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For the 2011 model year, Ford made some significant changes to the Mustang, a mid-cycle refresh which improved the exterior, updated the interior, but didn't do much for the engine choices. That old 4.0-liter V6 was kept on as the base engine, but it only produced 231 horsepower. Compare that number with the 304 horsepower V6 Camaro and you can see who the clear winner was there.

Better MPG
The all-aluminum 24-valve dual-overhead cam engine is light years ahead of the engine it replaces and, thanks to being paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, will yield 31 mpg on the highway and 305 horsepower. The latter achievement marks a 50 percent performance increase and putting the Ford in the same territory of its Chevy Camaro arch-rival.
Ford significantly improved the Mustang for the 2010 model year, but one improvement sorely lacking was a modern engine. That hurt Mustang sales just as the Chevy Camaro returned to the market after an eight year absence. Today, the Camaro outsells the Mustang due in part to pent up demand for the car as well as better engine choices. Indeed, the V6 Camaro gets 29 mpg on the highway while producing 304 horsepower, numbers Chevrolet is expected to improve upon as the 2011 Mustang hits the market.