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

[2cnd chance]

Originally Posted by Fenderaddict2

As far as I'm concerned the ZL1 out drives the GT500, period. But IMHO the future collector of the two is the GT500. Last of a breed. Passion will always outlast tech.

That would depend on the next gen GT500's capabilities. Just look at the past.

[RonnieSVT]

If the zl1 had the lightweight black wheels it would have won Honestly to me ill take the better looking Chevy and add 150 hp win -win By the way any SS thats running 12.5@117 wont keep up with the zl1 in perfect weather. Remember your mid to low 12s were your best run with many trys on dif days. The zl1 on a good day is going to run 11.9@120

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by Fenderaddict2

As far as I'm concerned the ZL1 out drives the GT500, period. But IMHO the future collector of the two is the GT500. Last of a breed. Passion will always outlast tech.

Why do you feel the Gt500 is the last of the breed? Because of Shelby's death?
If that is the case i would like Ford to release a tribute edition to honor Shelby's legacy. He was one hell of a man.

[mlee]

Originally Posted by RonnieSVT

If the zl1 had the lightweight black wheels it would have won Honestly to me ill take the better looking Chevy and add 150 hp win -win By the way any SS thats running 12.5@117 wont keep up with the zl1 in perfect weather. Remember your mid to low 12s were your best run with many trys on dif days. The zl1 on a good day is going to run 11.9@120

Damn,,, good point... I just noticed the show wheels on the Z... That's not good...:(

[Steve Dallas]

What I find amusing about this whole thing is that when the ZL1 was announced, GM was saying this was a track car, with lots of extras like the oil cooler and other racing necessities for track racing included with the car (except the roll cage) and warranty.

So, a while later, the Mustang comes out with its specs and releases the horsepower figures. All the Ford people are claiming victory based just off that, scoffing at those that said that the Chevy would outhandle the Ford. More tests will come in, but I won't discount the head to head skidpad and slalom results. I still expect that the ZL1 will do quite well against the GT500 on a road track.

Now, most of the Ford people aren't even addressing the handling disparity, only talking about 1/4 mile times...which the ZL1 was never built for. The GT500 -is- built for the 1/4 mile though, with the LRA and better power to weight ratio.

To be fair on this, I think that the diehard Chevy people need to give Ford props for making an excellent 1/4 mile car...one that will beat the ZL1 stock for stock.

But 1/4 mile times do not make an all around good car...and I'm sure we'll see more of this over the next few months as they get tested head to head.

[Steve Dallas]

Originally Posted by boxmonkeyracing

probably not going to happen. cafe standards be da**ed. but it would be awesome as an enthusiast.

I dunno...put a tow hitch on the back, and claim it's for towing heavy loads!

[boxmonkeyracing]

Originally Posted by mlee

He brings meaningful dialogue, you never do.

I'm just going to have to disagree with you on this. From the posts I've read in this thread he ,my dad, made some valid points. and if he's just stirring the pot so am I. if you have an issue with him and him posting in the ZL1 section. I'm sure eventually you'll feel the same way with me. I do not have a ZL1 or plan to get one. As you know I want something that isn't being made by GM right now, but I'm interested in all things camaro. just as my dad. As this adds nothing to this thread other then banter between individuals. I will ask that you either pm him your issues or explain to me in pm what your issue is. beyond that. Either way I ask either you skim over his posts if you don't like them.

[Blast]

Originally Posted by Steve Dallas

Now, most of the Ford people aren't even addressing the handling disparity, only talking about 1/4 mile times...which the ZL1 was never built for.

http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/n...amaro_zl1.html

Tuned for the drag strip

The Camaro team re-engineered 30 percent of a Camaro 2SS to make the ZL1, including special modifications just for the drag strip.

You mean apart from the special modifications for the drag strip?

[mlee]

Originally Posted by boxmonkeyracing

I'm just going to have to disagree with you on this. From the posts I've read in this thread he ,my dad, made some valid points. and if he's just stirring the pot so am I. if you have an issue with him and him posting in the ZL1 section. I'm sure eventually you'll feel the same way with me. I do not have a ZL1 or plan to get one. As you know I want something that isn't being made by GM right now, but I'm interested in all things camaro. just as my dad. As this adds nothing to this thread other then banter between individuals. I will ask that you either pm him your issues or explain to me in pm what your issue is. beyond that. Either way I ask either you skim over his posts if you don't like them.

I believe that's what I did... he's will get the last word no matter what. My appoloies..

[AKA]

when it comes down to it Jason Kavanaugh from Inside line says it best.

But technical reasons are not at the root of GM's power deficiency (as if any ~500 rhwp car could ever be described as "power deficient") as the LS9 in the ZR1 proves there's additional potential lurking in the LS-series engine. And there's the rub. Nobody at GM would willingly allow any car in their stable to out-power the ZR1, their flagship sports car, so they're dealing with a pecking order situation. It's an artificial power cap that the GT500 simply does not have to contend with.
Sticky situation for GM, then. Still, there's that reality thing we talked about earlier, and laying right there is the gauntlet that Ford threw down, waiting to be picked up. It's your move, GM.

Well said.

[Blast]

Originally Posted by SteeleRS/SS

when it comes down to it Jason Kavanaugh from Inside line says it best.

But technical reasons are not at the root of GM's power deficiency (as if any ~500 rhwp car could ever be described as "power deficient") as the LS9 in the ZR1 proves there's additional potential lurking in the LS-series engine. And there's the rub. Nobody at GM would willingly allow any car in their stable to out-power the ZR1, their flagship sports car, so they're dealing with a pecking order situation. It's an artificial power cap that the GT500 simply does not have to contend with.
Sticky situation for GM, then. Still, there's that reality thing we talked about earlier, and laying right there is the gauntlet that Ford threw down, waiting to be picked up. It's your move, GM.

Well said.

Very well said.

Probably the solution is to let the LS9 get some more power (700hp?) which also would mean it would approach or pass the Viper. Downtune the engine for the ZL1 giving it 670hp and there you go.

[Steve Dallas]

Originally Posted by Blast

http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/n...amaro_zl1.html

You mean apart from the special modifications for the drag strip?

Let me clarify something. Both cars are amazingly fast. I respect the Mustang, and -gasp- have even driven a few over my lifetime (though I've never owned). I wouldn't go so far as to say I'd ever buy one though. We all have our limits

That being said, both Chevy & Ford both improved the Camaro & Mustang across the board from the SS & previous GT500. But I believe I speak correctly when I say that the amount of improvements cost wise to each platform went more to the suspension, TPM, Magnetic Ride in the Chevy...whereas Ford put a large chunk of those dollars into making a VERY powerful motor. Most of the Ford improvements on suspension are relatively cheap compared to putting in MRS.

I do believe Fords focus was on producing the faster 1/4 mile time, and that Chevy's focus was on making an all around car with excellent handling on the track. Both cars are capable in what they didn't focus on. But each will excel in the areas that I believe the focused on.

This is all my opinion, of course...

[Blast]

Originally Posted by Steve Dallas

Let me clarify something. Both cars are amazingly fast. I respect the Mustang, and -gasp- have even driven a few over my lifetime (though I've never owned). I wouldn't go so far as to say I'd ever buy one though. We all have our limits

That being said, both Chevy & Ford both improved the Camaro & Mustang across the board from the SS & previous GT500. But I believe I speak correctly when I say that the amount of improvements cost wise to each platform went more to the suspension, TPM, Magnetic Ride in the Chevy...whereas Ford put a large chunk of those dollars into making a VERY powerful motor. Most of the Ford improvements on suspension are relatively cheap compared to putting in MRS.

I do believe Fords focus was on producing the faster 1/4 mile time, and that Chevy's focus was on making an all around car with excellent handling on the track. Both cars are capable in what they didn't focus on. But each will excel in the areas that I believe the focused on.

This is all my opinion, of course...

And in that my friend, I agree with you. All of it. I have personally not owned any but last year I rented a Mustang V6 vert for three weeks and this year I'm renting a black SS vert for 3.5 weeks. In another two weeks I'm afraid they'll have to pry it from my cold dead hands. I did not have that feeling last year although it was a nice car as well.

[Baltimorejohn1]

Originally Posted by SGOS252382

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.

So what they are saying on the down low is they had a contract for these tires......

BUT..... HINT HINT!!!!!..... Slap some Mickey Thompsons on it and the ZL1 does 11's all day......