We already know that both the high-revving 2017 Shelby GT350R and the supercharged 2017 Chevy ZL1 Camaro can perform admirably on the track. But the question is how do these high-performance vehicle’s perform while driving around town?
Kelley Blue Book recently took these two popular musclecars out for a spin around town and for a little fun on the track to find out. The result is a rather amusing YouTube video that showcases both the strengths and weaknesses of each of these muscle cars in both environments.
While the majority of owners will probably never use these vehicles as their daily drivers, it is safe to say that many of these cars will spend much of their time going to and from their local Cars and Coffee event. Or in this case, the Sonic Drive-thru.
The team at KBB spent the day putting each car through its paces focusing more on just how fun each car is to drive rather than which one clocks the fastest lap time. On the street, KBB took both of these vehicles out to see just how practical these two muscle cars would be if you were to drive them daily around town.
Essential daily driving factors like suspension, clutch pedal feel, and even cup holder placement were taken into consideration. And even though the KBB crew put a comical twist on this review, if you honestly plan on driving one of these high-performance muscle cars on the street on the daily, would be something you might want to consider. Sitting in rush hour traffic with a manual transmission and a heavy clutch pedal is not always our idea of a good time!
2017 Shelby GT350R: A Closer Look
On Sale: Now
Base Price: $64,545
Engine: 5.2-liter Naturally Aspirated V8
Drivetrain: rear wheel drive, 6-speed manual
Output: 526 hp @ 7,500 rpm/ 429 lb-ft @4,750 rpm
Redline: 8,250 rpm
0-60 time: 4.0 seconds
Braking: 60-0MPH: 99 ft
Curb Weight: 3,713 lb
Fuel Economy: 14mpg city/21mpg hwy
2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: A Closer Look
On Sale: Now
Base Price: $63,435
Engine: 6.2-liter Supercharged V-8
Drivetrain: rear wheel drive, 6-speed manual
Output: 650 hp @ 6,400 rpm/ 650 lb-ft @3,600 rpm
Redline: 6,500 rpm
0-60 time: 3.8 seconds
Braking, 60-0MPH: 97 ft
Curb Weight: 3,912 lb
Fuel Economy: 14mpg city/20mpg hwy
On the track, both cars performed as expected. And although the ZL1 does have a significant power advantage with its supercharged engine, there is no denying that the Shelby GT350R’s high-revving, 5.2L Voodoo Engine was purposely built for days at the track.
While it appeared that the ZL1 might be the favorite in terms of comfort while driving around town, at the track it was a different story. The high-revving Shelby GT350R came out on top and had that fun factor the guys were looking for.
Do you think there was a clear overall winner? If so, let us know in the comments below.