Thinking of getting 12-15 ZL1...from C6Z?

[03worthy4link]

Hello fellas. As the title states i'm considering a 12-15 ZL1. I recently sold my H/C/I C6Z as I was somewhat bored of it. I had intended on getting a pickup and retiring from sports cars, but we all know that never works.

I always LOVED the 5th Gen camaros, I initially was going to buy a brand new 15 2SS before I decided on the vette. ZL1's were an option, but were too much for me then. Now the tables have turned and 12-15 ZL1's seem to be a great deal for how much car you get when compared to used 5th gen 1LE's.

My question for you guys is am I crazy for ditching a C6Z just to go and hop into a ZL1? Reading about has me concerned that I may be dissapointed with the ZL1's performance characteristics, yet the looks and ability to make obscene supercharger noises has my interest well peaked.

Any input from someone who maybe made a similar move or had similar thoughts?

[beersngars]

I did it. Went from a 2013 Grand Sport to a 12 ZL1. To be fair, my Vette was stock with the exception of a CIA and the Camaro has made a trip to Lingenfelter. The Zl1 is more fun to drive. The Vette was a PITA with the splitter and side skirts. You had to pick your battles. Lots of driveways where out of the question in the C6 and with a bit of care the Camaro has no problem.

As far as just mashing the loud pedal, the ZL1 all day long. The only thing I liked better in the Vette was the gas mileage. I swear, there must be a massive fuel leak in this thing some where.

[Can'tHave2MuchHP]

I have a 427 which is a convertible Z06 and I say keep the Vette, personally.

I am a Vette guy so maybe I'm biased however I think that a majority of people would take a Corvette over a Camaro. It's just a bit of a higher level car. The LSA is a great engine and the ZL1 is a great platform, no doubt about it. It's just nothing more significant than a C6 Z06. The 427 I have is bone stock and so is my ZL1 and hands down the 427 would spank it. There's no comparison in seat of the pants feeling. I've been in some damn fast cars, the ZL1 doesn't really get me any more with that seat of the pants feel, however the 427 still does. No comparison, the C6 Z is faster, stock for stock.

A Heads/Cam LS7 (600ish RWHP, more if intake manifold, E85, and other stuff is involved) will walk away from a Heads/Cam ZL1. In order for a ZL1 to beat a C6 Z, it would need at least a 100 RWHP advantage to compensate for the weight. Now an Auto ZL1 with 100 RWHP more may get a C6 Z by a half car from a roll and or a dig. If you want blower noise, put one on your LS7, in which case there won't be a LSA car anywhere that will beat you that isn't on spray (LSA with a 1.9L factory blower tops out at high 700s (Around 750-800)) whereas a supercharged LS7 should have no problem putting out the same number on low boost to stay safe with the thin 427 ci cylinder walls, however weight advantage and aerodynamics will hand the Vette a big victory.

The Camaro does have advantages, like comfort. Also more daily drivable.

For me, I'd stick with a C6 Z06 unless I really wanted a Camaro/4 seater. If anything, take a look at the new ZL1s or putting a blower on a 6th gen SS. The improvements from the 5th to the 6th are pretty amazing.

[Jr02z]

I have to agree with statement from the above post about the zl1 not giving you much of that seat of the pants feel stock. But with a few mods it comes alive! With the mods in my sig it truly is a different car. I just bought mine a few months ago and I'm happy with it. I've owned a vette and my dad has one and they are nice but like you I wanted something different.

[STUNNAH]

Your gonna get a ton of response's for a question that can only be answered by you...It's simple go test drive one!!!

[kingz]

I would say get the ZL1 because most did the same thing on this forum and didn't regret trading in their C6 for a 5th Gen . Just interior difference alone. Plus there's no comparison because one is a sports car and one is a muscle car and I bet you will love your 5th Gen especially the interior and stance of the ZL1's . Those cars look like big and mean machines but definitely test drive it and see if you want to go back to the C6

[PJMZL1]

Love a C6Z and was actually looking to buy one in 2015. Saw the ZL1 a wanted it bad! Ended up with a Camaro

[lbls1]

Test drive a ZL1 and then make your choice. You should keep in mind that Camaros by nature are different than Corvettes. A well cared for ZL1 will feel very tight and will handle quite well.....better than you'd expect.

[03worthy4link]

In terms of Camaro to vette performance, the vette with 560whp to me really wasnt that fun of a street car anymore. There was no rowing gears, very few opportunities or roads to really enjoy the car. I have no problem being 'slower' per say as I think it makes for a more enjoyable street experience, but I also don't want to have a dog. If I could lightly mod (no cam) the ZL1 to match the performance of my C6 when it was stock, I feel i'd be pretty comfortable.

As a member stated gas mileage is another slight concern but in no way a real factor

[GONMAD510]

Originally Posted by 03worthy4link

In terms of Camaro to vette performance, the vette with 560whp to me really wasnt that fun of a street car anymore. There was no rowing gears, very few opportunities or roads to really enjoy the car. I have no problem being 'slower' per say as I think it makes for a more enjoyable street experience, but I also don't want to have a dog. If I could lightly mod (no cam) the ZL1 to match the performance of my C6 when it was stock, I feel i'd be pretty comfortable.

As a member stated gas mileage is another slight concern but in no way a real factor

No body should ever say ZL1 and gas mileage in the same sentence.

[zman1969]

Originally Posted by GONMAD510

No body should ever say ZL1 and gas mileage in the same sentence.

hope you didnt buy one wanting good MPG or long rear tire life
I havn't owned a vette but when I drove one I felt very cramped in the car and I liked the camaro, then always have.

[GONMAD510]

Originally Posted by zman1969

hope you didnt buy one wanting good MPG or long rear tire life
I havn't owned a vette but when I drove one I felt very cramped in the car and I liked the camaro, then always have.

Gas mileage was not an option I was looking for when I bought my car. I average between 8mpg and 10MPG with my mods listed below with my normal daily driving.

I had a 2010 grand sport vette and it wasn't too bad space wise. I hardly drove the car because I was always worried about door dings and steep driveways. There was a lot of nose ahead of the front wheels and it didn't take much to hit something with it.

To the original poster, it is totally up to you which one you want to get. All depends on what you want to do with the car and what you expect to get out of it. I highly doubt you will be disappointed with the performance of the ZL1. It does not take much to get more HP out of it either.

[Pogoattack84]

I drove a C6 before I bought my ZL1 and i didnt like it, im a tall guy and I felt really cramped. For the price of the 5th gen camaro's right now its a really good bang for the buck! They are fun to drive and super practical for daily driving or road trips. Go test drive a handful of them and give em hell!

[spadz93]

Lol gas mileage. Lol ZL1. Lol. You buy these cars for the smiles, not the miles