GT350 lap time vs. M3, C63S, ATS-V, Alfa QF

Finally we have something to compare the non-R GT350 lap times with. I found these watching the latest MotorTrend head to head. These were all done at Chuckwalla Raceway. Randy Pobst driving of course.

1) Alfa Romeo Giulia QF - 2:00.22

2) BMW M3 Competition - 2:00.61

3) Cadillac ATS-V - 2:00.81

4) Ford Shelby GT350 - 2:00.82

5) Mercedes C63S AMG - 2:02.49

With starting MSRP:

1) Alfa Romeo Giulia QF - 2:00.22 - $72,050

2) BMW M3 Competition - 2:00.61 - $67,195

3) Cadillac ATS-V - 2:00.81 - $61,690

4) Ford Shelby GT350 - 2:00.82 - $54,845

5) Mercedes C63S AMG - 2:02.49 - $73,725

BmacIL said:

With starting MSRP:

1) Alfa Romeo Giulia QF - 2:00.22 - $72,050

2) BMW M3 Competition - 2:00.61 - $67,195

3) Cadillac ATS-V - 2:00.81 - $61,690

4) Ford Shelby GT350 - 2:00.82 - $54,845

5) Mercedes C63S AMG - 2:02.49 - $73,725

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True. But lets be fair and call the GT350 $60k... GG tax and how often do you see a 350 without electronics/convenience package? Plus, anyone who can afford a 350 can also afford the others, maybe less so with the AMG since most examples I see are in the $80-85k range.

ihc95 said:

True. But lets be fair and call the GT350 $60k... GG tax and how often do you see a 350 without electronics/convenience package? Plus, anyone who can afford a 350 can also afford the others, maybe less so with the AMG since most examples I see are in the $80-85k range.

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The prices are what they are. GG is $1300, which still leaves a 10K difference between the GT350 and M3 at base, for example. If you add for electronics/convenience pkgs, do the same for the other cars and increase accordingly.

I haven't watched the episode but I'm going to venture to say the other cars had automatic transmissions? On a track like that automatic vs manual can mean as much as a 2 second difference. Look at the lap times of the automatic Z06 vs the manual around a smaller track like Laguna Seca. That was a difference of 1.5 seconds. It will be interesting to see if Ford really does put the 10 speed auto in the 350 and what kind of lap times it will do. I'm looking forward to watching the video.

Adam

Caballus said:

The prices are what they are. GG is $1300, which still leaves a 10K difference between the GT350 and M3 at base, for example. If you add for electronics/convenience pkgs, do the same for the other cars and increase accordingly.

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The content in the other cars are much better then the GT350 thus the price difference, and there 4 door coupes on top of that.:cheers:

Caballus said:

If you add for electronics/convenience pkgs, do the same for the other cars and increase accordingly.

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There's no need, the other cars have most (if not all) of the stuff you get with electronics/convenience pack standard. :cheers:

flyboygsxr said:

I haven't watched the episode but I'm going to venture to say the other cars had automatic transmissions? On a track like that automatic vs manual can mean as much as a 2 second difference. Look at the lap times of the automatic Z06 vs the manual around a smaller track like Laguna Seca. That was a difference of 1.5 seconds. It will be interesting to see if Ford really does put the 10 speed auto in the 350 and what kind of lap times it will do. I'm looking forward to watching the video.

Adam

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They were all AT/DCT. However, I don't really think the transmission affects lap times as much as they do straight line acceleration numbers. I mean look at the Viper ACR, Z06, and GT350R. They are all setting blistering lap times everywhere with a 6MT against cars with autos. Also, if a GT350 had an AT/DCT, it would be about 50-100lbs heavier..

It's pretty incredible that 4 different cars could get times so close.

I'd have the GT350, then M3, then Alfa, then Mercedes, then a host of others, then the ATS.

ihc95 said:

They were all AT/DCT. However, I don't really think the transmission affects lap times as much as they do straight line acceleration numbers.

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:eyebulge:

What do you think track laps entail?

ihc95 said:

Also, if a GT350 had an AT/DCT, it would be about 50-100lbs heavier..

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Actually, I don't think the car would be any heavier. You are adding weight in certain areas but you're also removing weight...let me explain. No more clutch pedal, clutch reservoir, associated hardware and fluid lines, no more clutch and flywheel, etc. Also, Ford might go to a lighter weight one-piece driveshaft, so the auto car could in fact be lighter than the manual car. Gearing will be better in the auto also, think 10 speeds instead of only 6. In all actuality the 350 only has 5 usable gears because 6th gear is only for EPA fuel economy ratings. It's fun having 3 pedals but it will be interesting to see the 350 with an auto transmission.

Adam

flyboygsxr said:

Actually, I don't think the car would be any heavier. You are adding weight in certain areas but you're also removing weight...let me explain. No more clutch pedal, clutch reservoir, associated hardware and fluid lines, no more clutch and flywheel, etc. Also, Ford might go to a lighter weight one-piece driveshaft, so the auto car could in fact be lighter than the manual car. Gearing will be better in the auto also, think 10 speeds instead of only 6. In all actuality the 350 only has 5 usable gears because 6th gear is only for EPA fuel economy ratings. It's fun having 3 pedals but it will be interesting to see the 350 with an auto transmission.

Adam

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Pretty much most auto's weight more then manuals, but not 100lbs. Depending on setup, between 20-40lbs.:cheers:

I'm disappointed the 350 wasn't 1st. I almost find it hard to believe. :shrug: Terrible embarrassment for the 350 imho

I need to say something about these Alfa Romeo's. I owned an Alfa Romeo 156 back in europe and its really not that special. Quality wise little better than Fiat but thats all. Here in the states people think whatever Italian is amazing but just to give you heads up.

As for the track pack gt350, i m really not sure what to say to this comparison. Looks like 1le camaro can really be faster than the gt350. I m really disappointed! The car is sold for 56 grand minimum, a corvette money. Meanwhile i can find a 1le for 40.5 grand in my area. Even a zl1 camaro can be bought for 63 grand now. Ford needs to put its foot down. If it wasn't for the regular mustang sales, they would be in trouble.