[hawk02]

I have both cars. My ZL1 is a ‘17 M6 coupe. My C8 is a ‘21 convertible. It’s a non Z51 but it has the performance exhaust and mag ride shocks.

While lots of people rave about the DCT in the C8, I’m one of the few that is not a huge fan. Yes, it shifts fast. But….it can be “jerky” at low speeds like when driving in a parking lot and first and second are geared way too short for my tastes.

As far as options go, I added nearly $11K in options on my C8 just to keep parody with my ZL1. No way was I going to buy a Corvette with less options than my Camaro. There are only three items my Corvette has that my Camaro does not. The rear view camera, front cameras, and the front lift. If my Camaro was a later model year, it would have the rearview camera. You have to option to the LT2 trim on the C8 to get things like the HUD, heated/ventilated/memory seats, blind spot sensors, rear view camera, climate control and upgraded audio system. I also upgraded to the GT2 seats to get alcantara seat inserts and steering wheel. Again, those are all standard on the ZL1

Handling: The C8 is head and shoulders superior to my Camaro. If you ever drove a go kart as a kid, the C8 feels like a very sophisticated go kart. Where ever I point the car, that’s where it goes. The FE2 suspension on my C8 makes it the best GT car I have ever owned. My ZL1, on the other hand, can feel like I’m driving a school bus — big and heavy.

When it comes to acceleration and torque, my Camaro wins hands down. Start jamming air into those eight cylinders and you’re in for the ride of your life. My C8 is quick and at times feels 10 times quicker than my Camaro. However, the C8 will never throw you back in the seat like the Camaro does. The Camaro is a much more visceral driving experience. I tell people my Camaro can scare the hell out of me. My C8 has yet to scare me.

As far as build quality and materials, both cars a pretty equal. Yes, the Camaro interior uses more plastic than the C8. But the faux leather appearance in the LT2 trim isn’t much to write home about either. And the C8 has one of the cheapest looking home buttons on the audio system I have ever seen.

Which car do I prefer? After more than a year of owning my C8, I still can’t answer that question. It’s pure pleasure being able to drop the top on the C8 at the press of a button. And if you enjoy top down driving, the C8 is the ultimate American sport convertible. But there’s just something about rowing gears and jamming air into cylinders that gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing that it so addictive.

For a first generation mid-engine car, the Corvette engineers designed one hell of a vehicle. And the Z06 will move it even more forward. Biggest bang for the buck goes to the Camaro team who designed one of the best performance bargains on the market. It’s a shame it’s going away. All I can say is I’m truly blessed to be able to own both cars.

[taylorforschool@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

Half of what you wrote is nonsense. Its a little more than ironic that you just so happened to stumble onto this thread and decided to add your .02 for your first post.

I literally got one hell of a laugh out of this thank you brother

[raptor5244]

Originally Posted by hawk02

I have both cars. My ZL1 is a ‘17 M6 coupe. My C8 is a ‘21 convertible. It’s a non Z51 but it has the performance exhaust and mag ride shocks.

While lots of people rave about the DCT in the C8, I’m one of the few that is not a huge fan. Yes, it shifts fast. But….it can be “jerky” at low speeds like when driving in a parking lot and first and second are geared way too short for my tastes.

As far as options go, I added nearly $11K in options on my C8 just to keep parody with my ZL1. No way was I going to buy a Corvette with less options than my Camaro. There are only three items my Corvette has that my Camaro does not. The rear view camera, front cameras, and the front lift. If my Camaro was a later model year, it would have the rearview camera. You have to option to the LT2 trim on the C8 to get things like the HUD, heated/ventilated/memory seats, blind spot sensors, rear view camera, climate control and upgraded audio system. I also upgraded to the GT2 seats to get alcantara seat inserts and steering wheel. Again, those are all standard on the ZL1

Handling: The C8 is head and shoulders superior to my Camaro. If you ever drove a go kart as a kid, the C8 feels like a very sophisticated go kart. Where ever I point the car, that’s where it goes. The FE2 suspension on my C8 makes it the best GT car I have ever owned. My ZL1, on the other hand, can feel like I’m driving a school bus — big and heavy.

When it comes to acceleration and torque, my Camaro wins hands down. Start jamming air into those eight cylinders and you’re in for the ride of your life. My C8 is quick and at times feels 10 times quicker than my Camaro. However, the C8 will never throw you back in the seat like the Camaro does. The Camaro is a much more visceral driving experience. I tell people my Camaro can scare the hell out of me. My C8 has yet to scare me.

As far as build quality and materials, both cars a pretty equal. Yes, the Camaro interior uses more plastic than the C8. But the faux leather appearance in the LT2 trim isn’t much to write home about either. And the C8 has one of the cheapest looking home buttons on the audio system I have ever seen.

Which car do I prefer? After more than a year of owning my C8, I still can’t answer that question. It’s pure pleasure being able to drop the top on the C8 at the press of a button. And if you enjoy top down driving, the C8 is the ultimate American sport convertible. But there’s just something about rowing gears and jamming air into cylinders that gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing that it so addictive.

For a first generation mid-engine car, the Corvette engineers designed one hell of a vehicle. And the Z06 will move it even more forward. Biggest bang for the buck goes to the Camaro team who designed one of the best performance bargains on the market. It’s a shame it’s going away. All I can say is I’m truly blessed to be able to own both cars.

Good stuff, Thanks for the feedback. I did get a chance to drive a C8 Z51 on track for a few laps at one of those ultimate driving experience events. I didn’t get much seat time but the handling was very impressive. I was giving it everything it had in the turns and it stayed planted. I didn’t notice any huge difference in the shifting performance of the DCT and while the straight line performance was good some of the other exotics and supercharged cars like the GT500 were chasing me down pretty quick but the C8 would make up for it in the corners.

The one big standout at the event was how quiet the C8 was compared to all the other performance cars. They had McClarens, Lambos, Ferrari’s, Porsche screaming down the straights and then the C8 would make more tire and wind noise than exhaust. Hopefully the aftermarket has a fix for that.

I may get a C8 at some point but as you mentioned the Camaro ZL1 is tough to beat for the money. I have owned a number of manual vehicles and they offer a ton of engagement but this A10 is the first auto I am impressed with. It basically turns the ZL1 into a rear wheel drive GTR. If you consider that these cars may be the last of their kind I may just have to keep this one instead of trading out of them every two to three years like I normally do. I mean where are you going to be able to buy a 650hp V8 for $70k or less in five years or so. Probably just used examples.

[hawk02]

Originally Posted by raptor5244

Good stuff, Thanks for the feedback. I did get a chance to drive a C8 Z51 on track for a few laps at one of those ultimate driving experience events. I didn’t get much seat time but the handling was very impressive. I was giving it everything it had in the turns and it stayed planted. I didn’t notice any huge difference in the shifting performance of the DCT and while the straight line performance was good some of the other exotics and supercharged cars like the GT500 were chasing me down pretty quick but the C8 would make up for it in the corners.

The one big standout at the event was how quiet the C8 was compared to all the other performance cars. They had McClarens, Lambos, Ferrari’s, Porsche screaming down the straights and then the C8 would make more tire and wind noise than exhaust. Hopefully the aftermarket has a fix for that.

I may get a C8 at some point but as you mentioned the Camaro ZL1 is tough to beat for the money. I have owned a number of manual vehicles and they offer a ton of engagement but this A10 is the first auto I am impressed with. It basically turns the ZL1 into a rear wheel drive GTR. If you consider that these cars may be the last of their kind I may just have to keep this one instead of trading out of them every two to three years like I normally do. I mean where are you going to be able to buy a 650hp V8 for $70k or less in five years or so. Probably just used examples.

I assume you were driving the coupe. That thick piece of glass between the passenger and engine compartments really muffles the exhaust sound while you’re in the car. One advantage of the convertible is the exhaust is more pronounced because A. there is no thick piece of glass between driver and engine, and B. you can put the rear window partially down.

In my post, I criticized the Camaro for being big and heavy. And it is. However, for its weight and size it does handle pretty darn good. The alpha platform is a significant improvement over the zeta in the 5th gen. I know this because I owned a 5th gen ZL1 before my 6th gen.

Overall, they’re both great cars for the money. Each one gives you a totally different driving experience, which for me, makes it fun to switch back and forth.

[raptor5244]

Originally Posted by hawk02

I assume you were driving the coupe. That thick piece of glass between the passenger and engine compartments really muffles the exhaust sound while you’re in the car. One advantage of the convertible is the exhaust is more pronounced because A. there is no thick piece of glass between driver and engine, and B. you can put the rear window partially down.

In my post, I criticized the Camaro for being big and heavy. And it is. However, for its weight and size it does handle pretty darn good. The alpha platform is a significant improvement over the zeta in the 5th gen. I know this because I owned a 5th gen ZL1 before my 6th gen.

Overall, they’re both great cars for the money. Each one gives you a totally different driving experience, which for me, makes it fun to switch back and forth.

Yes, it was a coupe. Agreed on the vert. I had a C7 Grand Sport M7 vert because I wanted to hear the the exhaust note better, it does make a big difference. Also much better with a manual so you can control the exhaust note better. I should have held on to that car since I bought it new for 15% below MSRP.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by Snowwolfe

Calm down, he joined in Dec 21 so has been around for a few months. It’s his opinion, not nonsense. A lot of what he says mirrors what others have also mentioned.

100% agreed.

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

Not really, and its quite suspicious that its his first post. Seeing that I have real world knowledge of both, its pretty obvious its nonsense. I am willing to accept some personal preference, but some of what he stated is nonsense.

"Transmission: no comparison. The C8 DCT is clearly a DCT. Shifts instantly. No slop/slipping. Acts like a manual (engine braking). C8 wins big time." NONSENSE

"Handling: no comparison, the C8 kills it. As you'd expect with a non-ZLE." NONSENSE

I haven’t driven a C8 Vette yet but why the triggered response? I just got out of a Cayman GTS so I have a lot of seat time in a mid engine/lower weight/CG car. Without driving it and reading both professional and amateur reviews I can definitely see why a C8 would handle much better than a heavier front engine ZL1. Especially from a seat off the pants/feel perspective.

I also have quite a bit of experience with DCTs. I agree with the characteristics being written about here in regards to the A10 vs a DCT. The A10 is an amazing transmission, but it doesn’t compare to the visceral feeling or manual like characteristics of a DCT.

Just my opinions as well, maybe they are nonsense to.

I love the ZL1, but if I didn’t need back seats (yes my daughter and her friends fit fine in them) and a trunk, I’d either still be in the Cayman or a C8 Z51/mag ride car.

[JBones81]

This is a fun comparison, but aren't the C8s all selling for like 20-40k above msrp, putting them way higher than any zl1s??

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by minn19

100% agreed.


I haven’t driven a C8 Vette yet but why the triggered response? I just got out of a Cayman GTS so I have a lot of seat time in a mid engine/lower weight/CG car. Without driving it and reading both professional and amateur reviews I can definitely see why a C8 would handle much better than a heavier front engine ZL1. Especially from a seat off the pants/feel perspective.

I also have quite a bit of experience with DCTs. I agree with the characteristics being written about here in regards to the A10 vs a DCT. The A10 is an amazing transmission, but it doesn’t compare to the visceral feeling or manual like characteristics of a DCT.

Just my opinions as well, maybe they are nonsense to.

I love the ZL1, but if I didn’t need back seats (yes my daughter and her friends fit fine in them) and a trunk, I’d either still be in the Cayman or a C8 Z51/mag ride car.

Because I've owned both and I have direct experience. I've already given my impressions. On paper the ZL1 handles better than the C8 Z51, that's not even debatable. I also stated that from an amateur driving perspective, the C8 Z51 feels a little more planted because its a mid engine platform, lower centry of gravity and less power means there's less chance of oversteer which can inspire confidence in an amateurs hands. None of that changes the fact that objectionably, the ZL1 handles better, hence my response.

As for the transmissions, again, I have direct experience with both, there's literally nothing the DCT does better than the A10. DCT's use to be the end game transmission that everyone was chasing, but the A10 is so darn good that its really a wash. Both are so close in performance its not even worth discussion, the only major difference is that some people hate the feel of DCTs at low rpms, they can feel a little clunky.

[NG329]

Originally Posted by JBones81

This is a fun comparison, but aren't the C8s all selling for like 20-40k above msrp, putting them way higher than any zl1s??

Only in the used market. If you order a new one and are willing to wait for production 6-12 months then you can get one at MSRP.

[NG329]

I've been lingering back and forth on trading in my 1LE for the C8. I've spent a considerable amount of time on track with my 1LE this season and I really doubt that the C8 is 'head and shoulders' above the ZL1 in the handling department. I'd venture out to say that the ZL1 1LE handles better (most track comparisons have the ZL1 1LE faster than the C8 pretty much everywhere).

The thing that concerns me about the C8 is the understeer, which I gather that most of you aren't pushing the car hard enough for it to be an issue. No offense. This is something I know I would definitely notice on track and on mountain roads upstate NY. If I'm being completely transparent, the reports of understeer are what has caused me to hold off on buying the car. I need to drive the car first and possibly on track. I'm thinking about paying a visit to the Corvette Museum just for the track laps in the car. I doubt I'll ever be able to get the Z06. Wait lists are astronomical and production woes continue. I would however be willing to pay markup so who knows, I guess I'll have to see. Having to run -3* of camber to dial out the understeer is absurd and will cause an unreasonable amount of tire wear for the track day enthusiast who also drives his car on the street. Styling wise, sure I love the C8 styling. I wish GM would combine the two cars. C8 Styling with the ZL1 performance and I'd be all over it.

For me, the following are the 4 main reasons why I have not bought the C8.

- Reports of Understeer
- Unable to tune the ECM at present
- Lack of a Manual transmission
- Reports of Underwhelming Braking Performance


I just feel that based on what I've read and observed, the ZL1 1LE is a far superior car to the base C8 in handling, power, running costs, and tuning options. It punches way above its weight as far as lap times are concerned and will absolutely not get dusted by the horde of GT3s at your local track day.

My perspective is purely track biased where most C8s will never go, but for me that matters. I know the C8 Z06 will check off all the boxes and leave no doubt as far as which car is Chevy's flagship, but for now I think the ZL1 1LE was better than everyone expected it to be and if you think otherwise, you're just not fast enough, in denial, simply don't know better which is okay, or possibly living in a bubble. I'd bet that 10 out of 10 people who are within a couple of seconds of lap record pace at any track will readily agree that the ZL1 1LE is just the better car at the moment.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by NG329

I've been lingering back and forth on trading in my 1LE for the C8. I've spent a considerable amount of time on track with my 1LE this season and I really doubt that the C8 is 'head and shoulders' above the ZL1 in the handling department. I'd venture out to say that the ZL1 1LE handles better (most track comparisons have the ZL1 1LE faster than the C8 pretty much everywhere).

The thing that concerns me about the C8 is the understeer, which I gather that most of you aren't pushing the car hard enough for it to be an issue. No offense. This is something I know I would definitely notice on track and on mountain roads upstate NY. If I'm being completely transparent, the reports of understeer are what has caused me to hold off on buying the car. I need to drive the car first and possibly on track. I'm thinking about paying a visit to the Corvette Museum just for the track laps in the car. I doubt I'll ever be able to get the Z06. Wait lists are astronomical and production woes continue. I would however be willing to pay markup so who knows, I guess I'll have to see. Having to run -3* of camber to dial out the understeer is absurd and will cause an unreasonable amount of tire wear for the track day enthusiast who also drives his car on the street. Styling wise, sure I love the C8 styling. I wish GM would combine the two cars. C8 Styling with the ZL1 performance and I'd be all over it.

For me, the following are the 4 main reasons why I have not bought the C8.

- Reports of Understeer
- Unable to tune the ECM at present
- Lack of a Manual transmission
- Reports of Underwhelming Braking Performance


I just feel that based on what I've read and observed, the ZL1 1LE is a far superior car to the base C8 in handling, power, running costs, and tuning options. It punches way above its weight as far as lap times are concerned and will absolutely not get dusted by the horde of GT3s at your local track day.

My perspective is purely track biased where most C8s will never go, but for me that matters. I know the C8 Z06 will check off all the boxes and leave no doubt as far as which car is Chevy's flagship, but for now I think the ZL1 1LE was better than everyone expected it to be and if you think otherwise, you're just not fast enough, in denial, simply don't know better which is okay, or possibly living in a bubble. I'd bet that 10 out of 10 people who are within a couple of seconds of lap record pace at any track will readily agree that the ZL1 1LE is just the better car at the moment.

The understeer is largely false. I think one car mag stated this when they reviewed the C8 initially and its been regurgitated over and over throughout the internet.

The ECM can't be tuned yet but there's a piggyback tuning process that's a workaround for now. Its been good enough to support some 1350hp turbo C8's.

Lack of manual transmission is a valid point. Nothing you can do there.

I've seen no proof of underwhelming brake performance, the C8 Z51 is very capable in this area.


All this being said, you are correct that the ZL1 1LE is superior in every way as it should be, you're comparing a track focused top of the line Camaro trim to a base model C8 Corvette.

[NG329]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

The understeer is largely false. I think one car mag stated this when they reviewed the C8 initially and its been regurgitated over and over throughout the internet.

The ECM can't be tuned yet but there's a piggyback tuning process that's a workaround for now. Its been good enough to support some 1350hp turbo C8's.

I don't know man, the understeer has been well documented. I recall a GM rep mentioning it although he did seem to downplay it and eluded to it being an inherent attribute associated with mid engine vehicles. Your point is well taken though. I'm keeping an opened mind and will reserve final judgement for when I actually get my hands on the car.

To clarify, I only heard of braking complaints (Fade, glazing), on the non Z51 trim. If I did get the C8 I think I'd get the non Z51 and 'go my own way' with the upgrades (Wing, Brakes, Suspension, Headers).

[Grozny]

I don't own any of the three but I'm in the market too. I went to demo a ZL1 6spd two days ago. I wanted to order a new one as a manual trans is a must have, and this appears to be the "end of an era". Just to make sure, I test drove a A10 too. I had written the C8 off due to the trans, but decided while there I would test drive one as well.

My primary use for the car would be street driving as well.

ZL1 6 speed- felt like a tank, car surrounded me, visibility was not bad, but front windshield is short, sides high, and rear was small. Trans felt great, car handled very well for a car as big as it is. All non direct, b surfaces were very cheap plastic. Back seats were pointless. The power didn't meet my expectations, I'm assuming due to the weight. It definitely was not lacking but it didn't feel "absurd" by any stretch.

A10-Very much an automatic, I had a few occasions where throttle inputs were not a 1:1 transition as to what the car did or what I was asking for.-Not for me

C8 Z51 Mag Ride- Regretfully, this was the one for me. The car felt like an extension of me. As someone else said "go-kart, video game feel" to it. Visibility was great forward and to the sides, and felt very much like my previous C6, & C7. DCT was great. I did not miss the manual, and would buy the car. I'm a die hard manual fan and had written the car off for years due to that reason alone. C8 also felt noticeably quicker to me, and put a bigger smile on my face.

Bottom line, drive all three and see what works for you best.

[hawk02]

Originally Posted by NG329

Only in the used market. If you order a new one and are willing to wait for production 6-12 months then you can get one at MSRP.

Unfortunately, the number of dealers selling at MSRP on new orders is shrinking.
Many have watched a customer order at MSRP and then immediately “flip” the car for $15-20K more before the ink is dried on the signed contracts. Many dealers are starting to ask why should they miss out on the opportunity to make money on a car in high demand.

There’s lots of games being played between dealers and customers these days and it is only going to get worse when the Z06 goes into production.

If you want to purchase at MRSP, your best bet is to go with one of the large Corvette dealers like Ciocca (Formerly Kerbeck) or MacMulkin and wait the year or more it will take get a car.