Looking at last years auto sales numbers for the winners and losers and the rivalry between brands,  one rivalry always stands out: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang.

Typically every year the Camaro beats the Mustang when it came to sales, But for 2012 it was very close. In fact too close for comfort for General Motors.

Chevrolet sold 84,391 Camaros last year which is only 1,396 more than Ford sold of the Mustang. Sales in 2011 showed the gap was more than 17,000 between the two rivals.Ford increased sales of the Mustang last year by 17.8%, while Chevrolet saw a slide in Camaro’s sales of 4.4%.

What caused this situation? Ford added a new engine last year to Mustang that made them, basically, the hottest thing on the street. Plus, it put other little touches — features in the car such as spotlights under the doors.

Chevrolet Camaro pretty much remained the same from the previous year.

It should prove very interesting when the sales numbers tally for 2013, will this be the year the Mustang overtakes the Camaro or will Chevrolet find a way to remain on top?

photo is Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Concept