Turbo Magazine: BMW M6 vs Camaro Zl1

[sswiss3000]

I just found this German TV show that compared the 2015 M6 (Stick) vs. the ZL1 (Auto).

They compared the cars on 5 Topics:

1. Weight (Winner: Camaro)
2. 0-60 (Winner: Camaro)
3. Image (Winner: M6)
4. Fastest Lap (Winner: Camaro)
5. Depreciation (Winner: M6)

Now I can understand that the M6 might have a better Image (especially in Europe), but the Depreciation outcome is relative to me. While the ZL1 has a higher percentage of Depreciation, the M6 is so much more expensive that you would ultimately loose more in dollar and cents.

So to me this would be a 4 to 1 win for the ZL1. What do you guys think

[LTRS777]

German TV show stacked the deck so at least the M6 didn't get shut out... what's the price difference between the 2 again ????

[lbls1]

Depreciation? Are they kidding?? BMWs tank in depreciation. The 3 series and m3 are fairly good with depreciation, but their 5, 6 and especially their 7 series are worthless after a few years.

As far as the performance results, while both cars are close, the ZL definitely got the Bimmer's number, especially on the track. Not bad at half the price.

[sswiss3000]

Originally Posted by LTRS777

German TV show stacked the deck so at least the M6 didn't get shut out... what's the price difference between the 2 again ????

The show is saying the values of the two cars as they have them are as follows.

M6: 150,000 Euro
ZL1: 78,000 Euro

With the current FX rate this would be:

M6: $169,901USD
ZL1: $ 88,348USD

[Scalded Dog]

So, for the price of an M6, I could just about get a ZL1 AND a spare ZL1?

[gajagfan]

I do not buy the depreciation deal either. I have multiple friends that buy slightly used BMW's and Mercedes at great prices (like 1/2) of new after only a few years because of huge depreciation. As someone above said, this was done so Big Money Wasted did not loose across the board. And to be honest, if you need your car to improve your image, you have other problems.

[sswiss3000]

Originally Posted by gajagfan

I do not buy the depreciation deal either. I have multiple friends that buy slightly used BMW's and Mercedes at great prices (like 1/2) of new after only a few years because of huge depreciation. As someone above said, this was done so Big Money Wasted did not loose across the board. And to be honest, if you need your car to improve your image, you have other problems.

Haha, I agree with you, but we have to remember this was done in Germany. There are a few factors to consider:

1. Depreciation: A ZL1 is not exactly a great car for Europe. The streets are narrow, gas prices are high, and insurance is based on HP and Displacement. Also many countries charge amazingly high gas guzzler taxes. As such I can believe that the Camaro has a higher depreciation (in %) in Germany as there is less demand for it. That being said, I also doubt the Camaro has double the depreciation than the M6 and as such you still loose more money (in $) with the M6.

2. The Image: American cars are still viewed as unrefined, gas guzzling, heavy, hunks of steel (not the case anymore). Further more, while I love the looks of the Camaros, I don't think anyone can honestly argue that it is an understated car . On the other side the BMWs are still considered Business coupes or limousines.

So while I do not totally agree with the results either, I can at least see some kind of reasoning behind it.

[shibbs]

Depreciation... How do you rate that honestly.

If you go by BMW's CPO program after 2 years, BMW will have you believe that their cars lose only 15% or so. The problem is their CPO program extends warranties and includes labor costs for services and whatnot, so basically you're just paying for that upfront, artificially inflating the "cost" of the car. I don't buy it.

[LTRS777]

Originally Posted by sswiss3000

The show is saying the values of the two cars as they have them are as follows.

M6: 150,000 Euro
ZL1: 78,000 Euro

With the current FX rate this would be:

M6: $169,901USD
ZL1: $ 88,348USD

Exactly, so the ZL1 outperformed a $170,000 supercar, even with a stacked deck I'll take it. Should have had a category for which car could pronounce NEIN better too....