bracket-2014-round-2

Round one of the playoffs is in the books, and a few things are abundantly clear:

  • You didn’t like trucks being included–they’re gone.
  • You’re sticking to your guns–all four of your write-in vehicles remain alive.
  • 2006? 2014? It doesn’t matter the year Corvette–you’d rather have an SRT Viper.

When we say “you,” we mean our collective readers. Of course some of you like trucks and Corvettes. But the group-at-large made its feelings known–passionately. The will of the people hasn’t been this clear since George Bush took Florida in the 2000 presidential election. Prohibition. ever.

Using the latest technology to tally the votes (tick marks on a Steno pad), we’ve determined these pairings to be the round 2 match-ups:

cobra-vs-cadillac2003 Mustang Cobra vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

In a classic Chevrolet versus Ford match-up, the 2003 Ford Mustang Cobra took out the Camaro ZL1. Now, the Cobra will try to strike again against the 2009 CTS-V, which knocked out the F-150 SVT Raptor by just five votes. Five votes. 

Think your votes don’t matter? Think again.

So what’s your favorite flavor of performance? Classic pony car or luxury sedan? You make the call.

 

gto-vs-stingray2006 Pontiac GTO vs. 2014 Corvette Stingray Z51

OK–we admit it. We were a little surprised that the ’06 Goat took out the 2013 Shelby GT500. Seemingly, the affordability of the LS2-powered GTO outweighed the shock-and-awe factor of the 662-horse GT500. And we can definitely respect that.

In the second round, the GTO will battle with Chevrolet’s latest Stingray, which was named the 2014 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

What to do, GM guy?

What to do?

g8-vs-trans-am2002 Trans Am WS6 vs. 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

The 2002 Trans Am WS6 was your top write-in choice. And the Challenger SRT8 392 isn’t the Hellcat. That’s why it was no real surprise the WS6 became the third Pontiac to reach our round of 8. It will now do battle with–you guessed it–another Pontiac.

The 2009 G8 GXP used a similar formula to the 2006 GTO, delivering a lot of performance for considerably less buck than comparable vehicles. In the first round, it blew past the world’s fastest production truck, the ’04 Ram SRT10, as if the Ram was only firing on nine cylinders.

Maybe it’s time Pontiac made a comeback (we’re just sayin’).

 

Camaro-vs-viper-42014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 vs. 2013 SRT Viper

Another Mustang versus Camaro battle? That’s like putting Alabama against Auburn in the playoffs. Or Ohio State v. Michigan. Army versus Navy.

“Why would you do that?” people asked.

Why wouldn’t you? We pitted the 2014 Camaro Z/28 against the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, and we witnessed a spirited debate, creative insults, and some hurt feelings, too. In the end, the Z/28 showed the Mustang who was Boss.

The SRT Viper knocked off the 2006 Corvette Z06 to carry the Mopar flag into battle against the Z/28. The ’13 SRT Viper beat out the 2006 Corvette Z06, which was incorrectly captioned as “2014 Corvette Z06.” It really didn’t matter if it was 2014 or 1492, you made it very clear the Viper would beat out any and all Z06s.

It won quite handily.

Vote Now

  • Write all your first round picks in the comments section below.
  • Follow OnAllCylinders on Facebook and vote on each individual match-up when we post it. You make your pick by commenting on your favorite.
  • Follow Summit Racing Equipment’s Facebook page. Our friends at Summit Racing will post individual, head-to-head match-ups from the tournament, and you can comment on your favorite to vote.

 

 

Keywords
Late Model Performance Playoffs
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Author: David Fuller

David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.