Originally Posted by Idaho2018GTPremium
The launch is a lot more than just peak hp ratings. The Camaro ZL1 has more torque, but less rear end multiplication than the GT500 (2.85 vs 3.73). However, 1st gear is so low in the ZL1 that the ZL1 sends more torque to the rear wheels than the GT500 in first gear which could technically make it harder to launch the ZL1:
1st gear peak torque delivered to the rear wheels (not taking into account drivetrain losses) for the ZL1 and GT500:
ZL1: 4.7 (1st gear ratio) x 2.85 x 650 ft-lbs = 8,707 ft-lbs
GT500: 3.14 (1st gear) x 3.73 x 625 ft-lbs = 7,320 ft-lbs
So, technically, the ZL1 is putting more torque to the rear wheels at peak torque ratings for both cars in 1st gear than the GT500, which could be argued that it makes it harder to get traction.
That said, the ZL1 has a better front/rear weight distribution (54/46, rounded), compared to the GT500 (56/44, rounded), and is lighter, thus, tilting the traction advantage to the ZL1 from a chassis standpoint. This is one reason why the Hellcats are so hard to get traction, since they have skinnier tires, much heavier, AND an even worse 57/43 weight distribution.
JMartin has bolt ons, so it's not unrealistic that he has 480 crank hp in this vert. SS.
Correct, the ZL1 is sending more torque to the rear tires than the GT500 in 1st gear at low and mid rpm ranges due to making slightly more torque (650 vs 625 ft-lbs) and a lower overall geared 1st gear. I don't know if the GT500 catches up at higher engine speeds or not...quick math to check:
Torque to rear tires at peak power in 1st gear:
ZL1: 4.7 (1st gear) x 2.85 x 533 ft-lbs (650 hp at 6,400 rpm) = 7,139 ft-lbs
GT500: 3.14 (1st gear) x 3.73 x 547 (760 hp at 7,300 rpm) = 6,406 ft-lbs
So the answer is...No, the GT500 never sends as much torque in 1st gear to the rear tires as the ZL1 (assuming similar drivetrain efficiency). Do the ZL1's chassis and weight distribution advantages offset the extra torque and make hooking up easier in the ZL1? I'm not sure.
Interesting thing to note is from peak torque to peak hp, the ZL1 drops by 18%, while the GT500 drops by only 12.5% - meaning a flatter high rpm torque curve with the Predator vs the LT4.
Anyway, that's some torque analysis for y'all.
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