Snowwolfe

The general opinion is the 1LE holds a very slight advantage on the track but the ride quality is sacrificed as a result. The stock tires are pretty much useless on the street, especially when it comes to hydroplaning.
The ZL1 holds the edge on straight line acceleration due to better aerodynamics. The stock tires are OK but most people change them out pretty quick for Michelin PS4's. Wheels on both models are forged.
The biggest difference between the two are are the aero pieces on the front end, tires, and the 1LE has some type of cradle bushing on the rear axle which benefits handling but destroys the ride quality.
They don't do to bad in the resale department. I bought mine in Feb of this year and first tried to find a lightly used 2019 example. Best deal I could find was high 50's. 6 months ago you could buy a new 2020 ZL1 in the 64-66K range. I paid just under 65 for mine. 1LE, even though it stickered for more, could be had for slightly less. IMO it wasn't selling as well due to the front end styling.
Since the "pandemic" hit prices seem higher on new cars with few dealers willing to negotiate. Used? Thats a crap shoot since we never know how desperate the seller is. I do wonder how much longer they will be built because this car is now the only model that uses the LT4 engine. If GM pulls the plug on the Z the used values will remain very strong IMO.

phils C5 vette

I think its with all new high end GM cars, The first two years, they lose about 8-10K a year.

The main thing you may consider is the 1LE ride. You get really good performance out of the ZL1, but if you're not going to road race it on a track, the standard ZL1 may work for you and a softer ride. I do kind of like the smaller spoiler in the back than the larger.

Just depends how you're going to drive it. My ZR1 misses curves and turns, compares to flat and straight Florida.

Mr. Livingston

The Blue looks Amazing in person. Pictures simply don't do it any justice. Congrats on your Blue ZL1.

Mr. Livingston

A10 Automatic vs Manual --- which is better for resale? I think this all new A10 is the better choice for resale, but not by much.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a2...-transmission/

Dries

I've been blessed enough to have driven the older Z28 5th gen? (2014 I think, Worked at a dealership) and have driven a grandsport. The corvette is a way way nicer car imo. The Camaro is very hard to see out of, and doesn't feel roomy inside the cabin.

TLS_Addict

Comparing a bare bones 5th gen with a loaded 6th gen is not quite apples to apples.

Mr. Livingston

Agreed as the 6th Gen ZL1 is light years ahead of any 5th Gen ZL1.

TLS_Addict

The Z28 isn't really bare bones but it's not loaded.

Mr. Livingston

As great as the 5th Gen Z/28 was, and is, I think it's still behind the ZL1-1LE.

Manual or Automatic: Which is better long term resale?

TLS_Addict

I think it depends on the track. The Z28 is a beast but also an older design with less power but it punches way above it's weight.

Long term resale? Who knows. I value manuals more than automatics.

Snowwolfe

I think manuals will command a slightly higher price (in pristine low mileage examples) down the road but it will take 15-20 years to get there.

ChiliPepperGarage

Personally, I never make buying decisions based on potential resale down the road. Instead, I will choose the car that I like better and will give me the most enjoyment while I own it.

Drive both auto and stick and decide which one is for you. I don't think that after owning the car for years, the difference in resale value will matter much.

I always tell people, don't buy a "but" car. What's a "but" car? It's a car you buy and then you say, "I really like this car BUT I wish I had gotten the stick instead" or what ever other option you skipped to save money or because you didn't want to wait to find the car you really wanted.

stormcloak

They're nice cars. I did get a ride in one, and they're impressively quick, and the interiors are nice too, if a bit cramped. Of the 2, I'd pick the GS every day. Neither is going to hold its value incredibly well IMO.

Mr. Livingston

As an Investor by trade I always look at any expense with a possible return so we are very different how we see this situation.

Mr. Livingston

I can own either. I look more at availability, price, color and location near my city or neighborhood.

Some of the best deals you make are the deals you walk away from is a quote from many a wealthy men.

TLS_Addict

My money is on the ZL1 being worth more in 5 years time. So if you plan to sell it I would go ZL1. I would anyway.

ChiliPepperGarage

Interesting. I'm a car guy so to me, what the car does for me is more of a priority. I've made plenty of bad financial choices when it comes to cars! Now that I'm retired and getting up there in age, I'd rather get as much enjoyment out of what I have while I have it.

Anyway, don't mean to derail your thread here. I honestly have no idea which car will depreciate less but I would guess the ZL1 because of less sold and maybe more prone to get wrecked leaving even less available. Will depend on how much you are going to drive it as well. If you like each car equally, I'd go with the Camaro. Can't go wrong either way as they are both amazing cars.

Mr. Livingston

Thanks for your feedback.

Mike00

I struggle with statements like this. I’m all about savings, incredible fiscally conservative and put off the Z06 until “later in my years” (yeah I know 36 isn’t that old) because I wanted more investment properties - I say that to state I’m as conservative as it comes. That said, cars never have an ROI - can you maybe save a few extra grand on certain buys on a $50k+ car? Sure. But. Does a few extra grand even matter when you are talking about buying a car of this type at this price?

MVR 155

Unless you're a guy like Randy Pobst....... the auto trans car is likely to give you better results. No denying that today's autos/DCT's are at an advantage putting down the overall better of the performance numbers/figures compared to their manual optioned counterparts. With that being said...... there are still a huge number of purists who prefer to row a manual and of those purists..... there are a very small number like Randy that can best the time of the auto with the manual gearbox!!! Taking it a step further, there are many who prefer the analog experience of a manual (myself being one of those people) who will give up the consistency of the automatic setup to experience the rawness of a manual even if it means sacrificing a small amount of time around the track or a couple tenths at the drag strip. I come from a time where a person proficient with a manual would post considerably better 1/4 mile times/traps than the same car offered with an automatic transmission....... I'm talking late 80's/early 90's Mustang 5.0L cars, LT1 Corvette's and 4th gen Camaros/Firebirds/TA's to name a few. Even getting into the C5/C6 Corvettes.