I need honest opinions... Whats more important to you in a car?

[big dave]

At the end of the day, we all have different agendas for our cars. Some never plan on racing their cars. Some just buy their cars strictly for "show and tell". Lets face it, looks are subjective. Hp is excess can be dangerous in the wrong hands. I, for one, want too much power. The stock ZL1 does not satisfy that need. It's a great all around car, but it doesn't have the brutal acceleration the other 2 have. However, I don't regret purchasing the ZL1. After dealing with the headaches that come with modifying cars, I'd prefer something that gives me the power and looks I want without having to touch a thing.

Since I don't road race, I'll never come close to the handling limits of any of these cars. I'm a drag strip junkie, so the more power I have, the better.

[TX/ZL1]

Originally Posted by 2012LS3VERT

I know my SS isn't a ZL1, but it is Eaton blown...Here's my opinion:
I have the motor trend where they did a side by side comparison between the Hellcat and ZL1. The ZL1 kept up with the Hellcat until 50MPH, they only put a 275 tire on the back of the hellcat stock. The ZL1 ran a 12.2 in the 1/4, and the Hellcat ran an 11.8. Not a big enough difference IMO to justify spending the extra money just for horsepower. On the skidpad, the ZL1 took a big ol' dump on the Hellcat. That is a big factor to me, that is the "fun to drive" aspect I look for in a car, not just the straight line acceleration. GM did an excellent job on the ZL1, and the only reason I don't have one is that I wanted a Vert, and didn't have the budget for a ZL1 Vert.

+1.
Unless you don't plan to own a car very long, don't let horsepower totally overshadow drivability and handling. Both big reasons I'm in the ZL1.

[slow one]

Originally Posted by big dave

At the end of the day, we all have different agendas for our cars. Some never plan on racing their cars. Some just buy their cars strictly for "show and tell". Lets face it, looks are subjective. Hp is excess can be dangerous in the wrong hands. I, for one, want too much power. The stock ZL1 does not satisfy that need. It's a great all around car, but it doesn't have the brutal acceleration the other 2 have. However, I don't regret purchasing the ZL1. After dealing with the headaches that come with modifying cars, I'd prefer something that gives me the power and looks I want without having to touch a thing.

Since I don't road race, I'll never come close to the handling limits of any of these cars. I'm a drag strip junkie, so the more power I have, the better.

that's about right, the only track im gonna take it to is a drag strip, that's why im considering the others... the 11.8 the hellcat ran is with the auto, I think its gonna be different with the manual and wider rear tires for sure... I think this questioning might be me already having a Camaro in the past not thinking it was perfect and maybe the grass looks greener on the other side.

and to swallow my pride, im not a great driver, so I don't wanna be another guy driving the ZL1 running high 12s like ive seen on youtube... ya know.. I know the magazines get 12.1-2 with the ZL1, but I don't think I would get close, at least at first. I only got a 13.2 with my SS after a intake and tune...

[z28lt1]

If you are really looking for a weekend cruiser, nothing really matters except which one connects with you emotionally. The difference betwee 580 and 708 horsepower on a Sunday driver is meaningless.

I bought the Zl1 for HPDE track events, so the choice was obvious, not to mention, the out-the-door price of a Zl1 right now will be significantly less than that of a Hellcat. The Mustang does nothing for me. If I was really going for only a weekend cruiser, I would have a tough choice between the Zl1 and Hellcat. I probably would lean towards the Hellcat for what they've done on the inside, and the electronics, and the newness factor to it. But if you might at all get into something that challenges your driving (autocross, HPDE, etc.) the choice is clear...

[hognutz]

Originally Posted by slow one

So, I got rid of my 2011 Camaro SS about 2 yrs ago to get my wife a new Jeep Grand Cherokee (we both wanted another child, so I got her a SUV). Im not gonna get rid of my 2013 Silverado, but in about a year, Im getting another car. Wife is down with me getting whatever I want (yea, she's a keeper).

My question is which of the three should I get?

2012-14 ZL1- great handling car, fast, looks great, but slower in the 1/4 mile

2013-14 GT500- handles ok, fast, puts down more power, very fast 1/4 mile, BUT, lol, I cant stand Ford, this would be the only ford I would ever get

2015 Hellcat- lots o' power, excellent 1/4 mile, I think it looks the best, and by far sounds the best

What im looking for is a fast stock car that I don't have to modify... I just don't want to regret whatever it is that I buy. For example, the ZL1 runs slower 1/4 mile times and puts down lesser power, I could buy a SS and modify it to get to 12.4-6 1/4 mile easy.

This will be my weekend driver, so I don't care about refinement or "better for a daily driver". Right now im ranking the cars I want as:

1- Hellcat
2- ZL1
3- GT500

If anyone has experience in any of the other cars (I know the hellcat isn't out yet, but a srt8 maybe), I would love to hear about it... Thanks for any advice...

I guess it depends if you really want to stay stock.

Zl1

my .02 is modified the Zl1 is the best of the 3. it drives great everywhere bad road, strait line, in the curves, comfortable. Stock though I did feel at times it was underpowered for the money. I sold my 2007 Z06 for 42k and it would raped this car in the 1/4.

GT500

The Gt500 I like the car alot there have been axle and clutch issue even at stock power. some have been fine. you say you don't like ford too much so in my mind don't look at the car it in not more powerful or faster than the hellcat that is coming. Car can use suspention and drivetrain mods right out the box

hellcat

you state you like the looks the best which makes me think this is what you should buy. it is not out yet to see what its problems may be though so that is a rist. I truely have never driven an LX chasis car that I liked the handling on though. that being said no everbody really pushes any of these car to there true limit so for some it is going to handle fine.


so definatly try to at least drive a challenger, GT500, and Zl1

specs on paper are not the same as behind the wheel.

[G Money]

Originally Posted by jessrayo

I personally think if you find a shop that you trust to do some mods, the ZL1 is an amazing car that can't be touched by anything under 6 figures. Pretty much everyone that starts in an SS and goes to a ZL1 says OMG...there is such a difference. Pretty much everyone that mods a ZL1 says OMG this car is even more amazing. By a ZL1, get a 750 package done and you will be the happiest man alive....no regrets.

This ! Slow one I see you live in south Ga. If you want to come up my way I will take you for a ride in my modded ZL1 that will maybe make your choice a bit easier......PM me if you get towards ATL or Augusta......

[boondocksaint]

To throw a wrench into things, why not get a well-sorted 68-69 SS with a 4-speed and out-class'em all? If it truly is a cruiser. A nice resto-mod would be frickin' cool, too.

[chevi286]

Again, the OP states that he wants to spend roughly 40k next year and I believe that the gt500 and Hellcat won't be near that pricing

[slow one]

I was with my dad today (he came to visit, just had a baby boy a week ago), and we were running errands and stopped by the chevy dealership just to look at some stuff. The guy who sold me my 2011 Camaro SS was there, he works at the chevy dealership and the dodge dealer in town. He just ordered two Hellcats and he said their MSRP will be 76K!!!! Well, I guess my decision is made. Looks like a ZL1 is in my future...

Also, I got my wife sold on the idea of buying the car now instead of a year or so down to road. So it looks like green light to get the car... BUT, now im having second thoughts, kinda. Not to get into anyones personal business, but after my gas and food for the month is paid for and all my bills, I have $2200 left over. Do you think im crazy for buying a newer car? I saw a couple online for $44k, I would put 4k down and probably do the longest loan I can just to keep the monthly payment down.

[BigBoyBlue]

Originally Posted by big dave

At the end of the day, we all have different agendas for our cars. Some never plan on racing their cars. Some just buy their cars strictly for "show and tell". Lets face it, looks are subjective. Hp is excess can be dangerous in the wrong hands. I, for one, want too much power. The stock ZL1 does not satisfy that need. It's a great all around car, but it doesn't have the brutal acceleration the other 2 have. However, I don't regret purchasing the ZL1. After dealing with the headaches that come with modifying cars, I'd prefer something that gives me the power and looks I want without having to touch a thing.

Since I don't road race, I'll never come close to the handling limits of any of these cars. I'm a drag strip junkie, so the more power I have, the better.

This isn't a knock on Big Dave, but this is hysterical. I never thought a car that has been timed @3.8 to sixty and 12 flat in the quarter mile would be thought to be underpowered. Wow, how far we've come. I remember my cousin's 1988 Mustang LX 5.0 was fast as lightning. Now it would get beat by every day sedans.

Big Dave, you sound like me. We could have a 911 turbo S and once we got used to it, we'd feel like it wasn't powerful enough. Hahaha.

I just feel that straight line speed is overrated. I could get an old Nova and make it to blow away the Hellcat, and for much less money. Now I couldn't get a cheap car and make it finish the Nurburgring faster than our ZL1s.

[BigBoyBlue]

Originally Posted by slow one

that's about right, the only track im gonna take it to is a drag strip, that's why im considering the others... the 11.8 the hellcat ran is with the auto, I think its gonna be different with the manual and wider rear tires for sure... I think this questioning might be me already having a Camaro in the past not thinking it was perfect and maybe the grass looks greener on the other side.

and to swallow my pride, im not a great driver, so I don't wanna be another guy driving the ZL1 running high 12s like ive seen on youtube... ya know.. I know the magazines get 12.1-2 with the ZL1, but I don't think I would get close, at least at first. I only got a 13.2 with my SS after a intake and tune...

If you aren't such a great driver, it will be even harder for you to control the Shelby and/or Hellcat. The ZL1 is known to be much more driver friendly.

[MrUnsubtleNinja]

Originally Posted by BigBoyBlue

If you aren't such a great driver, it will be even harder for you to control the Shelby and/or Hellcat. The ZL1 is known to be much more driver friendly.

As a regrettably ex-owner of a 2013 GT500 (someone totalled it off) I will agree with your statement. Compared to the GT500 the ZL1 is a ***** cat. I thought the GT500, was actually remarkably easy to go fast in... But after getting the ZL1 it is amazing how easy it is to drive fast. I find myself missing the raw power of the GT500, but the ZL1 is just so nice to drive all the time.

PTM really does wonders.

[FINALLYSATISFIED]

My choice will be the Hellcat. For it's price value, it's just an overall better vehicle. I'm a previous owner of a ZL1 too.

[jessrayo]

Originally Posted by FINALLYSATISFIED

My choice will be the Hellcat. For it's price value, it's just an overall better vehicle. I'm a previous owner of a ZL1 too.

I don't think you will be satisfied with a Hellcat....