[Idaho2018GTPremium]

Originally Posted by TXCSSU

I would argue that if you have to be careful about how you drive it, then it's not as stout an engine as it needs to be. The Chevy small block has always had great serviceability at any RPM range.

It’s not about how stout the engine is, it’s about the engine characteristics or powerband. The Coyote makes less bottom end torque than an LT1, and wants to rev higher. So to go fast on twisty roads or a track you gotta keep the rpms up a little compared to an LT1. That’s no different than the universally praised 911 GT3 engine — that engine revs to 9k rpm and doesn’t make much torque down low. The Voodoo is the same way. All high revving NA engines that aren’t the LS7 are essentially the same way.

When I had my 2018 GT with almost FBO it was pretty strong in the mid range. On twisty roads I didn’t have to rev it out past 4500-5000 rpm if I didn’t want to and could keep a decent pace.

[Alan47717]

As a lifelong GM/Chevy guy this really wasn't a hard choice for me. Besides, the Challenger is too big and one dimensional. And I haven't liked Mustangs since the 60's, or Ford's ever.

Due to health and family issues I thought my sports car days were long gone. When I realized that maybe I had one more shot at it the issue became what my budget could support. I am still amazed at how much car I have sitting in my driveway for less than $30k. I remember when base engine F cars were downright embarrassing (Iron Duke anyone?). Not anymore.

[leafmd]

Looking for a fun V8 car before everything is discontinued or electrified. Used is as much or more than MSRP here.

German - have to drive for service, generally not reliable. M5/RS7/C63 >120k

Ford - had a few, new Stang is "ok" Mach 1 with equivalent options is more expensive up north then a ZL1, Gt 500 is nigh impossible to get. Used GT 350 75k+, GT350R 100k+. Generally not liking Ford's direction anyways.

Dodge - liked my SRT 392, hellcats are fun but they can't turn, price increases have it >10-20k over a ZL1 here. Can at least get at MSRP.

Would like a C8 - sting ray is a 3+ year lottery. Z06 - ha

Made ordering a Camaro an easy decision. Plus I like the 6th gen looks, handles awesome, torque + fast, mag ride, and without a sunroof I have enough room. Hoping I get one before they stop building them.

[SteveV]

Prior to getting my 2018 ZL1, I seriously considered a Dodge Hellcat. It has a bigger back seat and I like the looks....

What clinched the deal was handling. The Hellcat cannot go around corners as well as the Camaro ZL1. I know that it can be made to handle as well with a bunch of suspension work. But I didn't want to buy something only to have to modify it to be what I wanted.

Never even considered any version of the Mustang. Never been a Ford fan, never will be...

[gpskinzhut]

What “competition?”

1980 Z28
1982 Trans-Am
1987 IROC-Z
1988 IROC-Z
2010 2LT
2014 2LT
2017 2SS
2017 ZL1

[taylorforschool@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by armycop71

The year was 1984... I was a 13-year old obsessed with Corvettes... My mom's boss came over for a visit and brought his brand new red 1984 IROC-Z, and offered me a ride in it. He took me up and down the street, flooring it and the T-tops were off. This made me love Camaros and I have owned 3 so far.

Also 1984... my dad went out to start our 1984 Ford Escort and was warming it up in front of the house. After a few minutes, I looked outside and was wondering who was BBQing in February.... The car burnt to the ground, melted and fused with the pavement. Since then I have hated Fords.

Fast forward ten years, bought a 1994 Dakota, first week, fuel pump dies, won't start. Then after several more problems in the first year of ownership, I got rid of it before I was sent to Korea for a year. Soured my view of Dodge for a while. Bought a used 1992 Camaro RS 5.0 V-8 and drove it for about 5 years until my first daughter was born in 1999. Then I traded it for a Saturn SL2, and was miserable for about a decade in boring 4-doors.

In 2010 I bought a Camaro 1SS automatic, drove it about 55K problem-free miles, until I sold it in 2019 when I moved across the country. Now, I have my '22 Camaro LT-1, hoping it is as reliable as my 5th gen, and still won't look at a Ford or a Dodge product.

I put about 12k miles on mine in a year.. I guess that’s about average but it was my first v8 muscle car. Never skipped a beat. Chevy knows how to make pushrods by now

[cthulhucaller]

Having owned a dozen or more Chevy's (and one inherited ford truck for a bit) including 3 older Camaros, it was the only real choice. They are great looking, great driving cars. Challengers are pretty decent looking, but I'm just not a boat guy. Not trying to steal anyone's girlfriend either, so Mustangs are out.

[ex-boxing champ]

Me and my girlfriend test drove a Mustang, Corvette, Challenger and Camaro all before purchasing my Camaro. Honestly in my head I had the Camaro finishing last before I test drove them all but after the test drives me and her both agreed the Camaro by FAR was the best overall car. Ill never forget how smooth the Camaro handled corners for the first time and how I loved the interior of the Camaro. Made me feel like I was in a tank. I fell in love with the Camaro. Not gonna lie though, my next car is gonna be a Charger. My kid is getting too big to sit in the back of my Camaro now. The Charger will offer me the speed and looks I want with the room I need. Ill always love Camaros but im looking forward to getting a Charger as well.

[mariojas]

Originally Posted by ex-boxing champ

Me and my girlfriend test drove a Mustang, Corvette, Challenger and Camaro all before purchasing my Camaro. Honestly in my head I had the Camaro finishing last before I test drove them all but after the test drives me and her both agreed the Camaro by FAR was the best overall car. Ill never forget how smooth the Camaro handled corners for the first time and how I loved the interior of the Camaro. Made me feel like I was in a tank. I fell in love with the Camaro. Not gonna lie though, my next car is gonna be a Charger. My kid is getting too big to sit in the back of my Camaro now. The Charger will offer me the speed and looks I want with the room I need. Ill always love Camaros but im looking forward to getting a Charger as well.

Why not both

[UnknownJinX]

I used to really want a Challenger because of the retro look, but after owning an RX-8, I started caring about handling, so it's a non-starter. Supposedly, though, it is possible to beat an M3/M4 with a Hellcat Widebody on even a small and tight track, but it is extremely difficult to do and you will not have fun doing so. My buddy tells me that it will feel like it is oversteering and understeering simultaneously, if that makes sense.

Honestly, I didn't consider a Camaro because I didn't think much of American car's handling other than Corvette until someone on another forum got an SS 1LE and loves it. That's when I learned about SS 1LE's great bang for the buck. It was a big struggle for me to decide between a used C7 Z51 and my SS 1LE, but I initially went with the C7 because, well, it's a Corvette.

Unfortunately, I lost it in a flood soon after, and I couldn't find another C7 that ticks all of my boxes, so I picked up my Camaro. Honestly, it worked out better since it is a newer car with better electronics, but more importantly, the 6-speed works better than 7-speed, and it doesn't scrape everywhere I go. I could easily go up ramps where my friend's Hellcat or Maserati GT would have to go at 1-2 MPH to avoid scraping. Still feel bad about the C7 being gone in the flood, though...

As for Mustang, I mentioned this before but it is the wrong combination for me. It has a sports car engine in a pony car chassis, while I wanted a pony car engine in a sports car chassis if it is American. I drove a friend's GT PP1 and the chassis is not nearly confidence-inspiring as Camaro's, and while Coyote is a fine engine, DOHC V8 feels wrong in an American pony. You gotta drive it like an import where you gotta keep the revs up. I don't mod cars significantly so the power potential of the Coyote doesn't matter to me. GM keeps the best of classic American engineering while improving what really matters in a sports car.

Also, the interior. The infotainment buttons and steering wheel of Mustang are a hot mess compared to the Camaro. The buttons feel all over the place. The 6-speed Getrash doesn't help, either. It feels like driving a family car rather than a sports car.

[ex-boxing champ]

Originally Posted by mariojas

Why not both

Great idea. ill join your Camaro/Charger Club!