Is Now The Time To Consider A C8? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

ZPirate · 11-02-2024, 11:19 AM

Is now the time to consider a C8? I love my ZL1, but I'm always looking at what other options are out there. C8s are now abundant and being priced thousands under MSRP. In addition, Chevy is offering a $2,500 rebate for current 2010 and newer Camaro owners.

I test drove a 2LT C8 with the Z51 package this morning. The dealership has it priced 5k under MSRP. The car is nice, but I'm not sure I would enjoy the car long term as I've always been a manual guy. On top of that the 150 hp difference is noticeable. However, the C8s mid engine design and lower weight makes it accelerate just as fast if not faster.

Curious if any other ZL1 owners are or have considered a C8.

Outlaw_SS1LE · 11-02-2024, 12:47 PM

I think it's a great time to buy a C8....that's why I bought one. You can do better than 5K off in MI...Matick Chevy in Redford is doing employee pricing for all (approx 10%) on '24s and '25s in stock. The max doc fee in MI is $260 per state law, so there is no ridiculous dealer fee.

Caerus · 11-02-2024, 01:07 PM

I have considered a C8, especially since my good friend has one and I have driven it. His is a 3LT Z51 with most of the desired options with a MSRP of $96k. It is a nice sports car no doubt. But I agree with you in that I think I would miss the manual transmission. The Camaro ZL1 has so much character and the rawness in the way it drives, but still can be such a smooth comfortable driving car. That would be hard to give up. Plus, with all the discounts, it is still going to cost a lot more. I guess you could get a less optioned C8 and not have to come out of pocket that much.

The ZL1 is by all measures, a performance bargain. If I ever get tired of a manual, or have some physical problems with working a clutch, the C8 would be tops on my list. All this said, I am fickle about cars and wanting some thing different. So, I could easily change my mind any time.

Z OH 6 · 11-02-2024, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZPirate

Is now the time to consider a C8? I love my ZL1, but I'm always looking at what other options are out there. C8s are now abundant and being priced thousands under MSRP. In addition, Chevy is offering a $2,500 rebate for current 2010 and newer Camaro owners.

I test drove a 2LT C8 with the Z51 package this morning. The dealership has it priced 5k under MSRP. The car is nice, but I'm not sure I would enjoy the car long term as I've always been a manual guy. On top of that the 150 hp difference is noticeable. However, the C8s mid engine design and lower weight makes it accelerate just as fast if not faster.

Curious if any other ZL1 owners are or have considered a C8.

Accelerates quicker to 60mph, after that the ZL1 will walk it down before the 1/4 and continue to leave it behind The C8 Stingray is a nice car but has nothing on the ZL1 really. If you were talking about a C8 Z06, that's a whole different story. I've owned a 2020 C8 Z51 Stingray and currently own a 2021 ZL1 and a 2023 C8 Z06/Z07 HTC. If performance isn't your only deciding factor then by all means, enjoy the C8 Stingray, its still a very fun car to drive.

DaveC113 · 11-02-2024, 03:25 PM

C8s are great cars, just depends what you want. The layout and DCT makes them fast from a stop but they're hardly faster on straights vs a SS nevermind a ZL1. Overall laptimes are pretty close to a stock SS 1LE, and my SLE with upgraded sus, wheels and tires destroys a stock C8 in corners, it's not even close. A C8 could keep up with similar mods and overall has slightly more potential, but they aren't as far apart as one might think.

C8s are quite soft and they are LARGE cars. Stock, great GT cars with good power, great suspension and lots of storage space for what they are. Driving on the street, I'd take the C8. It'll destroy almost anything from a stop and has enough power for me. For track I'd go Camaro unless I had the cash for a Z06, and then I might look at other options just because the Z06 is so massive. At a cars and coffee today, a Z06 w/Z07 was parked next to a twin turbo Audi R8, the size difference was striking.

HypeBlueZL1 · 11-02-2024, 05:39 PM

My wife and I have a rule that the "fun car" has to have a manual transmission. So that knocks the C8 out of consideration. Also, I don't fit in them so there's that.

ZPirate · 11-02-2024, 06:49 PM

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Your replies are all good food for thought.

The manual transmission issue is a big one for me. I've gone from a manual to a paddle shift automatic before and even though I really liked the car it wasn't as engaging to drive as the manual cars I've owned. Although modern automatics certainly accelerate faster than manuals on the same car.

At my age I'm unlikely to be tracking either car. Zero to 60 times and overall handling on the street are more important characteristics for me. Another potential downside for me is that a C8 Stingray's value is now starting to decline relative to the market for other cars. That's in part due to the abundance of them now. My ZL1 on the other hand isn't likely to go down in value near as fast, if at all, especially with it being a manual.

A C8 Z06 would be nice, but unfortunately out of my price range at this point.

Keko · 11-02-2024, 08:00 PM

I would only consider a C8 if it was a ZR1, but that is going to be way out of my price range. A manual ZL1 is about as entertaining and enjoyable as a car can possibly get at that power level.

triggerjerk · 11-02-2024, 08:17 PM

Only other car I'd consider is a CT5 Blackwing. Or a C8 ZR1 if I won the lottery.
Otherwise, just buy a Magnuson 2650

arpad_m · 11-02-2024, 11:52 PM

I just visited the Corvette museum in Bowling Green a couple weeks ago, saw a gazillion C8s and wouldn't want to trade my SS for any of them. The seats are tiny, the interior cramped, and the Stingray doesn't have much power.

The C8 does have some advantages over our cars, however, I don't find the base model attractive in any way. Maybe the ZR1 or even the Z06 would be something to consider, but then the price tag is a joke, and it still looks and sounds like a Ferrari

Then again, at least the Corvette is not discontinued, a fact that can't be ignored, so no judgment from me if someone wants to trade, it's just not a slam dunk proposition IMO. Oh, and if someone didn't like visibility in the Camaro, well guess what, you'll see absolute jack out of a C8, but interestingly nobody complains there

Rapid_blue_zl1_22 · 11-03-2024, 07:10 AM

I saw a post the other day saying a Zora test car was spotted with a manual transmission. If that is true, I would think it would trickle down to all C8 trim levels. I would definitely consider a manual transmission C8!

Megahurtz · 11-03-2024, 07:20 AM

The only C8 I would consider instead of the ZL1 is the ERay or Z06. Both of these are still quite expensive and rare. Any other version of the C8 is just too slow.

I've had a c5 z06, c6 z06 and c7 z06 and plan on a c8 z06 although the Eray has me thinking. Anyhow, the ZL1 is fun and its my second Gen 6 Camaro but they simply don't match the Corvette's fun IMO.

I said all of that to say, if you are in it for the power, the C8 Z51 will leave you disappointed after 70-80mph.

m6-lt1 · 11-03-2024, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZPirate

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Your replies are all good food for thought.

The manual transmission issue is a big one for me. I've gone from a manual to a paddle shift automatic before and even though I really liked the car it wasn't as engaging to drive as the manual cars I've owned. Although modern automatics certainly accelerate faster than manuals on the same car.

As a manual transmission diehard there are only 2 cars I’d give up having a manual transmission for. 991/992 GT3 and C8 Z06. Those cars I think are so epic everywhere else I’d be okay having a DCT. I think you’ll miss the power and shifting yourself if you get a regular C8. Yeah it launches like a bat outta hell but it won’t pull much harder than your prior SS 1LE. Your ZL1 pulls much harder at highway speeds than a c8.

Broooster · 11-03-2024, 08:29 AM

I wasn't even going to comment but here's my little story. I went from driving a manual to getting a 2017 Chevy SS (sedan) automatic, paddle shifters and all. Bought that car because I figured the wife would drive it some. Didn't happen and I regretted buying the automatic every single day. I came up with every excuse possible to convince myself that the auto was just fine, be happy. At the end of the day, I was miserable and lying to myself. And that's how I ended up here, I traded the SS for a manual ZL1, and it scratches the manual itch.

11-02-2024, 11:19 AM	#1
ZPirate Drives: 2023 Summit White Camaro ZL1 M6 Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,885	Is Now The Time To Consider A C8? Is now the time to consider a C8? I love my ZL1, but I'm always looking at what other options are out there. C8s are now abundant and being priced thousands under MSRP. In addition, Chevy is offering a $2,500 rebate for current 2010 and newer Camaro owners. I test drove a 2LT C8 with the Z51 package this morning. The dealership has it priced 5k under MSRP. The car is nice, but I'm not sure I would enjoy the car long term as I've always been a manual guy. On top of that the 150 hp difference is noticeable. However, the C8s mid engine design and lower weight makes it accelerate just as fast if not faster. Curious if any other ZL1 owners are or have considered a C8. __________________ 2023 Summit White ZL1 M6 (delivered 10/15/23) 2023 Dodge Durango SRT (daily driver) 2003 Nissan 350Z (modified) 2022 Rapid Blue 1SS 1LE M6 (delivered 2/19/22) (Sold) 2009 BMW 135i (Sold)

11-02-2024, 01:07 PM	#3
Caerus Drives: 2023 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: NC Posts: 347	I have considered a C8, especially since my good friend has one and I have driven it. His is a 3LT Z51 with most of the desired options with a MSRP of $96k. It is a nice sports car no doubt. But I agree with you in that I think I would miss the manual transmission. The Camaro ZL1 has so much character and the rawness in the way it drives, but still can be such a smooth comfortable driving car. That would be hard to give up. Plus, with all the discounts, it is still going to cost a lot more. I guess you could get a less optioned C8 and not have to come out of pocket that much. The ZL1 is by all measures, a performance bargain. If I ever get tired of a manual, or have some physical problems with working a clutch, the C8 would be tops on my list. All this said, I am fickle about cars and wanting some thing different. So, I could easily change my mind any time. __________________ 2023 Camaro ZL1 6MT Summit White

11-02-2024, 03:25 PM	#5
DaveC113 Drives: 2018 Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Front Range, CO Posts: 2,038	C8s are great cars, just depends what you want. The layout and DCT makes them fast from a stop but they're hardly faster on straights vs a SS nevermind a ZL1. Overall laptimes are pretty close to a stock SS 1LE, and my SLE with upgraded sus, wheels and tires destroys a stock C8 in corners, it's not even close. A C8 could keep up with similar mods and overall has slightly more potential, but they aren't as far apart as one might think. C8s are quite soft and they are LARGE cars. Stock, great GT cars with good power, great suspension and lots of storage space for what they are. Driving on the street, I'd take the C8. It'll destroy almost anything from a stop and has enough power for me. For track I'd go Camaro unless I had the cash for a Z06, and then I might look at other options just because the Z06 is so massive. At a cars and coffee today, a Z06 w/Z07 was parked next to a twin turbo Audi R8, the size difference was striking. __________________

11-02-2024, 06:49 PM	#7
ZPirate Drives: 2023 Summit White Camaro ZL1 M6 Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,885	Thanks for the feedback everyone. Your replies are all good food for thought. The manual transmission issue is a big one for me. I've gone from a manual to a paddle shift automatic before and even though I really liked the car it wasn't as engaging to drive as the manual cars I've owned. Although modern automatics certainly accelerate faster than manuals on the same car. At my age I'm unlikely to be tracking either car. Zero to 60 times and overall handling on the street are more important characteristics for me. Another potential downside for me is that a C8 Stingray's value is now starting to decline relative to the market for other cars. That's in part due to the abundance of them now. My ZL1 on the other hand isn't likely to go down in value near as fast, if at all, especially with it being a manual. A C8 Z06 would be nice, but unfortunately out of my price range at this point. __________________ 2023 Summit White ZL1 M6 (delivered 10/15/23) 2023 Dodge Durango SRT (daily driver) 2003 Nissan 350Z (modified) 2022 Rapid Blue 1SS 1LE M6 (delivered 2/19/22) (Sold) 2009 BMW 135i (Sold)

11-02-2024, 08:00 PM	#8
Keko Drives: 2023 ZLE M6 Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 194	I would only consider a C8 if it was a ZR1, but that is going to be way out of my price range. A manual ZL1 is about as entertaining and enjoyable as a car can possibly get at that power level. __________________ 2023 ZLE M6 Borla S-Type Catback \| Rotofab CAI \| Soler TB \| MPI Lid 2024 Polestar 2 AWD

11-02-2024, 12:47 PM	#2
Outlaw_SS1LE Drives: 2023 Camaro SS 1LE 2024 CorvetteHTC Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: West Michigan Posts: 25	I think it's a great time to buy a C8....that's why I bought one. You can do better than 5K off in MI...Matick Chevy in Redford is doing employee pricing for all (approx 10%) on '24s and '25s in stock. The max doc fee in MI is $260 per state law, so there is no ridiculous dealer fee.

11-02-2024, 05:39 PM	#6
HypeBlueZL1 Drives: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 76	My wife and I have a rule that the "fun car" has to have a manual transmission. So that knocks the C8 out of consideration. Also, I don't fit in them so there's that.

11-02-2024, 08:17 PM	#9
triggerjerk Drives: 2023 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: USA Posts: 416	Only other car I'd consider is a CT5 Blackwing. Or a C8 ZR1 if I won the lottery. Otherwise, just buy a Magnuson 2650 Last edited by triggerjerk; 11-03-2024 at 10:11 AM.

11-02-2024, 11:52 PM	#10
arpad_m Drives: 2018 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 12,216 View My Garage	I just visited the Corvette museum in Bowling Green a couple weeks ago, saw a gazillion C8s and wouldn't want to trade my SS for any of them. The seats are tiny, the interior cramped, and the Stingray doesn't have much power. The C8 does have some advantages over our cars, however, I don't find the base model attractive in any way. Maybe the ZR1 or even the Z06 would be something to consider, but then the price tag is a joke, and it still looks and sounds like a Ferrari Then again, at least the Corvette is not discontinued, a fact that can't be ignored, so no judgment from me if someone wants to trade, it's just not a slam dunk proposition IMO. Oh, and if someone didn't like visibility in the Camaro, well guess what, you'll see absolute jack out of a C8, but interestingly nobody complains there __________________ 2018 Camaro 2SS — G7E MX0 NPP F55 IO6 735 rwhp \| 665 rwtq Magnuson TVS 2300 80mm pulley \| Kooks 1 7/8" LT headers \| JRE smooth idle terminator cam \| LT4 FS & injectors \| TSP forged pistons & rods JMS PowerMAX \| DSX flex fuel kit \| Roto-Fab CAI \| Soler 95mm LT5 TB \| 1LE wheels \| 1LE brakes \| BMR rear cradle lockout \| JRE custom tune 1100 - 1/30/18 \| 2000 - 1/31/18 3000 - 2/06/18 TPW 2/26/18 3400 - 2/19/18 \| 3800 - 2/26/18 4300 - 2/27/18 \| 4B00 - 3/01/18 4200 - 3/05/18 \| 4800 - 3/14/18 5000 - 3/16/18 \| 6000 - 3/19/18

11-03-2024, 07:10 AM	#11
Rapid_blue_zl1_22 See you at the Track! Drives: 2022 Rapid Blue SS 1LE Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Fulshear, TX Posts: 274	I saw a post the other day saying a Zora test car was spotted with a manual transmission. If that is true, I would think it would trickle down to all C8 trim levels. I would definitely consider a manual transmission C8! __________________ 2022 M6 Rapid Blue 1SS 1LE PDR (Current) 2022 M6 Rapid Blue ZL1 (SOLD)

11-03-2024, 07:20 AM	#12
Megahurtz Snackbar Tuning Drives: 2023 SGM ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Florida Posts: 1,334	The only C8 I would consider instead of the ZL1 is the ERay or Z06. Both of these are still quite expensive and rare. Any other version of the C8 is just too slow. I've had a c5 z06, c6 z06 and c7 z06 and plan on a c8 z06 although the Eray has me thinking. Anyhow, the ZL1 is fun and its my second Gen 6 Camaro but they simply don't match the Corvette's fun IMO. I said all of that to say, if you are in it for the power, the C8 Z51 will leave you disappointed after 70-80mph. __________________ GM Gen V Calibrator

11-03-2024, 08:29 AM	#14
Broooster Drives: Sharkskin Metallic ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: S.E. MI Posts: 83	I wasn't even going to comment but here's my little story. I went from driving a manual to getting a 2017 Chevy SS (sedan) automatic, paddle shifters and all. Bought that car because I figured the wife would drive it some. Didn't happen and I regretted buying the automatic every single day. I came up with every excuse possible to convince myself that the auto was just fine, be happy. At the end of the day, I was miserable and lying to myself. And that's how I ended up here, I traded the SS for a manual ZL1, and it scratches the manual itch.