Camaro handling compared to other performance cars? - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Brandonmos · 04-02-2013, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toehead93

Where have you been the last 6 months? You even have one...

i knew they were doing well (the 1le's) but mainly i had seen the vs. the BOSS laptimes and articles. i hadn't seen comparative times against higher end performance cars. i guess i was so busy driving

Denis · 04-02-2013, 05:11 PM

Here's some 'ring lap times to put it in perspective.

Camaro SS

ZL1...take a really good look at the cars the ZL1 is faster then.

TSSUNAMI · 04-02-2013, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denis

Here's some 'ring lap times to put it in perspective.

Camaro SS

ZL1...take a really good look at the cars the ZL1 is faster then.

All of a sudden, that BMW M3 that I used to drool over looks a bit less tempting.

fielderLS3 · 04-02-2013, 05:30 PM

OP, If you are looking for handling in particular, and currently have a 350Z, you will probably be disappointed with the Camaro, unless you get the 1LE, Z/28, or ZL1. The Camaro is more of a power car than a handler without paying up for the various track packs. The grip level is actually pretty good, but they feel a bit too big and not nimble enough on the road, and have too light and rather numb steering. That said, however, I haven't driven one since the 2010-2011 model years, so if they have improved them since then, someone please point it out.

If you want a Camaro and are willing to be patient, however, consider waiting for the 6th-gens to come out. Significant improvements in the handling and "feel" department are coming with the new Alpha platform.

quualudes · 04-02-2013, 05:38 PM

Coming from a very nimble RSX, the power aspect is awesome moving to an LS. The bolt on upgrades help make that even better. Suspension is another matter... It's a big car and it won't compare stock to your current ride, but you can remedy that too! I went the Pedders route and have a great driving car as a result. A few upgrades bushes and Zl1 sways makes this a completely enjoyable animal to drive. There are at least 4 suspension vendors catered to this car, so there are plenty of options.

The Camaro is a great platform, lots of options to make it your vision! Takes some money, blood, sweat and tears - but it's pretty awesome to have something that YOU want.

carpleror · 04-02-2013, 05:42 PM

Thanks guys i really appreciate the input. Like I said I'm not overly concerned about the power difference, I think it would be similar ENOUGH to my Z. I'm much more concerned about handling. Having the Z as my DD for the last 4 years I kinda got used to the way it weaves in and out of traffic and corners down exit ramps (I know, bad habit). I would love to get a 1LE but I don't think I can afford it, I think my best bet would be an LT. Maybe add some sway bars later on.

carpleror · 04-02-2013, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fielderLS3

OP, If you are looking for handling in particular, and currently have a 350Z, you will probably be disappointed with the Camaro, unless you get the 1LE, Z/28, or ZL1. The Camaro is more of a power car than a handler without paying up for the various track packs. The grip level is actually pretty good, but they feel a bit too big and not nimble enough on the road, and have too light and rather numb steering. That said, however, I haven't driven one since the 2010-2011 model years, so if they have improved them since then, someone please point it out.

If you want a Camaro and are willing to be patient, however, consider waiting for the 6th-gens to come out. Significant improvements in the handling and "feel" department are coming with the new Alpha platform.

The steering is actually my exact concern. I've gotten so used to the stiffness of my steering wheel that when I'm driving anything else the wheel feels awkward to me now.

I don't know much about the Alpha-platform, but if that's the case then it's something I'll have to consider.

cornerspeed92 · 04-02-2013, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandonmos

minor jack- Something i wonder alot, how do our cars deal real world against the other performance cars out there handling wise? basically does the 1LE handle great for a camaro, or great in general..?

It handles great in general,did you see any of my videos from Laguna?

cornerspeed92 · 04-02-2013, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carpleror

Thanks guys i really appreciate the input. Like I said I'm not overly concerned about the power difference, I think it would be similar ENOUGH to my Z. I'm much more concerned about handling. Having the Z as my DD for the last 4 years I kinda got used to the way it weaves in and out of traffic and corners down exit ramps (I know, bad habit). I would love to get a 1LE but I don't think I can afford it, I think my best bet would be an LT. Maybe add some sway bars later on.

You wont be happy with an LT get the 1LE here are two videos the 1st is my 2011 1LT RS the 2nd is my 1LE its much harder to catch and pass in the V6 then the 1LE

rontammy0 · 04-03-2013, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The IOM Ninja

You will not be impressed with the V6 Camaro's handling compared to the Nissan. As an owner of a 350Z those things are like go-karts they do whatever you want no matter what. The Camaro handles like a freaking boat unless you get the 1LE or ZL1 (Z/28 isn't out yet). The V6 might have similar lap times to your 350Z (though I seriously doubt it) but around corners it will not feel as flat or well maintained I can guarantee it.

a little credit here ...a boat ...come on wheres the love

christianmotox · 04-03-2013, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carpleror

Ok, so I've been searching through this forum for a while now and decided to join so I could make a thread for a topic I haven't seen before; how the Camaro actually handles compared to other performance cars. I see a lot of discussion about HP and such (mainly compared to the mustang), but how does it actually drive; suspension, steering wheel stiffness, etc.? I'm looking into getting a Camaro pretty soon and the reason I ask is because I'm currently driving a 2005 Nissan 350Z and I LOVE the way it drives. The car hugs the road, and the steering wheel is VERY stiff. And, of course, it's got a lot power. So I'm curious as to how the Z would compare to an LS Camaro (which is what I'm looking into). I know the Camaro has about 50 more HP than the Z, but it's also like 600 lbs heavier, so I'm sure that translates into a decrease in performance right there. I'm expecting lower performance with this switch (which I'm ok with because I love the Camaro), I just want an idea of how big a difference there is in the performance of the two cars. I know the only way to really tell would be to actually drive a Camaro, but until then I figured this would be a good start. Thanks guys!

The camaro LS is a great starting point, don't listen to people saying you will be disappointed with the LS, cause it will be cheap enough that you will be able to afford suspension mods if you want., Drop springs, sway bars, and rs wheels should run you about 1500 bucs.
I say go for it, 23k for a camaro is a steal.

captaincog · 04-03-2013, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christianmotox

The camaro LS is a great starting point, don't listen to people saying you will be disappointed with the LS, cause it will be cheap enough that you will be able to afford suspension mods if you want., Drop springs, sway bars, and rs wheels should run you about 1500 bucs.
I say go for it, 23k for a camaro is a steal.

I agree. I have a friend that had a 350z and while he had fun with it I could beat him on the 1/4 mile track all the time. My 1LS is fun and smile generating fast and handles pretty well. It is a big car but it still feels somewhat toss able. The steering is very neutral and gives good feedback. The ride is much better than many other cars due to the weight but in a good way. Test drive one and decide for yourself and decide.

mikeSS · 04-03-2013, 02:34 AM

Track times DO NOT ALWAYS do a car justice!!! also some tracks will make some cars look better than they are. due to to many straights. Its common sense.

persoanlly, i disliked my camaro`s handling. my new e92 m3....well feels about 4 times better.. but its 2 times the cost....heehehe

Doraemon · 04-03-2013, 03:42 AM

When I first got my Camaro, I was surprised how heavy it felt driving it. As someone said, it's more of a power car than a nimble car. Add in the low 360 visibility, it's not that easy weaving in traffic either. I tried to do a quick 90deg left turn in a drizzle once and totally spun out in front of everyone. Gotta say, I was surprised by that.

But nothing beats the feel, look and sound of a Camaro accelerating.

04-02-2013, 05:11 PM	#16
Denis Drives: 2010 SS Join Date: May 2012 Location: Yorktown Heights, NY Posts: 7,695 View My Garage	Here's some 'ring lap times to put it in perspective. Camaro SS ZL1...take a really good look at the cars the ZL1 is faster then. __________________

04-02-2013, 05:30 PM	#18
fielderLS3 Drives: 2016 Mazda6, 2011 Mustang 5.0 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Portage, Wisconsin Posts: 4,049	OP, If you are looking for handling in particular, and currently have a 350Z, you will probably be disappointed with the Camaro, unless you get the 1LE, Z/28, or ZL1. The Camaro is more of a power car than a handler without paying up for the various track packs. The grip level is actually pretty good, but they feel a bit too big and not nimble enough on the road, and have too light and rather numb steering. That said, however, I haven't driven one since the 2010-2011 model years, so if they have improved them since then, someone please point it out. If you want a Camaro and are willing to be patient, however, consider waiting for the 6th-gens to come out. Significant improvements in the handling and "feel" department are coming with the new Alpha platform. __________________ 2022 1SS 1LE (Arrived 4/29/22) "The car is the closest thing we will ever create to something that is alive." . 2022 1SS 1LE (Coming Soon)

04-02-2013, 05:38 PM	#19
quualudes Drives: 2015 1SS 1LE MPP Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 207	Coming from a very nimble RSX, the power aspect is awesome moving to an LS. The bolt on upgrades help make that even better. Suspension is another matter... It's a big car and it won't compare stock to your current ride, but you can remedy that too! I went the Pedders route and have a great driving car as a result. A few upgrades bushes and Zl1 sways makes this a completely enjoyable animal to drive. There are at least 4 suspension vendors catered to this car, so there are plenty of options. The Camaro is a great platform, lots of options to make it your vision! Takes some money, blood, sweat and tears - but it's pretty awesome to have something that YOU want.

04-02-2013, 05:42 PM	#20
carpleror Drives: Nissan 350Z Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: New York Posts: 4	Thanks guys i really appreciate the input. Like I said I'm not overly concerned about the power difference, I think it would be similar ENOUGH to my Z. I'm much more concerned about handling. Having the Z as my DD for the last 4 years I kinda got used to the way it weaves in and out of traffic and corners down exit ramps (I know, bad habit). I would love to get a 1LE but I don't think I can afford it, I think my best bet would be an LT. Maybe add some sway bars later on.

04-03-2013, 02:34 AM	#27
mikeSS Drives: 2015 c7 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: MI Posts: 7,462	Track times DO NOT ALWAYS do a car justice!!! also some tracks will make some cars look better than they are. due to to many straights. Its common sense. persoanlly, i disliked my camaro`s handling. my new e92 m3....well feels about 4 times better.. but its 2 times the cost....heehehe

04-03-2013, 03:42 AM	#28
Doraemon Drives: 2011 IBM 2LT/RS Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: CA Posts: 64	When I first got my Camaro, I was surprised how heavy it felt driving it. As someone said, it's more of a power car than a nimble car. Add in the low 360 visibility, it's not that easy weaving in traffic either. I tried to do a quick 90deg left turn in a drizzle once and totally spun out in front of everyone. Gotta say, I was surprised by that. But nothing beats the feel, look and sound of a Camaro accelerating.