Thinking of going from a Vette to Camaro

[Quikzilver]

Hey All,
I have been thinking about selling my Corvette and going to a Camaro 2SS for some time now and wanted to get some fedback from Camaro owners and hopefully some Corvette/Camaro owners.
So here is the deal, I have a 2008 Corvette 3LT (fully optioned A6). I bought it used in 2008 (had 10k miles on it...got it for a steal!). A year and a half ago, I hydrolocked the motor. Since I was also drag racing at the time, my shop told me they could upgrade the power. My insurance company paid for a new long block, but the shop and I decided to put in a cammed 418 stroker, 3600 stall converter and long tube headers (work cost me $500 deductible, so why not). The Vette puts 530+ rwhp out and runs mid 10's in the quarter. The car is a monster...but the daily driving characteristics are shot. So, I picked up a 1987 Porsche 944 as a DD this past March. Its fun, but doesn't have the power I crave, but the Corvette chugs when under 70 mph. This past week, I had a computer issue with the Corvette. The dealership went through the computer system, unplugging modules, plugged them back in and the problem went away. While I was at the dealer, I took a 2SS for a test drive. I'd like to reduce the number of cars in the driveway to 2 (also have a 1986 Monte Carlo SS, modified, that I am going to sell no matter what), if possible. I posted this on the Corvette Forum and got absolutely flamed for the thought of going from a Corvette to a Camaro. But, the series I competed in at my local track has been discontinued. I raced more to hang out with everyone, than the racing (although it was a blast). I just don't see that I am going to race anymore. So, having a car with a ton of horsepower just isn't a joy anymore.
What I am thinking of is a 2011 2SS. The shop that did the work is interested in buying the Vette, so I can sell the Vette and get the Camaro at no additional charge to me...almost an even swap.
I know the handling is not the same. The seats in the Camaro, I felt were better than in the Corvette. The interior, I like in the Camaro...a lot of the same type of material is used in the Corvette ($60+ should have a lot better interior than GM put in it). I am getting tired of the squeaking roof panel (C6's are known for it), getting in and out is a pain. This is my 4th Corvette that I have owned. I love the cars, but am seriously considering making a change. My concern is that back in 2007, I went 3 months without a Corvette (bought a 2007 Dodge Charger Daytona RT, now my wife's car) and missed being low to the ground, so I bought a used 1986 Corvette that I put back together (recently sold it) and then found the 2008 in May of 2008 and wanted to have it as a DD again. I know the mods that were done to the car are my issue. If I had to do it over again, I might do the long tubes, but not the converter or the cammed 418 stroker. What are your general feelings about the Camaro? What do you like or dislike? For previous Corvette owners, what are your thoughts between the two? I know the Camaro is not a Corvette, but it is damn close. Thanks in advance and sorry for the lengthy post.

[SSOOCH]

Keep your Corvette. I don't own a Vette but I was lucky enough to test drive a 2010 GS at a Team Chevy tent this past weaken at Miller Motorsports Park. And this wasn't just any test drive. They basically had cones set up with a little auto cross going so you were able to get on it. I like my Camaro, but I fell in love with the Corvette. My Camaro feels like a boat compared to the Corvette.

[ketel0ne]

I truly believe there are corvette people and camaro people. After 4 vettes you are probably a vette person. My dad has had 4 and I bought 1 of his, he is a vette person, I am a camaro person. The only solution for Vette people would be to have both. Which my very retired dad is thinking about when the convertible comes out.

[sprtplt]

I recently sold my stock 2007 C6 manual and bought a 2SS manual. I had no intention of permanently replacing a C6 with a Camaro and am deciding now whether to keep the 2SS when I get the next Corvette. Sounds like you have driveability issues with your Corvette so it is not a fair comparo. I have been pretty happy with the 2SS except for in a few areas- one is braking, the heavy Camaro has surprised me a few times, it just is not in the same universe as the C6. The other area is gas mileage, a lot worse with the 2SS vs C6, and I care about gas mileage even in cars like these.
The Camaro still gets great comments and the C6 almost never did, getting in and out of the C6 requires contortion as you know, and the Camaro has features the C6 did not even offer- I am not sure if there is a usb interface yet on the C6. New Corvettes are being produced now something like 60 a day and selling at a rate of only about 150 a month so 9k off sticker on a medium-optioned car is easily done. I am buying another C6 but it will be a tough decision whether or not to also keep the 2SS.

[Napper]

I'm your guy

i came out of a almost 600 rwhp 08 Zo6 2lz

First off, i don't need to contort everytime i get in.
Obviously your Vette made mad hp and handled very well.

To successfully appriciate the SS , you will need to mod it.

the s/c route keeps it very very streetable and easily daily driven....i have a hair more hp than your stroker and likely a bit more torque ,, but the weight issue kills any comparison....the Vette is faster.

But, with suspension mods, the s/c packages they are offering and some rotors and hipo pads. the SS is a much more liveable car.

You don't need to worry as much when you park it.
You can still get upper 3 second 0-60

but you won't be in the 10's solid 11's for sure.

And no offense to my former Vette brothers....Zo6, Zr1 , Z51

Vetts are for more common.

Do i miss my Zo6? sometimes. But i have an auto SS s/c that moves handles and looks quite well. i may even be able to hang with a Zo6 in certain rolling situation just because of sheer torque. ( stock Zo6's)

I find that doing some basic suspesion work made my SS pretty sharp. I drive very confidently.

Best part is i don't get the "penis extension jokes". nor worry as much about spiteful people! For about 42k you can have some serious ponies, a very good suspension....and these brembos are excellent brakes.
if you must, do minimal upgrades to them .Rotors and Hawk Hps pads or ceramics.


I beleive if you drove any of the S/c packages, with upgraded suspension pieces
and a mild brake upgrade. You will be happy.

No Nav. but i know were i am going.

And as a plus, you can actually travel , grocery shop and daily drive with the SS.


The Vette is a purposeful sport car. The camaro offers compromises, but is a muscle car in modded form.

Now i traded my Z for my CTS-V. I'm 46, for the price of an 09-10 Zr1 i have a four door car that kicks ass, looks great and has luxury + another 2 door sport/muscle car(pony car) that truly , in my eyes rivals any base Vette.( modded SS of course)

I've heard many a tuner say you won't be happy. Well thats just not true.
You will have to mod....but the cost of the car is low enough to make modding a natural extension of your money.

In the end, me nor anyone else can make up your mind.

The SS can be made fast and handle very very well. expect to spend about 10k +/-
2-3 K.


Depends what you want.

[gordonb50]

It was a big decision for me, but I did it 2 weeks ago. I traded in a 2005 fully loaded 3LT (actually in '05 I think it was called a 1SB option) for a 2010 SS 6-speed Camaro. With just over 37,000 miles on the Vette, they gave me a very good trade in price. I don't race them and keep them stock, for the most part. I've had Corvettes on and off (mostly on) since '76 and have seen them grow from really rough to the C6. I've been lucky with the C6, not having any of the problems I read about on the Corvette Forum (roof never made a squeak). Owning and driving a Vette is a lifestyle, much different from owning any other car. The camaraderie among Vette owners is like no other group, and I will probably miss it. BUT, I'm not sorry I made the change. Heck, the SS is almost a Vette, but you're wrapped in steel rather than glass. A couple of thing's I've noticed after 200 miles - fuel mileage isn't as good as the C6 and you are sitting a little higher. You're also not sitting so close to the rear axel. All in all, I'm glad I bought the Camaro. I think the Camaro's, at least for now, draw more attention than a new Vette.

Good Luck,
Gordon

[newagemuscle]

There two different animals. I sold mine because of the kids. We could no longer use the car as a family, so I decided to get something that had a back seat. I have no regrets and actually get way more looks in the Camaro. I know that's probably not your concern, but being new it really draws atttention. I agree with you onthe interior of the vette. I have always felt for the price they have been behind the pack.

[Jefe's SS]

I absolutly love my Camaro. I bought because I've always wanted a Camaro and the rerelease of the 69' styling just got me. I bought it because I have two kids and need four seats. Well I don't "need" four seats as the Camaro is our Sunday/Funday car. But I wanted the whole family involved. We can take the Camaro as a family and the kids love it. If they were older/adults and we were empty nesting I would have bought a 'Vette. Infact that's the plan. Camaro now, Corvette when it's just the two of us.

That said, unless you really want a Camaro I would stick w/ the 'Vette.

[Memphis SS]

Ok. Maybe I can give you a little input. I have both..

First..I think you should spend more seat time in the SS go back to the dealer drive it around for a while. Then go drive a non mod C6 Corvette see if you still feel the same about what you’re going to buy.

Since we have both I have gone from one to the other in the same day driving around and I love them both. They both have plus and minus about them, I will say the new Camaro is the closest thing to the Corvette I have got into and has a much smoother and quieter ride. Yes fuel mileage is lower in the Camaro. We get 19MPG in town with the Corvette and I'm running around 17MPG in the SS.

It is easier to get into the SS and it has a lot nicer leather quality than the Corvette. First thing my wife said when we picked up the SS was how much quieter and how much better it took bumps then our C5 Corvette. I like the HUD in the SS and it handles very close to the C5, if not as good.

Wow factor I have to say now goes to the SS just because it is still a very new style and the Corvette C5 and C6 style has been around so long it is a dime a dozen. Over time I think the SS will be the same but it will take a few more years. It’s going to come down to what you like but if I got rid of the Corvette tomorrow It would not be that big of a deal other then I now would have to buy my wife a new Car. I hope that is a ways off since the C5 only has 19,000 miles on it.

[Napper]

Vette guys are also funny. I got a sense of "i'm superior to everyone cause i have a Vette." when i had the Z..

I'm just a car guy. So long as its American , i can find good in everything.
But i'm usually a glass half full kinda guy!

[Memphis SS]

Originally Posted by Napper

Vette guys are also funny. I got a sense of "i'm superior to everyone cause i have a Vette." when i had the Z..

I'm just a car guy. So long as its American , i can find good in everything.
But i'm usually a glass half full kinda guy!

Don't put us vette guys in a box.. Owned Corvettes for years and I'm just a car guy that enjoys seeing and looking at all cars. Never thought owning a Corvette made me any diff then the next guy.

PS: posted pictures on the Corvette forum of my new SS and the group had nothing but good comments about the SS..

[sscamaro]

For the + of the Camaro, it rides better, is quieter, easier to get into, has Blue Tooth, USB Port, gets a lot of compliments from a lot of people. It has 414/rwhp, which makes for nice driving.

For the + of the C6, Is faster with 388/rwhp because it is much lighter, handles better, seats are more comfortable, electronics can be a pain in the a** at times.

I have both Camaro friends and Corvette friends. My Corvette friends don't mind if I bring the SS sometimes. They also like the way it looks. So it doesn't hurt to have both.

[timcat4843]

Personally I would never consider selling my daily driver 08 coupe for a new Camaro.
However I would consider getting a new Camaro SS as a second car.
The new Camaro is a very attractive and capable pony car.
It looks a thousand times better than that ugly azz Rustang.
That's for sure.

But I'am a Corvette guy.
I love the unbelievably amazing power of the LS3 engine and the great handling.
The great fuel mileage is an added bonus.
My Chevy dealer at my request pulled the fuse on my dual-mode exhaust system so that the flaps stay wide open all the time.
That way I get to enjoy that deep robust powerfully loud exhaust note everytime I go for a drive.
My 08 coupe continues to get compliments everytime I go for a drive.
Especially whenever I pull up to an intersection.
I'll notice other drivers admiring my ride and then look at me and nod approvingly.
It would be hard to have to give all that up.
It's so addicting.

America only builds one world class sports car...the Corvette.
There's just nothing else like it.

[2010 Bumblebee]

Sounds to me like money isn't an issue and you are sick of your corvette. I'd keep the vette, but it sounds like you want a new car and that car is a new Camaro SS..

Follow your gut feeling.. The new camaro is a lot of fun, and I think they are more comfortable than corvettes.

I know you will get more looks in a new camaro right now than a corvette.

Just my opinion.