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Old 08-26-2017, 03:38 PM   #1
bmlocal175
 
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Did Anyone Test Drive A ZL1 But Bought A SS 1LE

Just as the title says.

Was wondering if anyone did and why you went the way you did.

Last edited by bmlocal175; 08-26-2017 at 04:35 PM.
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Old 08-26-2017, 09:10 PM   #2
The_Coleman
 
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I was set on getting a ZL1 and briefly went on the hunt for it. Finally found one to look at and left thinking "this is the one I want...", it was already purchased though so the hunt would continue. I had driven a 2SS previously and after discovering the 1LE package I was not so sure the ZL1 was for me. The 1LE came with all of the track goodness and was $25k less after negotiating. I just was not $25k in love with a supercharger, dual zone climate control, and some more suede-like material on the trim pieces. I have not regretted the decision since.
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Old 08-28-2017, 12:38 AM   #3
dotfiles
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I test drove a ZL1 before buying my 1LE...but just for fun. I was already sold on the 1LE!
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Old 08-28-2017, 01:25 AM   #4
WhyUMad1LE

 
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I didn't test drive a ZL1, but it was within the upper end of the budget of cars I was considering.

Reasons I chose 1LE over ZL1
- I didn't see myself using 650hp/650tq. The SS is already too quick to 100 mph with 455hp/455tq.
- Subjective but I prefer the styling of the SS 1LE.

Reasons I chose 1LE over Grand Sport
- GS was in the opposite direction of the ZL1 in that the grip was absurdly high. I would never, ever feel the advantage on the street. As a result I didn't feel there would be much benefit for the 2-3 times a year I would go to the track.
- Camaro was quieter inside with the fixed roof and additional sound deadening.

Reasons I chose 1LE over 1SS/2SS
- I was able to notice a significant improvement in the handling and steering in street driving, unlike 1LE vs GS.
- Wanted Recaros anyway.
- Subjective but I think 1LE looks way better.

So for me it was the goldilocks car between them. Enough power with lots of grip but approachable enough to have fun on a daily basis.

That being said both the others are extremely impressive and I might have bought one had the 1LE not existed.
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Old 08-28-2017, 05:59 AM   #5
bmlocal175
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dotfiles View Post
I test drove a ZL1 before buying my 1LE...but just for fun. I was already sold on the 1LE!
Did you notice the 200 extra HP? Was the ride a whole lot different?
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Old 08-28-2017, 11:10 AM   #6
Eldi Z

 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmlocal175 View Post
Did you notice the 200 extra HP? Was the ride a whole lot different?
Even if there was (and it can certainly be felt), you can always add a decent Supercharger kit at a later stage and reach the exact ZL1 numbers. The rest of the set-up on the 1LE is (almost) exactly the same.
ZL1 front brakes are slightly different (but not necessarily dramatically better)...
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Old 08-28-2017, 11:13 AM   #7
Eldi Z

 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WhyUMad1LE View Post
I didn't test drive a ZL1, but it was within the upper end of the budget of cars I was considering.

Reasons I chose 1LE over ZL1
- I didn't see myself using 650hp/650tq. The SS is already too quick to 100 mph with 455hp/455tq.
- Subjective but I prefer the styling of the SS 1LE.

Reasons I chose 1LE over Grand Sport
- GS was in the opposite direction of the ZL1 in that the grip was absurdly high. I would never, ever feel the advantage on the street. As a result I didn't feel there would be much benefit for the 2-3 times a year I would go to the track.
- Camaro was quieter inside with the fixed roof and additional sound deadening.

Reasons I chose 1LE over 1SS/2SS
- I was able to notice a significant improvement in the handling and steering in street driving, unlike 1LE vs GS.
- Wanted Recaros anyway.
- Subjective but I think 1LE looks way better.

So for me it was the goldilocks car between them. Enough power with lots of grip but approachable enough to have fun on a daily basis.

That being said both the others are extremely impressive and I might have bought one had the 1LE not existed.

All of the reasons I considered - Spot on! Maybe in reason #1 with regards to power, I would still like the additional power, but as mentioned, this can be quite simply upgraded at a later stage with a PD or a Centri kit.
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Old 08-28-2017, 06:36 PM   #8
dotfiles
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmlocal175 View Post
Did you notice the 200 extra HP? Was the ride a whole lot different?
I test drove a M6 ZL1 and honestly did not notice that much of a power difference. Obviously it has more power but it is not as shocking as that 200hp claimed difference will lead you to believe.
Above 100mph I'm sure the difference is more noticeable but in 2nd gear the ZL1 is on the edge of traction while the 1LE isn't and in third gear the ZL1 pulls just a bit harder. Compare 0-60, quarter mile time and MPH and you'll see the ZL1 is only slightly faster, pulling farther ahead as speed increases.
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Old 09-16-2018, 09:28 PM   #9
Boosted_ST
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dotfiles View Post
I test drove a M6 ZL1 and honestly did not notice that much of a power difference. Obviously it has more power but it is not as shocking as that 200hp claimed difference will lead you to believe.
Above 100mph I'm sure the difference is more noticeable but in 2nd gear the ZL1 is on the edge of traction while the 1LE isn't and in third gear the ZL1 pulls just a bit harder. Compare 0-60, quarter mile time and MPH and you'll see the ZL1 is only slightly faster, pulling farther ahead as speed increases.
Well said.

I may track my car twice a year so the extra HP in ZL1 would certainly be felt at that time. But during day-to-day city driving, 1LE feels almost as fast and better balanced due to less weight up-front.
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Old 09-16-2018, 11:35 PM   #10
Chris C 1SS 1LE
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmlocal175 View Post
Did you notice the 200 extra HP? Was the ride a whole lot different?
My neighbor has a ZL1 1LE. You notice the power. And It sounds like 100 cats screwing. He walked me at a stop prior to crossing street. That said, I like what I got
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Old 09-17-2018, 01:32 AM   #11
Atlas24601
 
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Nope. I loved the SS 1LE on the test drive. I was worried for my wallet that I would love the ZL1 even more if I were to test drive it.
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Old 09-17-2018, 09:19 AM   #12
Pollock
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I owned a 1SS 1LE and traded up for the ZL1 1LE. The ZL1 1LE kinda sucks to drive on the street but man it is fast on the track and performs all around way better than the 1SS 1LE.
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Old 09-17-2018, 09:29 AM   #13
keon718nyc

 
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Why i choose a 2SS over ZL1 is easy.... They weren't close to out yet when i was shopping for a Camaro back in November 2015, sames goes for the 1LE. Thats about only reason other then where can i enjoy the extra HP when i can't even get to use what i have now in full force on these shit roads LOL.
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Old 09-17-2018, 10:19 AM   #14
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I have intentionally avoided driving a ZL1 or Z06 because it'll make my car feel slow and then my wife will kick my ass for spending 7K modding it.
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