NEED HELP 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 or 2013 Ford Shelby GT500

SSizzlin' said:
This is very interesting, as I'm NOT blown away by the performance of my SS. Still has a lot of HP, but you sure can't feel it until 3.5K +. The weight of the car definitely negates the power. I still love it, though!
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If you love it, I'm happy for you, but I just can't get myself to like the unpractical, bulky and somewhat lethargic nature of the new body style. The ZL-1 is the first new gen Camaro I've actually given a hoot about. Pictures just don't do it justice and driving it was a hair-raising experience. I had just finished delivering a C6 Zo6 to a customer when all this had happened, and I can tell you that the ZL-1 was quite a bit louder and had a much more "I'M GONNA EAT YOU" tone to the exhaust. I had a sh*t eating grin on my face for two days lol.
 
RoadRageDetail said:
If you love it, I'm happy for you, but I just can't get myself to like the unpractical, bulky and somewhat lethargic nature of the new body style
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I think the Gen5 SS body style is sweet! Many others must feel the same way. GM has sold a ton of Camaros! I'd say they've outsold the Mustang by a country mile. However, to each their own. The ZL1 sure does seem to be a bad ass car, though.
 
I have not driven the 2013 shelby, however i drove a friends 2012 and it was a pleasure to drive. I have not driven the zl1 yet because I really do not like test driving cars unless I know I am going to buy them-I know it sounds stupid but its something I have always believed in.

I have read the comparisons that many mentioned and I am torn now more than ever. To top it all off I drove a friends 2012 corvette ZR1 this afternoon and it was amazing.

I think the only solution is to break down and test drive the camaro but boy do I feel bad for the lucky salesman that accompanies me on that test drive!



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Well neither do their price tags! I rather spend 60k which is exactly half price of that ZR1
 
Enthusiast said:
Well neither do their price tags! I rather spend 60k which is exactly half price of that ZR1
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LOL! I hear ya! A lot of bang for your buck with both the Mustang and Camaro.

Let me ask you this, based completely on looks, which of the 2 do you prefer?
 
I think I like the exterior of camaro more- But i definitely love the front end of the shelby as well
 
Enthusiast said:
Hey guys,

I have been going back and forth between these two cars for the past month, to the point I am losing sleep at night. Which one do you guys think will be more fun to drive and will be the better buy? Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!



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Your seriously asking this? Shelby all the way!!!!
 
SSizzlin' said:
I drove a '13 GT(manual) and it definitely felt more peppy than my current '12 Camaro SS(manual). However, the '13 GT is ugly, which resembles the GT500. The GT500 is a beast as far as HP, but Motor Trend claims the ZL1 is more fun to drive and rides better. Test drive them both and see which one pulls you in.


This is very interesting, as I'm NOT blown away by the performance of my SS. Still has a lot of HP, but you sure can't feel it until 3.5K +. The weight of the car definitely negates the power. I still love it, though!
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Not as much a weight issue as you may think. If your keeping you SS stock your leaving a lot on the table. Auto or Stick? If it's an auto your dealing with a ton of torque management in the lower RPM range. Additionally if its a stick (LS3) the intake plenum is over-sized and somewhat limits the torque at low RPM. Notice how the engine just screams at 5k to red line. Get yourself a tune (engine and trans if auto) and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Now back to the OP. No one has asked the OP what he plans to use the car for. Without a long drawn out post or turning this into a Ford Chevy pissing match. I have been lucky enough to log some track time in all 3 cars. If all your looking to do is go fast in a straight line for the least amount of money go GT500. If you want a more overall balanced car go with the Camaro. If you plan to do track days regularly than I would go with a Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition. Yep, it's about 5k cheaper with all the goodies than a 500 and will run circles around it on most road courses. Quite an impressive package and I dislike making this statement being a GM guy! Any one would be a great choice and I am sure you won't be disappointed.
 
This is an awfully difficult choice!

Both are legendary and the designs are throwbacks from earoier versions which is why I love them both.

The current generation Mustang got it's roots from the 1968 Mustang Steve McQueen drove in the movie Bullitt.

The new Camaro is again a refined version of Chevrolet's most popular design, the 1969 Z28 / SS body style.

Both are unbelievable feats in engineering and horsepower today is for the asking.

Personally the Shelby Mustang is the winner in both style line and performance. I drive a Z06 Corvette so I'm used to a "firm" ride. Horsepower + 6 speed = Shelby :props:
 
Shelby all the way.....80hp more. 124mph vs 114mph in the 1/4. Evolution performance has one running 9.95 with bolt ons. Top speed 200+ stock. The camaro doesn't come close without spending $$$$$.

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I've driven both. I find it difficult to see out of the Camaro.

I find the weight of both disappointing. 2 tons for a pony car?

Honestly, if I were to buy a car of that ilk, it'd be the Laguna Seca Mustang Boss 302.

Even at 3600 pounds it's 200 pounds heavier than I'd like.

I prefer going around corners to straight line acceleration, so my choices may be different than yours.
 
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I'm a Mustang guy, so personally I would go with the Shelby. However, at the Philly car show two years ago I did sit in a Camaro and I felt cramped. I'm not a big guy either. Also, I wasn't to fond of the small windshield and blind spots as was mentioned. Not to say the Mustang doesn't have blind spots, but seems better than the Camaro. Like someone said earlier, drive them both a few times, then drive the LS Boss. Make a positive/negative list of each car, wait a week so it is not an impulse buy, then drive each one again and make your choice. That's what I would do bc you are talking about a lot of $$$$.

When you make your choice, please post pictures. :)
 
I dont think I will be taking it to the track but I will most certainly be driving the car like it was intended to be on the weekends.


Im going to make a list of pros and cons and then I will make my decision. Regardless I want one soon to be able to enjoy for the summer! Thanks a lot everyone
 
forrest@mothers said:
I've driven both. I find it difficult to see out of the Camaro.

I find the weight of both disappointing. 2 tons for a pony car?

Honestly, if I were to buy a car of that ilk, it'd be the Laguna Seca Mustang Boss 302.

Even at 3600 pounds it's 200 pounds heavier than I'd like.

I prefer going around corners to straight line acceleration, so my choices may be different than yours.
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Couldn't agree more!

Was tempted to take the new ZL1 out for a spin, but simply don't care for the bloated look of the car. The curb weight says it all and frankly, there's a reason these cars need 550+ rwhp to get off the line!
 
IMO the Stang looks better and recently one of the car mags did a dyno test and came up with 662 hp on the dyno, the most powerful V8 in the world........case closed! Power isn't everything but when it comes to these 2 cars, well, it kinda is though. Now the question is this, does the GT500 come in that sweeeeeet new green color?!
 
I'm kinda biased but I've read tons of reviews and have driven both. Most of the comparison reviews side with the Stang....and so do I. Like the others on here have said, there are other forms of Mustangs that might suit you better. For instance the Shelby made GT350 has proven to slaughter cars 5 times it's price on the track. At any rate, if you buy the a Stang, you will always see a comparable Camaro in the rear view mirror!
 
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