Do you consider the Camaro a Muscle Car or a Sports Car?

Geese1 · 04-02-2022, 04:48 AM

Got this idea when watching a video last night talking about year over year sales figures by category from February 2021 - 2022. The Camaro was listed under the category of American Muscle Cars, along with the Challenger and the Mustang.

But do you consider the Camaro to still be a Muscle Car?

For me personally, having never actually driven one, I think the 6th generation Camaro kind of straddles the line. It's still got the big displacement, low RPM, naturally aspirated or supercharged V8 (I know it also comes available with a turbo 4 and V6 options, but most people associate classic muscle cars with V8s); however it also has been praised for it's chassis dynamics and handling and, especially when equipped right, such as with the 1LE packages, can hang with just about any "true" sports car on the market.

And for me, this agility and handling is the main reason why I want the car, and why I would now consider the Camaro a sports car. While I would like to experience a V8 at some point in my life (after never having owned one up until now), that's really secondary to a great handling, well sorted car.

So what do you guys think? Do you feel that the 6th gen Camaros are now truly sports cars, or do you still look at them as classic muscle cars? Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

jamala00 · 04-02-2022, 05:55 AM

Modern day muscle car. "Pony Car"... but I am also talking about my SS. If you are talking about a V6 Camaro.... I'd say Sports Car. I consider the V8 to be in the "Muscle Car' Category Just my $.02. I have no idea how you would not include a ZL1 in the Muscle Car Category??

Bad 1LE · 04-02-2022, 06:25 AM

From an older perspective, most "muscle cars" had big engines in cars that the average person could buy, often stripped down with bare essentials to keep cost and/or weight down. They accelerated fast, but most couldn't turn worth a damn. They were mostly built as stoplight racers or straight line performers. The older sports cars would typically have smaller engines that still performed well but helped keep the cars lighter and allow for better weight distribution.

Most heavy v8 production cars would understeer like hell unless you turned the car with your right foot. The Camaro and Mustangs were the lighter "pony car" to help mitigate this, but ultimately in stock form they still weren't that great at turning, just a little more nimble to wheel around, so they still sort of get lumped into the muscle car group. Of course there were a handful of exceptions. Shelby was certainly one to produce many of them.

The 6th gen has really blurred the line for me. I typically refer to my 2SS 1LE as a sportscar. I've ridden in plenty of "sportscars" that couldn't hold a candle to this car. Sure its got a healthy v8, but its still a stiff, well balanced car, that performs well. I don't think there is a wrong answer here though. If anyone ever questions it, all I have to do is take them on a ride on a quiet back road with lots of turns, lol.

LT1gen6 · 04-02-2022, 06:58 AM

Sports car or muscle car?

It depends on car configuration and driver style. It can be both, either, or neither.

FlukeSS · 04-02-2022, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Do you consider the Camaro a Muscle Car or a Sports Car?

Yes

To elaborate:

You put 2000hp into it and its like any other dragster with 2000hp
You put the 1LE package on it, and it beats the GT500, Hellcat/Demon, and chases down Porsche on a track

As other's have said just depends on how it is set up.

V8 Firebird · 04-02-2022, 07:10 AM

Camaro has best handling and chassis, so you could say it's a sport car.

Allez · 04-02-2022, 07:29 AM

Sports car, with the attitude of a muscle car.

Newcastle · 04-02-2022, 07:38 AM

I am old but when I hear Pony I think Mustang so....No it's a muscle car.

HDRDTD · 04-02-2022, 07:53 AM

Here we go yet again.

LT4Greg · 04-02-2022, 08:32 AM

I consider the Camaro a sports car but in my opinion the 5th gen Z28 was a musclecar with that awesome LS7 427 engine under the hood!

armycop71 · 04-02-2022, 08:35 AM

I think the LT-1 trim is the closest to the "muscle car" description, cramming the big engine in the cheaper package. I think when you describe the more track ready cars, they are closer to sports car.

s346k · 04-02-2022, 08:46 AM

i think it depends on which wheel/tire combo is currently on the car. stock wheels & tires, sure it's a sports car. drag wheels & mickey thompsons? definitely not a sports car.

i consider a 1LE the swiss army knife of affordable fun cars. the car will do well at everything if it has the right tire on it.

JSH · 04-02-2022, 08:54 AM

Muscle car for sure.

redcoats1976 · 04-02-2022, 08:58 AM

can be either depending on what powertrain,options,and driver attitude at the time.i consider my 5th gen RS as more of a GT car,as its very comfortable,quiet,and you can drive it all day without feeling whipped when you get out.at 64 my best street racing days are far behind me,but i still love my camaro for what it is.

04-02-2022, 04:48 AM	#1
Geese1 Drives: 2022 2SS 1LE - 2023 Mazda3 Turbo Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Northwest PA Posts: 245	Do you consider the Camaro a Muscle Car or a Sports Car? Got this idea when watching a video last night talking about year over year sales figures by category from February 2021 - 2022. The Camaro was listed under the category of American Muscle Cars, along with the Challenger and the Mustang. But do you consider the Camaro to still be a Muscle Car? For me personally, having never actually driven one, I think the 6th generation Camaro kind of straddles the line. It's still got the big displacement, low RPM, naturally aspirated or supercharged V8 (I know it also comes available with a turbo 4 and V6 options, but most people associate classic muscle cars with V8s); however it also has been praised for it's chassis dynamics and handling and, especially when equipped right, such as with the 1LE packages, can hang with just about any "true" sports car on the market. And for me, this agility and handling is the main reason why I want the car, and why I would now consider the Camaro a sports car. While I would like to experience a V8 at some point in my life (after never having owned one up until now), that's really secondary to a great handling, well sorted car. So what do you guys think? Do you feel that the 6th gen Camaros are now truly sports cars, or do you still look at them as classic muscle cars? Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. __________________ 2022 Camaro 2SS 1LE - manual - Rapid Blue Black Wheel Lug Nuts and Locks Package Knee Pads, Black Sueded 4/15/22 - #1100 4/19/22 - #2000 4/22/22 - #3000 4/26/22 - #3000 - TPW 5/23 5/12/22 - #3400 - TPW 5/23 6/18/22 - #4300 7/25/22 - #6000 - Took delivery 5/28/23 - hit 1,500 miles - break-in officially over!

04-02-2022, 06:25 AM	#3
Bad 1LE Drives: Chevrolet Camaro 2SS 1LE Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: MA Posts: 62	From an older perspective, most "muscle cars" had big engines in cars that the average person could buy, often stripped down with bare essentials to keep cost and/or weight down. They accelerated fast, but most couldn't turn worth a damn. They were mostly built as stoplight racers or straight line performers. The older sports cars would typically have smaller engines that still performed well but helped keep the cars lighter and allow for better weight distribution. Most heavy v8 production cars would understeer like hell unless you turned the car with your right foot. The Camaro and Mustangs were the lighter "pony car" to help mitigate this, but ultimately in stock form they still weren't that great at turning, just a little more nimble to wheel around, so they still sort of get lumped into the muscle car group. Of course there were a handful of exceptions. Shelby was certainly one to produce many of them. The 6th gen has really blurred the line for me. I typically refer to my 2SS 1LE as a sportscar. I've ridden in plenty of "sportscars" that couldn't hold a candle to this car. Sure its got a healthy v8, but its still a stiff, well balanced car, that performs well. I don't think there is a wrong answer here though. If anyone ever questions it, all I have to do is take them on a ride on a quiet back road with lots of turns, lol. __________________ 2022 2SS 1LE, 6MT, Black, PDR, Sunroof, Nav, Alloy Pedals, SS Console Lid, Black Camaro Fender Emblems.

04-02-2022, 07:10 AM	#6
V8 Firebird Drives: ⚡Electric TM3 ⚡ Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Don't ask me Posts: 177	Camaro has best handling and chassis, so you could say it's a sport car. __________________ I always miss that awesome bird.

04-02-2022, 08:32 AM	#10
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,813	I consider the Camaro a sports car but in my opinion the 5th gen Z28 was a musclecar with that awesome LS7 427 engine under the hood! __________________ 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.

04-02-2022, 08:35 AM	#11
armycop71 Love my Satin Steel LT-1! Drives: 6-Speed LT-1... Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Kentucky Posts: 497	I think the LT-1 trim is the closest to the "muscle car" description, cramming the big engine in the cheaper package. I think when you describe the more track ready cars, they are closer to sports car. __________________ 2022 SATIN STEEL *LT1* 6-Speed Man\|Carbon Flash Wheels Technology Pkg\|NPP\|Satin Blk Pkg ZL1 Rock Guards\|Red Knee Pad Set PBC LT1 engine built by Debi Lewis

04-02-2022, 05:55 AM	#2
jamala00 Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Hyper Blue Metallic Join Date: May 2020 Location: WI Posts: 2,451	Modern day muscle car. "Pony Car"... but I am also talking about my SS. If you are talking about a V6 Camaro.... I'd say Sports Car. I consider the V8 to be in the "Muscle Car' Category Just my $.02. I have no idea how you would not include a ZL1 in the Muscle Car Category??

04-02-2022, 06:58 AM	#4
LT1gen6 Drives: '22 LT1 Coupe Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Motor City Metro Posts: 214	*Sports car or muscle car?* It depends on car configuration and driver style. It can be both, either, or neither.

04-02-2022, 07:29 AM	#7
Allez Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Maryland Posts: 794	Sports car, with the attitude of a muscle car.

04-02-2022, 07:38 AM	#8
Newcastle Drives: 2022 2 SS 1LE on order ....now a 23 Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: North TX Posts: 285	I am old but when I hear Pony I think Mustang so....No it's a muscle car.

04-02-2022, 07:53 AM	#9
HDRDTD Drives: 2013 Triple Black ZL1 Vert M6 ECF Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Trenton, Michigan Posts: 7,047	Here we go yet again.

04-02-2022, 08:46 AM	#12
s346k Drives: like an old lady Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: indiana Posts: 2,396	i think it depends on which wheel/tire combo is currently on the car. stock wheels & tires, sure it's a sports car. drag wheels & mickey thompsons? definitely not a sports car. i consider a 1LE the swiss army knife of affordable fun cars. the car will do well at everything if it has the right tire on it. __________________ 2016+ camaro: everyone’s first car

04-02-2022, 08:54 AM	#13
JSH Drives: '20 ZLE Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Mile High Posts: 3,559	Muscle car for sure. __________________ '20 ZL1 1LE A10, OEM short block, LME heads/valve train, E2650. 100+ octanes, no eth, no meth, no N2O. 2/23 - 1031/1004 wheel. 4/23 - 1.41/9.61/145 at DA 7000 ft. (only made five passes). 2/24 - LME 390, E2650, FBO, 100 oct.; 1116hp/ 1063tq; 109 oct. dyno next.

04-02-2022, 08:58 AM	#14
redcoats1976 Drives: LT W/2LT,blue metallic Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: central florida Posts: 4,915	can be either depending on what powertrain,options,and driver attitude at the time.i consider my 5th gen RS as more of a GT car,as its very comfortable,quiet,and you can drive it all day without feeling whipped when you get out.at 64 my best street racing days are far behind me,but i still love my camaro for what it is.

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