ZL1 vs 2SS - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

PackManDan · 08-27-2020, 07:24 PM

Hey everyone. First off, I realize I'm on the 5th Gen Forum in a ZL1 thread so I'm anticipating the responses I will get. However, I'm hoping for some practical unbiased opinions, if possible.

I'd like to get a weekend toy car. My budget is about $35,000. For that amount I can get myself a 2012-2015 ZL1 or a 2016-2018 2SS. My ultimate goal for this car is to have it as a weekend only street driven car and mod it to around 700whp. The performance specs I've seen put both the ZL1 and SS almost identical to each other with 0-60 times of 4.0 seconds and 1/4 times at 12.3 seconds.

I prefer the exterior looks of the ZL1 but I prefer the upgraded interior of the SS. With a budget of $35,000, would you guys prefer to mod a 5th Gen ZL1 or a 6th Gen SS to 700whp?

I would love to hear from anyone who has driven both cars.

12oclockshadow · 08-27-2020, 07:35 PM

Zl1 wins for me. Way easier to get 700whp. The low end torque of the zl1 is alot of fun on the street. ZL1 stance looks better imo as well. Easy choice. Good luck!

RobZL1 · 08-27-2020, 08:38 PM

Yep. Much cheaper to get to 700 with the 5th gen. Plus, the interior of the 6th gen is cool, but it's more cramped in my opinion (and I'm only 5'9" & 170lbs)

Shodown · 08-27-2020, 08:55 PM

Lots of SS 6th gens running around. Not many ZL1's. I like the authenticity and rarity of the ZL1 for sure.

Most of all...boost. 'Nuff said.

PackManDan · 08-27-2020, 09:15 PM

Thanks for the responses so far. I have heard the 6th Gen is more cramped. My only concern with both cars, but more so with the ZL1 is that I am coming from a C6 Z06 (3,150 pounds) and a C6 ZR1 (3,350 pounds) so I'm wondering if I will think the ZL1 feels like a boat. I believe it's about 4,200 pounds

Army of Wuzzy · 08-27-2020, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackManDan

Thanks for the responses so far. I have heard the 6th Gen is more cramped. My only concern with both cars, but more so with the ZL1 is that I am coming from a C6 Z06 (3,150 pounds) and a C6 ZR1 (3,350 pounds) so I'm wondering if I will think the ZL1 feels like a boat. I believe it's about 4,200 pounds

It's right around 3800 I believe, and you can always do some weight reduction. Definitely an increase over a C6, but it'll be a lot easier to hit 700.

Limelight · 08-27-2020, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackManDan

Thanks for the responses so far. I have heard the 6th Gen is more cramped. My only concern with both cars, but more so with the ZL1 is that I am coming from a C6 Z06 (3,150 pounds) and a C6 ZR1 (3,350 pounds) so I'm wondering if I will think the ZL1 feels like a boat. I believe it's about 4,200 pounds

A test drive will very quickly answer that question for you. I just picked up a very low mileage 2013 ZL1 and absolutely love it. Have never driven an SS but have always been a believer that you should buy the best available model you can - and that’s the ZL1...

12oclockshadow · 08-27-2020, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackManDan

Thanks for the responses so far. I have heard the 6th Gen is more cramped. My only concern with both cars, but more so with the ZL1 is that I am coming from a C6 Z06 (3,150 pounds) and a C6 ZR1 (3,350 pounds) so I'm wondering if I will think the ZL1 feels like a boat. I believe it's about 4,200 pounds

I to came from a c6 z06. I never looked back. The Zl1 is so much more enjoyable to drive. 700whp won't feel like a boat trust me.

FasNuf · 08-27-2020, 10:38 PM

I had the exact same issue a year ago. I paid $35,900 for my ZL1 with 8400 miles. I saw the 2019 SS for about the same price. The ZL1 has 30% different parts from the SS 5th gen and of course more from the 6th gen. The ZL1 has a cast iron rear end which at the time GM engineers said it was the strongest rear end they had made. They also tested this on a prepped drag surfce over and over using launch without failure.(Camaro 5th gen by Scott Parker) So needless to say you wont need to do much to the rear end except maybe the driveshaft if you wish. Drop $5,000 in the ZL1 and do your own labor, 700whp is attainable. The SS would cost more to get to the same durability and HP.

Bigtime53 · 08-28-2020, 05:42 AM

Like it was said above the ZL1 has the heavy duty rear end and with 700 hp you will need that because the SS rear end will not live with that much power. I look at the parts for sale on this website and you often see guys with the SS cars wanting to buy the complete rear cradle from a ZL1 because the SS rear end is not stout enough for the power you are planning on doing. The ZL1 mag ride is great also. The ZL1 I have now is the fourth one I have owned and it is a 15 model. It has found its last home with me! These cars are just fantastic. They are alot of car for the money so go drive one I think your mind will be made up quick when you do on which one you just have to have.

Limelight · 08-28-2020, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigtime53

The ZL1 I have now is the fourth one I have owned and it is a 15 model. It has found its last home with me.

How exactly does one end up owning 4 ZL1’s over a period of 7 years? There has to be a fascinating story in there somewhere.

ZMEnow · 08-28-2020, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackManDan

Thanks for the responses so far. I have heard the 6th Gen is more cramped. My only concern with both cars, but more so with the ZL1 is that I am coming from a C6 Z06 (3,150 pounds) and a C6 ZR1 (3,350 pounds) so I'm wondering if I will think the ZL1 feels like a boat. I believe it's about 4,200 pounds

4200 is correct for the coup. But it will be much more effective at getting that 700HP to the ground both OOTH and left's and right's. Its the best big 700 plus HP boat I have owned.

FasNuf · 08-28-2020, 10:21 AM

If your wanting a Camaro and expecting it to feel like a Vette, you’re going to be disappointed. It does not feel light and nimble on its feet even though it does very well.
Reminds me of the heavy feeling in some BMWs

DRKS1D3 · 08-28-2020, 10:47 AM

The 5th Gen ZL1 is the way to go. The LSA is so easy to mod and can make big power. On top of that, the ZL1 is, more or less, bulletproof (within reason). When GM released the 2012 ZL1, they were so confident in their car, they actually said that it would be warrantied for track use. 99.9% of the time, if you break a car on the track, you're out of luck. When GM made this move, they truly turned the car world on its head.

08-27-2020, 07:24 PM	#1
PackManDan Drives: None at the moment Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 38	ZL1 vs 2SS Hey everyone. First off, I realize I'm on the 5th Gen Forum in a ZL1 thread so I'm anticipating the responses I will get. However, I'm hoping for some practical unbiased opinions, if possible. I'd like to get a weekend toy car. My budget is about $35,000. For that amount I can get myself a 2012-2015 ZL1 or a 2016-2018 2SS. My ultimate goal for this car is to have it as a weekend only street driven car and mod it to around 700whp. The performance specs I've seen put both the ZL1 and SS almost identical to each other with 0-60 times of 4.0 seconds and 1/4 times at 12.3 seconds. I prefer the exterior looks of the ZL1 but I prefer the upgraded interior of the SS. With a budget of $35,000, would you guys prefer to mod a 5th Gen ZL1 or a 6th Gen SS to 700whp? I would love to hear from anyone who has driven both cars.

08-27-2020, 07:35 PM	#2
12oclockshadow Drives: 2012 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Conroe, Tx Posts: 221 View My Garage	Zl1 wins for me. Way easier to get 700whp. The low end torque of the zl1 is alot of fun on the street. ZL1 stance looks better imo as well. Easy choice. Good luck! __________________ FBO. Cammed. Flex fuel.801whp/741wtq on e85

08-27-2020, 08:38 PM	#3
RobZL1 fo'shizZL1 Drives: 2017 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: ATL Posts: 1,293	Yep. Much cheaper to get to 700 with the 5th gen. Plus, the interior of the 6th gen is cool, but it's more cramped in my opinion (and I'm only 5'9" & 170lbs) __________________ 2017 ZL1 M6 Black \| Maggie 2650 // 103TB // Big Gulp // CSP LT's & Ultra Cats // Elite Ultra CC // BMR MM Past Rides- 2014 ZL1 M6 Red Hot \| Tons of mods 2004 CTS-V M6 Silver \| Many mods 1995 Corvette M6 Torch Red \| A few more mods 1992 Camaro M5 White \| A few mods

08-27-2020, 08:55 PM	#4
Shodown Drives: 2014 ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 317	Lots of SS 6th gens running around. Not many ZL1's. I like the authenticity and rarity of the ZL1 for sure. Most of all...boost. 'Nuff said. __________________ 2014 ZL1 M6: Roto Fab Intake, LS3 TB, Long Tube Headers, NPP, Mild 2 Wild, JMS BAP, SMG aux pump, ID 1050X Injectors, DSX Flex Fuel Sensor, 10.5" DSX Lower Pulley, Killer Chiller, Tuned by Ted at JRE, Pedders XA Extreme coilovers, Mickey Thompson Street S/S on Weld S71s

08-27-2020, 10:38 PM	#9
FasNuf Drives: 2014 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,635 View My Garage	I had the exact same issue a year ago. I paid $35,900 for my ZL1 with 8400 miles. I saw the 2019 SS for about the same price. The ZL1 has 30% different parts from the SS 5th gen and of course more from the 6th gen. The ZL1 has a cast iron rear end which at the time GM engineers said it was the strongest rear end they had made. They also tested this on a prepped drag surfce over and over using launch without failure.(Camaro 5th gen by Scott Parker) So needless to say you wont need to do much to the rear end except maybe the driveshaft if you wish. Drop $5,000 in the ZL1 and do your own labor, 700whp is attainable. The SS would cost more to get to the same durability and HP. __________________ . . . . https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgN...etl17hA/videos

08-27-2020, 09:15 PM	#5
PackManDan Drives: None at the moment Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 38	Thanks for the responses so far. I have heard the 6th Gen is more cramped. My only concern with both cars, but more so with the ZL1 is that I am coming from a C6 Z06 (3,150 pounds) and a C6 ZR1 (3,350 pounds) so I'm wondering if I will think the ZL1 feels like a boat. I believe it's about 4,200 pounds

08-28-2020, 05:42 AM	#10
Bigtime53 Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,301	Like it was said above the ZL1 has the heavy duty rear end and with 700 hp you will need that because the SS rear end will not live with that much power. I look at the parts for sale on this website and you often see guys with the SS cars wanting to buy the complete rear cradle from a ZL1 because the SS rear end is not stout enough for the power you are planning on doing. The ZL1 mag ride is great also. The ZL1 I have now is the fourth one I have owned and it is a 15 model. It has found its last home with me! These cars are just fantastic. They are alot of car for the money so go drive one I think your mind will be made up quick when you do on which one you just have to have.

08-28-2020, 10:21 AM	#13
FasNuf Drives: 2014 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,635 View My Garage	If your wanting a Camaro and expecting it to feel like a Vette, you’re going to be disappointed. It does not feel light and nimble on its feet even though it does very well. Reminds me of the heavy feeling in some BMWs __________________ . . . . https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgN...etl17hA/videos Last edited by FasNuf; 08-28-2020 at 12:02 PM.

08-28-2020, 10:47 AM	#14
DRKS1D3 Drives: '17 Corvette Grand Sport M7 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,748	The 5th Gen ZL1 is the way to go. The LSA is so easy to mod and can make big power. On top of that, the ZL1 is, more or less, bulletproof (within reason). When GM released the 2012 ZL1, they were so confident in their car, they actually said that it would be warrantied for track use. 99.9% of the time, if you break a car on the track, you're out of luck. When GM made this move, they truly turned the car world on its head. __________________ MY RIDE: 2017 CORVETTE GRAND SPORT--TRIPLE BLACK, 7 SPEED MANUAL, VARARAM TCR-7 INTAKE, BORLA CATLESS X-PIPE, CARBON FIBER STAGE 2 AERO, MGW SHORT-THROW SHIFTER SOLD2011 TRIPLE BLACK SS CONVERTIBLE--6 SPEED MANUAL, MANY MODS, 455 RWHP/435 RWTQ DAD'S RIDE: 2012 ZL1 #1866--BLACK, 6 SPEED MANUAL, EXPOSED CF HOOD, POLISHED WHEELS, SUNROOF, ROTO-FAB INTAKE "Silly Americans, taking from the rich and giving to the poor only works in fairy tales. Success is earned here!".