Camaro ZL1 or Corvette Grand Sport? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Carzzy · 07-10-2011, 01:34 PM

This may be a little premature in asking, because the price of the '12 ZL1 is not announced yet. However, if the price of the ZL1 is say around $50,000 and a base Corvette Grand Sport Coupe with the dual mode exhaust is around $57,000.....which would you buy? Keep in mind the Corvette GS will be discounted (dealer in NJ) around $9000 and the ZL1 will be either MSRP or over. So, both cars may end up costing roughly the same and in some cases the ZL1 may actually cost more!
The performance of the two cars should be similar with the Vette having 436HP and approx 3200 LBS. in weight vs 560 HP (?) and est. 4000 LBS. in the ZL1. I myself would most likely go for the Grand Sport. How 'bout you?

Blackdevil77 · 07-10-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carzzy

This may be a little premature in asking, because the price of the '12 ZL1 is not announced yet. However, if the price of the ZL1 is say around $50,000 and a base Corvette Grand Sport Coupe with the dual mode exhaust is around $57,000.....which would you buy? Keep in mind the Corvette GS will be discounted (dealer in NJ) around $9000 and the ZL1 will be either MSRP or over. So, both cars may end up costing roughly the same and in some cases the ZL1 may actually cost more!
The performance of the two cars should be similar with the Vette having 436HP and approx 3200 LBS. in weight vs 560 HP (?) and est. 4000 LBS. in the ZL1. I myself would most likely go for the Grand Sport. How 'bout you?

I was stuck with a similar problem choosing between the ZL1 and a Z06. Straight line performance will be roughly the same, as for handling, no telling yet since the ZL1 has a lot of goodies and tricks up its sleeve but odds are it will be very similar. Performance wise, the cars will be extremely close, maybe the same. So it's really a matter of, do you need a back seat? Do you have another car for daily driving? Which car do you like the "feel" of. I suggest going to a chevy dealer and sitting in a camaro, and then a vette. I fell in love with the feel of the vette. That low to the ground feel with your legs extending straight out to the pedals rather then down. Really feels like your in something special. Performance is so close that it really is a matter of personal preference.

besherman · 07-10-2011, 04:06 PM

I disagree with the entire premise of questions like these. The ZL1 and the Corvette are not similar vehicles. It's an apples and oranges comparison.

Doesn't it really boil down to which one appeals to you more, which gets your juices flowing? For me, that's a ZL1 Convertible with an automatic transmission--even though the Corvette would likely generate better numbers in most categories.

My point, however, is that these are inherently personal and subjective decisions. No one else can answer the question for you except you. And someone else's right answer may not be your right answer.

Bruce

BlemsBumble · 07-10-2011, 04:24 PM

I've always admired Corvettes but have never aggressively pursued acquiring one. I have, however, gone way out of my way to obtain my last 3 Camaros. Easy choice for me--ZL1.

VADR_H8R · 07-10-2011, 04:34 PM

have you ever owned a vette in your life? I would love to own one before I die!! I hope I live a little longer

SS-screamer · 07-10-2011, 04:46 PM

Do you want a ZL1 that will still be in style for a while or a GS 'vette which will under go a complete revamping in a couple years?

Personally, I would go for the ZL or wait and see what comes in 2014 from the vette side.

2cnd chance · 07-10-2011, 04:56 PM

Newer is not always better. For instance I'll take a 69' Camaro or 63 - 70 Vette over a C4, C5 or 2gen, 3gen and 4gen Camaro.
That being said I really like the looks and performance of the C6 and 5gen.

GEEo · 07-10-2011, 04:58 PM

Grands Sport gets my vote.

Black GT · 07-10-2011, 05:23 PM

This is more a question than a statement, NOT trying to start shit here.

Shouldn't the ZL1 be able to outperform the GS vette?

I read somewhere recently the 2011 GT500 went up against the GS vette on a road course and beat the vette.

2cnd chance · 07-10-2011, 05:25 PM

I thought the GS won that?

SteveRS · 07-10-2011, 05:57 PM

Lol come on maaannn asking a camaro forum to choose between the ZL1 and a Vette?? Id take the ZL1. just because maintenance and parts will still be roughly the same for the most part. ZL1 is going to have that neck breaking turn and look goin on to those who just wow'd to see one. bigger trunk for more cleaning supplies.. haha same dual mode exhaust as a vette.. vettes just wouldnt wow me as much as a ZL1.. I see grand sports all the time in virginia.. but to see a ZL1.. now THAT would be a real treat

Ltespd · 07-10-2011, 06:02 PM

The power to weight ratio will be better for the ZL1. EST-4000lbs/575hp=6.9lbs per HP. The GS weighs 3311lbs. 3311/436=7.6lbs per HP. It remains to be seen how the 2 cars compare as far as handling goes. I think the ZL1 will out perform the GS.

MIKnam67 · 07-10-2011, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carzzy

This may be a little premature in asking, because the price of the '12 ZL1 is not announced yet. However, if the price of the ZL1 is say around $50,000 and a base Corvette Grand Sport Coupe with the dual mode exhaust is around $57,000.....which would you buy? Keep in mind the Corvette GS will be discounted (dealer in NJ) around $9000 and the ZL1 will be either MSRP or over. So, both cars may end up costing roughly the same and in some cases the ZL1 may actually cost more!
The performance of the two cars should be similar with the Vette having 436HP and approx 3200 LBS. in weight vs 560 HP (?) and est. 4000 LBS. in the ZL1. I myself would most likely go for the Grand Sport. How 'bout you?

From what I have read, the ZL1 will weigh less than 4,000 lb.
The Corvette GS weighs 3360. 0-60 4.1 sec. 1/4 mi. 12.4 sec.
The caddy CTS V weighs 4,300 0-60 3.9 sec. 1/4 mi 12.1 to 12.3 sec. top speed 191 mph.

I say the ZL1 kicks both of their butts especially straight line.. I have had 4 corvettes. Depends on what you want.

Bolt-onC6 · 07-10-2011, 07:43 PM

If you plan to keep your choice stock then get the ZL1. If you want to mod then the GS. N/A cars are much less problematic than supercharged. Up the boost then most likely a big intercooler, injectors, etc. will be required. With the GS weight advantage you will go faster a lot easier too. In the end either would be a great car to own.

07-10-2011, 01:34 PM	#1
Carzzy Drives: '24 Camaro 2SS Conv. & '21Blazer Join Date: May 2011 Location: Rochester NY Posts: 516 View My Garage	Camaro ZL1 or Corvette Grand Sport? This may be a little premature in asking, because the price of the '12 ZL1 is not announced yet. However, if the price of the ZL1 is say around $50,000 and a base Corvette Grand Sport Coupe with the dual mode exhaust is around $57,000.....which would you buy? Keep in mind the Corvette GS will be discounted (dealer in NJ) around $9000 and the ZL1 will be either MSRP or over. So, both cars may end up costing roughly the same and in some cases the ZL1 may actually cost more! The performance of the two cars should be similar with the Vette having 436HP and approx 3200 LBS. in weight vs 560 HP (?) and est. 4000 LBS. in the ZL1. I myself would most likely go for the Grand Sport. How 'bout you? __________________ '24 Camaro 2SS 6M Convertible

07-10-2011, 04:24 PM	#4
BlemsBumble Drives: '13 ZL1 #662; '10 SS; '99 SS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Clovis CA Posts: 457	I've always admired Corvettes but have never aggressively pursued acquiring one. I have, however, gone way out of my way to obtain my last 3 Camaros. Easy choice for me--ZL1. __________________

07-10-2011, 06:02 PM	#12
Ltespd Drives: 2010 SS, 2006 SC Saleen Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 339	The power to weight ratio will be better for the ZL1. EST-4000lbs/575hp=6.9lbs per HP. The GS weighs 3311lbs. 3311/436=7.6lbs per HP. It remains to be seen how the 2 cars compare as far as handling goes. I think the ZL1 will out perform the GS. __________________ 2SS/RS, LS3, sunroof, mods.

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07-10-2011, 04:06 PM	#3
besherman Drives: 2008 GMC Denali Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Oakland, Oregon Posts: 75	I disagree with the entire premise of questions like these. The ZL1 and the Corvette are not similar vehicles. It's an apples and oranges comparison. Doesn't it really boil down to which one appeals to you more, which gets your juices flowing? For me, that's a ZL1 Convertible with an automatic transmission--even though the Corvette would likely generate better numbers in most categories. My point, however, is that these are inherently personal and subjective decisions. No one else can answer the question for you except you. And someone else's right answer may not be your right answer. Bruce

07-10-2011, 04:34 PM	#5
VADR_H8R Drives: 2011 camaro 1ss synergy green Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: greensburg Posts: 444	have you ever owned a vette in your life? I would love to own one before I die!! I hope I live a little longer

07-10-2011, 04:46 PM	#6
SS-screamer Drives: SIM RS/SS L99 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 207	Do you want a ZL1 that will still be in style for a while or a GS 'vette which will under go a complete revamping in a couple years? Personally, I would go for the ZL or wait and see what comes in 2014 from the vette side.

07-10-2011, 04:56 PM	#7
2cnd chance Too Many Great Choices Drives: Grand Sport/Z07 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: A Mountain Road Posts: 7,454	Newer is not always better. For instance I'll take a 69' Camaro or 63 - 70 Vette over a C4, C5 or 2gen, 3gen and 4gen Camaro. That being said I really like the looks and performance of the C6 and 5gen.

07-10-2011, 04:58 PM	#8
GEEo OKCamaros Drives: 4 banger Diesel Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Philippines Posts: 4,572	Grands Sport gets my vote.

07-10-2011, 05:23 PM	#9
Black GT Banned Drives: 2006 Mustang GT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 522	This is more a question than a statement, NOT trying to start shit here. Shouldn't the ZL1 be able to outperform the GS vette? I read somewhere recently the 2011 GT500 went up against the GS vette on a road course and beat the vette.

07-10-2011, 05:25 PM	#10
2cnd chance Too Many Great Choices Drives: Grand Sport/Z07 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: A Mountain Road Posts: 7,454	I thought the GS won that?

07-10-2011, 05:57 PM	#11
SteveRS Drives: 2010 SIM Cobalt SS Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Lorain, Ohio Posts: 6,331	Lol come on maaannn asking a camaro forum to choose between the ZL1 and a Vette?? Id take the ZL1. just because maintenance and parts will still be roughly the same for the most part. ZL1 is going to have that neck breaking turn and look goin on to those who just wow'd to see one. bigger trunk for more cleaning supplies.. haha same dual mode exhaust as a vette.. vettes just wouldnt wow me as much as a ZL1.. I see grand sports all the time in virginia.. but to see a ZL1.. now THAT would be a real treat

07-10-2011, 07:43 PM	#14
Bolt-onC6 Drives: 2017 Corvette Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 258	If you plan to keep your choice stock then get the ZL1. If you want to mod then the GS. N/A cars are much less problematic than supercharged. Up the boost then most likely a big intercooler, injectors, etc. will be required. With the GS weight advantage you will go faster a lot easier too. In the end either would be a great car to own.