370z or Camaro SS

ZKindaGuy · 01-06-2010, 04:13 PM

I'd rather be driving something whose designers understood the meaning of future direction, class and quality than whose designers were atavistic knuckle-draggers bent on prolonging an era that really reached into its last-hurrah.

Matt · 01-06-2010, 04:25 PM

The Camaro is very nice, not gonna lie....from the outside.

I sat inside it and felt very underwhelmed. When I sit in my Z, I feel like I'm in a sports car. I feel like I'm already going blistering fast and I haven't even started the car yet. When I sat in the Camaro, I really felt that I was still back in the 90's. The ambient lighting is ok in the Camaro, but looks like they only half completed it, when compared to the Buick's ambient lighting. The gauges are horrid compared to the Z. The steering column telescopes, which the Z doesn't, but the cluster does not move when the steering wheel is adjusted, which the Z does.

The stock exhaust note of the Camaro reminds me of my Mercury Tracer...non existent, especially for a V8 (2SS).

You mentioned the engine won't break in the Camaro. While every car has it's problems, thus far the engine in the Camaro seems to have more issues than the Z. Long term, nobody really knows, but these VQ's seem to be well-built.

The Camaro mods a little better than the Z, from what I've heard, as it's a V8. Bolt ons and a tune sky rocket the already high Hp/Torque numbers, where as the Z really doesn't get a whole lot, being a V6 NA car from the factory.

The back seat and trunk offer the illusion of more space, comfort and convenience, but really just make the car bigger than it should be. The backseat has zero leg room if the front passengers are over 5'9, which is great if you have a couple car seats back there and nothing else. The trunk is more of a 2nd glove box, albeit bigger than the cubby hole of a glove box they gave us in the Z.

The 2SS is going to win at the traffic light sprints, if that is what you're going for.

The Z is going to win, in my opinion if your ultimate goal is to create a driving experience you're going to remember and cherish for a long time.

WICKED_GRIN · 01-06-2010, 04:42 PM

The Camaro SS is butt ugly inside. You should wait until the 2011 Mustang 5.0 arrives. If you need a back seat, the Mustang 5.0 should be considered. I know I’ll test drive it!

nuTinmuch · 01-06-2010, 04:49 PM

Oh, hey, I was in this position.

I test drove both back to back a few times, so I'd like to think I have a pretty solid grip on both cars.

The Camaro is faster in a straight line and has the roar of the v8 which is just awesome. Honestly, that was almost enough to make me go with it. It also has back seats (although your kid will be uncomfortable back there, lol -- really isn't that much room) which may also sway your opinion, like you said. The handling isn't bad on the Camaro, but it is pretty typical for a car of its type.

What turned me off of the Camaro however was how mediocre the interior quality was. I had previously driven a Cobalt + a G5 (which is a Cobalt with Pontiac badging

) and with the exception of the "retro" feel, the interior felt the same. The seats were comfortable, but the materials felt tacky and just generally unpleasing. I wasn't a fan of the retro gages or steering wheel either.

I think it is worth noting that I am a young guy and wasn't in the market for a Porsche so my bar for interior quality wasn't really high -- and yet the Camaro -still- bothered me.

Also while the Z isn't as fast in a straight line, but it isn't that far off the mark considering a SS is made to go fast in the 1/4 mile. The handling in a Z makes up for that, too. Trust me. I've had the car for only a short time and I'm already in complete love.

Exterior wise the cars are a toss up -- that's all up to your personal opinion. I think that Camaro looks awesome, but the 370Z is just sexy. I am always smiling when I walk up to my car.

Ultimately it comes down to what you want and what you like, though. I strongly suggest you do some more research on both cars. Go to your local dealer and get a test drive in both and try to squeeze as much time out of them as you can.

One more thing -- while I agree on going and asking some Camaro dudes what they think, be ready for "BUY AMERICAN" and similar things. I read over a few forums and was extremely turned off by the community over there, but to each his own!

Good luck in your search and feel free to PM me if you have any questions about the car, I'll be glad to help!

Horseface · 01-06-2010, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZKindaGuy

I'd rather be driving something whose designers understood the meaning of future direction, class and quality than whose designers were atavistic knuckle-draggers bent on prolonging an era that really reached into its last-hurrah.

Just so you know, I'd give you a rep point for that if I could...

juicybusa · 01-06-2010, 06:53 PM

Infiniti G37s

KillerBee370 · 01-08-2010, 12:49 AM

Well I guess you have to decide between Japanese sports car or Canadian muscle.

For your particular concern I would say get an Evo X. Or, as someone else stated, a G37S.

scruffydog · 01-08-2010, 07:17 PM

I test drove the Camero 2SS last week when I was browsing around for cars. I've already have my heart set on the 370z Sports + Touring + Nav, but I figured it doesn't hurt to see my other options around $40K.

The Camero 2SS was the top notch version at the dealership; the one i test drove was black and had some $3,400 21" Factory option rims on it - crazy...so not worth the price. The MSRP was $45K. So without the rims add-on, it's really apples to apples I'm comparing against with the fully loaded 370z ($41K).

Anyways, although the exterior of the Camero 2SS looks really mean and agressive, even if you don't make this a Daily Driver...the interior was really really cheaply made. Japanese just knows how to keep the interior exciting. The interior not only wasn't exciting, it reminded me of those American rental cars. Just the center console and everything. The gauges are not put in a conveniently visible location like the 370z. The front and Rear windshield is totally small from the inside - I can understand the rear being small since the 370z isn't that much better, but the front windshield is totally squashed vertically. The Camero was really really hard to see through. Also, it may seem like a bigger car from the outside...the trunk access for the Camero is ridiculous, it has a super small opening compared to the actual trunk size. Plus, the best thing they have for NAV is their stupid ON STAR system, no Factory NAV even if you want it. Enought about the interior, so I test drove it, unfortunately AUTO Transmission was all they have...the handling around a sharp turn was really good. It grip just like the 370z, but the acceleration was a dissappointment to me because I was expecting it to be much quicker considering they put the 400 hp Corvette Engine in it - but the car was too heavy.

So my verdict is that the 370z is a better car for me. Hope this helps.

By the way, I test drove other cars such as Porsche and BMWs and I find the interiors of German cars relatively boring as well. The 1 series BMW was practically the same layout since it's previous generations. And the funny part is it doesn't change much from 1 series to an M3, 5 series, or 7 series. They all look the same and very interesting layout. And same with Porsche, their Cayman and Boxster is pretty much the same....but I guess if you're in love with the car itself, I can understand these little minor details don't matter. A BMW is still a BMW and a Porsche is still a Porsche.

Horseface · 01-08-2010, 08:52 PM

I'm not sure if this helps, but I saw a guy driving a new Camaro through a parking lot today. He had a stupid little hat on which was pulled down so low that his piggy eyes could barely been seen, but you could tell he was definately glaring at people. He immediately struck me as somebody who beats his girlfriend and dog, watches dumba$$ movies and drinks sh*tty cheap beer. Also struck me as somebody who probably had crappy tattoos done as a teenager and regrets each and every one of them. Which is probably why he beats his dog.

You're welcome!

KillerBee370 · 01-08-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horseface

I'm not sure if this helps, but I saw a guy driving a new Camaro through a parking lot today. He had a stupid little hat on which was pulled down so low that his piggy eyes could barely been seen, but you could tell he was definately glaring at people. He immediately struck me as somebody who beats his girlfriend and dog, watches dumba$$ movies and drinks sh*tty cheap beer. Also struck me as somebody who probably had crappy tattoos done as a teenager and regrets each and every one of them. Which is probably why he beats his dog.

You're welcome!

haha... hat with the straight brim maybe curved up at the end. I bet he also had a nautical star tattoo (even though he's never been anywhere near the ocean) and a couple swallows (so "jailhouse" generic) tattoo.

frost · 01-08-2010, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horseface

I'm not sure if this helps, but I saw a guy driving a new Camaro through a parking lot today. He had a stupid little hat on which was pulled down so low that his piggy eyes could barely been seen, but you could tell he was definately glaring at people. He immediately struck me as somebody who beats his girlfriend and dog, watches dumba$$ movies and drinks sh*tty cheap beer. Also struck me as somebody who probably had crappy tattoos done as a teenager and regrets each and every one of them. Which is probably why he beats his dog.

You're welcome!

That's nothing compared to what I saw happening with a 370z

NewlyIMPORTed · 01-06-2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZKindaGuy

I'd rather be driving something whose designers understood the meaning of future direction, class and quality than whose designers were atavistic knuckle-draggers bent on prolonging an era that really reached into its last-hurrah.

HAHAHAHAHAHA Knuckle-draggers

01-06-2010, 04:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
Matt A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Augusta, GA Age: 42 Posts: 1,680 Drives: 2010 Avalanche LT Rep Power: 19	The Camaro is very nice, not gonna lie....from the outside. I sat inside it and felt very underwhelmed. When I sit in my Z, I feel like I'm in a sports car. I feel like I'm already going blistering fast and I haven't even started the car yet. When I sat in the Camaro, I really felt that I was still back in the 90's. The ambient lighting is ok in the Camaro, but looks like they only half completed it, when compared to the Buick's ambient lighting. The gauges are horrid compared to the Z. The steering column telescopes, which the Z doesn't, but the cluster does not move when the steering wheel is adjusted, which the Z does. The stock exhaust note of the Camaro reminds me of my Mercury Tracer...non existent, especially for a V8 (2SS). You mentioned the engine won't break in the Camaro. While every car has it's problems, thus far the engine in the Camaro seems to have more issues than the Z. Long term, nobody really knows, but these VQ's seem to be well-built. The Camaro mods a little better than the Z, from what I've heard, as it's a V8. Bolt ons and a tune sky rocket the already high Hp/Torque numbers, where as the Z really doesn't get a whole lot, being a V6 NA car from the factory. The back seat and trunk offer the illusion of more space, comfort and convenience, but really just make the car bigger than it should be. The backseat has zero leg room if the front passengers are over 5'9, which is great if you have a couple car seats back there and nothing else. The trunk is more of a 2nd glove box, albeit bigger than the cubby hole of a glove box they gave us in the Z. The 2SS is going to win at the traffic light sprints, if that is what you're going for. The Z is going to win, in my opinion if your ultimate goal is to create a driving experience you're going to remember and cherish for a long time. __________________ "Any man who can drive a 370z while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the Z the attention it deserves." Albert Einstein....modified. Last edited by Matt; 01-06-2010 at 04:46 PM.

01-06-2010, 04:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
nuTinmuch A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,092 Drives: PG 7AT 370Z Rep Power: 18	Oh, hey, I was in this position. I test drove both back to back a few times, so I'd like to think I have a pretty solid grip on both cars. The Camaro is faster in a straight line and has the roar of the v8 which is just awesome. Honestly, that was almost enough to make me go with it. It also has back seats (although your kid will be uncomfortable back there, lol -- really isn't that much room) which may also sway your opinion, like you said. The handling isn't bad on the Camaro, but it is pretty typical for a car of its type. What turned me off of the Camaro however was how mediocre the interior quality was. I had previously driven a Cobalt + a G5 (which is a Cobalt with Pontiac badging ) and with the exception of the "retro" feel, the interior felt the same. The seats were comfortable, but the materials felt tacky and just generally unpleasing. I wasn't a fan of the retro gages or steering wheel either. I think it is worth noting that I am a young guy and wasn't in the market for a Porsche so my bar for interior quality wasn't really high -- and yet the Camaro -still- bothered me. Also while the Z isn't as fast in a straight line, but it isn't that far off the mark considering a SS is made to go fast in the 1/4 mile. The handling in a Z makes up for that, too. Trust me. I've had the car for only a short time and I'm already in complete love. Exterior wise the cars are a toss up -- that's all up to your personal opinion. I think that Camaro looks awesome, but the 370Z is just sexy. I am always smiling when I walk up to my car. Ultimately it comes down to what you want and what you like, though. I strongly suggest you do some more research on both cars. Go to your local dealer and get a test drive in both and try to squeeze as much time out of them as you can. One more thing -- while I agree on going and asking some Camaro dudes what they think, be ready for "BUY AMERICAN" and similar things. I read over a few forums and was extremely turned off by the community over there, but to each his own! Good luck in your search and feel free to PM me if you have any questions about the car, I'll be glad to help! __________________ nuTinmuch! -- Platinum Graphite 370Z -- Check out my Gallery thread here!

01-08-2010, 08:52 PM	#9 (permalink)
Horseface Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Los Angeles. Posts: 253 Drives: 2010 370 Tr/Sprt/Nv Rep Power: 16	I'm not sure if this helps, but I saw a guy driving a new Camaro through a parking lot today. He had a stupid little hat on which was pulled down so low that his piggy eyes could barely been seen, but you could tell he was definately glaring at people. He immediately struck me as somebody who beats his girlfriend and dog, watches dumba$$ movies and drinks shtty cheap beer. Also struck me as somebody who probably had crappy tattoos done as a teenager and regrets each and every one of them. Which is probably why he beats his dog. You're welcome! __________________ Whinny! Last edited by Horseface; 01-08-2010 at 08:56 PM.*

01-06-2010, 04:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
ZKindaGuy Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 699 Drives: 370Z-AT7 Tour+Sport Rep Power: 375	I'd rather be driving something whose designers understood the meaning of future direction, class and quality than whose designers were atavistic knuckle-draggers bent on prolonging an era that really reached into its last-hurrah.

01-06-2010, 04:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
WICKED_GRIN Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New England Posts: 466 Drives: 370Z Roadster Black Rep Power: 16	The Camaro SS is butt ugly inside. You should wait until the 2011 Mustang 5.0 arrives. If you need a back seat, the Mustang 5.0 should be considered. I know I’ll test drive it!

01-06-2010, 06:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
juicybusa Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: kentucky Posts: 24 Drives: na Rep Power: 16	Infiniti G37s

01-08-2010, 12:49 AM	#7 (permalink)
KillerBee370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: So Cal baby! Age: 52 Posts: 5,964 Drives: with passion Rep Power: 322	Well I guess you have to decide between Japanese sports car or Canadian muscle. For your particular concern I would say get an Evo X. Or, as someone else stated, a G37S.

01-08-2010, 07:17 PM	#8 (permalink)
scruffydog A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 1,113 Drives: with his eyes close Rep Power: 718	I test drove the Camero 2SS last week when I was browsing around for cars. I've already have my heart set on the 370z Sports + Touring + Nav, but I figured it doesn't hurt to see my other options around $40K. The Camero 2SS was the top notch version at the dealership; the one i test drove was black and had some $3,400 21" Factory option rims on it - crazy...so not worth the price. The MSRP was $45K. So without the rims add-on, it's really apples to apples I'm comparing against with the fully loaded 370z ($41K). Anyways, although the exterior of the Camero 2SS looks really mean and agressive, even if you don't make this a Daily Driver...the interior was really really cheaply made. Japanese just knows how to keep the interior exciting. The interior not only wasn't exciting, it reminded me of those American rental cars. Just the center console and everything. The gauges are not put in a conveniently visible location like the 370z. The front and Rear windshield is totally small from the inside - I can understand the rear being small since the 370z isn't that much better, but the front windshield is totally squashed vertically. The Camero was really really hard to see through. Also, it may seem like a bigger car from the outside...the trunk access for the Camero is ridiculous, it has a super small opening compared to the actual trunk size. Plus, the best thing they have for NAV is their stupid ON STAR system, no Factory NAV even if you want it. Enought about the interior, so I test drove it, unfortunately AUTO Transmission was all they have...the handling around a sharp turn was really good. It grip just like the 370z, but the acceleration was a dissappointment to me because I was expecting it to be much quicker considering they put the 400 hp Corvette Engine in it - but the car was too heavy. So my verdict is that the 370z is a better car for me. Hope this helps. By the way, I test drove other cars such as Porsche and BMWs and I find the interiors of German cars relatively boring as well. The 1 series BMW was practically the same layout since it's previous generations. And the funny part is it doesn't change much from 1 series to an M3, 5 series, or 7 series. They all look the same and very interesting layout. And same with Porsche, their Cayman and Boxster is pretty much the same....but I guess if you're in love with the car itself, I can understand these little minor details don't matter. A BMW is still a BMW and a Porsche is still a Porsche.