Is a Camaro or Mustang safer?
Safety depends on model year and trim; neither the Camaro nor the Mustang is universally safer in every configuration. In recent years, Mustangs have generally earned strong crash-test results in several assessments, while Camaros have solid performance but have not consistently achieved the top-tier awards across all years. Always check the exact IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the specific year and trim you’re considering, along with available safety features.
In this article, we examine how safety is evaluated for these two American sports coupes, compare what the major crash-test programs have found in recent model years, and outline the safety features you should look for when shopping. The goal is to help buyers make an informed choice based on standardized testing and practical driver-assistance options.
How safety is evaluated for Camaro and Mustang
Crash-test ratings come from two primary U.S. authorities: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Each evaluates different aspects of crashworthiness and crash prevention, and results can vary by year and by trim due to changes in structure, airbags, headlights, and available technology.
Below is a snapshot of how these ratings are typically considered for these two vehicles:
- NHTSA assigns overall and category-specific star ratings based on frontal, side, rollover, and rear impacts. Results are specific to the model year and trim configuration, so a given car may have different ratings as features and structures evolve.
- IIHS conducts more specialized tests, including small and moderate overlap frontal crashes, side-impact tests, roof strength, head restraints, and front crash prevention (automatic braking systems). IIHS also weighs headlight performance when determining Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ status.
- Headlight quality can be a gating factor for IIHS Top Safety Pick+/Good-for certain trims; some years and trims of the Camaro and Mustang have had headlights that affected their eligibility for top-tier awards.
- Results are highly year- and trim-dependent. A Mustang in one trim from a given year may rate differently from a Mustang in another trim or year, and Camaros show a similar pattern.
- These tests reflect crashworthiness and prevention features available at the time, but real-world safety also depends on driver behavior, maintenance, and how the car is equipped with optional safety tech.
The takeaway is that safety for these two cars is not a single, universal number. Buyers should consult the specific NHTSA and IIHS reports for the exact year and trim they are considering and compare the available safety features that come with each configuration.
Reading the ratings in context
To make sense of the numbers, compare the same model year against itself across trims, and then look at how each model performs in similar tests. The presence of advanced driver-assistance features (where available) can shift the practical safety experience even when the base crashworthiness numbers are similar.
Safety features and design considerations
Both the Camaro and Mustang offer a range of driver-assistance features, but availability depends on the model year and trim. In recent generations, these cars have increasingly offered a bundle of safety tech aimed at crash avoidance and alerting the driver, either as standard equipment or as part of an optional package.
Key driver-assistance technology commonly found (at various levels by year/trim) includes:
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection where equipped
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assist or lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
- Forward collision warning with brake support
- Rearview camera and parking sensors in many trims
These features are not universal across all trims or model years. Higher trims or packages typically add more comprehensive systems, while entry trims may include only the basics. When evaluating a used or new Camaro or Mustang, verify which safety tech is standard and which is optional for the exact build you’re considering.
Practical guidance for prospective buyers
When choosing between a Camaro and a Mustang, safety considerations should be balanced with other factors such as price, practicality, and personal comfort. The following points can help guide the decision.
- Check the exact NHTSA and IIHS results for the specific year and trim you’re considering, not just the model line.
- Assess the availability and performance of driver-assistance features, especially automatic emergency braking and front crash prevention, for the trim you want.
- Consider the headlights and visibility, since lighting can influence IIHS safety awards and your nighttime safety in real-world driving.
- Test-drive with attention to how the car behaves in emergency braking or evasive maneuvers, and verify that safety aids are active and intuitive for you.
- Balance safety with other ownership factors, including insurance costs, maintenance, and expected resale value, which can be influenced by safety ratings and perceived crashworthiness.
In practice, the safest choice depends on the exact configuration and how you value crash-prevention features versus crashworthiness alone. Always rely on current, model-specific data from IIHS and NHTSA when making a purchase decision.
Summary
The Camaro and Mustang offer strong overall safety hardware and advanced driver-assistance features, but ratings are not uniform across all years and trims. The Mustang has often performed well in modern crash tests and driver-aid availability, while the Camaro tends to deliver solid results with some years experiencing variability in top-tier awards due to factors like headlights and test outcomes. For any given year and trim, review the latest IIHS and NHTSA findings, compare available safety technology, and consider how those elements align with your needs and driving style.
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How safe is a Mustang in a crash?
Safety and frontal crash protection. If you're thinking of buying a Mustang. These safety results are worth considering.
Are mustangs or camaros safer?
Safety Features
Both the Ford and the Chevy earned 5 stars from the NHTSA. They also received a Crashworthiness rating of 'Good' from the IIHS, which is the highest rating a vehicle can obtain.
Why are Mustangs better than Camaros?
The camaro is geared more towards handling and performance, making it a better sports car than the mustang but the mustang is more comfortable and had better visibility, making it a better daily driver with a more mod ready motor. If you want a comfy daily you can dump money into to be fast, mustang is better.
