Updated

Here's where the pedal hits the metal — literally.

Here's where a government-run company has an edge over one not rescued by the government.

Here's where Chrysler can trounce Ford, if it plays its tax dollar cards right — or our tax dollar cards right.

You see, Chrysler is matching this $4,500 rebate on this "cash for clunkers" program, essentially matching a rebate with a tax rebate we gave them.

It's novel and for Chrysler, it's a great sales incentive.

And as taxpayers, we should probably welcome this, especially if it helps them sell more cars.

Better for them — better for our investment in them.

But not necessarily better for Ford, which never took that taxpayer investment or taxpayer bailout.

Didn't need it — didn't want it. Ford is now competing with the two others who got it and one of them is playing hardball with it.

Let me explain it another way: Ford is competing with the government selling cars. And it isn't exactly a fair fight.

The government's bigger — not that the government has more money these days. But, last time I checked, it's the only company on Earth that can literally print money any day.

Like I said, advantage government. Advantage Chrysler. Disadvantage Ford.

It either has to match the rebates to keep up or risk not doing so, and falling behind.

And who do you think the government's rooting for? The company that chose not to take the cash or the company that did?

The company whose vested interests have nothing to do with the government or the company whose very survival still depends on the government?

Then ask yourself who will spend whatever it takes to prove its investment was wise?

I'll give you a hint: It's not Ford and it's not Chrysler.

It's the one with the cash and the clunkers.

Watch Neil Cavuto weekdays at 4 p.m. ET on "Your World with Cavuto" and send your comments to cavuto@foxnews.com