Intro. Traded 2013 GT500 for 2015 ZL1

[Murder 1]

I'm glad you looked at the cars objectively and felt that the ZL1 was the better overall car. I got out of a 2012 Grand Sport to get mine, and although purely stock performance-wise they are close to identical, the upgrade platform the ZL1 avails you lets you get to incredible performance for not much more money in mods.

The 7:41 at Nurburgring was what let me know this car was serious. That and that it beat Mustang Boss Laguna Seca on a track. I've added more power and some downforce, but I'm good right where I am.

Notice that there is no time in the top 101 recorded speeds at The Ring from a Shelby of any era.

[RSZ]

I Similar situation here but different car. Sold a 2012 GT500 in December for a 2014 Z/28. Different reason though. Posted this in the Z forum. My first car I ever had purchased on a "loan" was a 69 Z/28. I came full circle. Don't plan on another purchase in the future to replace the Z.

Drove 180 miles to get it and drove it home before the first snow fell. Unfortunately I have yet to drive it again since. NE weather, those of you from
here know what I mean.

No regrets at all. Love, love, love the car! Many memories went through my mnd on the drive home that brought many smiles to my face. And this is coming from a life long Shelby fan. Not to mention that I also worked there from 2008-2013.

Chevy done good!

[unstable vic]

I test drove both as well. The ZL1 was hands down the better ride. They both felt really fast to me. When the 20% deal came along this year though and I was able to get my ZL1 for 46k it was an obvious choice!

[rcandiloro]

Thank you for sharing. I was truly torn between the GT500 and the ZL1. The funny thing is that the local Ford dealer had a GT500 on the lot, but they wouldn't let anyone drive it. They said that anyone serious wouldn't need to drive it. The Chevy dealer was all about letting me drive the ZL1. Despite that, it wasn't the fact they wouldn't let me drive it that made me go with the ZL1. I had read all of the comparison tests and was well versed in the positives and negatives of both cars, it was simply a matter of how I reacted when I saw the car and when I sat in the car. When I walked up to the GT500 my first reaction was, "Cool car". I sat in it and thought the same thing......Cool car. When I walked into the Chevy dealer and saw the ZL1 in the showroom I had an immediate reaction....."That car is so freakin badass!" It was just different, hard to explain. Same thing when I sat in it. Funny thing, even though Chevy offered a test drive I said I didn't need one, I just did the paperwork. I absolutely love it. Everything you describe is spot on. I see several GT500s periodically running around and I think the same thing, cool car, but I don't have any regrets or questions. Of course I'd love to drive one to experience the power, but other than that, nothing. I truly believe we are living in the golden age of American muscle cars. With the Hellcat, the GT350, ZL1, Z28, and technology making things better each year, it's just awesome and I'm happy to be a part of it. Welcome to the club!

[Raven87]

The GT500 and the ZL1 are both awesome cars for somewhat different reasons. I agree that the ZL1 is definitely much more refined and the suspension is second to none. And the Shelby is a brutal monster in other respects, especially power-wise.

Your new red ZL1 is awesome so congratulations! Welcome to the club!

[angryBits]

Thank you for the awesome welcome from all of you. It's good to see you're not a bunch of Ford haters. I thought I may get flamed as a traitor haha

[Q'smuscle]

Originally Posted by angryBits

Thank you for the awesome welcome from all of you. It's good to see you're not a bunch of Ford haters. I thought I may get flamed as a traitor haha

Alot of ppl that appreciate a great car no matter the make. Camaro5 is where Ford, Dodge and Chevy ppl come to talk with each other. Even other enthusiast comes and talk sometimes.

[Johnny Mac]

Welcome, congratulations.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[TJ91]

true car guy

[el ess A]

Originally Posted by rcandiloro

I had read all of the comparison tests and was well versed in the positives and negatives of both cars, it was simply a matter of how I reacted when I saw the car and when I sat in the car. When I walked up to the GT500 my first reaction was, "Cool car". I sat in it and thought the same thing......Cool car. When I walked into the Chevy dealer and saw the ZL1 in the showroom I had an immediate reaction....."That car is so freakin badass!" It was just different, hard to explain. Same thing when I sat in it.

Good try on putting that feeling into words. I think I get what you're trying to say. Although there isn't any words to describe that "feeling."

I am not a Mustang guy, but although GM has been a big part of my life, I do take a peek over the fence now and again to see what else is out there. I love raw power, and the Shelby has it, but although it is a cool car, there's that "I'm home" feeling in the ZL1. What it lacks in raw HP is made up for in other places. And then some. And you just can't put that in words.

Don't know how many of y'all are married, but if you are, it's sorta like that moment that it hits you that "I'm in love and that's who I want to marry" (or lust, or both). Doesn't mean you can't window shop ever again, but no more test drives required to know where you belong.

Good write up OP, sounds like an unbiased opinion. Obviously one that many here agree with!

[Aaron313]

I came from a Shelby as well. Had two Gt500kr's and yes that car was extremely loud and turn heads everywhere i took it but If I had to choose one to drive I would pick my ZL1 every day. The things that make a car a car are better in the Z. Infotainment system, brakes, handling, usable grip, and way better seats. Sure the Shelby would get up and go when It was already in motion but I hated the wheel hop on hard take offs and the tires always had trouble picking up grip. Love them but they aren't the best driver cars. The new Shelby gt350 looks like a different animal and I can't wait for it to come out and to also see what GM counters with. I wonder when we'll see a guy make the switch from a hellcat to a Z! I respect the hellcat but it's made for one thing and everything else about the vehicle is mediocre except the looks I think it's quite mean looking. Great time to be a muscle car fan but we all know when it comes to the final round it's Chevy and ford duking it out for 1st place while dodge takes third and leaves like a true rock star with two hot babes in each arm.


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[Raven87]

Nice KR Aaron! I almost bought one a few years back but it was black (of course).

And your silver ZL1 is awesome!

[unstable vic]

If I had the money I'd own both!

[Raven87]

Originally Posted by unstable vic

If I had the money I'd own both!

^^^Definitely!!^^^