Hi all,
I'm an AMG GT S and CTS-V wagon owner but I adore the sixth-gen Camaros and I've considered buying one many times. I recently got a lengthy test drive in a 2019 SS 1LE on my favorite mountain roads, so I thought I'd share my thoughts on the SS 1LE vs AMG GT S!
(My full writeup of the
test drive is on my blog.)
Front-end: Both cars have fantastic front-end grip and minimal body roll. The GT S turns in more eagerly thanks to its lighter steering resistance and faster steering ratio. But the SS 1LE’s 285/30R20 front tires are 20mm wider than the GT S’s, so the 1LE could have more grip.
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Brakes: Research on the forums suggests the 1LE’s brakes are track-ready out of the box, whereas the GT S’s steel brakes need cooling and pad upgrades to keep from fading. (I’ve been okay on stock GT S hardware so far, but I’ve been driving less taxing tracks.) Both cars are completely capable in the canyons.
Win: Camaro
Engine: When fitted with the sports exhaust, the Camaro’s LT1 sings glorious (and varied) songs up and down its rev range. The naturally aspirated V8 has the immediate reactions of an electric motor yet climactically builds power to the redline. On the other hand, the GT S barks a monotone baritone belt at all times and delivers as much thrust at 3k RPM as it does at 6k RPM. I thank the twin turbos for the GT S’s greatly superior thrust, but blame them for the slightly dulled throttle response. I also appreciate that the GT S can be run quietly, without overrun burbles, while the SS 1LE cannot.
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Chassis: Both cars have rock-solid bodies that let their suspensions do their best work. But the Camaro SS 1LE’s magnetic ride control is far better at delivering a comfortable ride. The GT S rides firmly, with jitters, no matter what mode it’s in! Both chassis are capable and confidence-inspiring at the limits. Both condone track driving.
Win: Camaro
Steering: The steering in the GT S ceaselessly hums with tire and suspension feedback. It’s as smooth and slick as a mayonnaise-coated cucumber, yet as loquacious as an inebriated African Grey parrot. Both cars are free of tram lining, but the GT S’s light steering resistance and quick ratio can make it flighty at highway speeds. The Camaro SS 1LE’s steering has commendable pace and feel…for EPAS. Bumps and some road texture bubble up through the helm. But the steering resistance is overly heavy in Sport and Track modes.
Win: GT S
Transmission: Now I’m really comparing apples to oranges. The Camaro’s 6-speed manual is stout and satisfying, with tight throws and clear gates. Its rev-matching program eases the burden of downshifting under heavy braking and even makes stop-and-go commuting a breeze. The GT S, on the other hand, uses a snappy DCT for lightning shifts and is equally adept at (automatically) picking gears on a racetrack or swapping cogs in traffic.
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Cabin: The 2SS is the Camaro’s luxury package, and it adds cooled seats, ambient lighting, a pleather glove box covering, padded door cards, and blind-spot monitoring. Yet, the Camaro is far from luxurious: Hollow plastics litter the doors and dash, the crotch-high vents and tilted navigation screen are awkward, and the homely steering wheel won’t win any contests. The seats are mostly comfortable…unless you want adjustable lumbar support, which I did. In contrast, the GT S has a gorgeous interior that’s dripping with fine leather, aluminum, glass, and carbon fiber. But it’s dated: there’s no HUD, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and the infotainment system is low-resolution. Its seats are highly adjustable but also firm and cramped. Still, it’s a luxury car experience in the GT S and a rental car experience in the Camaro SS.
Win: GT S
Rear-end: With good tires in the drive wheels, both cars are locked to the pavement and easily handle their copious power outputs. Their e-differentials make mincemeat of twisty roads. They are trustworthy steeds that won’t suddenly spit you sideways.
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Cargo capacity: The Camaro’s small trunk can be enlarged by folding down the rear seats. (Or you can just throw the luggage on the back seats!) While its trunk can’t swallow a full-size spare, it can be loaded with a jack and a large toolbox. The GT S can’t even fit the toolbox! You’ll have to unpack the essential tools and lay them in the GT S’s shallow trunk if you plan on torquing your lug nuts at the track. Back seats? Ha! The GT S has none.
Win: Camaro
Exterior styling: The Camaro is wedgy and aggressive, a clear statement of mean-tempered power. The GT S melds aggression with elegance, evoking the iconic sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s yet reminding you of AMG’s current might. Random strangers will send kudos and questions at the GT S, while the Camaro will mostly receive disapproving scowls from pedestrians with bleeding eardrums.
Win: GT S
