"Better" is a very subjective term when you compare these two engines. The Chevy guys are of course going to favor the Z28 motor, and the Blue Oval camp is going to give you 1,000 reasons why theirs is better.

My opinion is that they are both very good engines, but in their base form very different. The 302 Chevy was purpose built to qualify Chevy for Trans Am racing, but produced in somewhat limited numbers. On the other hand, Ford has produced a zillion 302 Ford engines in everything from low performance cars and trucks all the way up to the 5.0 Mustang version that few can argue runs like a scalded cat right out of the box.

I think the 302 Ford is better from the standpoint of the average rodder being able to find the parts to put one together. I bet 302 Chevy parts are a bit pricey today, whereas Ford parts are everywhere and fairly reasonable. However, asking which one is "better" is like asking your preference of a Blonde, Brunette, or Redhead.............all of them have their pluses and minuses, but they are all good.

Don