5th gen Z28 or go 6th gen ZL1?

Maro_89 · 04-21-2020, 06:40 PM

Hey guys I’m looking into either a 5th gen Z28 or 6th gen ZL1. I’m interested in the Z28 but that ZL1 is pretty nice looking and tempting since I’ve seen some prices that are only a few grand more than the Z28. I know that they are both completely different cars in a way but I’m not sure which I would like in the long run. I can only go by first impressions when I saw and drove them both a while ago on different occasions. They both look awesome in their ways. I love the rawness and muscle car look of the Z28 and that it is rare and the ZL1 looks pretty nice and refined as well as the interior. I would use either one as a daily and I don’t mind the limited interior features in the Z28 because I’m more into enjoying how the car drives and I’m fine with how it rides on the street since it didn’t feel all that harsh to me.

What gets me is the ZL1 has 650 HP and I’m attracted to that kind of power versus the 505 in the Z28. I’m not sure if the ZL1 is a raw driving car like the Z28 though, but perhaps I guess I could always mod the Z28 to be faster if I wanted too. I have never added performance mods to a car so that would be a whole new experience for me and I’m not sure if it’s worth doing so or save up the extra money that would have been used for performance mods to go into the Z28 towards the ZL1 since it’s faster out of the box. I wonder if any of you have previously owned a Z28 before you got your ZL1 or if you have both and could fill me in on your thoughts and opinions. I know it would be my decision at the end of the day but would love to hear what you guys would say. Thank you all in advance!

*Joshinator99* · 04-21-2020, 06:49 PM

They’re both great, BUT, I’d say ZL1 because the Alpha chassis is just that damn good.

Markoz28 · 04-21-2020, 08:37 PM

6th gen ZL1 without a doubt. It’ll run circles around the Z28 in every category. Track, 1/4mile, looks, comfort... Everything!

Can'tHave2MuchHP · 04-21-2020, 08:40 PM

I love the Z28. Everything about it. LS7, the looks, the wheels, the handling, the feel, the badass factor.

Get the ZL1.

HoodCheck · 04-21-2020, 09:00 PM

Z/28 all day long. I had a '15 Z/28, have a '17 ZL1, and forget the ZL1...on all fronts. For me, the Z/28 wins by far in looks, comfort (I found it WAY more comfortable than the ZL1), the feel of the drive, the handling, everything with the single exception of the ZL1 (non-ZLE) allows you to get over those big ass speed humps in the road without going at a steep angle and speed bumps (or really bumpy roads) aren't felt *quite* as much (honestly though, it really isn't much of a difference at all). All in all though, I wouldn't want to do a 1-2 hr drive in the ZL1, at all, but I loved those drives in the Z/28. I don't know how people find the ZL1 comfortable honestly, the seat can't even sit back far enough to get comfortable imo.

On the other front, one is a rare car you literally never see on the road, the other is a dime a dozen camaro by comparison. There were more ZL1s built even in the pilot year (2012) than were ever built of the Z/28, and tens of thousands of them since then in both 5th and 6th gen (6th gen ZL1 alone has 12646 from 2017-2019, compared to 1801 Z/28s in 2014-2015 combined).
If you care about the stock power, or want auto, or want fancy amenities you'll likely not use anyways, then the ZL1 is likely your best bet. If you like to feel like you're part of the road, the Z/28 (the 6th gen ZLE I'm sure will achieve that same feeling though if you can tolerate the looks of the stupid aero package on it), or of course, if you like the rarity factor, then its a no brainer on that front.

All in all though, its up to your tastes.

I will say though; I upgraded my Z/28 and completely regretted doing it. I added something like 120whp, but lost the "natural" feel of the car, the originality, and adds too much complexity imo. So, you can upgrade the shit out of it, yes, but tbh, you'll probably still fall short on the torque at the wheels vs the ZL1. The next one I buy will stay stock.

Fast02Z06 · 04-21-2020, 09:46 PM

Or get both and a C7Z like me 😉. My Z/28 is heads cam, bolt on’s. Zl1 is stock and I prefer the Zl1 over the Z/28. I like the comfort, nav, and ride overall. Both are head turners

Stephen12ZL1 · 04-21-2020, 09:59 PM

I've owned both and much prefer the 6th gen ZL1. Z/28 is raw but needs HP. The Z/28 handling is amazing and the CCB brakes are awesome! Ride quality of the ZL1 is MUCH better.

2SS Capt · 04-21-2020, 11:47 PM

6th Gen, no doubt... Alpha platform...

Vigilante375 · 04-22-2020, 09:21 AM

I say ZL1 over the Z/28. It's better all around.

Some of you saying the Z/28 over the ZL1 because of it's handling and drive then I'd say get the ZL1 1LE. That way you're comparing an extreme, raw track car to an "extreme, raw" track car.

LT4Greg · 04-22-2020, 09:33 AM

Either one is a good choice but I’m partial to a ZL1. In my opinion the ZL1 1LE would be a consideration if you are looking for a track ready car but I do like the 5th gen Z28 especially that big 427 LS7.

minn19 · 04-22-2020, 10:37 AM

I get it if you want the N/A stripped down experience. But the ZL1 1LE is so far ahead in every way.

I think one needs to be very dedicated to having/wanting a car a certain way for them to choose the Z/28 in this scenario. But, that is fine and choices are a good thing.

ZED SLED · 04-22-2020, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoodCheck

Z/28 all day long. I had a '15 Z/28, have a '17 ZL1, and forget the ZL1...on all fronts. For me, the Z/28 wins by far in looks, comfort (I found it WAY more comfortable than the ZL1), the feel of the drive, the handling, everything with the single exception of the ZL1 (non-ZLE) allows you to get over those big ass speed humps in the road without going at a steep angle and speed bumps (or really bumpy roads) aren't felt *quite* as much (honestly though, it really isn't much of a difference at all). All in all though, I wouldn't want to do a 1-2 hr drive in the ZL1, at all, but I loved those drives in the Z/28. I don't know how people find the ZL1 comfortable honestly, the seat can't even sit back far enough to get comfortable imo.

On the other front, one is a rare car you literally never see on the road, the other is a dime a dozen camaro by comparison. There were more ZL1s built even in the pilot year (2012) than were ever built of the Z/28, and tens of thousands of them since then in both 5th and 6th gen (6th gen ZL1 alone has 12646 from 2017-2019, compared to 1801 Z/28s in 2014-2015 combined).
If you care about the stock power, or want auto, or want fancy amenities you'll likely not use anyways, then the ZL1 is likely your best bet. If you like to feel like you're part of the road, the Z/28 (the 6th gen ZLE I'm sure will achieve that same feeling though if you can tolerate the looks of the stupid aero package on it), or of course, if you like the rarity factor, then its a no brainer on that front.

All in all though, its up to your tastes.

I will say though; I upgraded my Z/28 and completely regretted doing it. I added something like 120whp, but lost the "natural" feel of the car, the originality, and adds too much complexity imo. So, you can upgrade the shit out of it, yes, but tbh, you'll probably still fall short on the torque at the wheels vs the ZL1. The next one I buy will stay stock.

Are you sure you don't have the cars reversed?

kropscamaro16 · 04-22-2020, 11:34 AM

my buddy has a fully built 1le ss and a z28 and he said the 1le/6th gen is easier to drive on track and the z28 is just more of a brute force mans mans car lol if that makes sense

SFV1LE · 04-22-2020, 12:37 PM

Seems like the question is really 6th Gen ZL1 1LE vs Z28, or 5th Gen ZL1 vs 6th Gen ZL1.

In either case the 6th Gen ZL1 or 1LE are superior in many ways. If you're choosing between Z28 and ZL1 for track (because track IS the reason for the Z28 existence), you should of course get a ZL1 1LE, it is a clearly superior track car vs. Z28.

If this is about street driving and looks, please ignore my comments.

04-21-2020, 06:40 PM	#1
Maro_89 Drives: High HP V8 Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: FL Posts: 115	5th gen Z28 or go 6th gen ZL1? Hey guys I’m looking into either a 5th gen Z28 or 6th gen ZL1. I’m interested in the Z28 but that ZL1 is pretty nice looking and tempting since I’ve seen some prices that are only a few grand more than the Z28. I know that they are both completely different cars in a way but I’m not sure which I would like in the long run. I can only go by first impressions when I saw and drove them both a while ago on different occasions. They both look awesome in their ways. I love the rawness and muscle car look of the Z28 and that it is rare and the ZL1 looks pretty nice and refined as well as the interior. I would use either one as a daily and I don’t mind the limited interior features in the Z28 because I’m more into enjoying how the car drives and I’m fine with how it rides on the street since it didn’t feel all that harsh to me. What gets me is the ZL1 has 650 HP and I’m attracted to that kind of power versus the 505 in the Z28. I’m not sure if the ZL1 is a raw driving car like the Z28 though, but perhaps I guess I could always mod the Z28 to be faster if I wanted too. I have never added performance mods to a car so that would be a whole new experience for me and I’m not sure if it’s worth doing so or save up the extra money that would have been used for performance mods to go into the Z28 towards the ZL1 since it’s faster out of the box. I wonder if any of you have previously owned a Z28 before you got your ZL1 or if you have both and could fill me in on your thoughts and opinions. I know it would be my decision at the end of the day but would love to hear what you guys would say. Thank you all in advance!

04-21-2020, 06:49 PM	#2
Joshinator99 Moderator Drives: 2017 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: New Ipswich NH Posts: 6,337	They’re both great, BUT, I’d say ZL1 because the Alpha chassis is just that damn good. __________________ 2017 Chevy Camaro 2SS A8 Whipple 3.0, Mast Black Label heads, ATI 8L90, Fore triple in-tank pumps, 112mm TB, LPE +52% injectors & BB HPFP, TooHighPSI/Katech port injection, 15” conversion 1066 WHP STD/1027 SAE, 9.10@152.5 (new times coming)

04-21-2020, 09:46 PM	#6
Fast02Z06 Drives: 2018 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Houston tx Posts: 144	Or get both and a C7Z like me 😉. My Z/28 is heads cam, bolt on’s. Zl1 is stock and I prefer the Zl1 over the Z/28. I like the comfort, nav, and ride overall. Both are head turners Attached Images

04-21-2020, 09:59 PM	#7
Stephen12ZL1 Drives: '21 ZLE A10 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mechanicsville, VA Posts: 6,824	I've owned both and much prefer the 6th gen ZL1. Z/28 is raw but needs HP. The Z/28 handling is amazing and the CCB brakes are awesome! Ride quality of the ZL1 is MUCH better. __________________ '21 ZLE A10 Wild Cherry PDR 2:00.78 VIR Full 10.68@131.69 1.68 60' '17 ZL1 A10 Mosaic Black PDR/Nav 2:03.08 VIR Full 11.003@129.2 1.75 (sold) '15 Z/28 #325 Black a/c & stereo. 2:10.1 VIR Full (sold) '12 ZL1 A6 Black 10.52@131 1.55 60' 2:13 VIR Full (sold)

04-21-2020, 11:47 PM	#8
2SS Capt 2020 Shadow Gray 2SS Drives: 2020 2SS - A10, NPP, MRC, CAI Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: SoCal Posts: 3,816	6th Gen, no doubt... Alpha platform... __________________ 2020 SGM 2SS - A10, NPP, MRC, Red Calipers, Black Fender Badge, Footwell Lighting *After delivery:* - GMP CAI, GMP Black Strut Tower Brace, MRR017 1LE Wheels, SS Armrest, Black Fuel Door, Stainless Pedals, SS Wheel Caps, GM Splash Guards, DD Smoked LED Markers, Smoked Rear Reflectors, Mishimoto Catch Can, Xpel PPF-Full Front & Rockers, 35% Tint, CeramicPro coated, RST Stainless Brake Lines, Castrol SRF, MSD Plug Wires, Mamo V3 Ported TB *Left: My "fun" ride (475 HP). Right: My "work" ride (52,000 HP): a Gulfstream G600. One's top speed is 180 Mph, the other, 620 Mph. BOTH AWESOME to operate...*

04-21-2020, 08:37 PM	#3
Markoz28 Drives: 18 ZL1 nightfall grey A10 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: RGV Texas Posts: 1,527	6th gen ZL1 without a doubt. It’ll run circles around the Z28 in every category. Track, 1/4mile, looks, comfort... Everything!

04-21-2020, 08:40 PM	#4
Can'tHave2MuchHP Drives: Fast Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,696	I love the Z28. Everything about it. LS7, the looks, the wheels, the handling, the feel, the badass factor. Get the ZL1.

04-21-2020, 09:00 PM	#5
HoodCheck Drives: 2018 ZLE (M6/hyper blue) Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Lithia, FL Posts: 762	Z/28 all day long. I had a '15 Z/28, have a '17 ZL1, and forget the ZL1...on all fronts. For me, the Z/28 wins by far in looks, comfort (I found it WAY more comfortable than the ZL1), the feel of the drive, the handling, everything with the single exception of the ZL1 (non-ZLE) allows you to get over those big ass speed humps in the road without going at a steep angle and speed bumps (or really bumpy roads) aren't felt quite as much (honestly though, it really isn't much of a difference at all). All in all though, I wouldn't want to do a 1-2 hr drive in the ZL1, at all, but I loved those drives in the Z/28. I don't know how people find the ZL1 comfortable honestly, the seat can't even sit back far enough to get comfortable imo. On the other front, one is a rare car you literally never see on the road, the other is a dime a dozen camaro by comparison. There were more ZL1s built even in the pilot year (2012) than were ever built of the Z/28, and tens of thousands of them since then in both 5th and 6th gen (6th gen ZL1 alone has 12646 from 2017-2019, compared to 1801 Z/28s in 2014-2015 combined). If you care about the stock power, or want auto, or want fancy amenities you'll likely not use anyways, then the ZL1 is likely your best bet. If you like to feel like you're part of the road, the Z/28 (the 6th gen ZLE I'm sure will achieve that same feeling though if you can tolerate the looks of the stupid aero package on it), or of course, if you like the rarity factor, then its a no brainer on that front. All in all though, its up to your tastes. I will say though; I upgraded my Z/28 and completely regretted doing it. I added something like 120whp, but lost the "natural" feel of the car, the originality, and adds too much complexity imo. So, you can upgrade the shit out of it, yes, but tbh, you'll probably still fall short on the torque at the wheels vs the ZL1. The next one I buy will stay stock.

04-22-2020, 09:21 AM	#9
Vigilante375 Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,419	I say ZL1 over the Z/28. It's better all around. Some of you saying the Z/28 over the ZL1 because of it's handling and drive then I'd say get the ZL1 1LE. That way you're comparing an extreme, raw track car to an "extreme, raw" track car.

04-22-2020, 09:33 AM	#10
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,875	Either one is a good choice but I’m partial to a ZL1. In my opinion the ZL1 1LE would be a consideration if you are looking for a track ready car but I do like the 5th gen Z28 especially that big 427 LS7. __________________ ZL1 Coupe, PDR, Exposed carbon fiber hood insert, My Link with Nav, M6 6 speed and Silver Ice Metallic. Mods done: ceramic window tint, GM Accessories Camaro floor mats and Roto-Fab CAI.

04-22-2020, 10:37 AM	#11
minn19 Drives: 22 ZL1, 20 Taco, 20 Cayenne S Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: MN Posts: 624	I get it if you want the N/A stripped down experience. But the ZL1 1LE is so far ahead in every way. I think one needs to be very dedicated to having/wanting a car a certain way for them to choose the Z/28 in this scenario. But, that is fine and choices are a good thing.

04-22-2020, 11:34 AM	#13
kropscamaro16 Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 909 Posts: 10,136	my buddy has a fully built 1le ss and a z28 and he said the 1le/6th gen is easier to drive on track and the z28 is just more of a brute force mans mans car lol if that makes sense __________________ 16 1SS NIGHTFALL GRAY METALLIC WITH NPP #BECAUSERACECAR #SAVETHEMANUALS

04-22-2020, 12:37 PM	#14
SFV1LE Drives: 2018 Hyper Blue ZL1 1LE Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: CA Posts: 1,365	Seems like the question is really 6th Gen ZL1 1LE vs Z28, or 5th Gen ZL1 vs 6th Gen ZL1. In either case the 6th Gen ZL1 or 1LE are superior in many ways. If you're choosing between Z28 and ZL1 for track (because track IS the reason for the Z28 existence), you should of course get a ZL1 1LE, it is a clearly superior track car vs. Z28. If this is about street driving and looks, please ignore my comments.

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