Thinking of buying a V6

[WeeZee]

No offence to anybody with a V6 but get a V8 or you will be sorry in the long run

[67 GTO]

No offence takin' as I'm fine with my V6 for now. I'm waiting to see when the Z28 come's out and may trade for it.

It will be interesting to see how many SS owners trade up.

[rolnslo]

Originally Posted by shudder

What are your first impressions of the car? Do you feel it has adequate power?Reading some posts here about the V8 clutch issues, was wondering if the sixes are experiencing the same, as I was thinking of opting for the manual trans. Thanks

I'm going to ignore all the V6 vs V8 banter and answer your questions on the V6 manual....

First a little background on me so you know where my opinions are coming from...

1. With the exception of 2 vehicles (don't ask), every car or truck I've owned has had a V8 under the hood. This includes a '55 Chevy Bel Air and a '56 Chevy 210 Wagon with mild 350CI V8s, '97 C1500 truck (255hp/330lb-ft), '04 Expedition (260hp/350lb-ft). My dad had a '96 Impala SS (260hp/350lb-ft) for a number of years that I was able to drive on rare occasions.

2. I typically drive about 50 miles a day in moderate/slow traffic that covers backroads, freeways, and city streets.

First impressions of the V6...

• Oh my god, what the hell is wrong with the exhaust on this thing...it sounds horrible. Oh well, I can fix that later (and I have - Thank you SOLO!).
  
• Acceleration is quick enough to run into the guy in front of you or hit the posted speed limit quickly. Passing people is a non-event, downshift and go, no problem there.
  
• Cornering/handling is great - wife hates that I take the 90 degree turn onto our road at 20-25mph, the kids think it's fun though. Car is ultra stable at freeway speeds when quickly changing lanes or taking curves rated at 35mph at the posted speed of 60mph. Get the RS package for the tires alone!
  
• Braking is downright scary - always check the review mirror before slamming on the brakes so you know what is going to hit you because nothing I've ever owned stops this quick.
  
• Manual transmission/clutch - 1st to 2nd is a bit stiff in the shifter but clutch action is smooth and easy. Even my wife had no trouble learning to drive the car after having driven automatics for the past 19 years.
  

Seriously though, with nearly 12,000 miles on the odometer and 8.5 months of seat time, I see absolutely no reason for me to get an SS.

The V6 is quicker than people would think and has never left me second guessing my choice over the V8. Sure, people will say that the V8 is faster (well, duh! of course it is) and it comes with Brembo brakes (from MotorTrend testing...V6 and V8 stopped with 2 feet of each other - 105-107ft). But, in all honesty, I have no use for more power or more expensive brakes that fade less after repeated high-speed stops. My car is not a track car and never will be. As it is, on public roads, I can't take advantage of all the acceleration / handling / braking performance that the V6 has so what in the hell am I going to do with a V8 besides get to 60mph a short 1.3 seconds faster on the freeway onramp?

I look at the issues some, probably a disproportionaly small number, of the SS owners have had like: clutches sticking to the floor, lifters needing to be replaced due to oil burning, sqeaky Brembo brakes with oddly attached counter-weights, etc... and I look at my V6 with none of those issues. I'm perfectly happy with my Camaro and would make the same choice today if I had to go through the buying process all over.

As for the V8 vs. V6 stuff - some people want or need or must have a V8 in a Camaro, others will find the V6 suits them just fine, like it does me.

Good luck with your choice. All I can say is test drive them all (V6/V8, Auto/Manual), look at how you'll use the car and how much you can afford for the initial purchase and continued use/maintenance...and...then pick what is right for you. No matter which model/motor/trim you choose, there is no wrong choice - every 5th Gen Camaro is awesome!

[Scrappy Doo]

Originally Posted by rolnslo

I'm going to ignore all the V6 vs V8 banter and answer your questions on the V6 manual....

First a little background on me so you know where my opinions are coming from...

1. With the exception of 2 vehicles (don't ask), every car or truck I've owned has had a V8 under the hood. This includes a '55 Chevy Bel Air and a '56 Chevy 210 Wagon with mild 350CI V8s, '97 C1500 truck (255hp/330lb-ft), '04 Expedition (260hp/350lb-ft). My dad had a '96 Impala SS (260hp/350lb-ft) for a number of years that I was able to drive on rare occasions.

2. I typically drive about 50 miles a day in moderate/slow traffic that covers backroads, freeways, and city streets.

First impressions of the V6...

• Oh my god, what the hell is wrong with the exhaust on this thing...it sounds horrible. Oh well, I can fix that later (and I have - Thank you SOLO!).
  
• Acceleration is quick enough to run into the guy in front of you or hit the posted speed limit quickly. Passing people is a non-event, downshift and go, no problem there.
  
• Cornering/handling is great - wife hates that I take the 90 degree turn onto our road at 20-25mph, the kids think it's fun though. Car is ultra stable at freeway speeds when quickly changing lanes or taking curves rated at 35mph at the posted speed of 60mph. Get the RS package for the tires alone!
  
• Braking is downright scary - always check the review mirror before slamming on the brakes so you know what is going to hit you because nothing I've ever owned stops this quick.
  
• Manual transmission/clutch - 1st to 2nd is a bit stiff in the shifter but clutch action is smooth and easy. Even my wife had no trouble learning to drive the car after having driven automatics for the past 19 years.
  

Seriously though, with nearly 12,000 miles on the odometer and 8.5 months of seat time, I see absolutely no reason for me to get an SS.

The V6 is quicker than people would think and has never left me second guessing my choice over the V8. Sure, people will say that the V8 is faster (well, duh! of course it is) and it comes with Brembo brakes (from MotorTrend testing...V6 and V8 stopped with 2 feet of each other - 105-107ft). But, in all honesty, I have no use for more power or more expensive brakes that fade less after repeated high-speed stops. My car is not a track car and never will be. As it is, on public roads, I can't take advantage of all the acceleration / handling / braking performance that the V6 has so what in the hell am I going to do with a V8 besides get to 60mph a short 1.3 seconds faster on the freeway onramp?

I look at the issues some, probably a disproportionaly small number, of the SS owners have had like: clutches sticking to the floor, lifters needing to be replaced due to oil burning, sqeaky Brembo brakes with oddly attached counter-weights, etc... and I look at my V6 with none of those issues. I'm perfectly happy with my Camaro and would make the same choice today if I had to go through the buying process all over.

As for the V8 vs. V6 stuff - some people want or need or must have a V8 in a Camaro, others will find the V6 suits them just fine, like it does me.

Good luck with your choice. All I can say is test drive them all (V6/V8, Auto/Manual), look at how you'll use the car and how much you can afford for the initial purchase and continued use/maintenance...and...then pick what is right for you. No matter which model/motor/trim you choose, there is no wrong choice - every 5th Gen Camaro is awesome!

OP this is probably the best post on here.

[Dboy23]

I've got the V6 and I love it, if your coming from a car that has more power (I did) you'll miss the power tough.

[bossbunny]

Originally Posted by Tee304

I guess I should have assumed you had the money.....if not, enjoy the V6.

I love mine, all that power and fun, heads turning, ladies gawking, cars stopping to check it out.......One word, AWESOME!!!

Just cause you have the money doesn't mean you should throw down on a 2SS.

Buy what fits your wants and needs. You'll be happy with the V6 or the V8.

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by WeeZee

No offence to anybody with a V6 but get a V8 or you will be sorry in the long run

I still don't understand why people say stuff like this, I have the V6 and I am still not sorry... Just because you think you would be dissapointed don't assume everyone would be....

[shudder]

Originally Posted by rolnslo

I'm going to ignore all the V6 vs V8 banter and answer your questions on the V6 manual....

First a little background on me so you know where my opinions are coming from...

1. With the exception of 2 vehicles (don't ask), every car or truck I've owned has had a V8 under the hood. This includes a '55 Chevy Bel Air and a '56 Chevy 210 Wagon with mild 350CI V8s, '97 C1500 truck (255hp/330lb-ft), '04 Expedition (260hp/350lb-ft). My dad had a '96 Impala SS (260hp/350lb-ft) for a number of years that I was able to drive on rare occasions.

2. I typically drive about 50 miles a day in moderate/slow traffic that covers backroads, freeways, and city streets.

First impressions of the V6...

• Oh my god, what the hell is wrong with the exhaust on this thing...it sounds horrible. Oh well, I can fix that later (and I have - Thank you SOLO!).
  
• Acceleration is quick enough to run into the guy in front of you or hit the posted speed limit quickly. Passing people is a non-event, downshift and go, no problem there.
  
• Cornering/handling is great - wife hates that I take the 90 degree turn onto our road at 20-25mph, the kids think it's fun though. Car is ultra stable at freeway speeds when quickly changing lanes or taking curves rated at 35mph at the posted speed of 60mph. Get the RS package for the tires alone!
  
• Braking is downright scary - always check the review mirror before slamming on the brakes so you know what is going to hit you because nothing I've ever owned stops this quick.
  
• Manual transmission/clutch - 1st to 2nd is a bit stiff in the shifter but clutch action is smooth and easy. Even my wife had no trouble learning to drive the car after having driven automatics for the past 19 years.
  

Seriously though, with nearly 12,000 miles on the odometer and 8.5 months of seat time, I see absolutely no reason for me to get an SS.

The V6 is quicker than people would think and has never left me second guessing my choice over the V8. Sure, people will say that the V8 is faster (well, duh! of course it is) and it comes with Brembo brakes (from MotorTrend testing...V6 and V8 stopped with 2 feet of each other - 105-107ft). But, in all honesty, I have no use for more power or more expensive brakes that fade less after repeated high-speed stops. My car is not a track car and never will be. As it is, on public roads, I can't take advantage of all the acceleration / handling / braking performance that the V6 has so what in the hell am I going to do with a V8 besides get to 60mph a short 1.3 seconds faster on the freeway onramp?

I look at the issues some, probably a disproportionaly small number, of the SS owners have had like: clutches sticking to the floor, lifters needing to be replaced due to oil burning, sqeaky Brembo brakes with oddly attached counter-weights, etc... and I look at my V6 with none of those issues. I'm perfectly happy with my Camaro and would make the same choice today if I had to go through the buying process all over.

As for the V8 vs. V6 stuff - some people want or need or must have a V8 in a Camaro, others will find the V6 suits them just fine, like it does me.

Good luck with your choice. All I can say is test drive them all (V6/V8, Auto/Manual), look at how you'll use the car and how much you can afford for the initial purchase and continued use/maintenance...and...then pick what is right for you. No matter which model/motor/trim you choose, there is no wrong choice - every 5th Gen Camaro is awesome!

Thanks for the well thought out insight-full post.

[skuttduck]

Originally Posted by Skyman 08

I still don't understand why people say stuff like this, I have the V6 and I am still not sorry... Just because you think you would be dissapointed don't assume everyone would be....

It's called projection. They say it because they would be sorry if they didn't buy the V8.

[2010SLVRBULIT]

..up to you. I get plenty of torque in my truck(V8), if/when I feel the need..

[Rob77]

Originally Posted by chutoyy

Down the road, you'll probably be kicking yourself if you buy the V6 after driving the SS...

I always see statements such as that here. I test drove a 2SS and bought a 2LT and have had absolutely no regrets. Of course the SS was faster but since I wont be racing the thing I saw no sense in spending the extra coin. The argument of V6 vs. V8 here is like the 9mm vs. .40 vs .45 discussions on the gun forums lol.

[Angrybird 12]

Originally Posted by skuttduck

It's called projection. They say it because they would be sorry if they didn't buy the V8.

It's kind of narrow minded to think just because they would be sorry that everyone would feel the same.. Everyone is different, and I never believe that just because I like something or feel a certain way that everyone will... Take the Heritage grill for instance, some like it and some don't, I am on the like it side.. Same goes for the V6 debate...

[steallife904]

i have the money to buy either, i bought the v6. i love it! i really think people are under estimating the v6... its fast!

[GreyGhost]

Could have had either one, chose the V6 because I am going to drive this most days when the weather is nice. I agree completely with the comments made by "rolnslo" about having enough power, acceleration, braking and handling.

As much as I would like to have a road course in my back yard, I have 40 mph roads, stop lights and city traffic. The V6 never gets unleashed, so the V8 wouldn't really either.

I have never regretted saving the money on the original purchase, on my insurance twice a year, or on my gas purchases every 2-3 weeks.

And I don't have the silly non-functional mail slot besides.