MotorTrend Pits the ZL1 vs GT500 on the Street, Dragstrip, and Racetrack

[alexcfwu]

Originally Posted by acamellis

So the new GT500 is Ford's new bad boy, correct? So why compare it to GM's third or fourth meanest car and not the ZR-1? I mean to be completely fair... manufacturer vs. manufacturer.

I think Ford will put next gen GT40 against the ZR1. But, even that, I am not sure if we are comparing apple to apple.

[72MachOne99GT]

Originally Posted by acamellis

So GM WINS!!!

Yep!

[oldfriend]

Originally Posted by alexcfwu

I think Ford will put next gen GT40 against the ZR1. But, even that, I am not sure if we are comparing apple to apple.

In my book , when one says bring all that you have , i have to assume that they will bring all they have , so i will do just that . Therefor it will be APLLES TO APPLES.

[OldScoolCamaro]

Hooray for both cars. As far as the MT article, there is nothing new, unanticipated or unexpected. Variety is the spice of life as they say. Certainly there is a great bit of it between the two. Congrats to GM on providing a wider array of it across all metrics! If it were a triathalon, ZL1 wins. Outstanding GM....

[PistonsFan]

Originally Posted by rez333

Did anyone notice that the ZL1's wheels are only "cast aluminum" according to Motortrend? That's.. ghetto..

"Ghetto" is a bit of a stretch... I think they retail for about $1100/ea

[firecross91]

Have to post. First of all I'm not a Ford fan and never will be. I agree with those who say the comparo wasn't completely fair. I'm sure the GT500 had both the performance and track packs. So for a real comparo add the $6000 in mods to the ZL1. The hp would be even with the GT500 and the numbers would be very close together. This comparo showed what I learned while working on a winged sprint car in NY, Pa and Canada. Fords may have outright power but cannot maintain thier advantage. I'm a very happy ZL1 owner that will be tracking my car as often as I can. To know that my car will maintain it's speed and handling is great. Bring on the Fords.

[grocerygetter]

If I had a ford dealer connection I would have a gt500 next year. Lol

[72MachOne99GT]

Originally Posted by firecross91

Have to post. First of all I'm not a Ford fan and never will be. I agree with those who say the comparo wasn't completely fair. I'm sure the GT500 had both the performance and track packs. So for a real comparo add the $6000 in mods to the ZL1. The hp would be even with the GT500 and the numbers would be very close together. This comparo showed what I learned while working on a winged sprint car in NY, Pa and Canada. Fords may have outright power but cannot maintain thier advantage. I'm a very happy ZL1 owner that will be tracking my car as often as I can. To know that my car will maintain it's speed and handling is great. Bring on the Fords.

You open way too many can of worms....

Can't I make an equally strong argument that they should have tested a base model '13 GT500, then with the 1300 they saved in Gas Guzzler tax bought SS brake lines, upgraded the fluid, and cut holes in the front of the car to greatly improve braking?

I totally understand what you're saying, I just don't feel it's really a valid argument simply because once that starts holding water, so does every other possible combination of scenarios.

[tt335ci03cobra]

Originally Posted by firecross91

Have to post. First of all I'm not a Ford fan and never will be. I agree with those who say the comparo wasn't completely fair. I'm sure the GT500 had both the performance and track packs. So for a real comparo add the $6000 in mods to the ZL1. The hp would be even with the GT500 and the numbers would be very close together. This comparo showed what I learned while working on a winged sprint car in NY, Pa and Canada. Fords may have outright power but cannot maintain thier advantage. I'm a very happy ZL1 owner that will be tracking my car as often as I can. To know that my car will maintain it's speed and handling is great. Bring on the Fords.

Slaps face... So I guess I can just bring on my fully maximum motorsports tubular suspended aix suspended, stiffly sprung/dampened, trutrac'd, 900whp powered, nt05 shod, brembo haulted, chassis braced 03 cobra against your bone stock zl1 since I'm only at $50k in mods and car. I'm confident enough that we both know how that would end that I'll just let you have the $5,000 i saved over a bone stock zl1 to mod your car. Bottom line? Modded vs stock is a silly argument. Hell, a kid with a $25,000 s15 would likely out do my car pretty easily given the right ls2 tt swap and tubular suspension. Let alone a $20,000 miata. Enjoy/build what you like, someone will always be faster/got more bang for the buck.





Back to reality now, modded is modded and stock is stock. Both cars have amazing pros for the money and minor cons relative to the other.

One has amazing handling but could do even better with more power, the other has amazing power (and goes 200), but could use some braking and handling mods.

[alexcfwu]

Originally Posted by alexcfwu

I think Ford will put next gen GT40 against the ZR1. But, even that, I am not sure if we are comparing apple to apple.

Oh, man, praise to Ford and GM if they can keep this going for muscle car fans like us.

It would be even nicer if they can bring the price down on those so we can buy them as opposed to watch them on Youtube...

[2010SLVRBULIT]

So, Ford has a faster car and Chevy has a better-handling vehicle...a Lambo vs a Ferrari imo..you can't lose w/ either one..or can you?

[ramairjohn2000]

Originally Posted by GrabberB5.Slow

I'd still prefer a straight line car than a corner carver anyday. I'd rather have the advantage where I can use it anywhere on any road where 99% of driving will take place, rather than making excuses, "Well if we were at the Autocross..." . GT500 in my book, it's faster and more powerful.

If I wanted a corner carver I'd build a kickass 240 for half the money and smoke both cars on the track.

But each to their own! If it wasn't for this rivalry these cars wouldn't exsist today.

Umm no offense but that is definitely one of the dumbest things Ive ever heard, the handling and braking and balance of a car are more important than power, especially from a rolling start. Having road raced my car and smoked more powerful cars cuz I could break and handle better. Hp per pound is also important but it has to be able to be directed and controlled. Gt500 is an impressive car but you can't deny the zl1s superiority. Sorry man but drag racing will seem. Boring once you track race your car. Just my humble. Opinion.

[tt335ci03cobra]

Why settle? Build your car to do both and be done with it.

[OldScoolCamaro]

Originally Posted by 2010SLVRBULIT

So, Ford has a faster car and Chevy has a better-handling vehicle...a Lambo vs a Ferrari imo..you can't lose w/ either one..or can you?

Faster in the 1/4 mile no doubt as reported, but with somewhat less than desired results with the superior weight reduction and HP advantage. Amost 300 pounds lighter with 82 more HP should equate better than .5 seconds difference in what MT magazine reported. After one fast lap, with brakes burning to the point of being detected in the pits, with subsequent fading lap times behind the ZL1, Ford has nothing to stand on with track performance, other than an advantage in long straightaways with geometrical smoove curves, such as a perfectly oval track per se. Theres not alot of those around I surmise. Both are grand cars no doubt, but Chevy wins the overall comparison chess game. Check mate. Back to the drawing board Ford.