Compare the2023 Chevrolet CamaroVS 2022 Ford Shelby GT500

The Camaro (except LS) offers an optional collision warning system, which detects an impending crash through forward mounted sensors and flashes a bright light and sounds a loud, distinctive tone to warn the driver to brake or maneuver immediately to avoid a collision. The Shelby GT500 doesn't offer a collision warning system.

Both the Camaro and the Shelby GT500 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chevrolet Camaro is safer than the Ford Shelby GT500:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Camaro’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Shelby GT500’s (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 11 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Ford is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet 5 places higher in reliability than Ford.

The Camaro ZL1’s standard 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 25 lbs.-ft. more torque (650 vs. 625) than the Shelby GT500’s 5.2 supercharged V8.

As tested in Car and Driver the Camaro ZL1 6.2 supercharged V8 is faster than the Ford Shelby GT500 (automatics tested):

On the EPA test cycle the Camaro gets better mileage than the Shelby GT500:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Camaro V6/V8 Auto’s fuel efficiency. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Chevrolet Camaro uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder engine for maximum performance). The Shelby GT500 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Camaro has 3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Shelby GT500 (19 vs. 16 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A 10-speed automatic is available on the Chevrolet Camaro, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Shelby GT500.

The Camaro stops shorter than the Shelby GT500:

The Camaro has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Camaro can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Camaro’s wheelbase is 3.6 inches longer than on the Shelby GT500 (110.7 inches vs. 107.1 inches).

The Camaro’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.9% to 48.1%) than the Shelby GT500’s (56.6% to 43.4%). This gives the Camaro more stable handling and braking.

The Camaro SS Coupe handles at 1.12 G’s, while the Shelby GT500 pulls only 1.01 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Camaro SS Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the Shelby GT500 (22.9 seconds @ .91 average G’s vs. 24.1 seconds @ .85 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Camaro’s turning circle is 5.7 feet tighter than the Shelby GT500’s (38.1 feet vs. 43.8 feet). The Camaro ZL1’s turning circle is 5.7 feet tighter than the Shelby GT500 Track Package’s (38.4 feet vs. 44.1 feet).

The Chevrolet Camaro may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 50 to 750 pounds less than the Ford Shelby GT500.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the Camaro RS Coupe is quieter than the Shelby GT500 (91 vs. 94 dB).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Camaro Coupe a Compact car, while the Shelby GT500 is rated a Subcompact.

The Camaro Coupe has 10.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Shelby GT500 (93 vs. 82.8).

The Camaro Coupe has .9 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more rear headroom and .9 inches more rear legroom than the Shelby GT500.

The Camaro (except LS/LT1)’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Camaro (except LS/LT1) offers an available heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning, turn signal and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

When the Camaro with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Shelby GT500’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Camaro’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Shelby GT500 has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

On extremely cold winter days, the Camaro’s optional (except LS/LT1) heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Chevrolet Camaro (except LS/LT1) offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Shelby GT500 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Chevrolet Camaro comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Ford Shelby GT500 isn’t available as a convertible.

Insurance will cost less for the Camaro owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Camaro will cost $2770 to $11970 less than the Shelby GT500 over a five-year period.

Car and Driver performed a comparison test in its March 2020 issue and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE Coupe won out over the Ford Shelby GT500.

The Camaro was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 7 years. The Shelby GT500 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

Motor Trend selected the Camaro as their 2016 Car of the Year. The Shelby GT500 has never been chosen.