While the Magnum RT has more torque and a larger engine displacement, the Z28 benefits from significantly lower weight and a better power-to-weight ratio. The Z28's six-speed manual transmission also allows for more precise driver control, optimizing acceleration. The Magnum's automatic transmission, while convenient, will typically result in slightly slower acceleration times.
Independent road tests from the time period would show a clear advantage to the Z28 in a quarter-mile race, even though the Magnum is a bigger, more powerful car overall.
