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The first time going WOT in a ZR1 you are thinking this is terrifying, the 20th time you go WOT you are thinking maybe it could use a couple hundred more HP. 🤷♂️
I still have 100 miles to go to reach the 500 mark but even so this car is the most violent accelerating car I have every owned. The whole demeanor of the car, from sound to engine control management to transmission mapping is so much more than the 2023 SR I owned.
The first time going WOT in a ZR1 you are thinking this is terrifying, the 20th time you go WOT you are thinking maybe it could use a couple hundred more HP. 🤷♂️
The first time going WOT in a ZR1 you are thinking this is terrifying, the 20th time you go WOT you are thinking maybe it could use a couple hundred more HP. 🤷♂️
Time to step up your the X then. At that point maybe I can justify the extra 249 lbs and added complexity of things waiting to break.
Great confirmations. Only have 300 miles on my 2026 ZR1. Even at that it’s a rocket ship. And I have a new Z06 for at least some reference.
Definite have to drive smartly. In the Northeast here it presents a very tricky situation at lower (than say 60 degrees) temperatures. Interesting what one can do with almost 1,200 hp (I have some moderate upgrades).
the first time going wot in a zr1 you are thinking this is terrifying, the 20th time you go wot you are thinking maybe it could use a couple hundred more hp. 🤷♂️
Did a couple of WOT pulls in 2nd/3rd gear after hitting 500 miles. I was not prepared, it was terrifying!
It seems kind of docile during the 500 break in. But once you open it up, it sounds like a monster roaring behind your head and the car is beaking loose in 2nd/3rd gear!
I just did a close look at the last Ferrari Daytona SP3 which was produced in 2025. On its looks, like many Italian sports car design, most would rate it as exceptional. Many aspects are exceptional, i.e. paint quality and color choices), , same with interior leathers, body panel finish and fit, engine sound (I did not necessarily say totally exotic engineering design), etc.
Leave price aside for the moment. SP3: 829 hp, 514 ft lb torque, 7 speed dual clutch, approx. 3,500 lbs, 0-60 2.6 sec. 211 top speed. 6.5 liter V12
ZR1: 1064 hp (supposedly higher), 828 ft lb torque, approx 3,800 lb, 0-60 2.23 sec. 233 top speed (low rear wing). 5.5 liter V8
Design aspects;
- top comes off, not possible to store it in the car
- the intake presents a vertical (top to bottom) opening that effectivity limits air flow into the engine as the air coming into the engine is flowing horizontally past the car. The ZR1 side intakes take the air exactly as it flows past the car, i.e. straight into the side opeing.
- a 7 speed trans limits performance possibilities as opposed to the ZR1's 8 speed unit
- rear end design of the car are series of narrow horizontal slats with open mesh in between each slat. Not as effective for the important task of removing engine generated heat. Unlike the ZR1 rear deck with its large mesh screens on each side of the central glass, as well as thru the center spine. Not clear how much hot air can pass thru the SP3's centgral spine design. And you have the Z06 European (only) scoops/openings in the pan below the engine that cost peanuts and bolt right in. Ones that I have added to my Z06 and ZR1.
- given the extremely effective ways that Chevrolet has designed the systems surrounding the turbos operation there is pretty much no noticeable turbo lag
Optional considerations vis a vis ZR1:
- changing the factory wheels for the world's lightest forged magnesium wheels and taking into account the engineering impact of saving that much rotating weight you have a mchine where the engine see the car it is powering not as a 3,800 lb car but at a mnimum a 3,500 lb. A substantial impact item with a non-warranty impact. A crucial factor. Cost of which granted is not inconsequetial, but a better expenditure than the large wing and associated three other pieces for almost the same price (given the recent increased 2027 prices), and the fact the wing works great on the track but otherwise slows the car down approx. ten mph. in straight line performance.
May have forgotten some things (as I have time these moments waiting for surgery). Welcome corrections, additions, likes, dislikes, complaints. Since I have an extremely thick skin nothing bothers me regarding car opinions, and I enjoy comparing and especially owning great cars.
Pricing (for those interested):
-Original purchase pricing was for the fixed production: 599 $~2.4 million, resale now ~$6 million, the plus 1 for charity auctioned for $26 million
- My ZR1 MSRP was $204K (without state sales tax)
But like Rolex watches that I really like irrespective of the somewhat imprecise timimg, there is more to the products than just the specs as we all know, whether or not we like it, and especially so with the Ferrari market reputation.
Last edited by tobaccokid; Apr 20, 2026 at 04:28 PM.
A comparison between a Ferrari SP3 and a ZR1 is not possible since those buying the Ferrari are buying it for reasons other than pure performance. I briefly cross shopped a Ferrari 296GTB against my ZR1. But got the Chevy since there is no F dealer close.
Did a couple of WOT pulls in 2nd/3rd gear after hitting 500 miles. I was not prepared, it was terrifying!
It seems kind of docile during the 500 break in. But once you open it up, it sounds like a monster roaring behind your head and the car is beaking loose in 2nd/3rd gear!
A comparison between a Ferrari SP3 and a ZR1 is not possible since those buying the Ferrari are buying it for reasons other than pure performance. I briefly cross shopped a Ferrari 296GTB against my ZR1. But got the Chevy since there is no F dealer close.
It is possible to compare the two. Take look at my section on "Design Aspects" and you wsill that I did compare certain design consideration differences. The only non-technical aspect I did not compare is image, as there is no comparison whatsoever between the two brands, period, in that regard.
It is possible to compare the two. Take look at my section on "Design Aspects" and you wsill that I did compare certain design consideration differences. The only non-technical aspect I did not compare is image, as there is no comparison whatsoever between the two brands, period, in that regard.
The Ferrari SP3 is a limited edition model from the Iconic series and is a work of art to it owners. It is naturally aspirated and the body work alone attracts its buyers. It may be the last great Ferrari and was limited to 600 units. It is the Mona Lisa and the ZR1 is something hanging on someone's refrigirator which is why there is so much difference in price. These comparisons are meaningless because so much goes into buying a car like SP3 versus a ZR1.
The Ferrari SP3 is a limited edition model from the Iconic series and is a work of art to it owners. It is naturally aspirated and the body work alone attracts its buyers. It may be the last great Ferrari and was limited to 600 units. It is the Mona Lisa and the ZR1 is something hanging on someone's refrigirator which is why there is so much difference in price. These comparisons are meaningless because so much goes into buying a car like SP3 versus a ZR1.
I take everything into account when comparing cars. I've been to all the factories and to Zagato, one of the classic design houses. I also own an impressionist (Renoir), a Dali work, and a famous Austrian art piece. I can definitely judge the non-technical aesthetic side.
No comparisons of anything are ever meaningless, unless you arbitrarily eliminate one simply because you do not like it, and/or have an inability to understand its strengths.
500 miles and WOW.
