Chevrolet Camaro6 SS 1LE / Toyota GR Supra A90/A91

American Muscle vs. German-Japanese Engineering: A Track-Focused Battle

The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE and the 2020 Toyota GR Supra A90/A91 represent fundamentally different philosophies in modern rear-wheel-drive sports car design. With 158 direct comparisons across 70 common tracks in the LapMeta database, these two have become one of the most popular head-to-head matchups, averaging just 1.81 seconds apart—making this one of the closest performance battles in the database.

Power and Performance Architecture

The Camaro SS 1LE brings Detroit's classic formula: the legendary 6.2L LT1 V8 sourced directly from the C7 Corvette Stingray, producing 455 horsepower and a massive 617 lb-ft of torque. This is old-school naturally aspirated fury—all power, all the time, delivered with a visceral V8 soundtrack through either a 6-speed manual or optional 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Supra takes a completely different approach with BMW's turbocharged B58 3.0L inline-six, officially rated at 387 hp and 500 lb-ft. However, independent dyno testing reveals Toyota significantly underrated these numbers—real-world output measures closer to 345 hp and 409 lb-ft at the wheels, suggesting actual crank figures around 400+ hp. The closed-deck B58 features forged steel connecting rods, coated bearings, and a forged crankshaft. Toyota reportedly tested this engine to 700 hp during validation, revealing massive tuning headroom that track enthusiasts have eagerly exploited.

The 1LE Track Package vs. BMW Chassis Engineering

The Camaro's 1LE package transforms it into a factory-ready track weapon. Key upgrades include:

• Upgraded cooling for differential, engine oil, and transmission
• Brembo 6-piston front brake calipers with pads, rotors, and calipers designed specifically for aggressive track work
• Electronic limited-slip differential
• Recaro front sport seats
• FE4 suspension tuning achieving 1.05g lateral grip
• Magnetic Ride Control with Sport and Track modes that allow controlled chassis play without premature stability control intervention

The result is "exemplary composure and responsiveness when driven hard," according to professional testers. The 1LE package allows drivers to exploit all 455 hp on track with confidence and precision rare in American muscle cars.

The Supra leverages BMW's decades of chassis development, paired with Toyota's rigorous validation process. The adaptive dampers, short 2,469mm wheelbase (vs. Camaro's 2,812mm), and 421-pound weight advantage (3,351 lbs vs. 3,772 lbs) create a nimble, precise tool. However, the Supra has documented track limitations: the liquid-cooled charge air cooler heat-soaks quickly during extended sessions, causing intake temps to spike and eventually forcing the ECU into limp mode. Track drivers also report fuel starvation in right-hand turns before oil starvation occurs in left turns, requiring maximum oil capacity and keeping fuel above half-tank during track sessions.

Track Performance Analysis: Where Each Car Excels

Analyzing the 70 common tracks reveals distinct performance profiles:

The Supra dominates technical, flowing circuits where agility, chassis balance, and corner exit speed matter most. At tracks like Laguna Seca (1:36.09 vs 1:36.83), Barber Motorsports Park (1:34.90 vs 1:43.62), Thunderhill, and Road America, the Supra's lighter weight and shorter wheelbase allow it to maintain momentum through complex corner sequences. The BMW-derived chassis delivers confidence-inspiring precision, allowing drivers to carry more speed mid-corner and attack apexes with surgical accuracy.

The Camaro excels on power-focused and high-speed circuits where straight-line acceleration and stability at speed become decisive. At Ridge Motorsports Park (1:45.68 vs 1:47.28) and Watkins Glen International (approximately 5 seconds faster), the Camaro's 68-hp advantage and 117 lb-ft torque superiority prove devastating. The 1LE's aero enhancements and electronic diff allow drivers to put power down earlier and harder out of corners, while the Magnetic Ride Control maintains composure through high-speed sweepers.

Modification Levels and Real-World Considerations

Most comparison data includes light to medium modification levels on both platforms. The Supra's B58 engine has become legendary in the tuning community for its durability and power potential—one experienced track driver reports running the Supra "just as hard as an S2000 but harder, with barely any issues." Simple bolt-ons and ECU tuning can safely add 100+ hp, completely shifting the power dynamic.

The Camaro's LT1 is equally proven but requires more investment to extract significant gains from an already robust 455 hp baseline. Where the Camaro shines is in consistency—it doesn't suffer the heat-soak issues that plague the Supra during extended track sessions.

Driver Experience and Character

The Camaro SS 1LE is pure American track car: loud, powerful, and unapologetically muscular. The V8 rumble, mechanical gearbox (if you choose it), and sheer torque delivery create an engaging, emotional experience. Visibility remains the Camaro's Achilles heel, with thick pillars compromising sightlines in tight corners.

The Supra delivers modern refinement with track capability. The ZF 8-speed automatic is lightning-fast and perfectly calibrated, though it robs some of the manual engagement purists crave. The interior feels more premium, and the car excels as both daily driver and weekend warrior. The B58's turbo whistle and efficient power delivery feel clinical compared to the Camaro's theatrical V8.

The Verdict: 1.81 Seconds Tells the Whole Story

With an average separation of just 1.81 seconds across 70 tracks, these cars are remarkably evenly matched. The Camaro wins on power-dependent circuits and offers that irreplaceable V8 experience. The Supra wins on technical tracks and offers more refinement, better long-term tuning potential, and superior daily usability.

Your choice depends on what you value: American muscle car heritage and naturally aspirated fury (Camaro), or modern engineering efficiency with massive tuning potential (Supra). Both are legitimate track weapons that will reward driver skill—and with lap times this close, the driver makes far more difference than the car.