Would you buy ZL1 over Grand Sport?

[X25]

(Note: (1) I posted this at CorvetteForums as well.)

I already have a '12 Grand Sport Coupe, and also do have an SUV for carrying more than 2, but since we had our first child in January, my Corvette has literally become my solo car. No more taking the vette for a weekend errand as a family; you get the picture.

Due to this, I have been interested in the Camaro ZL1 since it was released. It is a 4 seater, packs pretty much the whole technology package of a ZR1 with an LSA instead of an LS9 and with a much heavier (but also very very stiff due to Australian regulations) chassis. It even has the much-better updated magnetic shocks and PTM, and the asking price is reasonable: MSRP starts around 56K including destination.

Today, I was finally able to make a good deal with one of the local dealers. Basically, the price is a bit below invoice for a black ZL1, and 52.5K trade-in for my 3LT manual Grand Sport. The difference I need to pay is about $3120, which I think is reasonable. I just made the test drive and the dealer is now waiting for my decision(!!!).

Actually all was well until I made the test drive. Now I feel like I would be downgrading if I did the move, all in the name of those additional seats:

Better:

• The manual shifts like butter, even better than my '12 GS's shifter, which is much improved compared to my '06 Z06's. I also did a few rev-matched down shifts and it was quite easy and enjoyable. This was actually the best feature of the car for me.
• I loved the back-up camera. I hope GM makes it standard for C7.
• ZL1 looks very nice from outside. Corvettes also look very nice and they look like a proper GT sports car, but C6 has been around forever, and there're very few ZL1 around. I'll attach the pics..
• The suede steering wheel and the shifter had a great feel. I guess this is very similar to the option we have for vettes..
• Many of the ZL1s sold for over MSRP, and it is likely going to hold its value better than our C6 Corvettes..
• It is significantly higher. I don't think it would scrape anywhere I daily drive and scrape through with my vette.

Worse:

• I am supposed to fall in love with the 580 HP, right? I didn't. Perhaps my butt-dyno is numb (even though I'm relatively young), but it just didn't feel any quicker than my Grand Sport. When you work out the numbers, a car at 4100lbs like the ZL1 would need to have at least 540 hp to feel just as strong as a 3311 lb Grand Sport (4100x436/3311=539.89). ZL1 is 580 HP, so it should feel stronger, but perhaps it wasn't making that power or the difference is too little for me to notice with the salesman as a shotgun.
• I realized soon after our test drive started (I waited for warm-up) that the oil temp shot to 220 degrees F. It was 91 degrees outside; could this be what is killing the HP? Moreover, what would the temps be at the track? I certainly wouldn't want to drive it if it hits 300 degrees in a hurry...
• Speaking of oil, ZL1 does not come with a dry-sump even though it's advertised track ready. Perhaps this might also explain why it shot so quickly to 220 degrees (besides the obvious answer of having that supercharger on it )? The oil pressure gauge maxes out at 70 PSI (even lower than base Corvette's gauge), which also tells me there's no high pressure oil pump at work here. Considering LSA is still an LS engine, it might cause issues should the owner replace the tires with stickier ones for track use.
• Visibility: It's not just bad, it is dangerously bad. The car as a whole feels like a bunker, and makes you feel a bit claustrophobic. I would think twice to even put a phone mount during a track day since it would hurt what little visibility I have. You also sit very low compared to trim line, and dash.
• Brakes are same as CTS-V as far as I've heard, and they are high quality Brembo units. Yet, they felt initially numb, and they did not give me as much confidence as my GS's 'lower quality' PBR brakes. I guess it's the weight of the car, but still, I'd hope for better.
• Gauges: The DIC is not as useful as Corvettes'. Instead of having dedicated buttons for Fuel, Trip, Vehicle Info, Options, etc., you have a "Mode" button that goes through the list, and then you "Click" on the mode you'd like to explore further. It's not a big deal, but worth noting that it's not as easy to use as our cars'. I liked the HUD's color, though.

What do you guys think? Would you move on to ZL1 and stay with one for a few years until all C7 models are out with good deals? I need to get back to dealer soon, but honestly I think I'll stay with the GS.

[jesserayjames]

NO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gibroni]

FWIW a lot of girls I know think guys that drive 'Vettes are icky.

[jesserayjames]

Originally Posted by Gibroni

FWIW a lot of girls I know think guys that drive 'Vettes are icky.

I'm married, who cares about girls....................... JRJ

[camaro2lt]

get the zl1 and then when the c7 comes out get the vette

[RJ111]

I had a modded 07 Z06 that I sold and bought my 2011 Grandsport vert.I wanted something new while I waited for the C7 to arrive.So I went to look at a ZL1.I was thinking like you at first,like I was stepping down.But after driving the ZL1,I'm so glad I traded.I like the car more and more every time I drive it.I'm going to add a CAI,headers,pulley,and a tune,and I think the car will be perfect.

[1st Gen Forever]

I would. But it sounds like you shouldn't.

[kevin1106]

If its for the family, then make the move buddy. You can always buy another corvette at a later time. Enjoy the ZL1 till the time is right to own another vette.

Must say this though, I bought a brand new 2006 Corvette Z51, arctic white with red leather, 2 tops... It was fully loaded.... I sold it when my girlfriend at the time got pregnant. I miss it all the time, from time to time, I think of buying another corvette.

[shaffe]

I'd rather have a corvette thennthentop of the line camaro

[DangerZL1]

From reading your post it sounds like you should wait until the C7 comes out. The ZL1 is a great car, but it isn't a vette. It's just too heavy. I'd just wait until the C7 comes out and make a decision then. I hate the vettes seats, so that's nof an option for me. Otherwise, a vette would better suite my needs. The Zl1 really needs more HP.

[rpepka]

Camaro's are retro, Vette's are space age. I have been in love with 69 Camaro's for years and have had many of both. Vette's your ass drags the ground and they have looked essentially the same for YEARS.

Us oldsters prefer the ZL1, for strictly performance go with the vette, but upgrade to a ZO6 at least!

[X25]

Originally Posted by DangerZL1

From reading your post it sounds like you should wait until the C7 comes out. The ZL1 is a great car, but it isn't a vette. It's just too heavy. I'd just wait until the C7 comes out and make a decision then. I hate the vettes seats, so that's nof an option for me. Otherwise, a vette would better suite my needs. The Zl1 really needs more HP.

2012 seats look and feel quite a bit better; it's still not one of the best, but might make you feel better

I was literally shocked when the oil temp finally came to something acceptable so I could nail the throttle, only to see that it accelerates very similar to my Grand Sport even thought the sales rep enjoyed it quite a bit. Did any of you guys test LS3 Corvette and ZL1 back to back? How did it feel for you? I am wondering if the problem is in my mind..

[grocerygetter]

Vette gets em wet.

[MistyBlu10]

wow tough decision