DRIVE: GT500 vs. ZL1 (by Chris Harris)

[babaron]

The bottom line is: If you want a dragstrip car, get the Shelby. If you want a street car, get the Camaro. If you plan to do both street and dragstrip driving, get one of each.

[Deki]

Originally Posted by SSMagna

I hope in "people" you are not including me, at over 1000rwhp I'm still modding. The ZL1 needs 580 HP at 4000 lbs to be a quote a muscle car. I love the car but for Ford to come out with a Mustang with almost 100 rwhp more with no gas guzzler tax to boot. I had one on order but after getting messed around by the dealer and all the QC holds a black on black GT500 is on the way. It's really all in what you want. I'm sure some people will never use the 580 but for me that's not the case.

No I was just saying, 580hp is a lot of power for a stock car that can be driven every day. I can see why you went for the Shelby, and if I was in the market, it would be a pretty tough decision for me as to which one I would pick between those two and a GS Vette. Black/black GT500 is menacing though.

Originally Posted by 69NMYSS

Then why not get the ZL1 and take the $5k+ in savings (GT500 with PP and TP) and use it to mod your new ZL1 to outrun in the 500 in the straights? Already handles better.

Because then you void the warranty, no matter which way you spin it. The GT500 is much closer to the ZL1 on the road course than the ZL1 is to the GT500 at the drag strip. It's much harder to drive fast, yes, but it's pretty capable for having a live rear axle in an outdated chassis.

[SSMagna]

Originally Posted by 69NMYSS

Then why not get the ZL1 and take the $5k+ in savings (GT500 with PP and TP) and use it to mod your new ZL1 to outrun in the 500 in the straights? Already handles better.

I order the ZL1 in September of last year. I went from 1st on the list to 3rd and then was told in May they were only getting 2 of the 2012 instead of the 4 they were supposed to have received due to QC holds. I watched the forum almost everyday because the dealer never knew a thing about the ZL1. GM connect sent me stuff that just made the situation worse. It was lost too. I made one call to the Ford dealership and they said I was first on the list. Then a month later one of the owners of the Ford dealership called me and went over all the specifics and he placed the order. Done deal. Customer service played a large part as well as vehicle knowledge. I've never had a mustang and I've already got a camaro that I'll never sell, plus I'll be a good source for all you guys when you want to have a Ford VS Chevy race. Lol. Hell If I get beat in the mustang I'll come back for more in the camaro. Plus I've never had anything stock very long. My wife is even modded.

[69NMYSS]

Originally Posted by Deki

Because then you void the warranty, no matter which way you spin it. The GT500 is much closer to the ZL1 on the road course than the ZL1 is to the GT500 at the drag strip. It's much harder to drive fast, yes, but it's pretty capable for having a live rear axle in an outdated chassis.

Yes but it is $5k more, that $5k will properly/safely get you 70-100hp, now you have a GT500 destroyer for the same price, if not less. The only reason the 500 keeps up at the track is because of the 82hp advantage propelling it down the straights. He stated he never keeps a car stock, so warranty is obviously not an issue.

[Bob Cosby]

70-100 HP would put you even on the HP department. Now you need to account for weight difference in order to have a "GT500 destroyer".

And for me....as previously stated....I'd have no-option GT500, as it does everything I would want it to just fine.

If I were in the market for a ZL1, and could get it without some of the fancy suspension stuff (and with an SRA), I'd do that too.

Ya, I'm part of a VERY small minority. I get it.

[MEDISIN]

Originally Posted by eolson

Who cares what car he picked. I don't need to have someone tell me what the car feels like as an subjective opinion. I can go test drive both of these cars and drive aggressively enough to see which I like the feel of.

It's about the times, numbers and mathematical performance. That is the only actual objective information.

Times, numbers and mathematical performance are fine...so long as they produce a car that people want. If reviewers are picking the ZL1 based on the driving experience, don't you think potential buyers are going to have many of the same impressions? The value of both cars are tremendous. I'm curious to see what consumers favor, although fans of each car will likely be the primary purchasers.

[69NMYSS]

Originally Posted by Bob Cosby

70-100 HP would put you even on the HP department. Now you need to account for weight difference in order to have a "GT500 destroyer".

And for me....as previously stated....I'd have no-option GT500, as it does everything I would want it to just fine.

If I were in the market for a ZL1, and could get it without some of the fancy suspension stuff (and with an SRA), I'd do that too.

Ya, I'm part of a VERY small minority. I get it.

Yes, I think the coolers/track ready parts that come standard on the ZL1 should have been options. They also screwed up by not offering Recaro's as an option. Hoperfully, they can redeem themselves by producing these rumored GM performance parts/package that can be retrofitted to the '12 models.

[69NMYSS]

Originally Posted by MEDISIN

Times, numbers and mathematical performance are fine...so long as they produce a car that people want. If reviewers are picking the ZL1 based on the driving experience, don't you think potential buyers are going to have many of the same impressions? The value of both cars are tremendous. I'm curious to see what consumers favor, although fans of each car will likely be the primary purchasers.

Whicever car you purchase, you are going to be biased to that car. I know I am, although, I will admit the new GT500 is badass and has performed much better than I expected. Definetly not a one trick pony that many keep referring to it as.

[gearhead08]

Originally Posted by 69NMYSS

Then why not get the ZL1 and take the $5k+ in savings (GT500 with PP and TP) and use it to mod your new ZL1 to outrun in the 500 in the straights? Already handles better.

Never mind..

[Bob Cosby]

Originally Posted by 69NMYSS

Yes, I think the coolers/track ready parts that come standard on the ZL1 should have been options. They also screwed up by not offering Recaro's as an option. Hoperfully, they can redeem themselves by producing these rumored GM performance parts/package that can be retrofitted to the '12 models.

[Angrybird 12]

Looks like some of the Ford Faithful won't be happy until some reviewer says, "the ZL1 does not deserve to be on the same planet as the GT500 much less the same racetrack."

It's getting ridiculous.

I thought it was an honest review from someone with no dog in the hunt.

[2cnd chance]

Originally Posted by 69NMYSS

Yes but it is $5k more, that $5k will properly/safely get you 70-100hp, now you have a GT500 destroyer for the same price, if not less. The only reason the 500 keeps up at the track is because of the 82hp advantage propelling it down the straights. He stated he never keeps a car stock, so warranty is obviously not an issue.

Exactly! The "only" reason the GT500 keeps up with the ZL1 on the track is the extra power it has. Add that to the ZL1 and it's no contest.

[Deki]

Originally Posted by 2cnd chance

Exactly! The "only" reason the GT500 keeps up with the ZL1 on the track is the extra power it has. Add that to the ZL1 and it's no contest.

Add the IRS, MRC, and wider tires to the GT500 and it's no contest lol come on man...

[Nessal]

Originally Posted by Deki

I just drove the GT500 on Monday, and I can not agree more. Ford stuck a monster in a chassis that was originally designed for less than half the power of what the 2013 has.

I respectfully disagree with you here. IMO Ford improved the GT500 where it counts. While the Z guys can magazine race about what time their cars can turn the GT500 guys are out there blowing doors off.