When looking at the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 on paper compared to the new Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, you might assume that the the Chevy wouldn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of being able to go blow for blow against the Shelby, with it being under-powered by almost 100 horsepower according to the dyno chart. But as Goliath will tell you, brute strength isn’t everything. So, when taken to the street and track, how much of a performance advantage doth the Shelby posses? Motor Trend investigates.
As professional driver Randy Posbt flourishes through Leguna Seca in the ZL1, he notes the confidence-inspiring brake feel, and the sheer enjoyment of putting the power down at the end of a turn, and an impressive finish time of 1:39.2.
The Shelby did come in a tick quicker, at 1:38.7. Despite this, Pobst didn’t feel as comfortable with it, as he wasn’t a fan of the brakes, or lack of sophistication.
Motor Trend’s ruling: the ZL1 is just the more complete package than the GT500. Despite being slower than the Shelby in the test, the Camaro was still favored due to its superior suspension and brakes, while returning the consistency and stamina to go hard lap after lap, while the 662-horsepower Ford wore itself out.
Comments
Shelby win
gm should upgraded zl1
Did you even read the article… or watch the video?
Wait is it even with the track pack?
put the camaro the same hp the track time be big difference …
i have been waiting for this since the new gt500 was anounced, lovin it
The Shelby would probably crash, trying to equal ZL-1 on the Nurburg Ring.
I hope GM new D.Is find its way in the Camaro soon as well too! Because a Camaro with 625 BHP, should cut the Mustangs ass with comfort and don,t necessarily have to be equal in BHP.
Alex, reply to this. The time for the ZL1 Camaro to the 1/4 mile is 12.9sec or 11.9sec? After all, a 4300 pound 556 BHP CTS-V does it in 12.3sec, Why the hell would a 4050 pound 580 BHP Camaro do it in 12.9sec?
The Camaro just needs to go on a diet. If it was to loose 300 lbs it would be just awesome.