Boss 302 vs Camaro ZL-1 in Motor Trend
1/17/12, 10:39 AM
#1
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Boss 302 vs Camaro ZL-1 in Motor Trend
Well, I think the comparison is more Apples to Oranges, but the Boss comes up short in Motor Trend's estimation. But the caveat is wait until the GT500 hits the streets (or the track).
Read it here:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...2_laguna_seca/
Sorry if this was posted elsewhere on the Forum
Read it here:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...2_laguna_seca/
Sorry if this was posted elsewhere on the Forum
1/17/12, 12:34 PM
#2
No real surprises there; I'm guessing the new GT500 vs. the ZL1 will be a more interesting match.
1/17/12, 12:59 PM
#3
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The faithful on Camero5 will rejoice. I would have been really surprised that with the magnetorheological damping, wider tires, and 133 hp more if the Zl1 had not managed to beat the boss.
1/17/12, 01:06 PM
#4
Shelby GT500 Member
I'll assume the conversation to compare these (2) cars went something like this:
MT guy #1: Hey, lets compare (2) cars that are not really in the same league!!
MT guy #2: Why?
MT guy #1: Cause we don't have a 2013 GT500 to compare the ZL1 SUPER-charged Cumaro too. Besides, it's time for a Chevy to win against a lessor opponent.
MT guy #2: Your right. Lets give them a win now before the 2013 GT500 gets here and kicks its AZZ!!
MT guy #1: Hey, lets compare (2) cars that are not really in the same league!!
MT guy #2: Why?
MT guy #1: Cause we don't have a 2013 GT500 to compare the ZL1 SUPER-charged Cumaro too. Besides, it's time for a Chevy to win against a lessor opponent.
MT guy #2: Your right. Lets give them a win now before the 2013 GT500 gets here and kicks its AZZ!!
1/17/12, 01:32 PM
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That just about summed up what I felt about the boss. I saw these reviews and bought a boss wo driving it, took it to the track and was impressed with the overall performance but the driver confidence was lacking and car felt a little too loose for my liking. The only way to drive this car fast was from seat time and not the information relayed from the car.
With that said, I can't wait until I get my coilovers on and dialed in to my liking. Perhaps people will be a little more open minded about modding their suspension now...ford did a stand up job with what their budget was, but it can definitely be approved upon.
With that said, I can't wait until I get my coilovers on and dialed in to my liking. Perhaps people will be a little more open minded about modding their suspension now...ford did a stand up job with what their budget was, but it can definitely be approved upon.
1/17/12, 01:33 PM
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Dang, the ZL1 tops the cost of a regular Boss by $15k. If Shane's results are true, you could slap on the Bridgestone's for $1k and still take the ZL1. I wouldn't trade my Boss and $15k for a ZL1; no way.
1/17/12, 01:43 PM
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My track buddy has a ZL1 on order. I'll be interested to drive it when it arrives, but for my money (a whole lot less than a ZL1) the Boss is still the one I'd rather have in my garage.
1/17/12, 04:19 PM
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Wow, the acceleration figures between the two cars is what's surprising to me. I figured the much-more-powerful, albeit heavier, Camaro ZL-1 would have absolutely demolished the Boss 302 in every single acceleration test. Let's just hope that Ford can get the 2013 GT500's launch control to work as well as the current Boss's.
1/17/12, 04:31 PM
#12
Been reading some of the chest pounding on Camaro5, hilarious. Funny though, none of them have mentioned that the Camaro has a supercharger (AND over 70 more cubic inches). 
Wasn't that always a MAJOR factor and not a fair comparison when a Mustang beat a Camaro in the past ("well, put a S/C on the Camaro and see what happens") ? 
Wasn't that always a MAJOR factor and not a fair comparison when a Mustang beat a Camaro in the past ("well, put a S/C on the Camaro and see what happens") ?
1/17/12, 05:48 PM
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I'll admit it, I'm suprised. I was in the crowd that believed the LS or even base Boss 302 could take the ZL1 around a road course, but I stand corrected. I thought the weight of this thing would only make it a drag-queen, and handle like crap on a road course. I did not expect the lighter and track-focused LS to come in 2nd, and be that much slower around Indie than the ZL1.
Not sure where you are getting the $15k difference, the LS was $48,100 and the ZL1 was $56,465. Not TOO huge of a price difference between the two.
Well done Chevy. If I had that kind of coin I'd strongly consider that car. Looks good too.
Not sure where you are getting the $15k difference, the LS was $48,100 and the ZL1 was $56,465. Not TOO huge of a price difference between the two.
Well done Chevy. If I had that kind of coin I'd strongly consider that car. Looks good too.
1/17/12, 05:55 PM
#15
I'll admit it, I'm suprised. I was in the crowd that believed the LS or even base Boss 302 could take the ZL1 around a road course, but I stand corrected. I thought the weight of this thing would only make it a drag-queen, and handle like crap on a road course. I did not expect the lighter and track-focused LS to come in 2nd, and be that much slower around Indie than the ZL1.
Not sure where you are getting the $15k difference, the LS was $48,100 and the ZL1 was $56,465. Not TOO huge of a price difference between the two.
Well done Chevy. If I had that kind of coin I'd strongly consider that car. Looks good too.
Not sure where you are getting the $15k difference, the LS was $48,100 and the ZL1 was $56,465. Not TOO huge of a price difference between the two.
Well done Chevy. If I had that kind of coin I'd strongly consider that car. Looks good too.
1/17/12, 05:56 PM
#16
BTW anyone that gets a chance to drive INDE Motorsports Ranch, take the opportunity, it's a great track. Some videos of the full config in my signature link.
1/17/12, 06:29 PM
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Before everyone gets too excited over this minor win lets look at some facts.
With 136 more HP, and 176 more TQ it better put up some pretty good track times especially with wider tires and fancy shocks. But with 176LBS of torque MORE that's the best it could do?? Great job GM, you successfully beat a car with 76 less CI and N/A that cost's 7K more, just barely. But the win was from the two fastest laps on ONE track by ONE driver. How will that blown pig fare after a real road race where the Boss loves to run? Cause we all know how well blowers love heat. You can get a couple of good first laps out if it, but what happens after 10+ laps in normal summer temps?
Put the ZO6's 427 in a Camaro and see if it can beat a Boss on the track, I'll call the weight penalty vs more power a draw. If it can do that I'll be impressed an give it high praise.
With 136 more HP, and 176 more TQ it better put up some pretty good track times especially with wider tires and fancy shocks. But with 176LBS of torque MORE that's the best it could do?? Great job GM, you successfully beat a car with 76 less CI and N/A that cost's 7K more, just barely. But the win was from the two fastest laps on ONE track by ONE driver. How will that blown pig fare after a real road race where the Boss loves to run? Cause we all know how well blowers love heat. You can get a couple of good first laps out if it, but what happens after 10+ laps in normal summer temps?
Put the ZO6's 427 in a Camaro and see if it can beat a Boss on the track, I'll call the weight penalty vs more power a draw. If it can do that I'll be impressed an give it high praise.
1/17/12, 06:33 PM
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Before everyone gets too excited over this minor win lets look at some facts.
With 136 more HP, and 176 more TQ it better put up some pretty good track times especially with wider tires and fancy shocks. But with 176LBS of torque MORE that's the best it could do?? Great job GM, you successfully beat a car with 76 less CI and N/A that cost's 7K more, just barely. But the win was from the two fastest laps on ONE track by ONE driver. How will that blown pig fare after a real road race where the Boss loves to run? Cause we all know how well blowers love heat. You can get a couple of good first laps out if it, but what happens after 10+ laps in normal summer temps?
Put the ZO6's 427 in a Camaro and see if it can beat a Boss on the track, I'll call the weight penalty vs more power a draw. If it can do that I'll be impressed an give it high praise.
With 136 more HP, and 176 more TQ it better put up some pretty good track times especially with wider tires and fancy shocks. But with 176LBS of torque MORE that's the best it could do?? Great job GM, you successfully beat a car with 76 less CI and N/A that cost's 7K more, just barely. But the win was from the two fastest laps on ONE track by ONE driver. How will that blown pig fare after a real road race where the Boss loves to run? Cause we all know how well blowers love heat. You can get a couple of good first laps out if it, but what happens after 10+ laps in normal summer temps?
Put the ZO6's 427 in a Camaro and see if it can beat a Boss on the track, I'll call the weight penalty vs more power a draw. If it can do that I'll be impressed an give it high praise.
Personally, I hope I get to see a ZL1 at the track. I'm very much looking forward to the challenge. I see the Camaro runs the same width tires as I do on track. I'm pretty sure the 400 lb weight savings on similar tires will offset the extra 150 hp it has for the first lap or two......until it starts pulling timing from the blower, then it's game on
1/17/12, 06:55 PM
#20
Cobra R Member
Originally Posted by Rather B.Blown
Been reading some of the chest pounding on Camaro5, hilarious. Funny though, none of them have mentioned that the Camaro has a supercharger (AND over 70 more cubic inches). Wasn't that always a MAJOR factor and not a fair comparison when a Mustang beat a Camaro in the past ("well, put a S/C on the Camaro and see what happens") ?