4th Gen. Z28 to 5th Gen. V6
 

Let me first start off by saying that this website is great - tons of useful info!! I can honestly say I never thought I would purchase a V6 sports car again after owning a 1995 V6 mustang(first car in high school haha)! Well how the times have changed! It is amazing the technological advances that have resulted in engineers producing a 304hp V6 engine!!!! My local dealership only had an SS on the lot when I placed my order so I have not been able to drive a 5th Gen. V6. I owned a 4th gen Z28 several years ago and I really liked the LS1 engine. However, it made more sense economically for me to opt for the V6 5th Gen. and from what I've read I'm not going to be disappointed!!! My question is can someone who has driven a 4th gen LS1 compare it to the 5th gen V6. I know this is essentially comparing apples to oranges and I realize the 4th Gen LS1 is much quicker and has more hp & torque. I just want to get a feel for what I should expect, power wise, once my baby arrives!!

I've driven both - its a bit of a different feel but I think you'll be happy.

From my experience (and I've only driven an LS1 camaro a couple times and the V6 once) the V6 obviously isn't going as fast, but it FEELS like its pulling similarly, or only slightly less. I don't really know how to explain it.

Of course, if your LS1 is modded that changes things.
- X

I test drove a v6 auto camaro and it felt much much slower then a 98 6 speed formula. The torque curves of a v8 will always make the car feel a lot faster. Having said that just about everything else was better in the v6 camaro. It drove like a caddy and was smooth and quiet inside. I also plan on getting a V6, however I'm keeping the v8 as well :)

Did you test drive it using tapshift and under hard, top end acceleration?

Unfortunately due to the nature of the engine (V6, not V8), it will be a lot different low end than the LS1. Top end is similar though, other than the weight difference.
- X

I've got both a 2LT/RS and a moderately modified 2000 Z28. The 2LT is my daily driver and when I pull out the Z28 it is a world of differences. The steering wheel now feels super skinny in the Z28. I definitely don't miss the hood dropping off into oblivion on the Z28. Seats are far more comfortable though my Z28 came with cloth seats. To me it feels like I'm sitting much lower in the old Camaro.

Now it is really impossible for me to compare power, a heads/cam, 12 bolt with 4.56 gears and bunch of suspension work aimed at drag racing Z28 to a stock 2LT/RS is like apples to nails ;)

When I'm asked what I think about the new Camaro I tell people it is better in every way except weight and power then my other Camaro.

I've owned a 1999 Pontiac Firehawk T/A and a 1994 Z28, both with 6-speed manuals. I have to say, the torque difference feels huge between the older 4th gens and my '10 1LT/RS. I almost feel like if this 2010 had a 5-speed manual instead of a 6-speed manual it would feel more powerful. Something I hate to say.

Don't get me wrong, it's great fun to drive. And fast. Just doesn't have the *punch* that the older cars had. Honestly though, you shouldn't expect it to. Go out and test drive a 2007 infinity g35s and you will have a similar driving (not interior quality) experience to what you should expect from a 2010 V6.

Yeah, the punch statement is a good comparison. That is definitely missing ,but it V6 is still a blast to drive and the cornering is much better.

First off, Welcome!

4.10s....

Hopefully, eventually... we can do gear swaps for a reasonable about of $$$...

I'm thinking 3.73s... possibly 4.10s... 4.10s would really add a nice punch!

Oh.. and i'm pulling a 2.0 second 60' time at the track with the stock RS tires... that's not to shabby!

I'm thinking 3.73s as well - still enough to get it to 60 in second gear (this was my big thing - a 2/3 shift would seriously impact 0-60 times).
- X

As a current owner of a 2000 V6, 2001 Z/28 (A4), and a 2010 2LT/RS I can say I really no longer enjoy driving the 2000, or 2001 Z/28. As for power sure it's a V6 v.s V8 but my 01 Z/28 had 2.73's stock when I 1st test drove a 2010 V6 they were close since my 01 has a lower gear it was slower off the line. I have since upgraded to 3.73's in the Z/28 but I would compair the 2LT/RS close to a 4th Gen w/ 2.73's A4.

Sean

I guess thats why I thought they were so close - the LS1s that I've driven were stock A4s.
- X

I owned a 2000 Trans Am A4 and I still own my '96 Trans Am WS6 (LT1). Both obviously have more torque than the Camaro's V6, so in the lower RPM ranges the V8s feel more powerful for sure. I recommend you break in your Camaro first of course, but once you get past 1k miles or so you'll really be able to start feeling the power of the 3.6 V6. You need to keep the rpms in the 4k+ range, but the car really comes alive! Its seriously quick for a V6 and with my Corsa exhaust it sounds awesome. You may miss the low end torque at first, but you soon forget b/c the car is just so much better in every other aspect except maybe visibility. Plus I enjoy putting the hammer down in the V6 more than my TA b/c I know I'm only burning cheaper 87 octane versus premium 93! You're not gonna be disappointed.

Yeah I had a 1998 Z28 A4 w/ borla catback being the only mod...it wasn't very much fun to drive after awhile..I don't think that is going to be the case with the 2010!! Thanks for the input guys!

As a former owner of a 1982 Z28,1985 Z28,1979 bandit trans am and a 1996 V6 RS camaro the 2LT feels quite close to all of those cars and simply blows away the 1996 RS(that V6 motor sucked). Honestly the only thing i miss that a V6 simply wont give you is the beautiful V8 rumble. I had a open mind about the whole thing and test drove both the V6 and the V8 before making any decision. Just be honest with yourself if your a purist get the V8 and be done with it. If you just want a stunning looking car with some comfort and options get the 2LT. My advice dont buy anything until you test drive both engine choice's then go here for the options http://www.camaro5.com/forums/wiki.p...e=CAMARO+WIKI& . O BTW once you own this car wont wont be able to stop smiling. Members call it permagrin you will understand why when u get your car.