Are you mad?
First of all 3rd gen f-bodies (Camaro/Firebird/Trans-Am) are definately more reliable than 4th gens. Don't believe me? Here's a pic of my odometer from my 1990 Camaro:
Those are the original miles on the engine which doesn't smoke, burn oil, and doesn't leak any fluids. I see more 3rd gen f-bodies with over 220,000 original miles than I do 4th gens with over 140,000 original miles.
And as far as Mustangs are concerned, the 302ci V8 is just as reliable as the Chevy 305/350 in my book. These engines can be driven hard all their life and still start right up in the morning and driven to your job with no problems. And whats even better is the fact that 3rd gen f-bodies and late 80's / early 90's foxbody Mustangs are holding their value pretty well. Which I can't say the same with 4th gen f-bodies and mid-90's to late 90's Mustangs. I've been around these cars for almost 2 decades so I think know what I'm talking about.