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

[2cnd chance]

Originally Posted by 8cd03gro

So the gt500 doesn't handle well now because the zl1 handles better? That must mean the zl1 is slow as hell in a straight line come on now. I think the biggest problem we have here is the assumptions haven't changed at all, they have just become even more inflated. Nothing has really changed from this review other than getting the opinion of a few mag journalists. Anyone with a brain knew the gt500 would kill in a straight line and the zl1 would handle better. We still haven't seen enough real racing to determine which is faster on a road course, and even then different courses will benefit one more than the other. The trap speeds show that from a roll the distance between zl1 and gt500 will be even greater than in a 1/4, but the handling tests show the zl1 will hold more corner speed. If the slight braking advantage of the gt500 holds up in racing conditions, these cars could be VERY close on almost any track. Both have major advantages and both have key hurdles to overcome.

You had me till you mentioned the "slight" brake advantage. 1'? How many times can anyone repeat that? If it's not more than 5+ feet there is no advantage, and the constant use of the brakes and how they take it is still up in the air.

[Fenderaddict2]

If there's any brake advantage I'd give it to the ZL1. For whatever reason brake feel in Mustangs does not inspire the confidence that the numbers should supply.

[2cnd chance]

Originally Posted by Fenderaddict2

If there's any brake advantage I'd give it to the ZL1. For whatever reason brake feel in Mustangs does not inspire the confidence that the numbers should supply.

I'm surprised they didn't spend the few extra $ for the Brembo rears. I'm sure it is the difference your looking for.

I just noticed the number on your hood really cool! Any more pics? BTW, I like the 2012 front better on the Boss than the 2013.

[SSmoked]

Originally Posted by 2cnd chance

I'm surprised they didn't spend the few extra $ for the Brembo rears. I'm sure it is the difference your looking for.

Theres a reason for that and its because of the SRA. i cant remember exactly but the side to side motion of the axle move the brake pads around causing squoishy pedal and a dely in braking power. Mustang guys feel free to add or take away as im not 100% sure i remember reading a SVT member write a post on a mustang fourm awhile ago.

Im not gonna take this review to heart. ill wait to motortrend is done throwing around the Shelby and ZL1 around Laguna Seca to declare a winner. but the typical mentaility is shelby in the striaghts and ZL1 in the turns.

[Bhobbs]

Originally Posted by 2cnd chance

If you really want a 5Gen Z28 hold on a little longer. Remember the every 6 month release for the Camaro. Also it will have to be announced soon as time is running out.

I hope so.

[PistonsFan]

Originally Posted by 2010-1SS-IBM

Why is there an assumption that handling's only important if one is racing all out or on a road course? A car's handling allows one to be more confident on turns and rough surfaces at all speeds. It is always important.

Exactly!

[Fenderaddict2]

Originally Posted by Deki

Cost is where it's at. Every time I do a track day, I'm out at a MINIMUM $300. Not to mention how taxing it is on your brakes and tires. Drag strip is $10 bucks, you run all night, and wears a tiny amount of your tires. Good to go.

You have to think of track days as comparable to golf at which point you see it for what it is, great value for your money and a whole lot more fun way to spend the day. Also check into after work runs, TMS is 99 bucks from 6 to dusk.

[Fenderaddict2]

Originally Posted by 2cnd chance

I'm surprised they didn't spend the few extra $ for the Brembo rears. I'm sure it is the difference your looking for.

I just noticed the number on your hood really cool! Any more pics? BTW, I like the 2012 front better on the Boss than the 2013.

Vinyl numbers. Thanks. Had them on for a show and shine for fun. Funnily enough I prefer the look of the '13 but love the fact that the '12 Boss was more unique overall. Ideally I will have one of each. As for the Brembos on the rear, the really aren't needed but the bite and pedal feel could me more positive than it is to really inspire confidence. It takes me a lot of runs to feel in my brakes and start running hero laps. And even then I usually back off after a few of those because of lack of feedback. Considering a change for feel rather than a performance upgrade.

[Fenderaddict2]

Originally Posted by 2010-1SS-IBM

Why is there an assumption that handling's only important if one is racing all out or on a road course? A car's handling allows one to be more confident on turns and rough surfaces at all speeds. It is always important.

Granted handling is important everywhere but to exceed comfortable handling limits in my car would require speeds 3x the posted limits and then some. Driven within the law both of these cars will be confidence inspiring. The ZL1 will amaze more on how it manages so much mass, especially if you come from an SS. The GT500 is less of a relegation coming from an already nimble GT.

[2cnd chance]

Originally Posted by Fenderaddict2

Vinyl numbers. Thanks. Had them on for a show and shine for fun. Funnily enough I prefer the look of the '13 but love the fact that the '12 Boss was more unique overall. Ideally I will have one of each. As for the Brembos on the rear, the really aren't needed but the bite and pedal feel could me more positive than it is to really inspire confidence. It takes me a lot of runs to feel in my brakes and start running hero laps. And even then I usually back off after a few of those because of lack of feedback. Considering a change for feel rather than a performance upgrade.

Maybe better brake fluid lines?

[29er]

[kbar4782]

[QUOTE=Fenderaddict2;5148777]Vinyl numbers. Thanks. Had them on for a show and shine for fun. Funnily enough I prefer the look of the '13 but love the fact that the '12 Boss was more unique overall. Ideally I will have one of each. As for the Brembos on the rear, the really aren't needed but the bite and pedal feel could me more positive than it is to really inspire confidence. It takes me a lot of runs to feel in my brakes and start running hero laps. And even then I usually back off after a few of those because of lack of feedback. Considering a change for feel rather than a performance upgrade.[/

I don't know if it's the usual "new" body style of most vehicles, but I don't like the looks of the 2013 GT's as much.

[PistonsFan]

Originally Posted by Fenderaddict2

Granted handling is important everywhere but to exceed comfortable handling limits in my car would require speeds 3x the posted limits and then some. Driven within the law both of these cars will be confidence inspiring. The ZL1 will amaze more on how it manages so much mass, especially if you come from an SS. The GT500 is less of a relegation coming from an already nimble GT.

But...... ya don't have to exceed the handling limits of a car to feel the benefits of a well designed suspension.

[Supercamaro64]

Im not suprised with the results. The mustang has a significant amount of power over the camaro, but it doesnt have the suspension to compete with the zl1.