Camaro SS vs 06 Civic SI (handling)

[treefrog1112]

So i was driving my SI around yesterday. And i was having some fun whipping it around, it's a quite nibble car. And then it hit me, can the Camaro handle as good? will i be able to to whip a Camaro around corners and such like i do my civic si?

How does my car compare to the Camaro SS? I've never driving RWD, a V8 or a larger car

the SI specs:
I have 18"x7.5 rims with kumho ecsta 4x (super high performance all seasons)
helical limited slip differential
0.90g (8.8 m/s2) of lateral acceleration on the skid pad
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph)67.80
60-0 mph (ft.)122.7
2,877 LBS
I have no kind of stability control on the 2006

[malave7567]

The Camaro handles just as well, or even better. I drove a 2006 SI very hard many times (my brother's car), and while it can be fun and sporty, I was a little disappointed. Guess I expected more out of it. Seems a bit sloppy stock, but has potential for improvement for sure.

I would say even a stock SS in the right hands would out handle it, especially with a rear sway upgrade (very quick and easy upgrade). InsideLine had tested the 2010 SS at 0.88g with 68.6mph slalom. Remembering that the newer SS's have updated suspension and I would definitely say the SS handles better. Just have to learn how to drive a high-powered FR vehicle as opposed to a lesser-powered FF.

[matt55]

Originally Posted by treefrog1112

So i was driving my SI around yesterday. And i was having some fun whipping it around, it's a quite nibble car. And then it hit me, can the Camaro handle as good? will i be able to to whip a Camaro around corners and such like i do my civic si?

How does my car compare to the Camaro SS? I've never driving RWD, a V8 or a larger car

No, not as nimble.
Ill list my last 3 car and give you a feel for what they are
Evo IX = scapel
Civic si 2008 = steak knife
2010 SS = butchers knife

[MichaelH]

Originally Posted by matt55

No, not as nimble.
Ill list my last 3 car and give you a feel for what they are
Evo IX = scapel
Civic si 2008 = steak knife
2010 SS = MACHETE haha

haha

[The Stig]

If you Pedderize your Camaro it handles like a straight razor.

[L99CAMA2011]

Originally Posted by stieger

If you Pedderize your Camaro it handles like a straight razor.

no joke.

[midnighter]

The only way I would lower mine is with the Pedder's system.

[L99CAMA2011]

Justice Pete kit makes our Camaro SS feels like it weights 3000lbs not kidding. Freaking phenomenal.

[DarkneSS]

Ive driven an SI before. Are you lowered?

Basically the SI will feel more nimble and be more responsive to steering because of the weight difference. You do feel the weight in the Camaro but at the same time the weight is much more balanced.

Once you get used to the weight i think you will find its a much better handling car.

The biggest kicker for me and what you will notice is how much fwd/rwd effects handling.

Trying to power out of a corner with fwd is horrible, you lose so much power around turns because the car simply cant put it down. Rwd is SOOO much more smooth and you can really power yourself out of corners and through them.

You also dont get any of that terrible torque steer.

Despite almost 1000 pounds of weight difference, no one who knows their stuff would actually take an SI(stock) over even a 2010 V6 Camaro(stock) around a road course or track. The difference between fwd and rwd for handling is that serious.

Good luck getting your car! I think youll be extremely happy even if you get the 6 over your SI.

[oldlugs]

Originally Posted by treefrog1112

So i was driving my SI around yesterday. And i was having some fun whipping it around, it's a quite nibble car. And then it hit me, can the Camaro handle as good?..

Hate to tell you, but the light car will always feel more nimble. Since mass in motion tends to stay in motion... A heavy car will never "handle" as well as a light car. You can always improve road holding and ultimate grip, but the heavy car still won't be as nimble. Simple physics.
Want to feel real handling..? Drive something like an old Lotus that weighs under 2000 pounds. They stick like glue and are incredibly nimble... On 185 section tires!

[treefrog1112]

my SI has a bone stock suspension. I would keep a camaro ss suspension stock also. I need a comfortable ride as it is my daily driver. plus girls hate it when you bounce all over the place.

you don't get torque steer out of an SI due to its lack or torque and LSD. okay maybe a little, but you have to try and notice it.

I don't think a 1000 lb heavier car will ever be as nimble as a lighter one.

[midnighter]

Originally Posted by treefrog1112

my SI has a bone stock suspension. I would keep a camaro ss suspension stock also. I need a comfortable ride as it is my daily driver. plus girls hate it when you bounce all over the place.

you don't get torque steer out of an SI due to its lack or torque and LSD. okay maybe a little, but you have to try and notice it.

I don't think a 1000 lb heavier car will ever be as nimble as a lighter one.

My '07 Civic Si 2dr I left the stock suspension. It rode great.


My '09 Civic Si 4dr I added Tein 1.5" drop springs and it rode rough and popped when I went over imperfections on the road. Annoying!


My Camaro suspension is staying stock!

[08-G35s/6MT]

Originally Posted by DarkneSS

Ive driven an SI before. Are you lowered?

Basically the SI will feel more nimble and be more responsive to steering because of the weight difference. You do feel the weight in the Camaro but at the same time the weight is much more balanced.

Once you get used to the weight i think you will find its a much better handling car.

The biggest kicker for me and what you will notice is how much fwd/rwd effects handling.

Trying to power out of a corner with fwd is horrible, you lose so much power around turns because the car simply cant put it down. Rwd is SOOO much more smooth and you can really power yourself out of corners and through them.

You also dont get any of that terrible torque steer.

Despite almost 1000 pounds of weight difference, no one who knows their stuff would actually take an SI(stock) over even a 2010 V6 Camaro(stock) around a road course or track. The difference between fwd and rwd for handling is that serious.

Good luck getting your car! I think youll be extremely happy even if you get the 6 over your SI.

The only FWD car I would ever own would be a Prelude Type-SH with torque vectoring ATTS......