Head 2 Head between the 2017 Camaro ZL1 and the Shelby Mustang GT350R

[Sticky]

These are the two highest performance editions of their respective models. That said, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R go about their business very differently. It is no secret this website loves the 5.2 liter naturally aspirated Voodoo V8 under the hood of the Mustang.

It does not have the raw power and torque of the LT4 but after some hands on experience with the Chevrolet LT4 supercharged 6.2 liter V8 engine that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Let's get on to the comparison. MotorTrend got a manual ZL1 for this comparison as they should. The 10-speed auto is quicker shifting but ideally you want to keep it apples to apples. Well, ideally you would have a ZL1 with the automatic and one with the manual. Additionally, MotorTrend did not get a 1LE optioned ZL1.

What jumps out instantly? The ZL1 is 200 pounds heavier at 3912 pounds. Heavy. The weight distribution is 54/46 front to back for both cars.

How does a drag race between the two go? Predictably. The ZL1 demolishes the GT350R over a half mile. If you are just interested in raw power the choice is fairly easy. Well, unless you intend to add your own blower on the GT350.

The two presenters babble on and on endlessly and basically come to the conclusion that the GT350R has the better sounding motor and that the two cars offer great value. The Camaro also feels a bit smoother.

What happens on the track? This:

The ZL1 edges by 4/10's of a second. Considering the power disparity, that is not much. The GT350R sure seems to be doing more with less.

How do these times stack up context?

Overall these are two phenomenal cars. The GT350R offers more of a race car feel and an amazing V8 that is a dying breed. The ZL1 is more about muscle. That is fine. The world is a better place with both of these cars although the GT350R sure feels a bit more special.

MotorTrend chooses the GT350R as the better car. They get it right.

[ezec63]

The fact the regular ZL1 beat the 350R is impressive the ZL1 1LE should be on another level

[Sticky2]

I think the 350R being as close as it is makes it more impressive. It's like a GT3 being right there with a Z06 except without the price penalty.

[auaq]

Dodge Demon can do better than these two ...

[SCChris]

Dodge Demon can do better than these two ...

Until the first corner...

[auaq]

Until the first corner...

Yeah ... I mean ... sure, it just has to go around a couple of corners. No big deal. The its back on full thrust mode.

[93siro]

Yeah ... I mean ... sure, it just has to go around a couple of corners. No big deal. The its back on full thrust mode.

Yeah ive been wondering how a drag car would stack up at a track against something track ready and with a whole lot less power. Something like Camaro Copo vs SS 1LE.

[quattr0]

Shame, why didn't they include '17 C2S and Grand Sport times which is 1.27.10 and 1.26.28. Same driver.

[ezec63]

I think the 350R being as close as it is makes it more impressive. It's like a GT3 being right there with a Z06 except without the price penalty.

I mean this is just the regular ZL1 vs the hardcore 350R. The 350R couldn't even beat the regular Camaro SS 1LE time which is also N/A and has less power. To me it shows the Camaro chassis is more capable I wonder how far they can take it with a track focused N/A Z/28 if they already are hanging with the 350R in a SS 1LE

[Sticky2]

I mean this is just the regular ZL1 vs the hardcore 350R. The 350R couldn't even beat the regular Camaro SS 1LE time which is also N/A and has less power. To me it shows the Camaro chassis is more capable I wonder how far they can take it with a track focused N/A Z/28 if they already are hanging with the 350R in a SS 1LE

Regular Zl1 or not it has 650 hp and 650 lb-ft. It is only power that is stopping the GT350R from winning. It has a smaller motor without a blower and it is still a driver's race.

[ezec63]

Regular Zl1 or not it has 650 hp and 650 lb-ft. It is only power that is stopping the GT350R from winning. It has a smaller motor without a blower and it is still a driver's race.

What's its excuse for not beating the much cheaper, less powerful, less track focused SS 1LE?

[Sticky2]

What's its excuse for not beating the much cheaper, less powerful, less track focused SS 1LE?

Have you ever tried to build a high hp naturally aspirated motor versus a forced induction unit?

[ezec63]

Have you ever tried to build a high hp naturally aspirated motor versus a forced induction unit?

As in build my self with my hands? No as I doubt you have. What does F/I vs N/A have to do with what I asked. The SS 1LE has a regular pushrod cross plane N/A LT1 V8 with 455 Horsepower while the GT350R has a specially developed ~530HP DOHC flat plane V8. The GT350R is fords highest level most track focused mustang that was developed for years for one purpose. It has one off features that they specifically developed for the car like the motor, carbon fiber wheels, highly tuned aerodynamics etc. The SS 1LE is a regular run of the mill Camaro SS that they threw a few go fast parts on to help track performance they still have the ZL1, ZL1 1LE, and future Z/28 above it in the Camaro family hierarchy. The 350R still wasn't able to beat the SS 1LE on this track even with more power, more money, and much more track focus development. The Camaro chassis is just obviously better

[Sticky2]

As in build my self with my hands? No as I doubt you have. What does F/I vs N/A have to do with what I asked. The SS 1LE has a regular pushrod cross plane N/A LT1 V8 with 455 Horsepower while the GT350R has a specially developed ~530HP DOHC flat plane V8. The GT350R is fords highest level most track focused mustang that was developed for years for one purpose. It has one off features that they specifically developed for the car like the motor, carbon fiber wheels, highly tuned aerodynamics etc. The SS 1LE is a regular run of the mill Camaro SS that they threw a few go fast parts on to help track performance they still have the ZL1, ZL1 1LE, and future Z/28 above it in the Camaro family hierarchy. The 350R still wasn't able to beat the SS 1LE on this track even with more power, more money, and much more track focus development. The Camaro chassis is just obviously better

You're lucky I'm on my tablet. I'll respond to this soon enough.

[ezec63]

You're lucky I'm on my tablet. I'll respond to this soon enough.

Ooo boy I'm in for a whooping when you get to that keyboard

[Sticky]

What does F/I vs N/A have to do with what I asked.

Everything. It takes more money and engineering skill to squeeze out power from a smaller naturally aspirated unit compared to a larger forced induction unit.

Do you really fault the 991.1 GT3 for not beating the Z06 despite it costing more?

This is not just about money but the driving experience. The GT350R is chosen as the winner. Why?

The GT350R engine is the one of the best naturally aspirated motors of all time: http://www.boostaddict.com/content.p...and-dynographs