MT: Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE vs. Ford Mustang GT Track Pack

[Perian]

Motor Trend magazine

March, 2013 issue



Article Quotes:

It might seem like we've compared every combination of Mustang versus Camaro that exists. We pitted V-6 against RS, GT against SS, and even ran the mighty Mustang Boss 302 and GT500 against the Camaro ZL1. Still, two models have gotten away from grille-to-grille competition thus far: the Camaro SS 1LE and the Mustang GT Track Pack. 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Vs 2013 Ford Mustang GT 01 We hear you loud and clear -- you're wondering if maybe the Boss 302 might be a tougher opponent for the SS 1LE.

Well, we asked Ford for a Boss and were politely refused. Ford's reasoning was simple: See, the Boss 302 is a distinct and separate model, much like the Camaro ZL1 or the Shelby GT500. More than a hop-up package, the Boss goes so far as to have a unique engine relative to the standard GT. The GT Track Pack is simply an option on top of the base GT that adds equipment to make it better suited for hot lapping. Similarly, the SS 1LE is an option package for the base SS to serve the same purpose.

So with that in mind and two cars in our garage, we set out with a clear question: Which of these musclecars gives the track-day enthusiast more bang for the buck? For the answer, we ventured just north of Los Angeles to Willow Springs Raceway and the adjoining Streets of Willow track to see which of our pair was superior.

Article continues at link.

[free_energy0]

The Mustangs 3 second loss over a 1 1/2 mile road course, in addition to losing vis-a-vie the subjective qualities, is huge. S197 is limping to an embarrassing retirement with the big glue factory in the sky.

[vcs2600]

tldr; Camaro wins

[GHull3]

"Well, we asked Ford for a Boss and were politely refused. Ford's reasoning was simple: See, the Boss 302 is a distinct and separate model, much like the Camaro ZL1 or the Shelby GT500. More than a hop-up package, the Boss goes so far as to have a unique engine relative to the standard GT. The GT Track Pack is simply an option on top of the base GT that adds equipment to make it better suited for hot lapping. Similarly, the SS 1LE is an option package for the base SS to serve the same purpose."

Translation: the 1LE will abuse our Boss 302...

[Gr8ful1]

This is awesome, the pony car wars are getting even hotter! Can't wait for Dodge to bring out the Barracuda, then it'll be complete. I'm still in the market for the Challenger just want the hemi and 8 speed.

[Novak454]

I am absolutely dying to see what that 1LE will do with an LS7 under the hood! Hopefully those VIN codes are right!

[CaddyLac10]

Kind of scary considering we don't even have a Z/28.

Frankly, I'm amazed at GM's performance engineering. You really have to appreciate what they've done in multiple segments with the ATS, 1LE, CTS-V, ZL1, Z06 and ZR1. Things will only get better with the 8 speed and decreased weight. The competition should recognize.

Alpha is already making a statement.The future of the Camaro and GM performance is in good hands.

[chevypowa670]

What's wrong Ford? Afraid the Boss would lose?

But I thought the Camaro was only a fat cruiser thar couldn't turn a corner

[Z284ever]

Interesting how Ford wanted the GT TP to face off with the 1LE and not the Boss.

[bballr4567]

Interesting how Ford wanted the GT TP to face off with the 1LE and not the Boss.

The bad thing is they KNEW it would lose. The regular SS Camaro is hot on the heels of the GT TP so giving it a true performance pack would produce a win.

3 seconds on a lap that takes 1:22 is HUGE. 9 feet extra in braking from 60ft?? This is truly making me want one. I knew the 1LE was going to be a special car but this makes it very obvious.


Also, the Camaro is heavier but its also a larger vehicle without the aid of a SRA. The Mustang is over 3600lbs and is the small one!

[Cobaltss_King]

I pray to God GM doesn't lose this momentum. There are so many enthusiast models that could be produced using the kind of attention the latest sport cars.

[germeezy1]

Dear GM,

I absolutely detest you, and all of your amazing performance options from the CTS-V to the C6, C7, ATS, ZL1, ZR1, and 1LE. How is a car enthusiast supposed to actually put any of his hard earned money into the bank with you shucksters making such appealing metal?

Sincerely Yours,

Broke but happy car enthusiast with a drooling problem

[bballr4567]

One thing I noticed while building the 1LE. If you choose the RS option, its the same price as it is on a regular SS and switches the wheels to the RS wheels. Why wouldnt GM make it a cheaper option because you already paid for wheels in the 1LE option?

[bone]

The 1LE is the best value Camaro ever in my books. It also is the best looking since the 1969 Z-28.

[germeezy1]

One thing I noticed while building the 1LE. If you choose the RS option, its the same price as it is on a regular SS and switches the wheels to the RS wheels. Why wouldnt GM make it a cheaper option because you already paid for wheels in the 1LE option?

I also noticed that when I built my Inferno Orange 1LE /2SS Coupe that you can not get the two tone orange/ black seats to match as well.