[MikeNoun]

Gotta love this little back-and-forth between Chevy and Ford!

MOTORAMIC - 01/25/12 - The autoblogs have already erupted with games of "let's you and him fight" between Ford and Camaro managers over supposed pony-car dominance, what with the 650-hp Shelby Mustang not far off. But I think Chevy's aiming higher; it tweaked Ford by noting that unlike the Mustangs, the ZL1 can be run on the track without endangering the warranty, but it's pricing billboards compare the Camaro to such names as the Mercedes SLS and the Audi R8 -- cars that easily double the Camaro's $54,095 base price.

[The Boss]

It comes in a drop top too!

[The Champ]

Motor Trend had a nice comparison to the current top Mustang and Camaro factory offerings - the Boss 302 and the ZL1.

There really is no comparison - other than they are both cars.

The Camaro clearly came out on top of this fight. Although the Boss 302 is probably the best Mustang ever built, it just feels and performs like it's a generation behind. Randy summed it up: "The Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca was my favorite American musclecar -- until today." It isn't the lack of power; it isn't the lack of amenities. It's simply a lack of technology. The Camaro is the benchmark for a new class of vehicle. Call it the Power Pony, the Warhorse -- the name isn't important. What is important is ZL1's on-demand attitude. Supercar levels of performance, with the daily driving comfort of a GT, wrapped in a nostalgic package.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz1kWApxnx2

They had professional race driver Randy Pobst take both cars out on the Inde Motorsports Ranch road course in AZ and the ZL1 lapped the 2.2-mile circuit 2.45 seconds faster than the Boss.

The Camaro felt far more composed on the track than the Mustang. "I can put this thing right where I want it!" barked Randy as he slid the car around with one hand. Although heavier than the Mustang, the ZL1 still changes direction easily and is capable of pulling higher g-forces mid-corner. The constantly variable damping rates make the Camaro feel as though its tires sink into the track. Bumps that shook the Boss simply disappeared and never upset the ZL1. More important, more of the track became usable since curbing wouldn't throw the Camaro into a tailspin.

[Red Coupe]

One of the better comebacks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqbDVvKZ4rs

[bryansMtngto]

i wouldnt mind having either. Think they both nice cars.

[Red Coupe]

Yet another perspective:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eeplOPqdyA

Note: NSFW (strong language)

[KS circutguy]

Comparing Mercedes SLS and the Audi R8 to a Ford Chebby now.lol
Mercedes shoppers are NOT looking at Ford or GM!

[The Champ]

Yeah, we know Ford's upping the power, but will it handle?

To ruffle Chevy's feathers during the Camaro's coming-out party, Ford announced the updated 650-hp GT500 at the 2011 Los Angeles auto show. While it doesn't yet have the independent rear suspension rumored in the next-generation Mustang, it does use Bilstein electronically adjustable dampers. While clearly not as advanced as the MR system in Camaro, the dampers do represent a step forward for Ford.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz1kWULcnYA

Remember, Ford has been unwilling to take their cars and run head-to-head with the Camaro at the Nurburgring.

[KS circutguy]

Ford has solid axle?
Chebby has independent correct?
IMO, The Boss looks Boss.
Most that buy those now are looking at that more than a HP war-track time.Correct?

[MikeNoun]

How much is the 2013 Shelby Mustang going to be, around $80K? And another $15K-$20K markup from very Ford dealer? I think they're going to be almost twice the price of a ZL1 Camaro ($55K)....

[critter]

So it's OK for Chevy to build a Camaro that rivals Corvette but it was never OK for Pontiac to build one? GM can kiss my ruddy, red azz. I'll take a Ford these days.

[Mr_GTO]

Originally Posted by critter

So it's OK for Chevy to build a Camaro that rivals Corvette but it was never OK for Pontiac to build one? GM can kiss my ruddy, red azz. I'll take a Ford these days.

I'm pretty sure that even a regular LS3 Corvette would lap quicker than a ZL1..they're only about 800lbs lighter.

[Ron Landis]

Originally Posted by critter

So it's OK for Chevy to build a Camaro that rivals Corvette but it was never OK for Pontiac to build one? GM can kiss my ruddy, red azz. I'll take a Ford these days.

"Never say never.". Were you around in the early '70's? What Corvette could touch a 455 SD? What 1973-4 ANYTHING could? Just asking. Ron

[sdbob]

I had my SD in 74 and the 74 Cor. couldn't handle or accelerate faster.The one Cor I got beat by was a 65 427 4spd. I still don't care for the 'box' shape of the Cam.

[Alvin]

What/Where is the Chrysler version to compete with these GM & Ford offerings?

Viper, Charger, or Challenger?

Would be GR8 to have direct 3 way competition by US Muscle in this category.

[68gtoMN]

People are so quick to return to partisan support here. ZL1 - looks like a killer car. 2013 Shelby GT500 will benefit from much of the Boss suspension development plus killer power. Comparing the Boss 302 (444 HP NA 5.0 vs a 580 HP Supercharged 6.2) is dumb. They are not built for the same purpose. The HP diff alone should give the ZL1 a much larger advantage than it showed.

Remember, the Shelby will have a 5.8 aluminum engine now, much lighter and it will be a formidable performer in the corners too. Chevy borrowed Holden's car and rebodied it. Impressive? Yes. King Kong? We'll have to wait to see. Remember, Chevy built this car and equipped it to poke at Ford. Perhaps Ford will up the game (called response to competition) with standard track stuff.

I'm still thinking that the Ford will lap faster...

[PONTIAC-ONE]

If there were no competition there would be no need for improvements, rivalry is good in the muscle car world.
I like these two and the Challenger, sure would be nice if there were a 2012 SD Trans Am in that mix.

[Mr_GTO]

Originally Posted by Alvin

What/Where is the Chrysler version to compete with these GM & Ford offerings?

Viper, Charger, or Challenger?

Would be GR8 to have direct 3 way competition by US Muscle in this category.

Supposed to be a 580hp or so Charger coming out in a year.

[GTOnly70]

I like 'em both. I like the Mustang better.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Mr_GTO

Supposed to be a 580hp or so Charger coming out in a year.

Although I DO like the new Charger Tail-light and Retro Body Side Scallops; doesn't it seem odd for Chrysler to use a 4-door vs the GM & Ford two doors in this category?

Think they will launch a 2-door version of the Charger to compete?