torn between the ZL1 or 1LE

[2012-1822]

Originally Posted by Fraxum

I did not discount that. Nice for you to be rich. Few of the rest of us are. Good thing you didn't buy that ZR1 though, their values are plummeting with the announcement of the new Z06. I can see where if someone needs the back seat or prefers the Camaro's look they might choose the ZL1. The ZL1 is a great GT.

You are comparing the C6 to the ZL1. I agree, I too might prefer the ZL1. However the C7 is a big leap ahead and they fixed all the Corvette problems (apparently)

So I wondered if the OP considered the Stingray. It is currently and arguably the best sports car on the planet with state of the art comfort and high performance technology. It also is very efficient and owners are seeing over 30 MPG on the highway. Younger buyers are looking for hi-tech and fuel efficiency. If they also want a fast car and can afford it, then the Corvette is the obvious choice. A base LT1 can be had for under $50K and is still a very well equipped, fast car. Hard to find though, LT1s are selling like hot cakes.

Let's see, I don't know why I get involved with pointless posts like this. First, I'm not rich, not yet anyway, I work hard a prioritize.

Second, I don't give a crap about resale of a car like this, I bought a forever car. Don't plan on selling. It will take an act of God, literally like a tree falling on it, for me to get rid of it. Would have been the same way had I bought a Vette.

Tell you what, I concede to all further points you make on the matter. I won't be responding to them. You're right. The ZL1 is an over priced piece of crap that nobody wants.

[PalmerGA]

Originally Posted by super60

Either one is fine by me You pick one and we'll build it !

Thanks in advance from your ZL1/1LE Oshawa Build Team


Mike Judge
Super60

You guys are awesome!

[Southern Comfort]

1LE is a fine car (perfect for my budget today).
But if you have the means, go for a ZL1. Available in auto and bright wheels if that's what you like.

[Fraxum]

Originally Posted by 2012-1822

Let's see, I don't know why I get involved with pointless posts like this. First, I'm not rich, not yet anyway, I work hard a prioritize.

Second, I don't give a crap about resale of a car like this, I bought a forever car. Don't plan on selling. It will take an act of God, literally like a tree falling on it, for me to get rid of it. Would have been the same way had I bought a Vette.

Tell you what, I concede to all further points you make on the matter. I won't be responding to them. You're right. The ZL1 is an over priced piece of crap that nobody wants.

Now that is not what I said. Sorry if I came on too strong. But if you do not have to think twice about buying a $100K+ car (ZR1) you are rich in my book. I like the ZL1, I think it's great. ZL1 resale is holding up okay. Corvette values are more fickle. I would not mind owning a ZL1. But for the money I would rather have a Z51. The OP was looking for opinions.

Peace brother!

[Forte]

If those are your choices, ZL1. Easily.

[jshaf]

wish I had the money to have this problem. if money were no issue ZL1 all day!

[Fraxum]

Originally Posted by 130R

He was, as the title of his threads states: "torn between the ZL1 or 1LE".

I'm sure if he wanted opinions on the C7, he would have titled the thread differently...

Okay good point. I change my vote:

1LE 1SS + Centrifugal FI FTW!!! For a little over $40k you can have about 600 RWHP and pull over 1.0 G on a race track. No contest in bang for the buck. You just lose a smoother ride when you feel like cruising.

[Q'smuscle]

Hard choice but I'm thinking 1LE !

[Jims Mongoose]

Originally Posted by newmoon

If you want a 1LE look in the autos for sale section in this forum, I am not sure why but it seems there are an awful lot of these newly purchased cars for sale. If you search you can also find a low mileage used ZL1 for a little bit above what a new 1LE might cost. Set your budget then shop both new and used and see what is out there. Myself I'd choose a used low mileage ZL1, easy decision.

I think I know why they are being traded in.

Please don't take this as a ZL1 diss. I think as I have said before that it is hands down a better car than the GT500 680 hp cobra. But on the street It will get embarrassed by that car unless modded. Don't think for a minute this isn't a big consideration for many who buy and don't modify. Ford really pulled a slick one to blunt ZL1 sales and impact.

Thats why they are being traded in, thats why I didn't buy a ZL1.

That damn Corvette LOL really hurts what GM can do with the Camaro.
I can tell you how many not so knowledgeable guys say, 'Yea but the Cobra will beat any Camaro, Cobra, Cobra, Cobra, so annoying.

Jim

[Norm Peterson]

Originally Posted by StoutSnout

Not sure why the 1LE would be considered the ultimate for road-handling, and the ZL1 wouldn't.

The 1LE lighter, has better weight distribution, has a better overall balance among acceleration/cornering/braking, and has a wheel/tire package that all by itself says "less basic understeer". I expect the 1LE to have a slightly lighter subjective feel about it.

Other sources have the 1LE consistently being better at braking and slightly better in the measured handling tests when performed under more similar conditions.


Never mind that forced induction has been associated far more with straight line acceleration and straight line top speed attempts than corner-carving. That the ZL1 is good as it is when the road turns twisty is perhaps more in spite of the fact that its engine carries a supercharger on its back than because of it.


Norm

[Msmall143]

I've owned both a 1le and now a zl1. Both 2013's. My opinions based off personal experience rather than what a magazine says. Both are good cars, but both are far from perfect....they are still chevy's not ferrarri's. He's the zl1 is costly for a chevy, but 60k isn't an expensive car compared to luxury lines.

I don't see one aspect where the 1le had an advantage. I don't see where people are saying the 1le brakes better, I don't think it does.

If you add beefy drivetrain and a sc to a 1le you don't have much weight savings.

The zl1 is a smoother ride with similar responsiveness.

I also like the zl1 having vented brake ducts and functional hood.

Not sure I buy into the "wih a zl1 you have the warranty" hype. I think modding is more of a personality thing. If you modded an ss I doubt you could buy a zl1 and keep it stock. You're probably either going to mod or not regardless of which car you choose based of your personality.

The front fascia also looks more complete on the zl1.

The 1le does provide a bit more "driver feedback" from what you feel from the road.

The wheel gap on the 1le is ugly as hell and requires suspension change. Zl1 doesn't have hat gap.

Wheel hop was also a pain with the 1le, I haven't noticed any with the zl1

I was never a fan of the stretched 285's on the rear 11's of the 1le.

Zl1 is more of a hear turner where people ask "what does 1le mean"... I had 1le badges.

With the zl1 you can get to 700 rwhp pretty quick and cheap with minimal if any supporting mods.

Both are good cars, but cost aside I don't think anyone could say he 1lr is a better car for any purpose.

Dollar for dollar in mods it will cost a ton of money for a 1le to keep up with a zl1. I don't get the "mod the 1le to beat a zl1" because the minute you match the hp the zl1 can add 100 hp with very little money. And when you match a modded zl1 with 700 rwhp with a 1le, the 1le drivetrain will start breaking while the zl1 will run strong.

Just my 2 cents. If i still had both I can't see a time I'd get in the 1le over the zl1.

Many have built ss's to beat zl1's but doing it right costs a ton of money. If you can afford to do this you can afford a zl1 to start with.

[CRTZL1]

Originally Posted by usmc-ashton

i like both of them the zl1 is a power house and the 1le is the one im really leaning towards. im so confused lol i was told i could just put forced induction on the 1le and make it as the same power as the Z. not to mention the zl1 is around 15K more than the SS, what do you guys think???

What do you mean as the same power?

Originally Posted by 62nalide

Supercharged 1LE

++1

Both are awesome, can't go wrong either way..

ZL1 , warranty but expensive and fun...
1LE , no warranty, less expensive but more fun...

One thing I will say if it were me and I was in your situation of deciding between the two. I would never consider the warranty as a pro to the ZL1 cause if I had the Z I would be modding it anyway and the warranty would be out the door.. so screw it!!

[Front Runner]

Originally Posted by usmc-ashton

i like both of them the zl1 is a power house and the 1le is the one im really leaning towards. im so confused lol i was told i could just put forced induction on the 1le and make it as the same power as the Z. not to mention the zl1 is around 15K more than the SS, what do you guys think???

Both are great cars. Heck, they're both Camaro's. It all boils down to what you really want, can afford, will or will not mod, etc.

As far as costs are concerned, the purchase price difference may be less than you think. When I was searching, I kept and open mind and looked at 1LE's and ZL1's. After negotiating on both models the final OTD price was 11K difference (equal options). The ZL1 was an easy choice for me but I'm not interested in any mods either. I'm a stock car type of guy.

Either way, good luck with your search.

[Blueclyde]

Both cars are great but if you can swing it financially go with the ZL1. I'm surprised by the folks talking about better "feel" and braking on the 1LE. I'm pretty sure the ZL1 has handily beat the 1LE at just about every track that they've been publicly tested at. Yes, maybe the ZL1 has a tiny bit more under steer but 99% of us would never feel that. 1LE is a great car but ZL1 is faster and better in just about every category.