[Reaper_HWK]

So I'm looking around for a car, have about 35k MAX.

I see that a brand new SS and a 5 year old BMW M3 are similar prices (M3 with 50k miles).

On paper they both get high 12's.

Which one is the better car(I know if they were both NEW, the M3 would be the "better" car but this is comparing new Camaro to a 5yr old used M3)? Of course the Camaro is brand new, but the M3 is going to be more comfortable.

I have to join an M3 board and search on reliabilty and maintenance costs, I know it's not cheap to take care of a M3.

The M3 has less than 300 ft-lbs torque, so I assume the Camaro would have that low end grunt. The M3 probably has a better top end.

[ParisTNDude]

Gees, there's no question...for the money either used or new the Camaro is a better buy. I've owned about 6 BMWs and if I were you, I would check the repair costs for anything on a BMW before I bought a used one. Services at the dealership alone will cost you minimum $350. A new Camaro with 3 year bumper to bumper shouldn't cost you anything but gas and tires. Plus, Chevy warrantees the car even if you use it in reasonable track conditions. An M3 5 years old will most certainly have been driven pretty hard. Do some research before you plunk down a bunch of cash. Personally, I don't think an M3 could come close to beating a Camaro well driven at the dragstrip, but that's not the M3s forte.

[Reaper_HWK]

Originally Posted by ParisTNDude

Gees, there's no question...for the money either used or new the Camaro is a better buy. I've owned about 6 BMWs and if I were you, I would check the repair costs for anything on a BMW before I bought a used one. Services at the dealership alone will cost you minimum $350. A new Camaro with 3 year bumper to bumper shouldn't cost you anything but gas and tires. Plus, Chevy warrantees the car even if you use it in reasonable track conditions. An M3 5 years old will most certainly have been driven pretty hard. Do some research before you plunk down a bunch of cash. Personally, I don't think an M3 could come close to beating a Camaro well driven at the dragstrip, but that's not the M3s forte.

Your right about the 1/4 mile, looks like the SS would be mid-low 12's compared to high 12's for the M3.

I'm not looking for a race car, looking for a stick shift daily driver that is fun to drive and comfortable. I've been looking at Camaro SS, Challenger SRT, and M3.

I'm going to drive a few when the weather gets warmer, some of the cars are 2-3 hours from me and want to take the Harley down with the GF so it makes it a ride. She can drive stick so she'll drive whatever I get back Get to check out the tailights, my Harley isn't that fast......

[Reaper_HWK]

Originally Posted by ParisTNDude

Gees, there's no question...for the money either used or new the Camaro is a better buy. I've owned about 6 BMWs and if I were you, I would check the repair costs for anything on a BMW before I bought a used one. Services at the dealership alone will cost you minimum $350. A new Camaro with 3 year bumper to bumper shouldn't cost you anything but gas and tires. Plus, Chevy warrantees the car even if you use it in reasonable track conditions. An M3 5 years old will most certainly have been driven pretty hard. Do some research before you plunk down a bunch of cash. Personally, I don't think an M3 could come close to beating a Camaro well driven at the dragstrip, but that's not the M3s forte.

Also I do almost everything DIY, I don't plan on going to the dealer for oil changes, brakes, etc. I have a F150 now that needs new timing chain and components and I'm doing that myself.

[ParisTNDude]

Originally Posted by Reaper_HWK

Also I do almost everything DIY, I don't plan on going to the dealer for oil changes, brakes, etc. I have a F150 now that needs new timing chain and components and I'm doing that myself.

That's certainly the way to go to save a lot of money. Some are concerned that DIY will not retain the factory warranty, but in fact, if you keep dated receipts for your work they will accept that as proof of maintenance. I just had $300 worth of service work done at my dealership before the crash that totaled my 1le.

[Reddy1LE]

Originally Posted by Reaper_HWK

So I'm looking around for a car, have about 35k MAX.

I see that a brand new SS and a 5 year old BMW M3 are similar prices (M3 with 50k miles).

On paper they both get high 12's.

Which one is the better car(I know if they were both NEW, the M3 would be the "better" car but this is comparing new Camaro to a 5yr old used M3)? Of course the Camaro is brand new, but the M3 is going to be more comfortable.

I have to join an M3 board and search on reliabilty and maintenance costs, I know it's not cheap to take care of a M3.

The M3 has less than 300 ft-lbs torque, so I assume the Camaro would have that low end grunt. The M3 probably has a better top end.

M3 if we are talking about the E9X series (assuming since you said less than 300ft tq) those cars are ready to roll and should be not that much of a hassle as long as the previous owner did take care of it. Biggest thing you have to be worried about is rod bearing issue and the only way to tell if there on the way out is ripping apart the motor. Most new to them owners factor this cost in and just change them upon purchasing the car.

It is a 5 year old car so technology wise...Should have the new CIC (infotainment). That motor is heavenly though. It is a DRIVERS car. Its not really meant for the strip, its meant for an awesome road course and for you to rev that motor up while also being able to DD anywhere you want.

m3post.com is good forum site.

Best of luck with whatever decision you chose (I would lean more to the camaro if I were you but I definitely understand if you dont )

[zx9rmal]

I like the previous generation V8 M-3. But if you love low end torque, forget it. It's dead.

[Idaho2018GTPremium]

I know it's a Camaro forum so this is taboo, but if you're looking at those 3 cars, you should also look at the 18-19 Mustang GT. I suggest Performance pack 1 and MagneRide; plenty of fun for the road with better visibility, 50% larger trunk, and more back seat space than the SS. The 18s can also be had with more safety tech than the SS if you get the safe and smart package.

[Bosse'sBoss]

If you read MT prior publications you will find that:
- The '11 Mustang GT 5.0 had the same level of performance compared to the BMW M3 (V8) from the same year.
-Again the '16 Camaro SS performed the same as the new BMW M4.

Both American muscle cars performed the same comparing their H2H VS the BMW M,for much less $$$.

I bought both cars at that time, because it was delightful to read about American Muscle cars beating those expensive BMW Ms.

https://youtu.be/uOwSPccbzl4

https://youtu.be/D87tO7VUs2I

[Reaper_HWK]

And to complicate things even more I’ve been looking at 5th gen zL1’s.

What do you guys think about the 5th gen ZL1? They can be had for low 30’s.

[ChefBorOzzy]

I'd get a 6th gen SS over a 5th gen ZL1 in a heartbeat. Go test drive them though..

[Bosse'sBoss]

Originally Posted by Reaper_HWK

And to complicate things even more I’ve been looking at 5th gen zL1’s.

What do you guys think about the 5th gen ZL1? They can be had for low 30’s.

I had a 2014 Camaro ZL1. Beautiful muscle car look and SC power. But I would recommend you without a doubt the 6th gen Camaro V8 that has the improved Alpha chassis, has better handling and its lighter. The only thing that you would lose is the rear seat space compared to the 5th gen Camaro.

[Reaper_HWK]

Originally Posted by Bosse'sBoss

I had a 2014 Camaro ZL1. Beautiful muscle car look and SC power. But I would recommend you without a doubt the 6th gen Camaro V8 that has the improved Alpha chassis, has better handling and its lighter. The only thing that you would lose is the rear seat space compared to the 5th gen Camaro.

After some more research, I'm down to 2 options.

1)5th Gen ZL1
2)Brand new 6th gen SS(preferably with 1LE)

I'll start a new thread on this.

Thanks.

[L8Apex]

Originally Posted by ChefBorOzzy

I'd get a 6th gen SS over a 5th gen ZL1 in a heartbeat. Go test drive them though..

Exactly, I considered this myself and decided to take a pass on all 5th gens, could not be happier with my 6th gen SS