Sat in Camaro today, some disappointment

[GrnMchin]

So yesterday while I was out I stopped by to sit in a SRT Challenger get a better idea of what people are talking about. I have yet to sit in a fully loaded SS and will get that opportunity when mine arrives this summer or before. It wasn't bad, very plain in side, seats where nice, but then I compared MSRP WOW. Even on Dodges web site it cost more. So if the interior is nicer and I'm not saying it is, still need a true comparison to draw this conclusion. MSRP was $4k more then the Camaro so I guess if you want better interior your going to have to pay more. Just my 2 cents.

[greenrail]

I too have looked at the Challenger, very closely at the Chicago Auto Show. It (at least to me) is a very nice automobile. Is it the Camaro? No

Likewise, the Camaro isn't the Challenger. They are two very distinctly different vehicles. The Challenger seems more oriented towards luxurious cruising. Which is not a bad thing. (Bigger and heavier.)

The Camaro, is more of a Performance for the buck, vehicle, which is the main appeal to me.

I really wouldn't mind having both in my garage. But, "SIGH", I am not that well off.

[GrnMchin]

Originally Posted by greenrail

I too have looked at the Challenger, very closely at the Chicago Auto Show. It (at least to me) is a very nice automobile. Is it the Camaro? No

Likewise, the Camaro isn't the Challenger. They are two very distinctly different vehicles. The Cahllenger seems more oriented towards luxurious cruising. Which is not a bad thing. (Bigger and heavier.)

The Camaro, is more of a Performance for the buck, vehicle, which is the main appeal to me.

I really wouldn't mind having both in my garage. But, "SIGH", I am not that well off.

This is what I have been saying all along. It's an affordable performance car, but some think it should be more. I love the car as due most and for those who don't that's fine their are other options out their for you , it just might end up costing you more.

[kanakattack]

Originally Posted by greenrail

Gotta throw in my 2 cents, again.

Many of us on here are extremely focused on certain aspects of the new Camaro. That is a given. Primarily, performance over anything else. Honestly, that is somewhat of a myopic view. Which is, in and of itself, not a bad thing.

We have to understand the overall perception of those who may or may not be potential buyers of this car over other competitive brands.

Yes, Soft Touch instrument panel is a huge issue to some. And that's okay. It shouldn't breed disrespectful comments. It is a perception element to many. I happen to like a soft touch uinstrument panel, because to me it lends an air of richness to a given vehicle. Is it a deal breaker to me. No, it isn't. Because I am not buying this car on this element alone.

just like the lighted Vanity mirrors, issue. To many it doesn't mean diddely squat. To others, though, it is again a perception issue related to quality. I have had several vehicles with lighted Vanity mirrors. My lovely bride loves them. Those vehicles generally were upper end vehicles (ACURA RL Comes to mind here.)( I have freely admitted to owning off shore brands in the past, so shut off the flame throwers.)

I again go back to what I want in this car. Is this a deal breaker? No.

I want the best performing, sporty coupe, at the best price in it's class. Anything above and beyond that is gravy to me.

So, in a nutshell, I can understand both sides here. I just don't care for snide remarks and demeaning name calling of those who disagree with these perceptions.

If this is a deal breaker for you, okay. That's fine, enjoy whatever vehicle you select for your use. I do hope however, that whichever auto you choose, it would be a North American Brand so we can help our economy at home!

Well put. I think that there are some basic expectations that have been set about the "standard" interior, there are many features that are found in cars 5K less that do not seem to be included in our beloved Camaro. Whether or not you can live with it or justify it is entirely up to the individual. I am not rich by any means and in this uncertain times I really need to think hard about my purchases and what concessions I am willing to make. I really want to be able to have a car that is not just best in class but best in world for the price point, which by most of my standard it is. If the interior is not to the standards that some people have, then it is up to them to make that decision on whether or not to spend their money on it and more power to them. I really am looking forward to getting my car but cannot be begrudge anyone who decides to criticize certain aspects of it, it is their opinion and their right to do so.

[SoFlaZ]

Originally Posted by TJ91

lmao and this thread is still going, this is one of my favourtie threads ever hahaha

I can't believe this thread is still alive. And it's NOT a favorite of mine at all.

[1_2Many]

I can't believe some of you guys are actually comparing the Challenger interior to the Camaro. I don't care how "cheap" the materials seem to you it's nothing compared to the taxi-cab'esque interior of the Challenger.

And soft-touch dash...seriously? This is not a Jaguar. Like fbod said this car was built to last. Can you imagine what a soft-touch dash would look like in 20 years? That would be worse than the old padded dash's you see cracked to pieces on 2nd gens today.

[GrnMchin]

Originally Posted by 1_2Many

I can't believe some of you guys are actually comparing the Challenger interior to the Camaro. I don't care how "cheap" the materials seem to you it's nothing compared to the taxi-cab'esque interior of the Challenger.

And soft-touch dash...seriously? This is not a Jaguar. Like fbod said this car was built to last. Can you imagine what a soft-touch dash would look like in 20 years? That would be worse than the old padded dash's you see cracked to pieces on 2nd gens today.

For me I just had to see what the fuss was all about. Not trying to comparing just interesting to see what points people are trying to make. For me I don't get it either.

AND Done!

[MrIcky]

I don't want the thread to die...

Here's what most people do, at least semi-consciously:

My price range is: x
Things that are important to me

Must have features> Power doors, auto, remote locks, whatever

Exterior looks

1-----------10 looks are very important so they get more points

Interior design

1---------7 important, but not as important as looks

Fit and finish

1------------10 very important

Performance

1------------10

Features

>>electronics (blue tooth radio, etc)
1---3 I may be planning on putting in my own stereo, whatever.

===============
This isn't my list per se, but an example. You find the cars you're interested in, then you find a car that has your necessary features, then you add up the points and compare it against incentives, financing, etc. MOST people do something like that-even if it's not this formal and written out.

Some of the people on this board are born and bred Camaro lovers who aren't looking at this car through the lens of a regular car buyer. Most people will say 'oh, that's pretty sharp-I'll have to put that on the list when it's time to buy'. You see, it's on a list- not a list of 1, but a list of several cars that the person wants to look at. The list in the mid 30's where a contented SS falls is going to have a lot of very nice cars and it's all based on how your personal rankings of important features fall on the continuum.

[greenrail]

If money was no object to me, I would go for a ZR-1. No doubt in my mind. Nothing better than that as far as the price and the competition.

However, I don't have over $100k to plunk down on an automobile. So, I am tickled to death with what I have been seeing for the new Camaro. If I wasn't I wouldn't have ordered one.

It will probably be my last new Vehicle ever. So I am going to enjoy the heck out of it!

[Triton2110]

If you like the SRT 8 so much, I quess you mind paying the 1700.00 gas guzzler fee.

[greenrail]

At that level, I don't think the Guzzler Tax is something about which I would be worried.

ZR-1 has one too, and I wouldn't mind one of those if I could afford it.

[35thLE SS]

I hear the 2011 Camry will have a pillow top dash and HID vanity mirror lights. Might be something to check out.

[UCF w00t]

Originally Posted by kanakattack

Well put. I think that there are some basic expectations that have been set about the "standard" interior, there are many features that are found in cars 5K less that do not seem to be included in our beloved Camaro.

I'd like to see cars that are 5k less that have these many more features. Need car, specific features, and price of car with said features.

Assuming these actually exist, you can't think of the interior in a vacuum; you have to account for the performance of the car. I'd bet that the Camaro has $10k in performance enhancements above these others. Look at cars that have similar performance to the Camaro. THEN look at interior and price. There's not many. Mustang and challenger, 370z (although it ditches back seats), anything else?

So let's go with the 370z...$38,155 is what it takes to get you a comparable car to the 2SS. The 370z has HIDs so we'll make that a 2SS/RS. So we're at $35,380

Comparable performance. The 370z is smaller and lighter so it'll do better on the turns but the Camaro wins on the straights. To me, a wash. No back seat on the 370... that hurts. What's the 370z have that the Camaro doesn't? Some available crap like a nav unit (not included in the above price) but not much. I think the interior is ugly and looks super cramped.

Let's see some pictures for comparison. Each is from their company's site.








My vote...
1. Camaro
2. Mustang
3. Challenger
4. 370z

[ArcAngel]

My vote
1. 370Z
2. Camaro( Almost a tie for 1st)
3. Mustang
4. Challenger