Advertisement

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Vs. 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: A Look Ahead

 
39 51,003 views Mar 22, 2012
Follow Joel

 

Related Photo Galleries


See more photos »

It's the classic Ford Mustang vs. Chevrolet Camaro battle, only this time it's supercharged. With heavily breathed-upon factory versions of these muscle cars now or soon available, with massive amounts of power, it's high time we had a debate.

In one corner we have the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Packing a 5.8-liter supercharged V-8, the snake puts out 650 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual channels the power to the solid rear axle. With a price of only $54,200, the 2013 GT500 is set to kill.


In the other corner we have the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Under the hood is a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 producing 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque. While the Camaro ZL1 has a six-speed manual transmission, it also offers an optional six-speed automatic transmission. That's a key feature the GT500 doesn't offer. The 2012 Camaro ZL1 is priced near the GT500 at $54,995.

At the end of the day, both of these muscle cars now reach supercar levels of power. With handling beyond many people's wildest dreams, we wonder how this battle in the musclecar wars will play out. As soon as we drive them back to back, we'll let you know--but watch the our video debate now and let us know in the comments which muscle car you think is clear winner.





Tags:
Posted in:
 
 

Have an opinion?

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (39)

  1. Heepspo avatar Heepspo Posted: 3/22/2012 12:39pm PDT

    (Must we REALLY have to watch a commercial before watching videos??)

    Anyway, the Mustang is better built (easily provable) and costs more because of this... simple.
    The sightlines and weight of the Camaro are abysmal (I've driven it) but I do like the Camaro and it's suspension.... I just like the Mustang more.
    The history and legend of the Mustang far outweigh what I believe to be a flash-in-the-pan for the Camaro.
    The 2015 (2014 release date) Mustang will modernize the suspension, especially the rear end, and will bring the Mustang back on top in sales.
    I love the looks of the Camaro from all angles except the rear, which looks fat and dumpy.
    The Mustang looks good from every angle but just needs some more extreme styling cues.
     
    Post Reply
    -1
    Bad stuff?

     

  2. fb_504561301 avatar Matt Mossberg Posted: 3/25/2012 8:03pm PDT

    youve driven the zl1? how many have been sold? one, and that person had to return it. how is it easily provable that ford makes better quality?
     
    Post Reply
    -3
    Bad stuff?

     

  3. Heepspo avatar Heepspo Posted: 3/26/2012 8:35am PDT

    It was kinda funny that you said that only 1 has been sold, and that person had to return it. So I guess 100% of the ZL1's that have been sold have had problems? :)

    I'm kidding... maybe

    But seriously, I said Mustang vs Camaro and made no mention of the ZL1, as you have.

    I was basing my better quality remark on FORD in general, not just the Mustang. I should have been more clear.
     
    Post Reply
    0
    Bad stuff?

     

  4. damonest82 avatar damon thomas Posted: 4/4/2012 7:44am PDT

    just another insucure ford fan
     
    Post Reply
    0
    Bad stuff?

     

  5. Heepspo avatar Heepspo Posted: 4/4/2012 8:51am PDT

    I'm "insucure" ??? LOL

    I could say something like, "just another unintelligent chevy fan"... but I won't.
    0
    Bad stuff?

  6. fb_1844095606 avatar Jehu Moreno Posted: 4/18/2012 12:55pm PDT

    i driven one because i own one.Second owner in california
     
    Post Reply
    +1
    Bad stuff?

  7. damonest82 avatar damon thomas Posted: 4/4/2012 7:46am PDT

    get a life
     
    Post Reply
    -1
    Bad stuff?

  8. Enzo avatar Enzo Rollis Posted: 3/22/2012 2:16pm PDT

    yes you do have to pay for quality that's why all of those are options pay for quality. next time guys please be a little more prepare when doing the debate.
     
    Post Reply
    -4
    Bad stuff?

     

  9. Cama-Stang avatar Cama-Stang Posted: 4/15/2012 7:20pm PDT

    HE SPECIFICALLY said that the Camaro is a better car right out of the factory.. and that it'll be 15K less exspensive therefore its more affordable.
     
    Post Reply
    -1
    Bad stuff?

  10. fb_1164631928 avatar Connor Munnis Posted: 3/22/2012 6:49pm PDT

    MUSTANG FOREVER
     
    Post Reply
    -1
    Bad stuff?

  11. christhomas71 avatar christhomas71 Posted: 3/23/2012 7:54am PDT

    "That's a key feature the GT500 doesn't offer" Really? An auto transmission on muscle car is a "key feature"? If you want to get a GT500 and want an auto transmission then you do not deserve to buy that car. Auto transmissions are for people who are afraid to drive their car....
     
    Post Reply
    +1
    Bad stuff?

     

  12. damonest82 avatar damon thomas Posted: 4/4/2012 7:45am PDT

    its not auto its 6 speed paddle shifts
     
    Post Reply
    0
    Bad stuff?

  13. Cama-Stang avatar Cama-Stang Posted: 4/15/2012 7:21pm PDT

    I have an auto-transmission in my Audi R8.. does that mean i'm afraid to drive it? No! think before you say something un-intelligent
     
    Post Reply
    +1
    Bad stuff?

     

  14. fb_100001023234654 avatar Vince Hotchkiss Posted: 5/18/2012 2:21pm PDT

    all he was trying to say was if your going to buy a piece of machinery like the mustang or camaro, only an idiot is going to want an auto
     
    Post Reply
    -1
    Bad stuff?

     

  15. fb_1147309811 avatar Stephen Rood Posted: 5/20/2012 5:18pm PDT

    Come on! There have been automatics in Indy 500 race cars. I don't call those drivers idiots!
     
    Post Reply
    0
    Bad stuff?

  16. fb_27900539 avatar Daniel Buckman Posted: 5/22/2012 6:35am PDT

    A LOT of classic muscle cars have autos. next time you are at a car night take a look.
     
    Post Reply
    0
    Bad stuff?

     

  17. fb_100000150508141 avatar Jeff Gillis Posted: 7/21/2012 3:55am PDT

    Back in the day a well built T400 would cream a manual in a quarter mile just on consistency alone, but I still prefer to stir the gears myself and would never by a rod or muscle car with an auto simply because, in my opinion, no auto match the sound of rapping the throttle and downshifting a tightly wound mill.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  18. fb_552562225 avatar Jaziel Ortiz Felix Posted: 3/23/2012 6:41pm PDT

    seriously, mustang better looking????????????? wtf are you talking about ppl? mustang rounded front that looks like a pimple ready to burst. c'mon let's be realistic.
     
    Post Reply
    0
    Bad stuff?

     

  19. damonest82 avatar damon thomas Posted: 4/4/2012 7:45am PDT

    thank you
     
    Post Reply
    -2
    Bad stuff?

  20. Cama-Stang avatar Cama-Stang Posted: 4/15/2012 7:22pm PDT

    Both cars look unique.I bought both of them. I'll tell y'all the details when i race them and test them out myself
     
    Post Reply
    -2
    Bad stuff?

  21. fb_100001431661151 avatar Isaiah Zepf Posted: 3/27/2012 12:48pm PDT

    I'm pretty sure that I could spend the same amount of money on a Factory Five Gtm and kill them both.
     
    Post Reply
    0
    Bad stuff?

  22. fb_571017112 avatar Technician Kline Posted: 4/13/2012 9:40pm PDT

    You people are biased as hell. . . The Stang is one hell of a car, both look wise and performance wise. . Considering, Car and Driver had it running 11.6-11.7 ALL DAY, without the better gearing, and stickier tires that will come on the production car. And for all of you children crying over the price. . You simply prove to everyone you have nowhere near enough money to purchase one of these cars, which is why you complain of the price. So let's stay to our opinions shall we? And not bust another person for having a different view, because an opinion is neither right or wrong, because we all have them. As far as stats speak, from the stats released so far. . The GT500 is superior to the ZL1.
     
    Post Reply
    -1
    Bad stuff?

     

  23. Cama-Stang avatar Cama-Stang Posted: 4/15/2012 7:25pm PDT

    Stats are only superior to the straight track so far. And since Ford said the Boss is the better handling car than the Shelby, i doubt the shelby will beat the ZL1 on a coarse. Just my opinion
     
    Post Reply
    +1
    Bad stuff?

     

  24. fb_100000606184560 avatar Brandon Chabot Posted: 4/24/2012 5:20pm PDT

    Hmmm considering the Camaro out weighs the Shelby and is underpowered to handle the weight, The Shelby out of the box already weighs less so in turn better cornering. Oh and you guys remember the '03 Cobra? yeah thats what happens when Ford gets serious, and they are serious again the Zl1 is going to be sent home crying it self to sleep.
     
    Post Reply
    -1
    Bad stuff?

  25. fb_1277286554 avatar William Newhouse Posted: 5/8/2012 11:12am PDT

    why does everyone have to argue about this. who the hell cares which car is better, if you dont like it dont buy it. its that simple. Both are beautiful cars and you cant say that if either one drove by that you would turn your head and look with awh. Get over yourselfs guys
     
    Post Reply
    0
    Bad stuff?

     

  26. foghaze avatar foghaze Posted: 5/24/2012 6:32am PDT

    I agree with Bill. Bigger picture... Foreign car companies have never been able to replicate the look and feel of a domestic muscle car. They would argue that their technology is far superior, but they don't get the thrill of tire spin (when desired), drift, or the growl from the pipes. I'm still happy with my 02' WS-6; original LS-1, a fabricated single stage intercooler (30mpg hwy@60mph), racing cam, and 20 lbs of boost upgrade on the way for my modified pro-charger. That will at least keep up with either of these models and I've kept the thing in pristine shape. But lets agree that at least the USA does muscle cars right and be glad they are still around in this economy.
     
    Post Reply
    0
    Bad stuff?

  27. fb_100000062517703 avatar Bob Kodadek Posted: 5/10/2012 3:18pm PDT

    So, here we are comparing a real 2012 ZL1 to a prototype 2013 GT500? A car that doesn't even exist yet? Let's wait and compare both 2013's when they are available. Or, how about comparing the 2013 GT500 to a 2014 ZL1? For $55000 I can build 3 Chevy's that run in the 9's.
     
    Post Reply
    +2
    Bad stuff?

     

  28. fb_675100859 avatar Markand Norma Konecsni Posted: 5/17/2012 9:12pm PDT

    You could do it cheaper if you use a Big Block Ford in it!!!
     
    Post Reply
    -2
    Bad stuff?

  29. fb_100001023234654 avatar Vince Hotchkiss Posted: 5/18/2012 2:26pm PDT

    Hey bob, why don't you take a look at technician Kline's post.
    enough said
     
    Post Reply
    -1
    Bad stuff?

  30. fb_100000721367549 avatar Jerry Reed Posted: 5/26/2012 4:39pm PDT

    The GT500 is not a prototype now with 662hp...
     
    Post Reply
    -3
    Bad stuff?

  31. fb_100001023234654 avatar Vince Hotchkiss Posted: 5/18/2012 2:31pm PDT

    Also, guys from high gear, remember that the camaro outweighs the mustang by a f***ton
     
    Post Reply
    0
    Bad stuff?

  32. fb_100001157968398 avatar Russell Gold Posted: 5/19/2012 6:39am PDT

    they're both cool cars but I think the muzzy is the better choice
     
    Post Reply
    -2
    Bad stuff?

  33. fb_100003301590400 avatar Christopher Crockett Posted: 6/17/2012 6:23am PDT

    GM run by idiots. If they wouldve kept immproving the GTO, it would (and in some cases still will) blow both away.

    My very first was a 1977 302 boss, now drive a 6.2L G8. Love both. Mustang will stay on top for long time.
     
    Post Reply
    0
    Bad stuff?

  34. ted4wheels avatar Ted Star Posted: 6/25/2012 4:10am PDT

    Camaro ZL1 offers six-speed automatic transmission - optional))
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  35. fb_745040553 avatar John Gibson Posted: 7/7/2012 2:59am PDT

    The Ford company has made an incredibly powerful, amazing vehicle. But IMO the thing that separates the two ponies from each other is the superior electronics in the Camaro. Electronics is as much a part of modern muscle cars as anything nowadays. Despite the curb weight difference (which is NOT a "ton") as expressed by some folks, the Camaro still beats the Mustang hands down. I'm awaiting my issue of Car and Driver/Motortrend to prove me wrong. GM has yet to be knocked off of the Pony throne, but Ford is coming increasingly closer.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

     

  36. fb_100004166253236 avatar Benny Vipautogroup Posted: 8/1/2012 3:07pm PDT

    Both GM and Ford should be commended for such incredible machines which incorporate technology while never losing sight of producing a muscle car by today's standards. We should embrace these cars and be fortunate enough that they are even being built!
     
    Post Reply
    +1
    Bad stuff?

  37. Camaro4life avatar Camaro4life Posted: 8/23/2012 8:27am PDT

    Y does crappy ford always put there newer stuff against chevys older stuff?? maybe cause ford sucks!!!!
     
    Post Reply
    +1
    Bad stuff?

  38. Super Snake avatar Super Snake Posted: 10/22/2012 6:13pm PDT

    The gt500 is better in every way. the gt500 certainly looks better plus it has more horsepower and torque. i would choose the mustang over the camaro any day.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  39. kevin s brown avatar kevin brown Posted: 11/16/2012 12:45pm PST

    if you have the car set up right and you have the right driver the ford mustang would win the race ford has the number 1 trucks and cars.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

Advertisement
Get great deals on the 2013 Ford Mustang!
By clicking above, you agree that your data will be subject to our Car Quotes Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Advertisement

Research New Cars

Go!

Related Used Listings

Browse used listings in your area.
Listings Powered by

More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2013 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.