GR86 vs Camaro SS 1LE (weekend / track)

[Pat]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

I wouldn't say that.

While the Camaro is *faster* in many regards, I find the Mustangs more satisfying to drive, particularly the GT350.

This. I prefer the GT350-R to the Camaro.
Also, a helmet can fit through the window of a Mustang, unlike the Camaro. That is a clear safety shortcoming of the Chevy for track duty.

[EAGLE5]

Acceleration never gets boring.

[driving_for_fun]

Originally Posted by Hailwood

I've had both as combination daily drivers and track cars.

The SS 1LE is one of the best packages out of the box you'll find - it literally needs nothing to hit track days, while also being pretty decent on the road. The size and visibility aren't great, but once you get used to it, it's not that bad. The interior is nice and the car is very comfortable in Touring mode - it might be my favorite road trip car I've had. As a track car, the Camaro is just sublime - it makes all the right noises and is incredibly easy to drive. The stock cooling, and even the brakes, are more than adequate for most track usage. As others have said, the biggest downside is the consumables. Plan on $1200+ for tires, and $700 or more for brake pads, and neither last very long.

Having recently moved back to the twin platform, I think the GR is probably the better balance of fun per dollar. The 86 is obviously slower, but with some minor modifications (sway bar, tires, brake pads, camber) it's great on track, and I've also enjoyed it more for street driving since you can actually drive it unlike the Camaro, where a second gear pull would get you to 80mph really quick.

The best way I can describe it is that I'm not having any less fun on track with the GR86 than I did with the Camaro, but I'm doing it a heck of a lot cheaper. In my case, I have no regrets.

Thanks for sharing!

[Spuds]

I wrote up a comparison of 1st gen 2013 frs to a 2018 camaro ss 1le a while ago. I imagine my opinion wouldn't change much if I drove the new models.

https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135226

[foshjowler]

Originally Posted by Spuds

I wrote up a comparison of 1st gen 2013 frs to a 2018 camaro ss 1le a while ago. I imagine my opinion wouldn't change much if I drove the new models.

https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135226

That was my experience with my Camaro vs my 22 BRZ, except mine didn't have the sound since it was the 2.0T. My purposes when buying it were autox and sitting in traffic, so I went with the lightest Camaro. The 22 BRZ has closed the gap in performance from the first gen, but comparing it to the SS 1LE just isn't fair. The Camaro is clinical in what it does, but falls short of the twins in engagement. The speed you can carry in the Camaro over bumps is tremendous, but it only shines when you're at 10/10ths, which for 90% of driving isn't possible.

I've been finding myself caring less about outright pace and more about the engagement of the car, and I'd have a hard time finding a new car that beats the new twins. I already have an NA Miata, so the ND was off the table because then my most practical vehicle would be a Miata. Camaros and BRZs are impractical enough already.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by EAGLE5

Acceleration never gets boring.

i dont know. i sold my brz for a c6. then i supercharged it for like 560 whp. it got pretty boring pretty fast.

[EAGLE5]

Originally Posted by fatoni

i dont know. i sold my brz for a c6. then i supercharged it for like 560 whp. it got pretty boring pretty fast.

I've had an I-Pace, which does 60 in 4.2, and a MYLR boosted, which does 4.2 as well, both without even trying. Their top gear passing times, 30-50 and 50-70, are likely both far ahead of your supercharged C6. Dunno if yours was an auto or not. But I've not grown bored at all. I would like more, in fact. If the Model S Plaid weren't such a god damned boat, I'd get one in a flash. Looking forward to an i4 M50. Acceleration is a hell of a lot of fun, especially coming out of a corner.

[Alltezza]

Throwing in my 2 cents here;
But I love the LT1/SS Camaros and I hope you all do too and get a chance to drive it.

They're such a blast to drive and actually handle as good if not better than what we have. If you track your car the price of the 1LE package is a great deal you also can't beat Chevy's warranty, apparently if you blow your engine at the track they'll replace your engine according to Throttle House.

If you daily drive a Camaro I hope you have a lot of open roads with little traffic to enjoy it; The alpha chassis is no joke and the sound and feel of the V8 is honestly unbeatable. Since you said it's a weekend/occasional daily definitely consider it if you're able to.
Either way you're gonna have fun in both of these cars I just believe that you're gonna have more fun in the twins.

[CedN]

Not sure how it is on tracks that are larger than ours, but if you plan to drive fast the tyre and brake burn rate (fuel aswell) on a 1800kg car with some power gets petty wild, serious wallet drain

[foshjowler]

Originally Posted by Alltezza

Throwing in my 2 cents here;
But I love the LT1/SS Camaros and I hope you all do too and get a chance to drive it.

They're such a blast to drive and actually handle as good if not better than what we have. If you track your car the price of the 1LE package is a great deal you also can't beat Chevy's warranty, apparently if you blow your engine at the track they'll replace your engine according to Throttle House.

If you daily drive a Camaro I hope you have a lot of open roads with little traffic to enjoy it; The alpha chassis is no joke and the sound and feel of the V8 is honestly unbeatable. Since you said it's a weekend/occasional daily definitely consider it if you're able to.
Either way you're gonna have fun in both of these cars I just believe that you're gonna have more fun in the twins.

It's true, I personally know someone that blew up their Camaro (oiling issue) and Chevy replaced the motor under warranty. They went to the dealership straight from the track. Car still had the numbers on the side and helmet in the passenger seat.

They're two very different cars that offer different kinds of fun. The 86 chassis is very tossable and an inherently fun chassis. The Camaro is fun because it's such an impressive chassis for performance. I consider the 86 to be more fun, but that's also the style of car I'm finding I like more.