couple F-Body Camaros, they are too heavy and slow turning for my liking. Having never driven a 5.0 stang I’d like to give it a shot.
K-Dawg406rs
Nov 18, 2009 at 5:18 pm
pretty close race as far as I’m concerned, I’m usually a chevy guy but I’d rather have the re done 5.0 Stang over the auto Camaro that needs paint
iroczguy15
Nov 18, 2009 at 5:16 pm
iroc all the way check out mine
C-Tidda
Nov 18, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I am camaro guy (own a 99 conv and a 525hp 98 ss) but this time I go for the stang those years the blue oval was better than the general I used to drive a 89 retired CHP police lx and no camaro could keep up! so I go for the mustang and they are lighter and sexier, just them years though, thank you!
keko22
Nov 18, 2009 at 5:15 pm
iroc any day
keko22
Nov 18, 2009 at 5:06 pm
iroc!!!!
keko22
Nov 18, 2009 at 5:04 pm
THE IROC ……
wannermelon69
Nov 18, 2009 at 5:04 pm
only one way to go, 5.0(stang)!!!
30thAnnivGT1SCT
Nov 18, 2009 at 4:59 pm
BOTH!
91foxbody302
Nov 18, 2009 at 4:40 pm
5.0 ALLL DAY beter drag car and proly best style mustang made..plus 5.0 will burn tht chevy and tht wont mine will lol
619lowrider
Nov 18, 2009 at 4:34 pm
iroc of course
trh1987
Nov 18, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Can I have one of each?
IROC for sure if I had to choose one, I’ve loved that body style since I was a little kid.
tyrel1987
Nov 18, 2009 at 4:18 pm
If you want an inexpensive car that you can rally all day long and have tons of fun and not have worry about the motor blowing, then the 5.0 is the car for you.
nelli23
Nov 18, 2009 at 4:12 pm
5.0 I’m a sucker for those foxbodys!
FRSGUMP
Nov 18, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I have to admit I’d take the Mustang over any GM product anyday. I’ve been that way from personal experiences of owning a vast variety of vehicles over the years. Ford products have always felt “tighter”, more “rigid” and have a “quicker responding” feel to them. GM products are too “mushy”, “spongy”, or “soft and cushy” with “laid-back”, slow responses (in steering and braking mainly). A sample of my rides are in my 63 Chevy Impala “garage”.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3140202
slugbeast
Nov 18, 2009 at 3:50 pm
IROC!!
__PONTIAC__
Nov 18, 2009 at 3:15 pm
IROC
TheDotCommunist
Nov 18, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I had this same opportunity in 04 and I went with the IROC. That being said, I’d probably give the Mustang a try. That and in this scenario the Mustang’s paint looks in better shape.
___nes___
Nov 18, 2009 at 2:55 pm
5.0
camaro480
Nov 18, 2009 at 2:44 pm
i will take the mustang. only chevy for me is a stingray
camaro480
Nov 18, 2009 at 2:43 pm
I am a GM guy, but back then when I was a wee youngin, I’d go for the 5.0 Stang. I think there is probably more aftermarket parts for them. Drop a LS1 in the 3rd gen it’s rock n roll time then.
XTZTwinTurbo
Nov 18, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I would go with the mustang. I think it looks better, even tho I’d never buy one again. lol
snowboarding125
Nov 18, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I am a chevy guy but have never been a fan of gen 2 or 3 camaros so I would take the fox body. Plus who doest want to be like vanilla ice and “rol in my 5.0″
SHOTyme70
Nov 18, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Rolling in my 5.0…..
NortherCali7OH7
Nov 18, 2009 at 1:40 pm
ill take the underdog. Mustang all the way..I haven’t seen a good looking maro for a while but i see fox bodies everyday
Kentmx25
Nov 18, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Im going to have to go IROC all the way
GRPRX1
Nov 18, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I’d take the Camaro any day over the stang
NSGrandAm
Nov 18, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Iroc. Buddys right, too many Foxs out there.
PureBusiness
Nov 18, 2009 at 12:13 pm
The Mustang..it’s more contemporary.
lejourinator
Nov 18, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Insert Fox body diss here.
Robb31
Nov 18, 2009 at 11:59 am
Camaro any day
ccthompson
Nov 18, 2009 at 11:52 am
IROC.
lejourinator
Nov 18, 2009 at 11:35 am
IROC duh
I would even prefer a 305 powered Camaro to the 5.0 mustang. Sorry but the mustang GT is the civic SI of the muscle car world. Its cheap to run, its mostly kids that have it, and its too common for my tastes.
Plus, Just look at the IROC compared to the gt. GM FTW