TruIdentity

...with manual transmission of course.

I know these are not apples to apples...but I don't think they are that far off. GM put a huge effort in track tuning the ZL1 and dealing with heat issues, and the few reviews of the car rave about the handling and putting the power down and drive ability. It's no one trick straight line pony car.

But there's no fully disguising the weight and the ZL1 is not a sports car, the Vette is and it handles like it. It's distinctive, upscale exotic looking and frankly doesn't share the same style/platform as the ubiquitous entry level Camaros.

OTOH, $55K for 6lbs/hp ZL1 at same price as 7lbs/hp in the Vette is tempting. Ive yet to drive the ZL1 but have driven the Camaro SS 1LE. It's good but I would not choose the 1LE over a Vette.

The again there is the amazing sounding 8200 rpm flat plane crank 526hp GT350 for the same price...oh, the times we live in!

These cars were the stuff of wet dreams merely 10 years ago, now under $60K-- forget about it!

Life's tough here in the good ole USA ain't it?

LT4CMG

Here, this will help you visualize your decision. My Z51 and a buddy's ZL1. Just curious, where are you finding a ZL1 for $55k?

tarepas

Horsepower junkies unite!!

jdhommert

Tell us what you want out of a car and what's important to you.

Flash/Attention/exclusiveness?

Straight line performance?

Does MPG matter?

Daily driver? Tracks on the weekends? Want to mod the car?

and good luck getting a GT350 at MSRP

thill444

I am not a Camaro guy but the ZL1 is a lot of car for the money. But for me the C7 just looks so much better and feels more like a true sports car. You really should drive them all if you can and buy the one you like. The GT350 is a very special car with a special engine. But just like the Camaro, for me, it looks just like another Mustang.

GT350 has the potential to hold its value the best if Ford really does limit production. I considered a GT350 but the Corvette just spoke to me in terms of styling and cockpit.

TruIdentity

See now if that were a blue ZL1 versus the cyber grey or white w/red C7 in daylight... wow..

Bomnin Chevrolet Miami is advertising white or black M6 ZL1s at $54-$55K with incentives. I may not qualify for all incentives but still could get maybe $56K. And they have a shipment of at least 16 more arriving soon. Different dealer in FL has one at $57. I'm thinking if I'm willing to be patient I could get a good deal on a ZL1.

On the vetted there are so many with the right options available between $47 - $55K (if I'm willing to fly and buy for the right car, which I am).

Almost signed the papers on a '17 Shelby GT350... 600 miles $56K, exact color and options I wanted. That's a good deal but dealer wouldn't budge. If the had dropped $2K I would have done it. Way I figure if that deal was available so soon for a '17 Shelby, waiting a little they'll be more deals...

TruIdentity

You can buy a new GT350 at MSRP, if you're willing to travel to get it. I turned down a '17 with only 600miles in perfect options/color at $56K. (You can't touch a GT350R for anywhere near sticker though).

As far as what I want, more or less all of the above except MPG not high on list. Want drivers car, all around performance, straight line fast but more important to handle well and carry speed in corners. Really want to track it from time to time but not primary focus.
Exclusiveness, yes. Prefer Class more than flash but nothing wrong with a little flash. Will be third car but I will likely drive it a lot including 500+ mile business trips from time to time. Needs to be reliable and take being driven hard from time to time.

Im leaning heavily towards the Vette. Trying to decide-- do I spend for a newer '15 or '16 3LT for some refined options, or spend less on a Z51 '14 and save money for tires and breaks and be more likely to track it?

budgreen3564

ZL1 starts at $65k

TruIdentity

You're right, and many dealers are marking them up. But you don't have to pay that:

http://www.bomninchevrolet.com/Vehic...-FL/2943878323

I think they still have (3) left at $54,111. And they will have more cars and more deals as more arrive.

I didn't qualify for all incentives but the salesperson quoted me $56K. I saw one of the cars in person, they exist. White didn't do it for me though.

2016_Z06

ZL1>gt350>z51

ranked I'm terms of hp...

you can get a gt350 for list just not a gt350r...

go for the 650hp you won't regret it!

Kent1999

HP numbers aren't the end-all be-all; driving feel is a huge factor for some people. Bench racing with 1/4 times and comparing 'ring times isn't enough satisfaction for some.

To me, the Camaro feels & drives like a big coupe with a high HP motor (which, in fact, it is).
The Corvette feels & drives like an exotic super car (which, in fact, it is).

BOTH are fun. Both have their fans and provide a unique driving experience, but they feel completely different -- they are not equivalent nor directly interchangeable.

If I had the means, of course I'd "get both", but like most of us am not that well heeled, and must choose. For me personally, driving each, I could feel the Camaro's extra 400 lbs, even in spirited on-street driving, and that made the decision for me. Extra HP overcomes extra weight, but I could still feel the extra weight in the transitions and overall driving experience.

Which experience do you like more?

ExRedRacer

What answer did you get on the Camaro forums?

Get the Vette. You'll be sorry if you don't.

stanklr

It's better to write down what you looking for in the car to make your decision easier.

For me it's a tough choice, I really love my C7, I mean I really really do, it's an awesome car, but if I had the chance between the newer ZL1 and C7, I think I would go with the ZL1 on this one, 6xx hp, more power, supercharged, easier to modify (A few boltons will yield 100whp), 6 speed trans (I hate the 7speed).

I would miss the exotic looks, weight, removable roof of the C7 though.

I need to note, I didn't drive a ZL1 yet, So maybe once I drive one my opinion above will change and indeed i will be prefering the C7.

JerriVette

I prefer the corvette z51...lift off roof, sexy two seater is a personal preference...

Both awesome...but roof off two seater on a beautiful sunny day...

Life is good

dvilin

For the money Corvette every time over a Camaro, as for Ford no thanks.

Zo62018A8

Here in south florida everyone and their grandmother has a 6 cylinder Camaro. Most people cant even tell the difference between a base 6 cylinder vs a ZL1. Vettes are unique and you dont see too many of them. Corvette all the way

harmonyp

Definitely drive all 3 before making a decision. I absolutely loved my Gen5 ZL1... but ended up trading it in on a 2016 3LT Z51 7M. The latter definitely feels like an "upgrade".

TXshaggy

ZL may be a performance bargain, but you're still sitting in largely a $25k base camaro.

jeff7457

We almost went the ZL1 route until we rented a SS while on vacation once. I'll stick to my C7.

Supersonic 427

Those are some amazing prices quoted from that dealerships website! Showing new GS's as low as 54K!!!! For the same amount of money as a ZL1....I would take the GS!