your thoughts ZL1/SS

[Punk_rider]

Hi guys,

just wanted your thoughts about something.

I'm working on buying a ZL1 here in Europe. Was almost about to sign the check but more and more people tell me: take the SS, not the ZL1, because the ZL1 has a supercharger and TRUE american muscle is about atmo engines.

ZL1 would be an heretic car then. Besides, I trully love ZL1 front fascia but feel like the back wing on the trunk looks kinda "ricer" (i've never seen a ZL1 in person) and I love the kinda "flat" SS trunk.

People also tend to say that 580 hp as a daily driver is not possible.

So, what's your thoughts, you american people about the truth on muscle/pony cars?

Thx

(Ps: yeah, thought about putting a ZL1 front fascia on a SS, but THAT is heresy!)

[Sharp-ZL1]

I live in Germany and I am an American. I drive my ZL1 and have not problems with it being my daily driver. The only thing I have to deal with is all the looks that I get from the German's. Which is not a problems except when you are trying to get in the Gate of an american Base and the Gate gaurd wants to look over your car and pulls you into the auto check so he can get a better look.

As for Muscle cars and V8 car either N/A or Blown works for me. Just as long as it's fast and loud.

The other day we did a cruise with other American muscle cars and after the cruise we went our ways. I jump on the Autobahn and had some fun with BMW's, Audi's and Mercedes. I want to see a Porchse or two but didn't.

Get the ZL1 and you will not be disappointed.

[Oz ZL-1]

Give me massive horsepower and the muscle/pony car look!! The retro 5th gen Camaro does that nicely for me and ZL1 in particular is punctuation on that. Supercharged or Turbocharged, it doesn't matter.

If slippery road conditions occur often there I would not recommend as daily driver. Its difficult (impossible) to put the power to the ground without losing traction - must drive like a grandma in rainy/wet conditions....

[E-Ray]

I daily drive my ZL1, and you don't even know it's 580 h/p, till you step into it. It drives, "under normal driving", like anyother car. It's just a great feeling knowing you have that power in case you need it.

[sportyb24]

ZL1 everyday over an SS no matter where you are!! ZL1 is def a DD

[Punk_rider]

Thx a lot for your answer if even you do not all agree, looks like ZL1 is a winner here.

Given the fact I've never seen a ZL1 for real, is the rear wing that big? Saw a Hotwheels trim Camaro few days ago and its wing was looking huge ... I wonder if the two cars share the same.

[SlingShot]

It's not a "wing" spoiler, more of a blade ... It's there for the Aero of the car. Also the car makes a great daily driver.

[HDRDTD]

Another thing you get with the ZL1 is the magnetic suspension that you can put into either 'sport' or 'touring' mode. It's awesome.

Drive an SS and drive a ZL1 and you'll see they are two completely different cars.

The ZL1 is very docile when you need it to be, yet it turns ito a beast when you want it to.

Watch out for the ZL1 tires. They are a true summer tire that get's hard and looses traction below 40 degrees F, and cannot even be stored if the temp is below 20 degrees F.

I went from a 2011 2SS/RS Vert to a ZL1 Vert when they came out. It's an awesome car!.

[Normagene]

Traded my 2011 Red Jewel SS



For my 2013 Ashen Gray 6/Manual ZL1



No COMPARISON/No REGRETS

[Punk_rider]

damn ... it looks pretty good!!

[jbotta]

Originally Posted by Normagene

Traded my 2011 Red Jewel SS

Attachment 500114

For my 2013 Ashen Gray 6/Manual ZL1

Attachment 500115

No COMPARISON/No REGRETS

Awesome pic

[toyosuprablue]

the wing doesnt look ricer, dont worry about that

[Nightspore68]

I've had both and I've enjoyed both. Both are well-suited to everyday driving. The ZL-1 is a bit better at communicating exactly where it is on the road and, of course, faster.

I don't think there's a hell of a lot of difference, to be honest. The tour/sport mode switch is cool. And yes, I can lap 911s at the track in the ZL-1. Driving to work though isn't twice as exciting. And as HDRDTD pointed out, the ZL-1 tires are pretty awful below 40 degrees or in rain; you wind up driving like you would drive a Camry to prevent yourself from sliding in colder or rainy weather.

Summing up, I was always surprised how great my SS was, considering the price. I like my ZL-1 more, but I'm not astonished by it, considering its price. The SS is a better value proposition. There are diminishing returns on the ZL-1. I mean it's nearly twice as expensive, but it is not twice as much fun. It's more like 25%-50% more fun.

I think there is something to the supercharger argument for Corvettes: they shouldn't have one. For the Camaro, I don't see it as heresy, but then I'm not a lifelong Camaro afficionado like many are.

That's probably not helpful at all. Sorry. It's not an easy decision to make and your mileage may vary anyway.

[kalamajama]

If you can afford the ZL1, it's a no brainer. Zl1 is simply a beast. The SS's are great looking rides. But can't match the engineering that was incorporated into the ZL1. Oh by the way here's my 2012 #842 fishing car.......