Horsepower Wars Episode 1 - Mustang vs Camaro

(Image/Power Automedia)

We just watched the first episode of Power Automedia’s newest TV show Horsepower Wars and came away super-stoked for more.

The new show, for our money, has the perfect name and premise, and didn’t pull any punches when pitting a 2017 Ford Mustang GT vs. a 2017 Chevy Camaro SS for the first automotive battle of Horsepower Wars series, fittingly titled: Pony Wars.

LSX Magazine editor Chase Christensen will lead the Camaro build, and FordNXT editor Steve Turner will head up the Mustang build.

So, check this out.

Stage 1: Mustang vs. Camaro Baseline Factory Performance

Run the two cars through four performance challenges in their original factory form. Document results. Award points to the winner of each challenge.

Those four challenges, and the earnable points for each are:

  • Road Course – 3 pts.
  • Drag Strip – 3 pts.
  • Chassis Dyno – 2 pts.
  • 60-0 mph braking – 1 pt.

…

Stage 2: Mustang vs. Camaro $5,000 Bolt-On Performance

Next, both teams are given a $5,000 budget to add bolt-on performance upgrades, after which they will square off in those same four challenges where they can earn the same amount of points per challenge.

…

Stage 3: Mustang vs. Camaro $15,000 Boost & Internal Mod Upgrades Performance

Finally, both teams will have $15,000 to make additional vehicle modifications, including a ProCharger supercharger. (Royal Purple, E3 Spark Plugs, and Summit Racing Equipment are the primary sponsors of Horsepower Wars with Summit Racing being the official parts supplier for the series’ various competitions.)

With the power-adders and internal upgrades complete, the Camaro SS and Mustang GT will compete one final time in the road course, drag strip, chassis dyno, and 60-0 braking competition.

Watch Episode 1 here:


The winner of Horsepower Wars’ first competition—Pony Wars—will be the team and vehicle that has accumulated the most points overall.

Horsepower Wars host Brian Petty did what every good television host would do and ask the team leaders why their vehicle was likely to win the competition.

Turner, the FordNXT editor, and team leader for the Mustang build, said that while the Camaro has power, transmission, and suspension advantages due to factory upgrades for model year 2017 that the Mustang does not, the adaptable Coyote engine platform will show off its capabilities in the bolt-on phase of the competition.

“I think once we start bolting on parts, those minor advantages will disappear,” Turner said. “I think the Mustang is a more bolt-on friendly vehicle. You can’t make a lot of power in the Camaro without a cam swap. I think we’re going to have an advantage in the bolt-on phase.”

Christensen, LSX Magazine’s editor, had a different viewpoint, including his opinion of the Mustang’s looks.

“That’s a face only a mother could love,” Christensen said.

He cited the Camaro’s 455 hp and 455 pound-feet of torque.

“The Coyote is a capable platform, but the Camaro is going to give it a run for its money,” Christensen said. “It’s cheaper to mod an LS or LT than it is to mod a Coyote. Dollar for dollar? We saw it in the LS vs. Coyote Shootout, and we’re going to see it again on Pony Wars.”

…

Good stuff, boys.

We can’t wait to see what’s next.

For more information, you can watch more videos and read more about Horsepower Wars here.