1LE vs. 1SS handling - Is the difference that much?
 

I'm looking to get rid of my Mustang here soon and pick up a Camaro but I'm having trouble deciding which trim to get. The car will most likely never see a track or drag strip, but there are a couple very tight and twisty backroads that I like to carve on the weekends. And of course the occasional highway roll.

In my area I'm seeing used 1LE's going in the high $39k range (which I find ridiculous but I digress), while I've found a couple 1SS trims around $32k. 2SS is somewhere in the middle but I don't really need the creature comforts and I'd like to keep the weight down.

So my question is, is the handling on the 1LE that much different compared to the 1SS that it justifies an extra $6k - $7k in the used market? If I bought a 1SS, got wider wheels, and did springs, bushings, and sway bar with the money I saved will the handling be better/comparable? Or should I just suck it up and get the 1LE?

1LE has so many upgrades it's worth it imo. The car's ABS and stability systems are calibrated to the larger wheel/tire size, you have PTM track modes and an e-diff, these are things you can't upgrade on a non 1LE car.

Pricing is too high used, I'd go new.

I went from a 2016 SS to a 2019 1LE and it’s totally worth it. Very responsive and agile. The electronic limited-slip differential is noticeable on the track and you will notice the FE4 suspension on the 1LE. These two key components on a 1LE is something you can’t upgrade from an SS.

if your going to mod a 1SS then get the 1LE. I modded a 2SS because you couldnt get a 2SS 1LE until 2 days after i bought it. I have more money into making it almost like a 1LE and it can never be a 1LE then just buying one. and i did all the labor myself. Matter of fact everything in my sig cost more then buying a new ZL1 and i do all my own labor. The tunes the only thing i had someone else do.

I couldn't have said it better, JCunningham. Look up Should have bought a ZL1 in the dictionary and you'll find my picture! That being said, I have enjoyed the process and I expect that you have too.
OP, check out the GM Suspension Kits on Camaro SS thread in the Ask the Camaro Team section. They incrementally add 1LE wheels/tires, lowering and handling kits to a standard SS and compared lap times with a factory 1LE.
While everything JCunningham says is spot on, deciding what to buy really depends on how you're planning to use the car. If you won't be doing a lot of tracking, the extra $$ to upgrade from a 1SS to a 1LE may be better spent on upgrading to a 2SS. Some of the comfort and convenience features, especially the blind spot monitoring are really nice.

Is the 1LE handling package worth the additional cost? Yes. However, if I had to do it over again, I'm not sure I would upgrade from my former 2018 SS to my current 2019 SS 1LE. I love my 1LE but unless you are surrounded by stellar driving roads and/or you intend to track the vehicle, I would recommend purchasing a standard SS. The 1LE is a fantastic driving vehicle but the factory tires are ridiculously sticky, resulting in countless paint imperfections on the rear quarter panels (and, yes, I have PPF installed on my vehicle).

It depends if you are going to track the 1LE. That’s where it shines!

Exactly, if your going to go to the track or not. I had an 1LE and I liked it, but I never went to the track. So I think its a waste just for street use. Sure you can always spend more money on extra equipment, but in the end do you really need it?

Just re-read your post and noticed the reference to weight. The 1LE will be slightly heavier than either standard SS trim level due to the elsd and larger brakes. Also, if memory serves, the 2SS is around 30 lbs heavier than the 1SS.

Not even close to worth it to me. Never track my car, drive twisties, SS is a blast.

Nothing screams bait thread more than

User name + coming from a Mustang + wants to race on public roads.

I don't/won't be tracking my car, but the 2SS with MRC is already just so insane with it's capability around corners, twisty back roads and it's overall handling, I'd be hard pressed to pay more for the 1LE package unless you do track. It's super capable as-is for almost anything.

I personally wouldn't want the Suede material and Recaros anyway that come with the 1LE package, either. The brakes/suspension were the only upgrades I would be interested in.

Debated about the 1LE suspension "upgrade" when ordering my 2SS, but decided against it. No regrets for me.

If you aren't going to the twistie track, the 1LE is a waste IMO. The 1SS, or even the LT1, is great for the street.

1le is a performance bargain. Best $7500 you can spend. Recaros,npp,ediff,mag ride,lt4 in tank pump,big brakes...... the list goes on.