M3 Fan New To ZL1 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

BigBoyBlue · 11-30-2013, 12:41 PM

Hello, everyone. I just bought a new 2013 ZL1 in Black. As you can tell by my signature, I change cars like I change my underwear.

I've had the last two models of the BMW M3, the E46 and the E90. I've also had the Mustang GT with the 5.0 Coyote engine. I've loved them all, but the ZL1 is actually better than all of them!

The M3's are wonderful machines. They are great at everything. That said, the only thing that either of my M3s were better at than my ZL1 were they had nicer interiors. NOTHING else does the M3 do better. The ZL1 is an awesome machine!

Truth be told, I had planned to buy the new Stingray, but decided to wait for the ZR1 to come out. I also favored the Shelby GT500 before I drove the ZL1. While the Shelby is a Machete, the ZL1 is a scalpel. I cannot believe that Ford has the nerve to charge $8k more for the Shelby. After driving the Shelby, there was no way that I was going to ever drive my 6 year old daughter in that car. The ZL1? It can be a daily driver!

So far my only cons on the car are:

1) The paint - It's better than my M3 paint was, but worse than Ford. The Mustang GT had some durable paint. After almost 2 years as a daily driver, not one rock chip. I'm not a fan boy of either Chevy or Ford. I just love cars!

2) The Narrow side windows make visibility bad. As an Instinctual driver, I have had no problems yet. That said, it is easy to miss a car coming up on your side.

Here is an interesting point: When I was deciding whether to get the Shelby or the ZL1, I called GEICO to see how my insurance would change. I couldn't believe what I found out. My insurance would almost double (currently $1400/yr for a GT and a Highlander) to $2600/yr (+$1200/yr) if I got the Shelby. The ZL1? It went up $150/yr! What a difference. It only goes to show that there are a lot of Shelbys biting the dust, as most drivers cannot handle them. The ZL1 is so much more forgiving, although it is still a monster.

You have a great forum here. I look forward to being a member.

ninsecgt · 11-30-2013, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBoyBlue

Hello, everyone. I just bought a new 2013 ZL1 in Black. As you can tell by my signature, I change cars like I change my underwear.

I've had the last two models of the BMW M3, the E46 and the E90. I've also had the Mustang GT with the 5.0 Coyote engine. I've loved them all, but the ZL1 is actually better than all of them!

The M3's are wonderful machines. They are great at everything. That said, the only thing that either of my M3s were better at than my ZL1 were they had nicer interiors. NOTHING else does the M3 do better. The ZL1 is an awesome machine!

Truth be told, I had planned to buy the new Stingray, but decided to wait for the ZR1 to come out. I also favored the Shelby GT500 before I drove the ZL1. While the Shelby is a Machete, the ZL1 is a scalpel. I cannot believe that Ford has the nerve to charge $8k more for the Shelby. After driving the Shelby, there was no way that I was going to ever drive my 6 year old daughter in that car. The ZL1? It can be a daily driver!

So far my only cons on the car are:

1) The paint - It's better than my M3 paint was, but worse than Ford. The Mustang GT had some durable paint. After almost 2 years as a daily driver, not one stock chip. I'm not a fan boy of either Chevy or Ford. I just love cars!

2) The Narrow side windows make visibility bad. As an Instinctual driver, I have had no problems yet. That said, it is easy to miss a car coming up on your side.

Here is an interesting point: When I was deciding whether to get the Shelby or the ZL1, I called GEICO to see how my insurance would change. I couldn't believe what I found out. My insurance would almost double (currently $1400/yr for a GT and a Highlander) to $2600/yr (+$1200/yr) if I got the Shelby. The ZL1? It went up $150/yr! What a difference. It only goes to show that there are a lot of Shelbys biting the dust, as most drivers cannot handle them. The ZL1 is so much more forgiving, although it is still a monster.

You have a great forum here. I look forward to being a member.

Welcome my brother, love the neutral opinion and the best I've heard. You wouldn't believe the garbage opinions from members much older (old school) that make you think only juveniles post here. Anyway, glad to have you around.

JDP Sales · 11-30-2013, 01:17 PM

Congrats on the ZL1 and welcome to the site! Post up a couple pics when you get a chance!

Best regards,

Tyler
888-308-6007

BigBoyBlue · 11-30-2013, 01:50 PM

Thanks, guys. Truth be told, my 2012 GT was at MINIMUM equal to the M3, but half the price. The ZL1 is probably 40% of a more complete car than either of them were.

I'm not too old, only 41. This car is too nice to drive. In the Nanny state of Maryland, we have speed cameras all over the place. I have a feeling that I'll be writing many checks to the State of Maryland for speeding. haha.

ernie scar · 11-30-2013, 03:53 PM

You were not joking about going through cars.

Anyway when it comes to cars at the end of the day I buy what I like and I don’t give a sh!t what other people have to say about my decision.

I haven’t been able to drive the car being that is in storage due to a move, but I still don’t regret my decision. I will be back in the driver’s seat soon enough.

Welcome to the forum and good write up.

gen=5 · 11-30-2013, 04:01 PM

Well I hope you enjoy it,and congrats..

DrDJ · 11-30-2013, 04:42 PM

Welcome Bigboy!! Enjoyed your writeup. Nice to get the perspective and opinion of someone who has DRIVEN those cars. All of the cars you have owned are great cars. I have to agree with you that the ZL1 really does have a fine blend of performance and daily driver comfort. Its not a luxury car but its really pleasant to drive; its not the most powerful out there, but certainly plenty of power to enjoy. Hope you can enjoy your car more when the weather warms up. Im sure you have already seen they aren't really made for cool winter temps; at least not hitting the throttle very hard.

Asab · 11-30-2013, 05:13 PM

Congrats my man !!!

Todd in Vancouver · 11-30-2013, 05:23 PM

Congrats on getting an awesome car and a very interesting point of view. Just a side note, get the clear cover on your new ride ASAP. I did mine 4 weeks after I purchased mine and I already had 3 paint chips but the clear bra will save your paint, and the heart ache.

Chevrolet Customer Svc · 12-04-2013, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBoyBlue

Hello, everyone. I just bought a new 2013 ZL1 in Black. As you can tell by my signature, I change cars like I change my underwear.

I've had the last two models of the BMW M3, the E46 and the E90. I've also had the Mustang GT with the 5.0 Coyote engine. I've loved them all, but the ZL1 is actually better than all of them!

The M3's are wonderful machines. They are great at everything. That said, the only thing that either of my M3s were better at than my ZL1 were they had nicer interiors. NOTHING else does the M3 do better. The ZL1 is an awesome machine!

Truth be told, I had planned to buy the new Stingray, but decided to wait for the ZR1 to come out. I also favored the Shelby GT500 before I drove the ZL1. While the Shelby is a Machete, the ZL1 is a scalpel. I cannot believe that Ford has the nerve to charge $8k more for the Shelby. After driving the Shelby, there was no way that I was going to ever drive my 6 year old daughter in that car. The ZL1? It can be a daily driver!

You have a great forum here. I look forward to being a member.

BigBoyBlue,

Congrats on your ZL1! I'm happy you made the move. How's the enjoyment been?

William R.
Chevrolet Customer Care

G Money · 12-05-2013, 08:24 AM

Congrats and welcome aboard !

bowtiefamily · 12-05-2013, 09:24 AM

Thanks for your review. It is nice to see an independant perspective from someone that has owned a wide variety of cars. I feel warm and fuzzy. Now I just need winter to end so I can drive mine again!

BigBoyBlue · 12-05-2013, 06:13 PM

Thanks, everyone. So far so good with the ZL1, although I still haven't been able to really test her yet. Still, the car impresses me with how easy it is to commute in. I commute in Washington D.C. traffic, ranked the worst in the country. So smooth, yet so much usable power down low. My M3's had to be revved to get any power, due to their torque deficiency. The power was there, but you couldn't use it unless you were WOT. When I did use it, people would think I was racing and give me dirty looks.

I just found something minor that the M3s did better. The hill assist was much easier to use. Other than the few things I mentioned, I prefer the ZL1 by a large margin.

BigBoyBlue · 12-05-2013, 06:57 PM

I forgot to mention that I have been to the BMW M performance school and the advanced school as well. In that time I was able to drive the M3, and the previous model M5s and M6s around tracks including VIR. I have to say that other than interiors, the ZL1 is better in almost every way. I can afford to buy these M cars, but I chose the ZL1 instead. You get so much more for your money and you keep the jobs in the USA/Canada.

11-30-2013, 12:41 PM	#1
BigBoyBlue Go NY Giants & NY Rangers Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 782	M3 Fan New To ZL1 Hello, everyone. I just bought a new 2013 ZL1 in Black. As you can tell by my signature, I change cars like I change my underwear. I've had the last two models of the BMW M3, the E46 and the E90. I've also had the Mustang GT with the 5.0 Coyote engine. I've loved them all, but the ZL1 is actually better than all of them! The M3's are wonderful machines. They are great at everything. That said, the only thing that either of my M3s were better at than my ZL1 were they had nicer interiors. NOTHING else does the M3 do better. The ZL1 is an awesome machine! Truth be told, I had planned to buy the new Stingray, but decided to wait for the ZR1 to come out. I also favored the Shelby GT500 before I drove the ZL1. While the Shelby is a Machete, the ZL1 is a scalpel. I cannot believe that Ford has the nerve to charge $8k more for the Shelby. After driving the Shelby, there was no way that I was going to ever drive my 6 year old daughter in that car. The ZL1? It can be a daily driver! So far my only cons on the car are: 1) The paint - It's better than my M3 paint was, but worse than Ford. The Mustang GT had some durable paint. After almost 2 years as a daily driver, not one rock chip. I'm not a fan boy of either Chevy or Ford. I just love cars! 2) The Narrow side windows make visibility bad. As an Instinctual driver, I have had no problems yet. That said, it is easy to miss a car coming up on your side. Here is an interesting point: When I was deciding whether to get the Shelby or the ZL1, I called GEICO to see how my insurance would change. I couldn't believe what I found out. My insurance would almost double (currently $1400/yr for a GT and a Highlander) to $2600/yr (+$1200/yr) if I got the Shelby. The ZL1? It went up $150/yr! What a difference. It only goes to show that there are a lot of Shelbys biting the dust, as most drivers cannot handle them. The ZL1 is so much more forgiving, although it is still a monster. You have a great forum here. I look forward to being a member. __________________ Molon Labe! Last edited by BigBoyBlue; 11-30-2013 at 01:52 PM.

11-30-2013, 01:50 PM	#4
BigBoyBlue Go NY Giants & NY Rangers Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 782	Thanks, guys. Truth be told, my 2012 GT was at MINIMUM equal to the M3, but half the price. The ZL1 is probably 40% of a more complete car than either of them were. I'm not too old, only 41. This car is too nice to drive. In the Nanny state of Maryland, we have speed cameras all over the place. I have a feeling that I'll be writing many checks to the State of Maryland for speeding. haha. __________________ Molon Labe!

11-30-2013, 03:53 PM	#5
ernie scar Drives: Chevy/Dodge/Ford Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: thunder bay Posts: 131	You were not joking about going through cars. Anyway when it comes to cars at the end of the day I buy what I like and I don’t give a sh!t what other people have to say about my decision. I haven’t been able to drive the car being that is in storage due to a move, but I still don’t regret my decision. I will be back in the driver’s seat soon enough. Welcome to the forum and good write up. __________________ They say money can’t buy happiness; well they never drove a Camaro. A Corvette engine and a Cadillac suspension stuffed into a Camaro, that’s what I’m talking about!

11-30-2013, 04:01 PM	#6
gen=5 Drives: 13 ZL1 vert blac fastlane/LPE 750 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: houston Posts: 1,312 View My Garage	Well I hope you enjoy it,and congrats.. __________________ http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=346589 CHECK OUT THE BUILDING OF MY RANCH FOR DISABLED VETS, COMPLETE WITH A GUN RANGE .

11-30-2013, 05:13 PM	#8
Asab Drives: 2014 Zl1 Red Hot M6 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NJ Posts: 30	Congrats my man !!! __________________ I Know Nothing

11-30-2013, 01:17 PM	#3
JDP Sales Drives: Chevys at the limit Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 9,621	Congrats on the ZL1 and welcome to the site! Post up a couple pics when you get a chance! Best regards, Tyler 888-308-6007

11-30-2013, 04:42 PM	#7
DrDJ Drives: 2013 ZL1 White A6 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany Posts: 35	Welcome Bigboy!! Enjoyed your writeup. Nice to get the perspective and opinion of someone who has DRIVEN those cars. All of the cars you have owned are great cars. I have to agree with you that the ZL1 really does have a fine blend of performance and daily driver comfort. Its not a luxury car but its really pleasant to drive; its not the most powerful out there, but certainly plenty of power to enjoy. Hope you can enjoy your car more when the weather warms up. Im sure you have already seen they aren't really made for cool winter temps; at least not hitting the throttle very hard.

11-30-2013, 05:23 PM	#9
Todd in Vancouver Drives: 2014 ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,538 View My Garage	Congrats on getting an awesome car and a very interesting point of view. Just a side note, get the clear cover on your new ride ASAP. I did mine 4 weeks after I purchased mine and I already had 3 paint chips but the clear bra will save your paint, and the heart ache. __________________ Todd in Vancouver '14 ZL1 Camaro '67 Camaro SS Pro-tour in process How hard can it be... Check out my other build http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/9...ject-Obsession

12-05-2013, 08:24 AM	#11
G Money Drives: 2013 ZL1, 2016 Denali HD Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Greensboro Ga. Posts: 540	Congrats and welcome aboard ! __________________ LSX 427, Twin Precision Turbo's, 64/66. Nitrous Outlet System. Pro EFI Engine Management Systems. Vengeance Racing Built......

12-05-2013, 09:24 AM	#12
bowtiefamily Drives: Chevrolet Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 588 View My Garage	Thanks for your review. It is nice to see an independant perspective from someone that has owned a wide variety of cars. I feel warm and fuzzy. Now I just need winter to end so I can drive mine again! __________________

12-05-2013, 06:13 PM	#13
BigBoyBlue Go NY Giants & NY Rangers Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 782	Thanks, everyone. So far so good with the ZL1, although I still haven't been able to really test her yet. Still, the car impresses me with how easy it is to commute in. I commute in Washington D.C. traffic, ranked the worst in the country. So smooth, yet so much usable power down low. My M3's had to be revved to get any power, due to their torque deficiency. The power was there, but you couldn't use it unless you were WOT. When I did use it, people would think I was racing and give me dirty looks. I just found something minor that the M3s did better. The hill assist was much easier to use. Other than the few things I mentioned, I prefer the ZL1 by a large margin. __________________ Molon Labe!

12-05-2013, 06:57 PM	#14
BigBoyBlue Go NY Giants & NY Rangers Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Maryland Posts: 782	I forgot to mention that I have been to the BMW M performance school and the advanced school as well. In that time I was able to drive the M3, and the previous model M5s and M6s around tracks including VIR. I have to say that other than interiors, the ZL1 is better in almost every way. I can afford to buy these M cars, but I chose the ZL1 instead. You get so much more for your money and you keep the jobs in the USA/Canada. __________________ Molon Labe!