I've been a proud owner of a 95 Z28 for the last 4 years. She's been an excellent ride. We've had our issues with one another, making us somewhat akin to Han Solo and the Millenium Falcon if you will. A significant amount of blood, sweat, and time has gone into that car, the result of which has been a lot of learning and hands on experience under the hood for me.

Sadly, she's getting ready to go. At about 145,000 miles, the issues are becoming greater and greater. I plan to hold on to her for some years until I can do a full restoration. But in the meantime my attention is shifting to purchasing a new car by the end of the summer. Aside from a few other options, my main decision has come down to a Camaro or a Corvette?

I'd like to keep the price tag around $30,000, less if possible. With that said, I don't want some 6 cylinder plastic shell, I'll spend a few extra bucks if I have to to make it worth it. I'm looking at the new model Camaros and the C5 or C6 Corvettes. I've been a Camaro guy at heart, but that may just be because I don't have much exposure to Corvettes. If I'm upgrading, I want to make sure I get the right car while I'm still young (this will likely be my last car before I have to start thinking family).

I have a small list of criteria I look at while considering the perfect car, if anyone is interested I can share this with them. I know that there may be some obvious bias on this board, but if anyone has any thoughts on the two cars or a suggestion they could make (with an actual reason why), it would be greatly appreciated!

 

What are you looking for in a new car? The C6 should be the nicest all around car out of those options.

 

- I want something with the base V8 SS engine or greater. Anything at 350hp or greater will be an improvement.
- My major regret with my old car is there were no T-Tops. I'm tall so I need some sort of removable roof or convertible top to feel more comfortable.
- I don't like the driver side blind-spot in the '10 Camaro.
- I didn't have AC or power anything in the old car, which I can do without, but if I'm spending the money I'd like those "luxury" features. (the soft blue interior accent lights, leather, etc)
- A sound system that is relatively easy to get at and replace/upgrade
- I also want to be able to modify the exhaust to a magnaflow system with large dual tips on both sides. I have yet to see a rear end on either car that will allow for this.
- I'd like to continue being able to do minor-moderate adjustments under the hood (intake system, etc). Not sure with the two engine bays and all of the computer systems if either car will lend itself to owner modifications.
- 2 vs 4 seats isn't too relevant to me, I removed the rear seats from my Camaro anyways as they were essentially useless.
- Exterior styling is important too. The Corvette is timeless and will always turn heads. The new Camaro is aggressive when you get the RS appearance package...but I havent made a decision on how much I like it yet.

 

i was in the same situation before i order my camaro. i didnt have a car for about 4 years and i wanted the thrill of a rwd v8 car again. i was going back and forth between a vette or holding out for the camaro. a few cars crossed my mind. the only cars i would have gotten otherthan the camaro were a c5 z06,c6 w. z51 or a used c6 z06. the used c6 z06 was at the top of my list. i ended up holding out for the camaro obviously. dont know if that helps you at all, but those are the cars i concidered.

 

93z - I wrote a response with the list of things I'm looking for. Apparently a moderator needs to approve my post first?

5thgen - doesn't necessarily help, but at least I know someone else has been in the same boat! Ever have any inclinations to go back on your choice? The future release of a convertible and a possible beefed up z28 model also makes me second guess buying now if the choice lands on Camaro.

Also, just fyi, winter/rain handling shouldn't be an issue as I'm planning on picking up an old beater wrangler or bronco for rough weather. But with that considered, this car would be my main driver. I'm not going to rip it to shreds but I don't believe in babying/not getting use out of it.

 

2008 Z51 Vette. Hands down, no contest, ignore all other responses.

Done.

 

No, get F55

 

See now, that 40-50k price tag is...how shall I put this...above my pay grade lol. Sick car, but I don't need something that I can take to the strip and destroy everyone with. Just put a little fear in a few Mustangs and Ricers.

 

Boy can I relate - though substitute the 11 GT for the 10 SS. I have about the same budget - $30k-ish, though I won't be pulling the trigger till the end of the year.

I have wanted a C5 Z06 for YEARS, and prices now are well within that budget. However, they are starting to get a little long of tooth....dunno.

08 LS3 1LT Vette's are also getting down to the low 30's. I LOVE the idea of taking the top when I want to (though no desire for a true convertible). That, and improved overall quality of the car makes the 08 Vette VERY tempting (Note: I would chose either the 11 GT or the C5 Z06 over an LS2 C6. Personal preference).

Those were my choices till the 5.0 came out - which I will use as the similar situation with you and the SS. It has really made my choice difficult. Like you, I don't need the extra seats.

I looked into insurance, and it is pretty much a wash, believe it or not, so that was no help one way or the other.

In most ways, the Vette (C5 Z06 or C6 LS3) is the superior car (to both the 5.0 and SS - so again, I use those interchangeably), at least when talking performance.

As for modifying...the only real issue with that Vette is that you're going to pay more for just about EVERYTHING. Why? Because its a Vette, and they can more money for just about everything...because its a Vette. Kind of sucks, but it is what it is.

The Pony car is going to be easier to live with day-to-day, IMHO. I don't like "falling in" and "climbing out", which would be something of an issue with the Vette.

Does that help? LOL. I thought I pretty much had my mind made up till I started typing out this post. Dammit.

Good luck with whatever you end up with - in the end, only you can decide, no matter what anybody here says.

 

Vettes are true sports cars. If you want pure performance for 2 then you can't go wrong with a C5 Z06 or if you can swing it a '08+ LS3 C6. As has been mentioned mods are not cheap. But if the car can pull 1.0G on the skid pad and mid 12's at the strip how many mods do you need?

Oddly enough its new Camaro gets more attention from people and valets than Vettes right now. We know the good and bad with this Camaro. Very good performance, reasonable value and amazing style.

I would test drive both if you can because they are so different from the drivers seat.

My goal is '07 - '08 C6 Z06 in about a year.

 

Not true Bob. I've looked into this because a low mileage C5 Z06 may be in my future at some point.

For example, when compared with the 4th gen F cars....


Koni Sports are cheaper for a C5. So are Bilstein HDs.

Swaybars are cheaper for the C5 when comparing offerings from the same manufacturer.

Depending on the manufacturer and compound, brake pads can be a bit cheaper or a bit more expensive for the C5.

Rotors can be significantly cheaper for a C5.

Brake line kits are a lot cheaper for the C5.

 

Eh....none of that stuff gets me from A to B in a straight line any quicker.

That said, it is good to know that at least some of the stuff that I might want to add to a potential Vette wouldn't be too outrageously expensive. Of course, keep in mind that I'd be coming from the Mustang world....lots and lots and lots of competition means prices are lower than for many other makes/models.

 

I was shopping both cars last year. I ended up with the C5 Z06 (Targa roof was not important to me). I just could not see paying $10,000+ more for the heavier and slower Camaro. Especially when in a year or two I would have "just another Camaro" but still have the huge car payment. I love the Camaro and they catch my eye all the time, but I'm happy with my choice. There is just something about having a Vette. It's the car I've always wanted (of course now I want a C6 Z06...) and you only live once so why not. The experience of driving the Vette is great IMO, the HUD is awesome, the badass hood stretching out in front of you is just great. Coming from a couple 4th gen Fbodies where as you know you can't see squat past the dashboard, I love the driving view w/ the Vette. Handling and braking are awesome, etc.

If you don't need the extra seats, and especially if you already have another vehicle for utility purposes, the Vette is the way to go IMO.

And about the C5s getting long in the tooth, there are tons of low mile Vettes out there, and I've found your average Joe can't tell an 02 from a brand new one. I've literally had people shocked that my Z (50k miles) isn't much newer. People don't realize how affordable a used Vette really is, most people paid more for their POS truck or SUV than I did for the Z. I paid $23k from a stealership last year, probably could have done better then and you can definitely easily beat that now on a similar mileage C5 Z06. You can get a LS2 C6 for under $30k without too much trouble too.



If the targa top is something you want, then go for the regular C6. People here frown on the LS2 somewhat, but that is going to be the affordable C6 option and the 400hp LS2 in the lightweight Vette is awesome in reality, we're just getting jaded. The LS3 is a significant improvement sure, but the cost jumps up a bit.


Crappy cellphone pic but come on, this car is awesome and you can't beat the price for the total package you get:




Test drive a C5Z and/or C6 to make sure you dig em, but my vote is VETTE...

 

To IROC I would ask the question 'are you ok with a manual transmission'? Otherwise all the talk about Z06's is not needed.

I'm assuming your ok with either trans or you would have said something by now.

I have to go with jakerobb, the 08 with the LS3 and all the brake and suspension extras. The LS3 is at least the equal of the LS6, I would rather have the LS3. You may be able to get a nice one in the mid 30's, with a little looking around. I'd say LS7, but you said 30's at most and I don't think you'd find a nice LS7 for much less than 50.

You said your tall, 5th gen Camaro's aren't known for a lot of head room. Either wait a year for an SS vert or LS3/Z51

 

Hell of a car for the money, gonna have to add one myself sooner or later