Well, the pricing database now has its first 2010 model, the Chevrolet Camaro. The first Camaros won’t reach dealers until next March, but dealers started taking orders today. The 300-horsepower V6 starts just under $23,000 (with “heritage steel” wheels), and the 422-horsepower SS V8–with standard 20-inch higher performance tires–starts just under $31,000.

Both prices are surprisingly competitive. The Camaro V6 lists for about $1,300 less than the Dodge Challenger V6 when both are similarly equipped. Adjusting for remaining feature differences reduces the price difference to about $700. And the Camaro’s V6 kicks out another 50 horsepower.  

The Camaro V6 costs about $1,600 more than the 210-horsepower Mustang V6 when both are similarly equipped. Adjusting for remaining feature differences–such as the Camaro’s standard side curtain airbags and stability control–makes the two nearly dead even. Yet the Camaro V6 has as much power as the Mustang V8, an independent rear suspension, and significantly larger rims.

The V8 (which will arrive after the V6) comes in about $2,000 below the 376-horsepower Dodge Challenger R/T with six-speed manual and 20-inch wheels, despite being nearly as powerful as the much pricier SRT8. Compared to the 300-horsepower Ford Mustang GT, with 18-inch wheels and an antiquated live axle rear suspension, the Camaro SS lists for about $3,000 more, but only about $1,000 more after adjusting for feature differences.

So if you’ve been wanting a new Camaro, the list price shouldn’t get in your way.