Z28Wilson

So how big IS that blue oval belt buckle you have, anyway?

Seriously, what exactly would lead you to that conclusion? I'm not overly familiar with how the automotive press gets its hands on vehicles, I was under the impression that they were loaned out from the manufacturer. Is it impossible to think that perhaps Ford simply didn't supply them with a 2012 "PP" GT500 at that particular time?

I can't see a guy like Al Oppenheiser talking smack about the GT500 and then dictating to a car magazine that they only test his new ZL1 against a lower Mustang that would be easily trounced. I could be wrong though.

I'm sure you'll see a comparison or two of these two beasts soon enough.

graham

Yea.... Obama told the magazines what they could and couldn't do....

smooth3d

No the Boss is not faster then the 2012 GT500, The mags can get cars from other places other then the manufacturer. And I highly doubt Ford said no to a comparison. How come GM didn't demand a showdown with the 2012 GT500?

As I said before I see thru the game. Of all a sudden the Boss is the top mustang because it benefits you to believe so. I cant wait until the 2013 tests come out! If the 2013 outperforms the ZL1 what would be the excuses then?

King Moose SS

This statement is a 100 different levels of false. It doesn't even make logical sense. How would an automotive magazine work if the car companies told it what cars they can and can't compare?

The real reason they didn't put a comparison of a 2012 GT500 vs ZL1, is one the ZL1 would cake walk it, and two the magazines know that the 2013 GT500 is what people want to read about, not the 2012.

Dan Baldwin

I find it hard to believe that some actually think that a ZL1 will "embarrass" or "cakewalk" a '12 GT500. The power/weight is very similar, both right at 7 lb/hp. Acceleration times/speeds should be in the same ballpark.

R&T tests:
ZL1 = 12.9 @ 113.1 (must be some reason why so slow)
GT500 = 12.4 @ 119.4

M/T tests:
ZL1 = 12.3 @ 119 (more like it)
GT500 = 12.5 @ 115 (hmm, now the GT500 is slow...)

580hp and 4250 lb. (car+driver+some fuel) or 550hp and 4050 lb. => similar acceleration, period.

The ZL1 straight-line performance is essentially equivalent to the '12 GT500. I don't need a head-to-head test to demonstrate this to my satisfaction.

For me, neither of these cars is even remotely in consideration as they are HUGELY overweight pigs (Camaro 200 lb. more so), and about 10mph slower in the 1/4 than my car

But I find it remarkable that fans can be so blind as to think that the ZL1 would "embarrass" or "cakewalk" a '12 GT500 when in fact they are pretty close.

But of course, a '12 GT500 has been available for how long now? The appropriate comparison is between the ZL1 and the '13 GT500.

There is no question about it, the '13 GT500 will DESTROY the ZL1, not even close. Surely no one harbors any illusions otherwise, right?

bossco

We will see. The Camaro's biggest advantage seems to be that it can use its power over a broader spectrum. Where it might be at a disadvantage in terms of pure acceleration its overall road holding advantages will probably give the GT500 a tough time.

And there is a matter of gearing. I know its changed for the 2013 GT500 but I don't recall where its geared to hit 200? I'm guessing 5th ( no real need to change if its still a .80 @ 7k that's 212 MPH) so that may be a factor as well.

Only slightly related, that's part of the reason the new Boss and GT are turning in impressive acceleration numbers. If one were to fit the TR6060 in my car to the current BOSS/GT it would require a final drive change to around 5.xx to achieve the same multiplication that the MT82 enjoys now.

Dan Baldwin

Indeed we shall, but we already know enough to be fairly confident that it will NOT be a close race.
My fearless prediction: '13 GT500 is going to be ~.5 second quicker and >5mph faster in the 1/4, and have a 15mph higher top speed.

King Moose SS

While, I will agree with you the straight line figures are similar, that's not the only thing the automotive world test. Where the ZL1 would "cake-walk" the 2012 GT500 is any track with a curve. Seeing as the performance world views cars as two things straight line speed, and corner speed, the ZL1 would of had the advantage over 2012 GT500.

Think about how the comparison would play out for a 2012 GT500 vs ZL1. No one can rationally argue one is better looking than the other, they both look good. No one can rationally argue that one has a better interior than the other, they're both average. No one can rationally argue one is better performance for the money, they are both performance bargins. No one can rationally argue gas mileage or practicality because no one cares about it for these cars. So everything is basically a draw, until we get to the performance figures. In which we have a GT500 tied with the ZL1 in 1/4 mile, and a ZL1 winning a tracks. ZL1 would win every comparison. i.e. cake walk the 2012.

Things changed now that the 2013 GT500 is more powerful than the ZL1, and technically it should be quicker. However the ZL1 still has the advantage on handling. Which is why this thread 5 pages long, because it's ones personal opinion whether the GT500 or ZL1 is better than the other. They are both good at two different things now.

Chrome383Z

The GT500 is going to be the stoplight to stoplight machine, and the ZL1 is going to take the turns better.

Although, really both cars are going to suck when it comes to actual performance. Unless you put 15" wheels and drag radials with some sidewall to them your going to get embarrassed by a stock LS1 that can hook.

What do these things have now 20" wheels? Dumb.

Make for a good smoke show, but that's about it.

I can hear it now, all the Ford and Chevy owners will now ironically join the "Roll Racing Crowd" because that's all they will be; dyno queens.

smooth3d

Chrome383Z

I don't know what your laughing about. Example: My car has just over 500rwhp right now. Car is lightened to ~3,200lbs, complete rear suspension set up for drag, lightweight (tub k-member, no a/c, bumper support gone, etc...) on the front, 315 drag radials, and I have a hard time hooking.

I can't imagine how much fun it will be with similar (possibly slightly more) on a car running relatively skinny tires with absolutely no sidewall.

I may have been exaggerating a little on 1/4 mile times as the GT500/ZL1 will be catching up quick; but I would almost put money on a stock LS1 topping a GT500/ZL1 on a short track (1/8 mile).

Slappy3243

I still don't understand the arguing that goes on in these threads. Nobody is this thread is actually going to buy a new ZL1 or GT500, so who really cares which car performs better? It is like arguing that my father can kick your father's ***.

JasonD

That's on point right there. And out of those who DO buy one...how many will push it to its limit without a coroner being involved?

I may buy a ZL1, but I am doubtful that I will do anything with it that is close to what it is capable of.

Coincidentally, I was driving ZL1s around the course at Spring Mountain Motorsports park 24 hours ago. They are impressive to say the least. Couldn't put the wood to them, though...we were limited to 3rd gear as it was largely a group of people with little to no hardcore experience so they were light laps overall. Watch for videos in the 5th gen section here.

bossco

Its like watching a sports game. Except this the Camaros vs the Mustangs and I'm sure somebody might show up with a ZL1 or a GT500. I know of at least 2 people getting 2013 GT500s on my Mustang board. Along with at least three others with 2012 cars that are my age or younger - all of us well outside the typical buying age.

WhiteHawk

Speak for yourself! ZL1 is top of my list when my truck lease is up. I am looking at close to $40,000 for a loaded SS, another $15,000 on the pile isn't that big of a deal at that point. I will just have to save up for one more year before pulling the trigger is all.

-Geoff