Inside Line: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs. 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Comparison

[Angrybird 12]

Since most owners will probably be doing 90 to100% of their driving on public roads I would say for most drivers the ZL1 would be the best car to own. Now until we see them run head to head on an actual road course there will still be that debate. But for most driving I say we have the answer now.

[IOMZL1]

Before the 2013 650 (now 662 HP) and other upgrades announcement, the GT500 would have lost hands down in most comparisons to the ZL1, perhaps being equal in acceleration. Ford talked up many of the improvements to the car and I did think they had significantly improved it. Ford guys began beating their chests and saying ZL1 fans were drinking Al O’s kool-aid. Little did they realize they were drinking a bit of their own and taking shelter behind the HP advantage. Now the comparisons are starting to come out and the butt-hurt tables may have turned a bit. The GT500 is improved but not drastically other than under the hood. Some compromises in gearing were made to get to 200HP, etc. etc. SVT fanbois will continue to claim victory in the ¼ mile while ignoring all else bad, saying that is the only metric that matters ‘in America’.

It is all very cyclic at the end of the day. Two great cars. Everyone will have a preference and that doesn’t make them right or wrong. There will never really be a clear winner in everyone’s eyes. I’ve grown tired of debate because most only hear what they want to. Mustang/Camaro; Vette/Viper; F150/Silverado, Bulls/Celtics, Yankees/Red Sox, McDonalds/Burger King, Coke/Pepsi, blah blah blah... Just drive what you like, appreciate people will always have different opinions, and realize there is no ‘perfect’ car – all have strengths and weaknesses.

Competition is good no matter the industry. We all win at the end of the day.

[AKA]

12.4 @ 114 for zl1
13.0 @ 111 for SS

somethings not right. who was driving the zl1? ive seen other articles that claim 12.0 flat. if those numbers are right you could save a crap load of money and buy a ss and beat a zl1 with bolt ons.

[stikSS]

How many more threads are gonna be started about this?


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[Rangore]

I liked the article. I can wait for a h2h on a road coarse.


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[DanSS24]

well said, IOMZL1

[tnspd]

Shelby harder to launch and ZL1 has handling hands down. I see many 2013 Shelby's getting beat. The average driver will not be able to launch the Shelby until after he has alot of track time. That equals alot of times getting beat. LOL

[Fenderaddict2]

Originally Posted by tnspd

Shelby harder to launch and ZL1 has handling hands down. I see many 2013 Shelby's getting beat. The average driver will not be able to launch the Shelby until after he has alot of track time. That equals alot of times getting beat. LOL

Agree. The ZL1 can make anyone look like a hero. You'll need to be a hero to get the best out of the GT500. Different strokes, but I respect 'em both.

[mlee]

Originally Posted by tnspd

Shelby harder to launch and ZL1 has handling hands down. I see many 2013 Shelby's getting beat. The average driver will not be able to launch the Shelby until after he has alot of track time. That equals alot of times getting beat. LOL

Not sure I totally agree... The Shelby has better launch control and the ZL1 has a whole bunch of different setting combinations to work out. It's going to take a lot of trial and error to choose the right traction and PTM settings on the ZL1 to get the right launch.

[Angrybird 12]

Here is the test I would like to see. 3 runs on the drag strip, then 3 laps on a road course, then 3 laps on a 1.5 mile oval. To take driver skill out swap drivers and do them all again. Whichever wins the most is the better STOCK RACE car.

[Fenderaddict2]

Originally Posted by oortcloud

Sorry, I don't buy it. Although I respect and understand your logic.

If the gt500 was the superior car on the road track then the Inside Line review is way way way off-base.

I think they (the media) should draw up a prime-time slot on TV and line 'em up on VIR. Put 5 ZL1s vs. 5 GT500's with pro racers. I'd buy it on PPV. I'd even place my bet on the winner.

Actually they acknowledge the tables could turn on a smooth race track.

[tnspd]

Originally Posted by mlee

Not sure I totally agree... The Shelby has better launch control and the ZL1 has a whole bunch of different setting combinations to work out. It's going to take a lot of trial and error to choose the right traction and PTM settings on the ZL1 to get the right launch.

The guy said the Shelby was alot harder to launch. My ZL1 is easy to launch. Put it in sport 4 or race 5, leave traction control on if you want and it goes. take traction control off and you just need to push the gas slow or it will break loose.

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by Fenderaddict2

Actually they acknowledge the tables could turn on a smooth race track.

Actually it says this,

The tables might turn marginally on a smooth road course, but the ZL1 will always be the more rewarding — and easier — car to drive.

Dosen't say the Gt500 would improve enough to beat the ZL1. But truthfully how many racetracks are actually smooth? I would think the skid pad and other handling tests proves the ZL1 would be better.

[8cd03gro]

Originally Posted by tnspd

The guy said the Shelby was alot harder to launch. My ZL1 is easy to launch. Put it in sport 4 or race 5, leave traction control on if you want and it goes. take traction control off and you just need to push the gas slow or it will break loose.

Well, keep in mind the Shelby did an 11.9 with launch control and the ZL1 did a 12.7 with launch control. They ran the 12.4 without launch control.