2013 Mustang GT500 MEGA THREAD

[a_Username]

Originally Posted by cbass

Laugh all you want. Better fuel economy while still having your fun and acceleration = more money in your pocket for mods.

If you're pinching pennies that hard, then I'm not sure you're in the right price range.

[mlee]

Originally Posted by a_Username

If you're pinching pennies that hard, then I'm not sure you're in the right price range.

It's the having to stop all the time with an empty tank that really sucks... we have a 1000hp twin turbo here that gets better MPG than a ZL1..

[mdmoore23]

Why are ZL1 fans so sure that the ZL1 will out handle the GT500? No track comparison has been done. I think the naysayers better wait on the results before they have even more words to eat.

[72MachOne99GT]

Originally Posted by SN8KE

TBD, the 2013 GT500 hasn't released any times for Laguna Seca.

I believe he was referencing the competition photo linked abov, asking which we think will post a better time.

And (shockingly to some) I think the GT500 will post a better time, just more difficult to do so than the ZL1.

[LOWDOWN]

The GT500, built with smaller/less rolling-resistant tires (and a 57/43 bias), will pay the price for wearing those...on the twisties...just as it is in the slalom/skidpad, at numbers less than the '11 version. Torsen is NOT a "magic pill" like MRC, and putting down all 600 rwhp on corner-exit, regardless of who you are, will NOT be an "easy" exercise.

Having 600 rwhp that you cannot adequately apply makes the car more difficult to drive in that manner. Having 500 rwhp that you can properly apply (with a faster cornering AND corner-exit speed, thanks to MRC) will not only make the ZL1 "easier" to drive but "quicker" as well.

In drag racing terms, there'll be a LOT more "pedalling" goin' on in the 500's cabin than the ZL1's, on a road course regardless of length. The "slower" the course, the worse the disparity, so forget those Walmart parking lots...

Autocrossing a GT500? SVT emphasized such activity in THEIR own press release. Good luck with that.

"Time" will tell...

[cbass]

Why are ZL1 fans so sure that the ZL1 will out handle the GT500? No track comparison has been done. I think the naysayers better wait on the results before they have even more words to eat.

I think the ZL1 will take it based on the comparison of it against the Boss and the recent limited testing of it against the GT500. However, it seems like people are making out the GT500 to handle like a brick. The GT500 is a great handling car as are the current generation mustangs. For those that referenced Motor Trends Best Drivers Car Comp. Well if you look at the one done in 2009 and 2011 there was a GT500 then a Boss in the top 5. The handling is going to be really close even if the ZL1 managed to edge it out. Remember that in the 2009 Motor Trends Best Drivers Car Comp the camaro ss was in last place. They had to really tweak the suspension to get where they are today in handling.

[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by cbass

I think the ZL1 will take it based on the comparison of it against the Boss and the recent limited testing of it against the GT500. However, it seems like people are making out the GT500 to handle like a brick. The GT500 is a great handling car as are the current generation mustangs. For those that referenced Motor Trends Best Drivers Car Comp. Well if you look at the one done in 2009 and 2011 there was a GT500 then a Boss in the top 5. The handling is going to be really close even if the ZL1 managed to edge it out. Remember that in the 2009 Motor Trends Best Drivers Car Comp the camaro ss was in last place. They had to really tweak the suspension to get where they are today in handling.

Yes...yes they did... That, combined with more rubber and less over-the-top power-to-weight (at these levels) actually works to the ZL1's benefit in the twisties.

For those visitors concerned about the emphasis on Camaro "handling", please recall Chev's advertising from '69...and the Camaro was referred to as..."The Hugger". So, this prediliction for "balance" is age-old, "here". Part of our "heritage"...

EDIT: The effects of more tire on a "slower" car was shared by Car and Driver, 40+ years ago. A "fun" read for both "sides"...
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...ved-comparison

[Long Carbine]

Originally Posted by mdmoore23

Why are ZL1 fans so sure that the ZL1 will out handle the GT500? No track comparison has been done. I think the naysayers better wait on the results before they have even more words to eat.

There is anotehr aspect most are overlooking. The I/C on th3e ZL1 is a lot more inefficient than the 2013 GT500. I twill heat soak a lot worse. It's already down 100 rwhp both stone cold. The ZL1 could have a 130-150 rwhp disadvantage. It would take a lot of handling to overcome those numbers. I believe the GT500 will beat the ZL1. On a road course.

[DanSS24]

Originally Posted by 72MachOne99GT

I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion, and the topic of exhaust note IS indeed a matter of taste.. but still

I think this is one of the best sounding STOCK exhausts I've ever heard.

Let's see if I can find a video

Oh, here, this one is fair.

Sounds nice. I like it.

[cbass]

Yes...yes they did... That, combined with more rubber and less over-the-top power-to-weight (at these levels) actually works to the ZL1's benefit in the twisties.

I think that will depend on how well the traction control will work. Initial testing shows the GT500 traction control to be better at least in the 1/4 mile. The GT500 laid down slower times with traction control off. In the 12's. However, with traction control on the car broke into the 11's. The ZL1 surprising did the opposite. Times were a few tenths quicker with the traction control off and slower with the traction control on.

There is also evidence that the ZL1 may not be as easy or forgiving to drive as many would like to believe. You have one or two journalists that already put one or two ZL1's into the wall. You also have two cars that were wrecked brand new at dealerships before the owners could take delivery. Idiots that don't know to drive such a tame beast? Maybe...time will tell.

[radz28]

Originally Posted by Long Carbine

There is anotehr aspect most are overlooking. The I/C on th3e ZL1 is a lot more inefficient than the 2013 GT500. I twill heat soak a lot worse. It's already down 100 rwhp both stone cold. The ZL1 could have a 130-150 rwhp disadvantage. It would take a lot of handling to overcome those numbers. I believe the GT500 will beat the ZL1. On a road course.

Did I miss some technical information regarding this? Isn't the GT500 also pushing more boost? The last I heard (which could be inaccurate), it was running something like 12-15 psi, while ZL1 is only pushing 9.5. More boost equals more heat. It seems to me the GT500 might not have the advantage since it's already working harder.

If you have referrences, that would be appreciated so I can get my story straight.

[zero]

Originally Posted by mdmoore23

Why are ZL1 fans so sure that the ZL1 will out handle the GT500? No track comparison has been done. I think the naysayers better wait on the results before they have even more words to eat.

SIMULATIONS were done over and over by A.O and the camaro team. come on man , are you living under a rock jk

[8cd03gro]

Originally Posted by LOWDOWN

The GT500, built with smaller/less rolling-resistant tires (and a 57/43 bias), will pay the price for wearing those...on the twisties...just as it is in the slalom/skidpad, at numbers less than the '11 version. Torsen is NOT a "magic pill" like MRC, and putting down all 600 rwhp on corner-exit, regardless of who you are, will NOT be an "easy" exercise.

Having 600 rwhp that you cannot adequately apply makes the car more difficult to drive in that manner. Having 500 rwhp that you can properly apply (with a faster cornering AND corner-exit speed, thanks to MRC) will not only make the ZL1 "easier" to drive but "quicker" as well.

In drag racing terms, there'll be a LOT more "pedalling" goin' on in the 500's cabin than the ZL1's, on a road course regardless of length. The "slower" the course, the worse the disparity, so forget those Walmart parking lots...

Autocrossing a GT500? SVT emphasized such activity in THEIR own press release. Good luck with that.

"Time" will tell...

Where did Ford emphasize autocross? This is the second time I have seen you say that. Last time I asked you to provide the press release and. . . nothing.

[LOWDOWN]

Originally Posted by cbass

There is also evidence that the ZL1 may not be as easy or forgiving to drive as many would like to believe. You have one or two journalists that already put one or two ZL1's into the wall. You also have two cars that were wrecked brand new at dealerships before the owners could take delivery. Idiots that don't know to drive such a tame beast? Maybe...time will tell.

Wow...in the rain...wrong setting...admitted it was his fault...and NOW it's a "hard-to-handle" car?!

ANY vehicle, in the rain with wide tires and lots of power, is potentially a "handful"...ANY.

Dealer dudes ("Idiots")? And when this happens at Ford stores the excuse will be WHAT? The very same...