I'm in a similar situation. First some background.
I've owned a 370z since 2009. First a touring sport (RIP) that I special ordered back when the 370z just came out. Then to replace it I bought a 2010 NISMO. My fiance bought a 2010 Camaro 2SS 6-speed back when the Camaro was just coming out as well. We had this car until just this last October. For 4 years I've essentially owned, driven, raced, auto-x, etc both the 370z and Camaro. The Camaro definetly has it's pros over the Z and vise versa, but I never felt I was missing anythign not having the Camaro as my daily driver. Last year we decided to trade her SS in for a 1LE. I was super excited having researched the hell out of it but she was hesitant it would be worth it. Unlike the NIMSO, which in my opinion isn't really worth the price difference performance wise over a standard 370z, the 1LE is so worth the extra 3500 over a standard SS.
The 1LE makes standard SS feel like crap in a corner. Now to be fair I never thought the SS handled all that bad. For spirited driving it got the job done well and on an auto-x course it always was right behind my Z in times; though it did take more work to be there. The 1LE is better in every way over the regular SS. I have no doubt it will beat my NISMO in auto-x when we go out next. It feels faster than the SS even without a power boost from the engine simply due to other changes like lighter wheels, different trans and diff gearing, electric power steering. With the SS it comes down to the driver when racing a 370z in a straight line. With the 1LE it will pull the 370z every time in 1/4. On a hwy pull the Z will hold it's own though. I have to say both the SS and 1LE are more confident inspiring than the Z due to better traction. The Z's *** likes to step out a bit more with less throttle. The Camaro will let you push it while the rear slowly steps out. Basically I can have a lot more "fun" in the Camaro than in my Z safely. With traction control on forget it. The Z sucks and never lets you play. The camaro TCS is so much better and lenient. This is the Camaro that has made me jealous.
So I'm now looking at getting my own 1LE. The problem is due to limited color options my car would be identical to my fiances and I really don't want to be that couple that has identical cars. Not to mention I like to have different cars so there are different experiences. So I've been considering a ZL1 or C7. My problem is the '14 ZL1 is hard to find, most are still left over '13. The C7 built the way I want is 64k and I'm not sure I want to spend that right now. My only other option is a '13 C6 grand sport but trying to find a low mileage one with the options I want is proving difficult. So I've been holding onto my 370z for the last couple months trying to decide. I too feel like right now Chevy is offering the best bang for your buck. The mustang will change that later this year but I'm not sure I want the mustang. I have my doubts about what Nissan will do for the next gen Z as well and I'm rather disappointed with the lack of performance change for the new STI. So it looks like I have to go chevy. Let me know what you end up with.
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