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

[ShowSStopper]

Well they can say what they want and back it all up for all I care. GT500 would be my choice any day. The ZL1 might be faster on a road course, but I would much rather know that the overzealous douche in the ZL1 wouldn't beat me to the merge.

And of course it would be a merge on a closed course. Bc we all know nobody on this site would dare street race.

[GrabberB5.Slow]

Originally Posted by Lonny Doyle

If GM was offering an $8000 dollar power package to match the $8000 dollar performance package that the reviewers always seem to include when comparing the ZL1 to the GT500 would this make it closer to an apples to apples test or should they be testing both vehicles at base price?

Or does everyone, including Ford fans, think it is fair comparing a $64,770 GT500 against a $56,365 ZL1?

It has the SVT performance package, which includes upgraded Torsen Differential, Upgraded Dampers, different rear springs along with upgraded wheels. All for $3,400.

Where is this "$8,000" package you speak of?

There's the SVT Track Package that includes an upgraded cooling system for $2,900 but the article never said it was included. Even if it was equipped, we arn't at an added $8,000 .

[papawattz]

If all you want to do is go in a straight line(1/4 mile) Save yourself about $50K and build a fox body stang or 3rd/4th gen camaro, about 10 grand spent on car and go fast goodies and I bet you would beat the 2013 gt 500 I would buy the all around performer............ ZL1

[frcdfed]

wow actually a really good review, completely split and unbiased. And yes the war will continue with no real winner. I am a little suprised in the quarter time for both cars, figured they would be able to hustle the ZL to a sub 12s run and definately did not expect the Muskrat to put up that high a MPH.

[GmcSierra6.2]

Car for the drag strip.... Copo

[rez333]

A lot of the GT500 racers add brake cooling ducts which makes the biggest difference as evidenced by the ZL1's fantastic consistent results. However there were brake duct ports behind the grilles of the previous GT500s; with the new GT500 grill-less grilles, where would the brake duct tubes attach to?

Anyway, clearly GM made a very well balanced car and the Europeans should be afraid.

I saw this tongue-in-cheek jab posted up in another forum:


..which shows that the 2013 GT500 was made to win these tests, but the ZL1 was made to win track races consistently.

[BowtieBelle]

The COPO is GM's drag Camaro. The ZL1 is an all-around beast, designed to be driven on the road or the road course, not a quarter-mile at a time. And 11's/12's out of a factory car is pretty damn impressive; I don't care who you are.

[C5RocksC5]

Taking from the performance feedback from several mag reviews so far, and the only thing that hasn't changed is the dominance of the GT500 in straightline race, it simply runs away from the ZL1. Track performance seems to vary depending on the track and who is testing. I wouldn't call either of these two cars a "one trick pony." $60k American cars delivering $100k+ performance. Simply awesome.

[2SS 2011]

Originally Posted by Tysen

Anyone can drive in a straight line. ZL1 won where it counts, IMO.

You are right.. It's just who can drive the best in a straight line

[C5RocksC5]

Originally Posted by rez333

A lot of the GT500 racers add brake cooling ducts which makes the biggest difference as evidenced by the ZL1's fantastic consistent results. However there were brake duct ports behind the grilles of the previous GT500s; with the new GT500 grill-less grilles, where would the brake duct tubes attach to?

Anyway, clearly GM made a very well balanced car and the Europeans should be afraid.

I saw this tongue-in-cheek jab posted up in another forum:


..which shows that the 2013 GT500 was made to win these tests, but the ZL1 was made to win track races consistently.

Damn, that puts it really clear. It hurts me to look at it. Time to put the LS9 in the ZL1!

[rez333]

Another thing, and this hasn't been mentioned as a key point even though it should: when the ZL1 was matched against the Boss, the ZL1 won because of the Boss' brake fade. The same is repeating itself with the GT500. The track performance of the Mustangs is severely limited by an insufficient brake package.

Ford needs to add brake cooling ducts as mandatory and it's ridiculous that they haven't. Kudos to GM for doing this.

People are focusing too much on the ZL1's suspension, or the GT500's power. The deciding factor is brakes folks!

[rez333]

Originally Posted by pdari

Damn, that puts it really clear. It hurts me to look at it. Time to put the LS9 in the ZL1!

Yeah but I think the Motortrend's test really put things in perspective. The brake fade of the GT500 is very disappointing and it shows that the ZL1 really is a complete and balanced package whereas the GT500 does have its flaws.

[69NMYSS]

Originally Posted by Lonny Doyle

If GM was offering an $8000 dollar power package to match the $8000 dollar performance package that the reviewers always seem to include when comparing the ZL1 to the GT500 would this make it closer to an apples to apples test or should they be testing both vehicles at base price?

Or does everyone, including Ford fans, think it is fair comparing a $64,770 GT500 against a $56,365 ZL1?

Originally Posted by BAD ZL1

I think you have a great point. I was thinking the same thing, but you put it into words. Adding 8G to the ZL1 motor hmmm...wonder how that race turns out.

Originally Posted by BAD ZL1

I too think base model tests need to be done. The mustang has options that drive its price up like you said, of which come standard on the camaro at base price.

Exactly, there was an almost $9k price difference in the cars tested.

[C5RocksC5]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but wouldn't the GT500 still be faster in a straightline at the base price that is cheaper than the ZL1's base price due to no GG for the GT500?