The 2020–2022 Shelby GT500 has the factory horsepower advantage over the sixth-generation Camaro ZL1: 760 hp versus 650 hp. But “which is faster?” still depends on the test. The GT500 uses a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and was engineered around huge acceleration, braking and cooling capability; the Camaro ZL1 combines a 650-hp supercharged LT4 V8 with its own track-oriented chassis, and the ZL1 1LE pushes that circuit focus further.
The previous AutoZonic article contradicted itself by saying the 650-hp Camaro had more power than the 760-hp GT500, gave the GT500 a 10-speed transmission and published several incompatible top-speed figures. Those AI-generated errors have been removed.
GT500 vs Camaro ZL1: factory basics
| Specification | Shelby GT500 | Camaro ZL1 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2L supercharged V8 | 6.2L supercharged LT4 V8 |
| Horsepower | 760 hp | 650 hp |
| Torque | 625 lb-ft | 650 lb-ft |
| Transmission context | 7-speed dual-clutch | Manual/automatic availability depends on ZL1 configuration and model year |
| Track emphasis | Available Carbon Fiber Track Package | Available ZL1 1LE track package |
Which has more power?
The GT500 is the clear horsepower winner: Ford rates the modern GT500 at 760 hp, while Chevrolet rates the Camaro ZL1’s supercharged LT4 at 650 hp. The Camaro has a slightly higher torque rating on paper, but torque and horsepower figures alone do not determine a lap time or launch.
Which accelerates faster?
Ford described the modern GT500 as reaching 60 mph in a little over three seconds and completing the quarter-mile in under 11 seconds. Camaro ZL1 acceleration depends on transmission, tire and test method. A fair head-to-head result should use the same surface and timing method rather than combining unrelated magazine tests.
Top speed is not the same as overall performance
The old page repeatedly used conflicting top-speed numbers to declare a winner. AutoZonic no longer does that. Maximum speed depends on gearing, aero, tires and electronic strategy, while most real performance comparisons are decided by acceleration, braking and cornering as well.
GT500 Carbon Fiber Track Package vs ZL1 1LE
Both manufacturers created more circuit-focused configurations. Ford’s Carbon Fiber Track Package adds carbon-fiber wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, a GT4-style rear wing and additional aero hardware. Chevrolet’s ZL1 1LE package was developed around road-course performance with dedicated aero, tires and chassis tuning.
That makes a track comparison substantially different from comparing base-configured cars. Driver skill, tire condition, brake condition, track layout and weather can matter more than the headline horsepower gap.
Which one should a buyer choose?
- GT500: prioritize massive factory power, rapid DCT shifts and Ford’s modern Shelby track hardware.
- Camaro ZL1: prioritize the ZL1 chassis character and, if relevant, the dedicated 1LE track configuration.
- Used examples: condition, modifications, tires, brakes and service history can outweigh small paper-spec differences.
Related Shelby GT500 guides
References
- Ford Performance Parts — GT500 engine output
- Ford Media Center — GT500 performance and chassis
- Chevrolet Media — Camaro ZL1 650-hp supercharged LT4
- Chevrolet Media — Camaro ZL1 1LE track package
About this article
Updated August 9, 2026 by the AutoZonic Editorial Team. The legacy AI article was rewritten to correct horsepower, transmission and speed contradictions and to separate straight-line performance from track-focused ZL1 1LE/GT500 package comparisons.
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