Okay so I did some research on the 4.7L GT Mustang from 1997. A few weeks ago I made the comment that I beat a 97 GT and a 88 GT in a race. A few people laughed at this because there's no way a 3.8 could stand up to a 4.7 in their minds. Well I finally understand why I beat the 97. The 1997 Mustang GT was only equipped with 215hp ( same as the stock '02 V6 Camaro ) and 285 ft/lbs of torque ( about 50 more than a stock '02 V6 Camaro ). Anybody else ever realize this? It's also weird because the 97 z28 was equipped with 285hp and 335 ft/lbs of torque, thats a big difference between the two. I'm wondering if the Camaro was released after the Mustang that year.

 

No, the 3.8L '02 is 200 HP stock. 205 HP if you have the SLP RS Dual Exhaust option.

 

Actually the '00+ had between 200 and 220. Mine was dyno'd at 216hp, by the previous owner.

 

By the same standards, you might also find the same kind of discrepancies in the Mustangs favor as well.
And, with that much more torque that the Mustang has over your V6, if he didn't jump you out of the hole, then he wasn't trying, or doesn't know how to.

 

This is quite true, the point I'm trying to prove is though is that it is possible to beat a 97 GT with a '00+ 3.8 Camaro

 

Yes it is, but I would attribute your success more to driver skill than the match up of the cars.
It's funny how these stories can sometimes go. Yesterday, I was driving my Vette home from work. It was a little rainy and the engine was still cold (I don't go jumping on it until it warms up). Next to me at the light was some econobox car, Ford Focus or something like that. The light goes green and I start to go nice and easy, both for the engine's sake and to keep it going straight. So the other car gets ahead of me, I don't care, I have nothing to prove to a little putt-putt car. But for all I know, that guy got on a forum bragging about how he got the jump on a Vette. Just sayin!

 

yup, I get beat by pickup trucks, minivans etc whether I'm in the 'maro or stang

 

I find this interesting because a 1997 GT when stock will run in the 14's while the 02 sixer runs 15s and even 16's depending on conditions

 

its all about gearing and powerband. that v8 has more torque as well, which really helps

 

correct. But, the OP claims differently. Now, if he's perhaps hiding a wee little bit of the juice, maybe even a 50 shot, then i'd buy into the story. Nothing like nitrous to give you that low end boost of torque.