my test drive experience

[rowerybo]

Well, the time is getting closer. Once I sell my current car I should have
8-10k for a downpayment and finance the rest. so I drove down to the dealer to take a test drive and see which car was for me.

My first ride was a V6 manual: I am looking at the v6 for the fuel efficiency over my 40 mile commute to school 4 days a week. I have to say, I underestimated the car. It has power all throughout the rpm range and is smooth to shift. The drive consisted of mixed driving on some major roads, back roads, and highway. From a light I noticed good power off the line without getting into it and though I have criticized the exhaust in the past I found it actually very well suited to the car (from the inside). I have also asked why anyone would want a HUD but after the drive, I absolutely love it. No looking away from the road.

After the ride in the 6 I questioned whether I wanted to drive the 8, because coming from a 98 explorer v6, the V6 was enough for me but to be fair to myself and decision makingI had to look.

V8 automatic: The car is not what I expected. For a 400+ hp car, the automatic transmission leaves the car boring to drive and I liked the V6 manual better. The car felt bulky and out of place at times. On the positive side, the tapshift was entertaining. It didn't exhibit very much lag in shifting and provided a little bit of fun with the car. Getting back to the dealership, I couldn't justify the expense for the feel of the v8 auto.

Finally

V8 manual: (note: car was outfitted with the hurst short throw) This car has a COMPLETELY different feel than the auto and absolutely blew my mind. The exhaust note from the outside is on the quiet side but on the inside has a decent rumble. The clutch was medium to easy to depress and shifting was effortless. On the road, the car wants to run. Maybe it's because I was busy shifting but the car lost the boatlike feeling and seemed to float on the road.

Interior: The cloth seats in all the cars were comfortable, they wrapped right around my body. As far as visibility is concerned, it is more difficult than a larger vehicle but I had NO problem judging the car and changing lanes with my mirrors. Magazines contribute the 4 pack gauges as useless but at the lights I found myself looking down and checking all the car stats.


vs V6 and V8 mustang driven earlier: I would absolutely choose the camaro over the mustang. The mustang felt overly small and cramped where the camaro is roomy with the exception of headroom. Shifting the cars was equal but the camaro felt as though it pulled harder through the gears. Outside appearance, both cars look good except I HATE the mustang rear end.

on scale 1-10 (10 being best)

Camaro 8
Mustang 7

[shawn18]

Nice review................Now make sure you get that LS3 6spd Manual. If it had that much of an effect on you on your first test drive. I have the Hurst in mine and I love it! It makes the just more fun to drive with those quick shifts!!!

[10forty2]

I haven't pulled the trigger yet and bought one, but the auto vs manual....well, I had the same reaction. I was disappointed in the auto, but the manual came alive!!!!