The first time I saw the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500, I was immediately struck by its menacing presence. The sleek lines and aggressive stance screamed performance, a promise I was eager to explore. My fascination with this car only grew when I compared it to the Camaro ZL1 1LE and the Hellcat Redeye, both of which were equally alluring in their own right. Each of these cars represents the pinnacle of American muscle, boasting outrageous power and a racing pedigree that is hard to ignore. So, when the opportunity arose to put them through their paces in a series of drag races, roll races, and lap times, I knew I had to take it.
The first event was the drag race. I remember the excitement and anxiety that hung in the air as I prepared to pit these three heavyweights against each other. The Mustang Shelby GT500, with its supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, was a beast boasting 760 horsepower. In contrast, the Camaro ZL1 1LE, with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8, had 650 horsepower. The Hellcat Redeye, meanwhile, came with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 pushing out 797 horsepower. All three cars were equipped with their own high-performance tires, but the different power outputs and driving dynamics meant that the results would be far from predictable.
When the lights turned green, the Shelby GT500 surged ahead with an explosive burst of power. Its launch control system worked flawlessly, providing a swift and seamless takeoff. I could feel the raw thrust as the car’s engine roared, and within moments, I was well ahead of the Camaro ZL1 1LE and the Hellcat Redeye. The ZL1 1LE, while slightly slower off the line, quickly began to close the gap. The Redeye, with its superior power, was a formidable competitor. However, its heavier chassis and the sheer power output sometimes made it a handful on the drag strip.
The Shelby GT500, despite its aggressive power delivery, felt incredibly stable and composed. It was clear that Ford had invested a lot in making sure that this car not only delivered in a straight line but did so with a confidence that made it feel almost effortless. The Camaro ZL1 1LE, though slightly outmatched in terms of raw horsepower, had a tenacious spirit. Its handling prowess was apparent as it cut through the air with precision. The Hellcat Redeye, on the other hand, was a sheer brute force. Its acceleration was mind-boggling, but it occasionally felt like it could overpower its own grip, making it a challenge to control.
Next up was the roll race. Here, I took all three cars from a rolling start at 40 mph. This format leveled the playing field a bit, allowing the Camaro ZL1 1LE to showcase its strengths. It became evident how well the ZL1 1LE could utilize its aerodynamic enhancements and chassis tuning to its advantage. The GT500, with its impeccable power delivery and advanced traction control, managed to stay ahead in most scenarios. The Hellcat Redeye, though incredibly fast, sometimes struggled with traction, especially as speeds increased. Despite its raw power, the car’s weight and drivetrain struggled to keep up consistently.
The roll race highlighted the versatility of each vehicle. The GT500, with its modern technology and balanced performance, demonstrated why it was such a formidable competitor. The Camaro ZL1 1LE showed that handling and driver skill could make a significant difference, especially when the race required finesse over brute force. The Hellcat Redeye, while consistently fast, revealed its limitations in a format that demanded not just power, but also precise control and balance.
The final challenge was the lap times. This was where things got really interesting. The Shelby GT500, with its advanced suspension and braking systems, was a joy to drive on the track. It felt nimble and responsive, and its braking performance was impressive. The Camaro ZL1 1LE, with its track-focused suspension and tires, excelled in corners and provided a thrilling driving experience. The Hellcat Redeye, despite its incredible power, found itself at a disadvantage on the track. Its heavier weight and less track-oriented setup made it less agile, but its power still allowed it to set some impressive straight-line speeds.
In the end, the Shelby GT500 emerged as the overall winner in this comparison. Its combination of power, handling, and advanced technology made it a standout performer in both drag races and lap times. The Camaro ZL1 1LE proved its worth with exceptional handling and a fierce competitive spirit. The Hellcat Redeye, while perhaps not as versatile, remained a formidable force with its unmatched power.
Each car had its strengths and weaknesses, and the experience of driving them all was exhilarating. From the drag strip to the track, the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500, Camaro ZL1 1LE, and Hellcat Redeye each brought their own unique flavor to the table, making it clear why they are considered some of the best muscle cars of their time.