Posted on: Jun 13, 2012 | 31,303 reads

2013 Shelby GT500 and Camaro ZL1 Duel on the Track

Following their recent dyno test, the muscle cars once again draw swords. This time on the track.

In terms of power there's no contest between what are the two most powerful series-production muscle cars available in the US.

2013 Shelby GT500 and Camaro ZL1 Duel on the Track

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A recent dyno test conducted by Inside Line confirmed as much, demonstrating that the GT500 betters the ZL1 by 98hp and 105lb-ft of torque. After dueling on the dyno, the cars were taken to the track to further cement what everyone has known for quite some time: that when it comes to power, speed and braking the GT500 is the outright winner.
The more powerful Ford posts a 0-60mph time of 4.0 seconds to the ZL1's 4.4 seconds; for the quarter mile, the GT500 takes 11.9 seconds at 123.5mph whereas the Chevy posted a time of 12.4 seconds at 114.7mph. And stopping from 60mph, the Ford comes out on top travelling 109ft compared to the ZL1's 110ft.

However, when it comes to handling the ZL1 is the clear winner. The Camaro was faster through the slalom: 70.8mph compared to the Shelby's 69.1mph, while on the skid pad, the ZL1 recorded a 1.03g average lateral acceleration. This not only betters the GT500's 0.98g but matches the McLaren MP4-12C and Porsche 911 GT2 RS for the highest lateral acceleration IL has ever recorded. The Shelby GT500 tested came with the SVT Performance package, Track Pack and Recaro seats, adding $8,085 to the base price, while the Camaro ZL1 came with a $500 Interior Microfiber package, a $600 carbon-fiber hood insert, and $470 bright forged wheels.