[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by KaMaRow

Like I said don't get me wrong the C8 is a great car and if it was available at the 60k range like it was suppose to be then it would be amaze balls. but when the average used one is 100k plus... forget it. dollar for performance I dont think much can touch the ZL1. If you want a pure drivers car the ZL1 is the one you want. if you want a comfy plus grand touring car with some chops then the c8 is what you want.

Something else to consider is look at how GM builds them. The C8 comes with all seasons . It is a touring street car first and a track car second. The ZL1 comes with track tires. Its a track car first and a street car second.

I think owning both is a great combo and perfect stable of cars. Only reason I sold my c8 was the stupid and I mean stupid amount of money I was offered. But if I personally had to chose just one to own it would be the ZL1 and I am honestly not that big of a Camaro fan to tell the truth. so that should say something LOL


As for car prices yes they are stupid on every car. IM about to get out of cars because of it. I love my cars but I think I would rather buy a investment house and travel the world instead. I have just placed my order for the lotus Emira and other then the z06 (if i get one) this will be the last high end car i get. about time to just get a old used truck and live the farm life LOL

Two valid points here that people forget, the base C8 Stingray is supposed to be $60K'ish, granted, most will be optioned up to around $70k, but even then, the car is a pretty good deal for what you're getting, it just can't compete with the ZL1 in pure performance. When the pricing returns to normal, the C8 Stingray will make more sense. These often get compared to each other, but people forget that they're comparing a top end Camaro vs a base model Corvette.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by KaMaRow

Like I said don't get me wrong the C8 is a great car and if it was available at the 60k range like it was suppose to be then it would be amaze balls. but when the average used one is 100k plus... forget it. dollar for performance I dont think much can touch the ZL1. If you want a pure drivers car the ZL1 is the one you want. if you want a comfy plus grand touring car with some chops then the c8 is what you want.

Something else to consider is look at how GM builds them. The C8 comes with all seasons . It is a touring street car first and a track car second. The ZL1 comes with track tires. Its a track car first and a street car second.

I think owning both is a great combo and perfect stable of cars. Only reason I sold my c8 was the stupid and I mean stupid amount of money I was offered. But if I personally had to chose just one to own it would be the ZL1 and I am honestly not that big of a Camaro fan to tell the truth. so that should say something LOL


As for car prices yes they are stupid on every car. IM about to get out of cars because of it. I love my cars but I think I would rather buy a investment house and travel the world instead. I have just placed my order for the lotus Emira and other then the z06 (if i get one) this will be the last high end car i get. about time to just get a old used truck and live the farm life LOL

Two valid points here that people forget, the base C8 Stingray is supposed to be $60K'ish, granted, most will be optioned up to around $70k, but even then, the car is a pretty good deal for what you're getting, it just can't compete with the ZL1 in pure performance. When the pricing returns to normal, the C8 Stingray will make more sense. These often get compared to each other, but people forget that they're comparing a top end Camaro vs a base model Corvette. I don't think there's any question that the ZL1 is a STEAL at $70k.

[hawk02]

Originally Posted by KaMaRow

So I sold my 2021 3lt z51 c8 and got the 2022 zl1. Here is why...this is my personal experience and my personal opinion and im not saying anyone else is right or wrong.

1. I found the C8 to be too refined. it s great driving experience if you want to go to sleep. sure it has acceleration it has handling but... its so dialed in its boring. In comparison the ZL1 feel like a race car and feels every bit of its 650 HP. The c8 i could hit a 120 and still ask the passenger if they wanted tea with their crumpets.

2. the constant engine noise behind my head got annoying. you can hear the lifters and fuel injectors ticking away . evetime the engine goes from v4 to v8 mode there is a strange sound that got on my nerves.

3. The attention got annoying. if a stood still for more then 3 seconds someone wanted to talk about the car. Plus it (for me) attracted the wrong attention. I guess everyone thought i was some mogul and were constantly asking what i did for a living and if i wanted to invest in this and that.

4. I owned the C8 for about 7 months and I have had the Zl1 for 2 months now. I live on very curvy very inclined mountain roads and im sorry to say but the zl1 will beat the c8 up any hill side. we timed it several times with two different drivers and the zl1 won every time. ( my buddy owns both a c8 and zl1 as well and we got same results in his cars)

5. The C8 is a driver oriented car. it really isolates the passenger to the point of they are in this little compartment. where the ZL1 is more open and inviting to the passenger.

6. The Zl1s mid range 60-100 is better it gets up and screams the C8 sorta has to get going there is a real dead spot in the c8s 60 to 100. yes the c8 has a great 0-60 but at a roll even my 21 supra could leave it at a rolling 60

7. speaking of the 0-60. it is stated that it is 2.9 seconds. Both me and my buddy with both our c8s mine a 21 and his a 22 absolutely under no circumstances could hit that. the best we could ever get was 3.1. we tried different elevations different levels of fuel different drivers different temperatures a drag strip and nothing we did were we able to get 2.9 out of the car.

For pure driving thrills the ZL1 is a far better car but for over all package let me tell you my list of positives for the C8.

1. Gas mileage is far better in the c8 then the Zl1

2. the interior at least on my 3lt is far superior, it is way more refined and comfy compared to the ZL1.

3. The premium stereo is wow. The premium stereo in the ZL1 is no slouch but the c8 is just that much better.

4. The C8 has hype the ZL1 does not. the C8 will get attention everywhere. and in my area at least no one looks twice at the ZL1 as most people see it as just a Camaro. so if attention and looking important is valuable to you defiantly get the C8.


for me personally I dont think the C8 lived up to the hype. Its a great car dont get me wrong. I would most likely own another one once the stupidity of pricing dies off. in my area t least you can find used c8s everywhere. there are thousands and thousands for sale on line with less then 5k miles. Because I think most people were like me and said its a great car but eh....

I have owned many high power cars and I think if you have then the C8 is sorta eh... fun but eh... if you haven't owned fancy high powered cars then the C8 is gonna make you man hood 3 inches bigger.

Im on 8 wait lists for the z06 and most dealers have 300 plus z06 orders. once z06s hit i think you are gonna find a flood of used c8s everywhere for much lower prices.

as for the zl1 you aren't gonna see then on every corner and i feel they will become collectable here soon.


plus something to consider. Ive been told that the drivers at the corvette driving school all drive Zl1s in their personal lives. more then a few YouTube reviewers who have test drove and reviewed the c8 and zl1 picked a zl1 as their own car. and one of gms top drivers has a zl1 as his personal car ....


any point i have made can be argued either way as with anything my opinions are as subjective as yours. I might feel the c8 is to refined while someone else might feel its balls out the best thing ever. its all personal preference really. they are both great cars and you cant loose with either. except the mark up on c8s LOL

Your assessment pretty much mirrors mine.

Just a few minor observations I differ on. The constant engine noise behind you isn't as noticeable on the convertible, especially when the top is down. You figure you've got the engine cover, the roof, and the deck lid covering the engine when the top is dropped. Probably related to this is the noise going from V4 to V8 mode. I don't hear a thing on my convertible. The only way I know the engine is going in and out of cylinder deactivation is because it displays on the DIC. There's no engine or exhaust noise to tell me it's happening.

The dead spot you describe from 60-100 I think is because of the gearing of the DCT when in a mode other than track. I think manufacturers are so hung up with 0-60 times that they sacrifice performance at other speeds. I know a lot people rave about the DCT in the C8 but I'm not a huge fan. I've lusted for a true 6 Spd manual in the car more than a few times.

You are spot on that the driving experience is so refined to be boring. Spend a winter driving it in Florida on flat, straight roads if you want to experience real boredom. Back in Ohio there are some hills and curves to breakup the monotony. I'm glad my C8 is the convertible. Being able to drop the top adds a little something to the driving experience.

Everything else you wrote is spot on between the two cars. And yes, I can't count on two hands how many times I've been asked what I do for a living. The shocked look I get when I tell them I'm retired is priceless. They wonder how anyone on social security can afford a brand new Corvette.

[DangerZL1]

I owned a C8 for a couple weeks until I was able to sell it through the dealer I purchased it from. The transaxle had an annoying gear whine most noticeable between 45-60 mph. Sounded like improper gear lash if you've ever heard it. The service mgr wouldn't acknowledge that it was out of the ordinary, so I decided to part with it.

I'd of purchased another one if I could have been guaranteed it wouldn't have the same problem. There are other trans failures and members on another forum who've experienced similar and much worse problems with the transmission.

My ZL1 has been trouble free for the 2 months I've owned it. It has stronger acceleration in upper end, but I'm still in break in mode and trying to drive it easier until the break in is complete. I did drive to the NCM track to drive the C8 on touring laps. It is really strong in the lower band but doesn't pull great at higher speeds. It's very impressive for 495 hp and this is to be expected.

The C8 is more refined, less plasticky, rides better with the mag ride option, and returns better fuel economy. Of course, it's 4 years newer and is a $50k plus car to start. The ZL1 is a $25k base car with a great suspension and the last of the V8 supercharged engines GM will likely build. I love the NPP exhaust on the ZL1. The C8 is a bit too quiet inside even with the flaps open.

I rarely see one a ZL1 on the road, which makes it more exclusive and I've had several friends say they like it more than the C8. I'm not siding either way as I like both of them almost equally, but they're really different cars.

[raptor5244]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

Two valid points here that people forget, the base C8 Stingray is supposed to be $60K'ish, granted, most will be optioned up to around $70k, but even then, the car is a pretty good deal for what you're getting, it just can't compete with the ZL1 in pure performance. When the pricing returns to normal, the C8 Stingray will make more sense. These often get compared to each other, but people forget that they're comparing a top end Camaro vs a base model Corvette. I don't think there's any question that the ZL1 is a STEAL at $70k.

Yeah, I think you really need to option the C8 with 2LT and Z51 package plus mag-ride which is separate now to get closer to the ZL1 for apple to apples on content. You need 2LT for the rear view mirror camera, BSM, RCTA, HUD, cooled seats, better stereo, etc. You need the Z51 to get the performance suspension setup, brakes, splitter, wing dual-mode exhaust and then mag-ride for another $1,850. Once you do that you are in the $80k+ range at MSRP.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by raptor5244

Yeah, I think you really need to option the C8 with 2LT and Z51 package plus mag-ride which is separate now to get closer to the ZL1 for apple to apples on content. You need 2LT for the rear view mirror camera, BSM, RCTA, HUD, cooled seats, better stereo, etc. You need the Z51 to get the performance suspension setup, brakes, splitter, wing dual-mode exhaust and then mag-ride for another $1,850. Once you do that you are in the $80k+ range at MSRP.

That's the way mine was optioned.

[hawk02]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

Two valid points here that people forget, the base C8 Stingray is supposed to be $60K'ish, granted, most will be optioned up to around $70k, but even then, the car is a pretty good deal for what you're getting, it just can't compete with the ZL1 in pure performance. When the pricing returns to normal, the C8 Stingray will make more sense. These often get compared to each other, but people forget that they're comparing a top end Camaro vs a base model Corvette.

Almost $11K in options on my C8 just to keep up with my ZL1 says a lot. No question the Zl1 is the best bang for the buck in the Chevy performance line up. And if you're a track fanatic, the ZL1 1LE takes it to another level.

But unfortunately, the Camaro tends to be the bastard step-child of Chevy's performance division. It gets all the Corvette "hand-me-downs" and not a whole lot of love.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by hawk02

Almost $11K in options on my C8 just to keep up with my ZL1 says a lot. No question the Zl1 is the best bang for the buck in the Chevy performance line up. And if you're a track fanatic, the ZL1 1LE takes it to another level.

But unfortunately, the Camaro tends to be the bastard step-child of Chevy's performance division. It gets all the Corvette "hand-me-downs" and not a whole lot of love.

Pretty much. Dollar for dollar, the Camaro has always been the better bargain, that has never changed in any generation. The Corvette being the flagship gets the premium price tag.

[hawk02]

Originally Posted by raptor5244

Yeah, I think you really need to option the C8 with 2LT and Z51 package plus mag-ride which is separate now to get closer to the ZL1 for apple to apples on content. You need 2LT for the rear view mirror camera, BSM, RCTA, HUD, cooled seats, better stereo, etc. You need the Z51 to get the performance suspension setup, brakes, splitter, wing dual-mode exhaust and then mag-ride for another $1,850. Once you do that you are in the $80k+ range at MSRP.

I agree you have to get the 2LT trim to compete with the ZL1 but not the Z51 option unless you plan to track the C8. With that said, I would strongly suggest spending the money for the performance exhaust and mag ride shocks. A non-Z51 with those two options will give you the best GT C8 for the money.

Since I have absolutely no desire to track my C8, the best decision I made with my build was forgoing the Z51 option and ordering the performance exhaust and mag ride shocks. Brake dust is almost non-existent, rotors don't surface rust when wet, and I can drive my C8 irregardless of the outside temperatures. Trust me, the 4th gen mag ride shocks on the C8 are far superior to the 3rd gen on the ZL1. And on the street, you'll never experience any of the benefits of the ELSD. So if you're not going to track, save about five grand. But do get the performance exhaust and mag ride shocks.

[KaMaRow]

Originally Posted by hawk02

And yes, I can't count on two hands how many times I've been asked what I do for a living. The shocked look I get when I tell them I'm retired is priceless. They wonder how anyone on social security can afford a brand new Corvette.

Hell I bought a 21 supra then the C8 and then sold the C8 and got the Zl1 and last week went to a Lamborghini dealer to order my Lotus Emira. The customers at my dollar general where I run the cashier are really baffled. The few times they got the balls to ask how I afford all these cars I told them I was a professional hit man. They would say no really. And I would say well prey we don't meet under different circumstances.

[taylorforschool@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by KaMaRow

Hell I bought a 21 supra then the C8 and then sold the C8 and got the Zl1 and last week went to a Lamborghini dealer to order my Lotus Emira. The customers at my dollar general where I run the cashier are really baffled. The few times they got the balls to ask how I afford all these cars I told them I was a professional hit man. They would say no really. And I would say well prey we don't meet under different circumstances.

You would have all the dollar general cashiers in my area covered… by a long shot. I would speculate there are 25 dollar generals within a 20 mile radius.. so you are one rad dude in my book!

[TXCSSU]

Originally Posted by NG329

The 'claimed torque figure' is unimpressive (to me anyways). 460ftlb of torque is only 5ftlb more than the Camaro SS, and it is made at a much higher RPM.
This is all just my opinion so obviously don't put any weight on it. With that said, it's widely known in racing communities that Peak horsepower doesn't equate to winning races. While 670hp from a NA engine is in fact impressive..... on paper, it just seems to me that it could be a recipe for a peaky powerband.

Considering how well the regular Corvette launches with the current torque, I don't see how torque is going to pose an issue. Also, peak torque isn't the end all as I've seen vehicles with less torque rating than an LT4 have better 0-60 and 1/4 mile times that are better than a ZL1. If a regular Corvette can do 0-60 in less than 3 seconds, I can't imagine GM bringing out the Z06 without improving on all performance metrics.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by TXCSSU

Considering how well the regular Corvette launches with the current torque, I don't see how torque is going to pose an issue. Also, peak torque isn't the end all as I've seen vehicles with less torque rating than an LT4 have better 0-60 and 1/4 mile times that are better than a ZL1. If a regular Corvette can do 0-60 in less than 3 seconds, I can't imagine GM bringing out the Z06 without improving on all performance metrics.

Yep, this.

[KaMaRow]

Originally Posted by TXCSSU

If a regular Corvette can do 0-60 in less than 3 seconds, I can't imagine GM bringing out the Z06 without improving on all performance metrics.

But has anyone here that owns a C8 got it to do 0-60 in under 3 seconds? I know GM claims that but My self with a 2021 and my buddy with a 2022 we used draggy and the on board track app and we even took it to a drag strip. we tried in higher elevations and in lower. We tried pure 93 gas and 10 percent. we tried with a full tank and with a near empty tank we used launch control and not used launch control.. basically we tried every form and fashion of ways and we could never get a 0-60 in less then 3.1

See the problem with American manufacturers is they like to brag about a 0-60 that they got once in perfect conditions on the right track with the right set up and with the right humidity and temps and and and and and.... its a 0-60 that most people wont be able to hit. were import car companies typically state 0-60 times that anyone can get with their cars and that is typically why once the cars come out most people will find the dynos say they have more hp then reported. Where American cars typically once on a dyno have less HP then reported and the excuses start.. well thats to the wheels/ crank/ with these tires/ in this weather/ and so on. Two different cultures and two different marketing tactics. I just wish American manufactures actually just reported specs everyone who buys the car can get right off the show room floor instead of all the deception and BS.