I admit the build quality of my 84 Camaro is poor - maybe because it was built at Van Nuys? Sometimes it rattles like a NYC taxi cab with a million miles on the clock. And, of course, the 305 with only 150 HP is disappointing. I also have a 86 Cougar that has the even more disappointing 3.8L V6 - only 120 HP. Both cars weigh about the same and the Camaro is obviously faster. I was talking to a mechanic who owns a 3rd Gen Trans Am and he use to own a 85 Fox Body XR7 Cougar. Based on his experience working on both 3rd Gen F bodies and 6th Gen Fox body Cougars & T-Birds and 3rd Gen Fox Body Mustangs he claims the F bodies are "POS" cars and the Fox Body cars were much higher build quality from the factory. Personally, I think the F bodies handle much better and are obviously much better looking. Is the mechanic right calling 3rd Gen F bodies basically junk compared to Fox Body cars?

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...s-vs-82-a.html

 

I currently own both a 1987 Cougar 20th Anniversary and a 88 Iroc Convertible. Both have their quirks.

These are my impressions. Im sure everyone will not agree.

Camaro

• Lesser build quality, (interior materials seem cheap. More use of visible plastic.)
• Rougher ride
• Louder, more rattles
• Better handling
• Faster

Cougar

• Better fit and finish
• Better materials on the interior (leather, suede, thicker carpet, Thicker sound deadening.)
• Better ride
• Quieter
• Easier to work in the engine. More space.
• Actually has a trunk.

Which is better really is up to the person,. I love both mine for different reasons.

I also would not compare a V8 Camaro to a V6 Cougar/Tbird. The V6 in the fox body is a dog.

 

I agree with your evaluation completely. Did the build quality vary depending on where a 3rd gen F body was built? If so, what location(s) did a better job building the cars? Or was the quality the same no matter where they were built? Just wondered...