Inside Line: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs. 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Comparison - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

1st Gen Forever · 06-11-2012, 10:25 PM

Featured on Camaro5 HOMEPAGE

LimaCharlie · 06-11-2012, 10:36 PM

It's nice to finally see a GT500 vs. ZL1 video. After all the GT500 and ZL1 threads, nobody should be surprised here. GT500 has the acceleration advantage and the ZL1 handles better.

Ron66Vette&10SS · 06-11-2012, 10:37 PM

FINALLY.....a direct comparison between the ZL1 and '13 GT500

JMAN311 · 06-11-2012, 10:51 PM

Well that pretty much went down the way I was expecting. Thanks for posting.

MrDew · 06-11-2012, 10:52 PM

I think everyone with an unbiased opinion could have seen this coming based on the numbers!

charly_rock · 06-11-2012, 10:59 PM

I am cool with our #'s.

coanbread23 · 06-11-2012, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LimaCharlie

It's nice to finally see a GT500 vs. ZL1 video. After all the GT500 and ZL1 threads, nobody should be surprised here. GT500 has the acceleration advantage and the ZL1 handles better.

Didnt the SVT beat the ZL1 in every aspect of the test?

Deki · 06-11-2012, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coanbread23

Didnt the SVT beat the ZL1 in every aspect of the test?

No, lost slalom and skid pad. .05 on the skid pad is quite a difference as well. We'll see how composed the GT500 is on a road course. Decent video. MT just needs to stick RP behind the wheel of both of these beasts and let him beat the hell out of them at Willow.

LSX-V · 06-11-2012, 11:10 PM

You should see the kool aid drinking svt forum owners. They are trying to downplay and hate on the zl1. Excuses such as: These guys don't know how to test cars, The gt500 goes straight faster and that's the only thing that matters, Whoopdy the zl1 goes fast in a circle.

I own a cts-v and anyone whos driven an lsa car with mag ride knows what I'm talking about when I say it's a very well balanced car. It kills my 12 gt500 svt perf package car on the same twisty roads.

That being said It seems as though the cts-v got similar numbers on the same test despite being 300lbs heavier and around 30hp down.

GM ZL1 CTS-V <3

lakersftbl69 · 06-11-2012, 11:19 PM

After watching this I feel like the zl1 still didnt do that bad in the 1/4 mile with that extra weight and less power I'm still a proud camaro fan doesn't matter what.

derklug · 06-11-2012, 11:24 PM

This is just what people have thought since the GT500 anounced 650+hp. The ZL1 would lose at the strip, but be better at the track. Now it is going to depend on the track, small tight tracks will make the ZL1 shine, larger tracks with bigger turns and straights will favor the GT500. Unfortunatly for most of these cars, the only track they will see is the one that leads into the garage and allows room for the owner to get all the way around it to get the cover on correctly.

mdmoore23 · 06-12-2012, 12:19 AM

That video was hardly the comparison I'd like to see. Somebody test these things on a track. Lap times please.

tsnow · 06-12-2012, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSX-V

You should see the kool aid drinking svt forum owners. They are trying to downplay and hate on the zl1. Excuses such as: These guys don't know how to test cars, The gt500 goes straight faster and that's the only thing that matters, Whoopdy the zl1 goes fast in a circle.

I own a cts-v and anyone whos driven an lsa car with mag ride knows what I'm talking about when I say it's a very well balanced car. It kills my 12 gt500 svt perf package car on the same twisty roads.

That being said It seems as though the cts-v got similar numbers on the same test despite being 300lbs heavier and around 30hp down.

This is one thing I don't understand, CTS-V is heavier and down 24hp, and ZL-1 has more tire to put it down.
The Camaro should drop a few tenths there, no?

Ron66Vette&10SS · 06-12-2012, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsnow

This is one thing I don't understand, CTS-V is heavier and down 24hp, and ZL-1 has more tire to put it down.
The Camaro should drop a few tenths there, no?

More HP & less weight can be negated by excessive torque management......not that GM would have done that to "fix" a drivetrain durability issue during the mystery QC Hold or anything......that would be crazy talk.

Ron66Vette&10SS · 06-12-2012, 01:15 AM

Here's a print version of the test:
http://www.insideline.com/chevrolet/...ison-test.html

Seems like they took them out on some "back roads" and made it sound like the ZL1 put a lot of ground between it and the GT500 in the turns. They got the best 1/4 times for the Shelby with Launch Control, and for the ZL1 their best was without.

Pretty interesting read

. Overall, it seems like they prefer the ZL1.

Deki · 06-12-2012, 01:57 AM

^ They do prefer the ZL1. An interesting thing they brought up in the article...they said the GT500 had trouble getting into 2nd gear on aggressive shifts. I thought that the head of SVT specifically addressed this issue and said the revised syncros and gearing would get rid of that. Apparently not. It's starting to look grim for the super-Stang, even with the 100hp power advantage, initial non-instrumented tests on real roads show the ZL1 to be the more usable car. I think mag times will show the same thing, unless they test both cars at a very smooth and nearly perfect track where there is 1. no bumps 2. no quick changes of elevation. Great write up. They should have included all of that information in the video while they were at it.

oortcloud · 06-12-2012, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron66Vette&10SS

Here's a print version of the test:
http://www.insideline.com/chevrolet/...ison-test.html

That was a good read. Both cars have their good and bad points. They did favor the zl1 in the end however.

It was interesting to read the complaints about the shelby's shifting. I know both cars have the tremec 6060 but why would the shelby shift so much differently?

doc7000 · 06-12-2012, 04:57 AM

I think this was predicted, that the GT500 would be faster in a line and the ZL1 Camaro would corner better.

Though from the inside line article it pretty much states that the ZL1 Camaro was the better drivers car. They stated that it launched easier, shifted better, and handled better, and that on the back roads the GT500 couldn't keep up.

This was a same day, same driver test so it has the most merit of all of the GT500 vs ZL1 Camaro stuff that we have so far. Though should wait to see if this sentiment is shared among other testers or if it is just insideline.

They also stated that its ride was nicer to you then the GT500 but also stated that the GT500 doesn't beat you up either.

In other words the conclusion from the article is that the ZL1 Camaro is imply the better performance car.

newmoon · 06-12-2012, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSX-V

You should see the kool aid drinking svt forum owners. They are trying to downplay and hate on the zl1. Excuses such as: These guys don't know how to test cars, The gt500 goes straight faster and that's the only thing that matters, Whoopdy the zl1 goes fast in a circle.

I own a cts-v and anyone whos driven an lsa car with mag ride knows what I'm talking about when I say it's a very well balanced car. It kills my 12 gt500 svt perf package car on the same twisty roads.

That being said It seems as though the cts-v got similar numbers on the same test despite being 300lbs heavier and around 30hp down.

GM ZL1 CTS-V <3

It's funny they have been screaming over there for a direct comparison of the two cars same day, same track, same driver for almost 6 months. Now they get what they ask for and they do not like the results

72MachOne99GT · 06-12-2012, 07:00 AM

What's not to like?

I like the results, stops and goes faster (123 trap vs 116)
Within a mph or so on slalom
And loses skidpad (though I expect both cars to go up a tiny bit since last years PP car went 1.00 or 1.01)

I haven't read the text version yet, but I seriously doubt anyone at stvperformance is upset by the results.....

What we didn't like, as some of you know and have expressed, real drivers and a real road course comparison is what we want (we being some ford guys but not me, I couldn't make it a full lap around a road course yet lol)

Bob Cosby · 06-12-2012, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdmoore23

That video was hardly the comparison I'd like to see. Somebody test these things on a track. Lap times please.

Agreed. Even so, the results are what most folks should have been prepared for....on both sides of the arguement.

And guys...Kool-Aid is the drink of choice on BOTH sides....its simply a matter of which color you drink.

a_Username · 06-12-2012, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deki

No, lost slalom and skid pad. .05 on the skid pad is quite a difference as well. We'll see how composed the GT500 is on a road course. Decent video. MT just needs to stick RP behind the wheel of both of these beasts and let him beat the hell out of them at Willow.

a_Username · 06-12-2012, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72MachOne99GT

What's not to like?

I like the results, stops and goes faster (123 trap vs 116)
Within a mph or so on slalom
And loses skidpad (though I expect both cars to go up a tiny bit since last years PP car went 1.00 or 1.01)

I haven't read the text version yet, but I seriously doubt anyone at stvperformance is upset by the results.....

What we didn't like, as some of you know and have expressed, real drivers and a real road course comparison is what we want (we being some ford guys but not me, I couldn't make it a full lap around a road course yet lol)

Basically, it was 2 for 2 in that test. I'm still suspicious as to why these things are only trapping in the teens.

SGOS252382 · 06-12-2012, 07:21 AM

Spoiler

GT500 - 11.9 @ 123 mph
ZL1 - 12.4 @ 116 mph

"the GT500 is much quicker"
As far as handling "it's no contest" - ZL1 is the much better handling car.

72MachOne99GT · 06-12-2012, 07:23 AM

What was 2 for 2?

I saw a power/speed advantage for Team Blue, and handling/drivability for Team Gold/Bowtie.

06-11-2012, 10:25 PM	#1
1st Gen Forever ZL1 #140 Drives: Camaros: 68 SS, 10 2SS/RS, 12 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 597	Shelby GT500 vs Camaro ZL1 Track Test Video - Inside Line Featured on Camaro5 HOMEPAGE

06-11-2012, 10:36 PM	#2
LimaCharlie Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/RS - 2004 Silverado Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,083	It's nice to finally see a GT500 vs. ZL1 video. After all the GT500 and ZL1 threads, nobody should be surprised here. GT500 has the acceleration advantage and the ZL1 handles better. __________________ 2011 Summit White Camaro 1SS/RS -6.2 LS3, TR6060, 3.45, G80 2004 Black Silverado 1500 2WD Regular Cab, Short Bed -5.3 LM7, 4L60E, 3.42, G80

06-11-2012, 10:37 PM	#3
Ron66Vette&10SS C5 Z06 Convert Drives: 66 L79 Corvette & 10 LS3 Camaro SS Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Derby, Kansas Posts: 697	FINALLY.....a direct comparison between the ZL1 and '13 GT500 __________________ Previous Cars: '78 Z28, '92 Z28, '95 Z28, '85 Corvette, '01 SS, '96 Z28, '04 Z06 Corvette Current Cars: '66 Corvette (restoring), '04 Trailblazer (rain & snow), '10 SS (FOR SALE )

06-11-2012, 10:51 PM	#4
JMAN311 Drives: 2013 ZL1 #386 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 2,194	Well that pretty much went down the way I was expecting. Thanks for posting. __________________ 2013 ZL1 Coupe Delivered 7/24 2G1FL1EP1D9800386 SIM \| A6 \| Black 10-Spoke Wheels \| ECF Hood Insert \| Illuminated Footwells \| Satin Nickel Fuel Door _____________________________________________ Previous Chevy's 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS\|M6\|CGM Exterior\|Gray Int 2000 Camaro SS\|M6\|SLP headers\|SLP center mounted quad exhaust\|Magnaflow muffler\|Hypertech programmed 2001 Corvette\|M6\|LG Motorsports Headers\|Corsa Touring Cat-back\|Magnaflow X Pipe\|Hurst short-throw\|Dyno tuned

06-11-2012, 11:19 PM	#10
lakersftbl69 Drives: 2010 camaro 1ss/rs Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: kingston ma. Posts: 1,109 View My Garage	After watching this I feel like the zl1 still didnt do that bad in the 1/4 mile with that extra weight and less power I'm still a proud camaro fan doesn't matter what. __________________ ordered dec 15 2008 picked up on june 8 2009. upgrades kooks 1 3/4" LTH w/ high flow cats, roto fab cai, corsa exhaust, rx catch can, hurst short throw shifter. stage 3 comp cam, 3.91 gears 445rwhp 410 rwtq all installed and dyno tuned from slowhawk performance.

06-11-2012, 10:52 PM	#5
MrDew Drives: 2012 ZL1 #165 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Switzerland (no longer Houston, TX) :-( Posts: 448 View My Garage	I think everyone with an unbiased opinion could have seen this coming based on the numbers!

06-11-2012, 10:59 PM	#6
charly_rock Drives: soon => ZL1 #1512 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NY Posts: 42	I am cool with our #'s.

06-11-2012, 11:24 PM	#11
derklug Drives: 12 Boss 302 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, Mi Posts: 1,053	This is just what people have thought since the GT500 anounced 650+hp. The ZL1 would lose at the strip, but be better at the track. Now it is going to depend on the track, small tight tracks will make the ZL1 shine, larger tracks with bigger turns and straights will favor the GT500. Unfortunatly for most of these cars, the only track they will see is the one that leads into the garage and allows room for the owner to get all the way around it to get the cover on correctly. __________________ The biggest mistakes in life come when you know exactly what you are doing.

06-12-2012, 12:19 AM	#12
mdmoore23 Drives: 2008 Z06 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Graniteville,SC Posts: 33	That video was hardly the comparison I'd like to see. Somebody test these things on a track. Lap times please.

06-12-2012, 01:15 AM	#15
Ron66Vette&10SS C5 Z06 Convert Drives: 66 L79 Corvette & 10 LS3 Camaro SS Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Derby, Kansas Posts: 697	Print Version Here's a print version of the test: http://www.insideline.com/chevrolet/...ison-test.html Seems like they took them out on some "back roads" and made it sound like the ZL1 put a lot of ground between it and the GT500 in the turns. They got the best 1/4 times for the Shelby with Launch Control, and for the ZL1 their best was without. Pretty interesting read . Overall, it seems like they prefer the ZL1. __________________ Previous Cars: '78 Z28, '92 Z28, '95 Z28, '85 Corvette, '01 SS, '96 Z28, '04 Z06 Corvette Current Cars: '66 Corvette (restoring), '04 Trailblazer (rain & snow), '10 SS (FOR SALE )

06-12-2012, 01:57 AM	#16
Deki Drives: 2011 Mustang GT Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,236 View My Garage	^ They do prefer the ZL1. An interesting thing they brought up in the article...they said the GT500 had trouble getting into 2nd gear on aggressive shifts. I thought that the head of SVT specifically addressed this issue and said the revised syncros and gearing would get rid of that. Apparently not. It's starting to look grim for the super-Stang, even with the 100hp power advantage, initial non-instrumented tests on real roads show the ZL1 to be the more usable car. I think mag times will show the same thing, unless they test both cars at a very smooth and nearly perfect track where there is 1. no bumps 2. no quick changes of elevation. Great write up. They should have included all of that information in the video while they were at it. __________________ 2011 GT Premium//Performance White...a little modded

06-12-2012, 04:57 AM	#18
doc7000 Drives: 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Lomita,CA Posts: 187	I think this was predicted, that the GT500 would be faster in a line and the ZL1 Camaro would corner better. Though from the inside line article it pretty much states that the ZL1 Camaro was the better drivers car. They stated that it launched easier, shifted better, and handled better, and that on the back roads the GT500 couldn't keep up. This was a same day, same driver test so it has the most merit of all of the GT500 vs ZL1 Camaro stuff that we have so far. Though should wait to see if this sentiment is shared among other testers or if it is just insideline. They also stated that its ride was nicer to you then the GT500 but also stated that the GT500 doesn't beat you up either. In other words the conclusion from the article is that the ZL1 Camaro is imply the better performance car.

06-12-2012, 07:00 AM	#20
72MachOne99GT Drives: 1972 Mach 1, 1999 GT Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 483	What's not to like? I like the results, stops and goes faster (123 trap vs 116) Within a mph or so on slalom And loses skidpad (though I expect both cars to go up a tiny bit since last years PP car went 1.00 or 1.01) I haven't read the text version yet, but I seriously doubt anyone at stvperformance is upset by the results..... What we didn't like, as some of you know and have expressed, real drivers and a real road course comparison is what we want (we being some ford guys but not me, I couldn't make it a full lap around a road course yet lol) __________________ Arrived: Base/Grabber/Recaro 2013 GT500 Also Arrived: That 'perma-grin' thing you ZL1 owners were talking about

06-12-2012, 07:21 AM	#24
SGOS252382 Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: S.W. Florida Posts: 5,950	Spoiler GT500 - 11.9 @ 123 mph ZL1 - 12.4 @ 116 mph "the GT500 is much quicker" As far as handling "it's no contest" - ZL1 is the much better handling car. __________________

06-12-2012, 07:23 AM	#25
72MachOne99GT Drives: 1972 Mach 1, 1999 GT Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 483	What was 2 for 2? I saw a power/speed advantage for Team Blue, and handling/drivability for Team Gold/Bowtie. __________________ Arrived: Base/Grabber/Recaro 2013 GT500 Also Arrived: That 'perma-grin' thing you ZL1 owners were talking about