Was the Dodge Stratus Better Than the Mustang GT?

By Jonathon Klein - December 1, 2015

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In 2002, Car and Driver did the unthinkable. The magazine said the Dodge Stratus RT was better than the comparable Mustang GT. Honestly though, in 2002 the Dodge Stratus RT — with all its faults, terrible features, bland styling, and rust-prone drivetrain — was probably better than the SN-95.

WAIT, DON’T GET THE PITCHFORKS OUT JUST YET!

The SN-95 was based off the Fox platform, and for the first two years it used that same 302 pushrod V8 that Ford had been cranking out for nearly 30 years. 30 years. Let that sink in for a second. Today, we’d be pissed if any manufacturer were using the same anything after 5 years, let alone 30. The later models, including the one C&D tested, used the new modular 4.6-liter V8 which was rated at a staggering 260 horsepower! Somewhat great at the time, although the Camaro SS had over 330 horsepower.

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Additionally, while the Dodge Stratus was down on power by a full 60 horsepower, it weighed a little less than the Mustang.

This was also very near the end of the SN-95, meaning Ford didn’t exactly care that a FWD Dodge was perhaps better than the Mustang.

But honestly, which would you rather have, a Mustang or a Stratus RT? You have the same issue right now with the Focus and Fiesta STs vs. the Mustang. Sure, they offer more fun per dollar, but down the line, will you want a Fiesta or a Mustang? Basically, the question is this: what do you all think of Car and Driver’s assessment?