i thougth about getting a camaro too, and also the challenger...
all i can say is now having had the z for awhile im glad i made the choice that i did...
i had an 04 mach 1 and while it was a badass mustang with the best sounding v8 in my opinion, it just doesnt compare in handling with the z...
these z's can be made to run 12's with bolt ons and stick to corners like slot cars...
like you say, they probably wont do as well in the winter as the bmr...
good luck in your ventures