ZL-1 VS SS

[L36L72LS3]

Originally Posted by HDRDTD

When Chevy came out with the convertible 5th gen SS in 2011, I bought one. Before my 2011 SS Vert was delivered, GM announced the ZL1 !!

Dammit, I don't even take delivery and there's something better??? Ah, but the 2012 ZL1 wasn't available as a convertible. As soon as they announced the ZL1 convertible for 2013 I bought one of those.

I will say that going from a 2011 SS convertible to a 2013 ZL1 convertible is summed up in one word.
WOW!
HUGE difference, better performance (DUH), much better handling and ride due mostly to the new MHR suspension.

I do not normally race/track the car, so I'm not real concerned with the ZL1 Vert having a more modest top speed of 'only' 155mph, nor does the lack of all 5 PTM's bother me.
When I first bought the car, it was my summer DD and drove it to work all the time.

Now that I'm retired, It's just a casual driver, summer only still.

Even tho I don't normally 'race' the car, I have had it on MIS (Michigan International Speedway) for a few high speed 'parade laps' and with the top down and three passengers, hitting 115mph felt like I was going 35mph. It's that stable at speed.

I've also taken it on an afternoon of laps at Michigan's M1 road course and loved the hell out of it.

I've also taken it on the track at Michigan's Gingerman's raceway for a day.

Of course when I do track the car, it's in a beginners/novice group, but it's a wonderful car for a casual 'racer'.

the car it totally stock except for a CAI, but as far as I'm concerned 515WHP is a perfect amount. Enough to give you a good kick in the pants when you want, without being so much you can loose control too easily.

Does the ZL1 cost more than an SS? Certainly.
Is it worth the added cost? ABSOLUTLEY !!!

"Drive it like you stole it".....I do.

[Red Hot ZL1]

Originally Posted by L36L72LS3

"Drive it like you stole it".....I do.

What he said.

[St!ng]

If your plan is to head out to Henderson and rip it up and want to get noticed, the ZL1 is the ticket. If your plan is to get groceries and take mellow drives with the wife and kids, save the extra cash and do the SS. Back in '04 I had a supercharged Mustang Cobra and the whine of the blower and extra power really added to the cool factor. I'm more of a mellow drive with wife person now so an SS works just fine for me.

[JamesMyBoy]

I agree with Sting... the SS fits me better in the long run, BUT, if I could have afforded it, I would most certainly have bought a ZL1!
I sat in one on the showroom floor before I ordered my SS. It sure did feel nice, although now I am perfectly happy with what I have.

[Gracie10]

A ZL-1 it will be, thank you all for weighing and your opinions.
I belong to several car websites and you have been most helpful.
Since I have a certain amount of dollars to spend do I go with a 2013 or 2014.
I know the production numbers for2013 convertibles are nearly half of the 2014's.
Subtle design changes with the 2014's but the rest of the car remains the same.
Agree?

[HDRDTD]

Originally Posted by Gracie10

A ZL-1 it will be, thank you all for weighing and your opinions.
I belong to several car websites and you have been most helpful.
Since I have a certain amount of dollars to spend do I go with a 2013 or 2014.
I know the production numbers for2013 convertibles are nearly half of the 2014's.
Subtle design changes with the 2014's but the rest of the car remains the same.
Agree?

Actually the build numbers show just under 2000 2013 ZL1 convertibles were made, The first year ZL1 convertibles were made, while in 2014 just under 600 ZL1 convertibles were made.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=315239

IIRC, the bigger changes between the two years were the re-design of the rear tail lights, and changes to the dash and radio ??

The 2014's also had an updated supercharger coupling.

[lbls1]

You will not regret it. Take advantage of this special era and do not miss the opportunity to experience this great car. Few cars offer the combination of power, speed, handling and appearance, that uses these talents as well as a ZL1.

I like the 'SS too, as it is a good performance car. If I were new to Camaro I may have picked Camaro SS as a car choice.

If it were me, I'd definitely would try for a '14 or '15, and look for the Recaro Sport seat option.

Good luck.

[Red Hot ZL1]

Originally Posted by lbls1

You will not regret it. Take advantage of this special era and do not miss the opportunity to experience this great car. Few cars offer the combination of power, speed, handling and appearance, that uses these talents as well as a ZL1.

I like the 'SS too, as it is a good performance car. If I were new to Camaro I may have picked Camaro SS as a car choice.

If it were me, I'd definitely would try for a '14 or '15, and look for the Recaro Sport seat option.

Good luck.

verts don't have Recaros (built in airbags for the vert). I agree, with the '14/'15 due to personal preference.

[lbls1]

^Okay I missed that OP was going for a convertible. Its not a deal breaker (although I absolutely love these seats). All ZL1s are great.

[BlaqWhole]

I loved my SS to the point that I didn't feel it necessary to go out on a limb to get a ZL1. If I could have bought one at the time without financial harm to myself then I would have. But at the time I was not in a position to get one. Plus I knew the next Gen would be arriving soon. So for me the choice was to stick with my 5th Gen SS. In your situation tho, if it won't be any financial burden on you, then go for the ZL1. It has a stronger engine, stronger trans, better suspension, better brakes, the list goes on. Plus it'll retain more of it's used value. So in 2 years chances are it'll still be worth about the same. So it isn't like you're buying the ZL1 and then will get SS value if/when you trade/sell it in the future.

[RobZL1]

Yeah, but if he gets the ZL1, I'm really curious about how much hp the LSA can safely make. Any thoughts?
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[Wild One]

Originally Posted by RobZL1

Yeah, but if he gets the ZL1, I'm really curious about how much hp the LSA can safely make. Any thoughts?
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LOL.....

You better exit.....stage right.....

[JB'sZL1]

Stop it.

Originally Posted by RobZL1

Yeah, but if he gets the ZL1, I'm really curious about how much hp the LSA can safely make. Any thoughts?
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[imaSSnake]

I heard 700 but what do I know, I'm an SS driver :burnout: