ZL1 or 1LE - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Jpax · 02-03-2017, 06:17 PM

Evening all,

I have been considering getting back into a 5th gen Camaro. At first I was set on the 2014/15 1LE. but I can pick up a 14/15 ZL1 for 9k more and it leads me to question if I should go the ZL1 way...

My question is, what is a better daily drivers car? if I go the 1LE route, and decide to add power. I would almost the same $$ to get to the ZL1 power range if just spent the extra now and went for the ZL1.

anyone owned both? or have any input would be greatly appreciated

CamaroFred · 02-03-2017, 06:34 PM

I haven't driven either but I vote ZL1 for the magnetic ride with 5 different settings.

JCunningham · 02-03-2017, 07:43 PM

The ZL1 is far superior in every way.

Gunmetal Speedster · 02-03-2017, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCunningham

The ZL1 is far superior in every way.

Modding the ZL1 would put down mass power as well, as if it doesn't have enough already haha.

Jpax · 02-03-2017, 07:44 PM

Magnetic ride is definitely a plus over the less compliant 1LE more track focused suspension.

sdynak · 02-03-2017, 07:53 PM

If you are sure the mods you would put in the 1LE over time would narrow the cost then that kind of helps your decision if you can swing it now.. I would say it really comes down to condition & miles with respect to price for each also. The ZL1 is obliviously the superior choice all around all things being equal for condition and if budget allows. In the end it's your choice. Do what feels right to you. Not everyone wants to spend the extra $ for something they don't need so sleep on it and go for it.

JCunningham · 02-03-2017, 08:06 PM

If I had only had the money I have put into my car when I bought the camaro I would have a better car then I have now just buying a stock ZL1.

Jpax · 02-03-2017, 08:35 PM

currently the two cars are very similar, the 1LE is a 14 with 14,000k and the ZL1 is a 14 with 11,000k. so both are very similar, the 1LE is white 2ss fully loaded. the ZL1 well its the deep red and well equipped. I figure down the road I will most likely do the typical I-H-C mods etc... so price wise it tough to decide. second and a tough one for me. its winter here and I cant really get one on the road, so I am really deciding blind here!

the plus to buy now, is its the off market now so I will get a better deal...

JCunningham · 02-03-2017, 08:48 PM

Don't drive on the stock tires and look hard for cracking. Those tires are not supposed to see Temps below 40 degrees. I checked out a 13 z06 this spring. They had put new tires on it in the fall then it sat out side all winter. All 4 were cracked.

sdynak · 02-03-2017, 08:51 PM

I'd push on the ZL1 hard first.. Make them a final offer and try to close the gap.. Red ZL1 ugg! .. not a question to me.. It would be in my garage if I were you already LOL.. Not much to really do but drive it and smile.

Jpax · 02-03-2017, 09:19 PM

ya the red is sweet, and I have only seen it indoors so outside must be amazing...

sdynak · 02-03-2017, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jpax

ya the red is sweet, and I have only seen it indoors so outside must be amazing...

Man.. dude jump on that beast before someone else does!!

DeSH · 02-03-2017, 09:44 PM

Get the ZL1. If you're questioning it now, you surely will if you get the 1LE. I'm biased BTW.

Jpax · 02-03-2017, 10:05 PM

I am leaning to z... thanks all for chiming in!

02-03-2017, 06:17 PM	#1
Jpax Drives: ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Ontario Posts: 14	ZL1 or 1LE Evening all, I have been considering getting back into a 5th gen Camaro. At first I was set on the 2014/15 1LE. but I can pick up a 14/15 ZL1 for 9k more and it leads me to question if I should go the ZL1 way... My question is, what is a better daily drivers car? if I go the 1LE route, and decide to add power. I would almost the same $$ to get to the ZL1 power range if just spent the extra now and went for the ZL1. anyone owned both? or have any input would be greatly appreciated

02-03-2017, 06:34 PM	#2
CamaroFred Drives: Miss Con Ception Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,998	I haven't driven either but I vote ZL1 for the magnetic ride with 5 different settings. __________________ 2011 1SS/RS LS3 CGM

02-03-2017, 07:43 PM	#3
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,070	The ZL1 is far superior in every way. __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

02-03-2017, 07:53 PM	#6
sdynak Drives: 2010 1SS Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Bayville, NJ Posts: 936	If you are sure the mods you would put in the 1LE over time would narrow the cost then that kind of helps your decision if you can swing it now.. I would say it really comes down to condition & miles with respect to price for each also. The ZL1 is obliviously the superior choice all around all things being equal for condition and if budget allows. In the end it's your choice. Do what feels right to you. Not everyone wants to spend the extra $ for something they don't need so sleep on it and go for it. __________________ 2010 1SS LS3, Black, 235/250, .621/.615, 114 + 4, Kooks Stepped Headers, 3.91's, Bo White PTB, Flowmaster Mufflers, Cold Air Industries CAI, Apex Scoop & Windshield Washer Relocate, SLP Wheels, Skip Shift Eliminate, Barton Flat Stick, OEM HID/Halos, Dyno Tuned by ECS

02-03-2017, 08:06 PM	#7
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,070	If I had only had the money I have put into my car when I bought the camaro I would have a better car then I have now just buying a stock ZL1. __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

02-03-2017, 07:44 PM	#5
Jpax Drives: ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Ontario Posts: 14	Magnetic ride is definitely a plus over the less compliant 1LE more track focused suspension.

02-03-2017, 08:35 PM	#8
Jpax Drives: ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Ontario Posts: 14	currently the two cars are very similar, the 1LE is a 14 with 14,000k and the ZL1 is a 14 with 11,000k. so both are very similar, the 1LE is white 2ss fully loaded. the ZL1 well its the deep red and well equipped. I figure down the road I will most likely do the typical I-H-C mods etc... so price wise it tough to decide. second and a tough one for me. its winter here and I cant really get one on the road, so I am really deciding blind here! the plus to buy now, is its the off market now so I will get a better deal...

02-03-2017, 08:48 PM	#9
JCunningham Drives: 2017 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: WNY Posts: 7,070	Don't drive on the stock tires and look hard for cracking. Those tires are not supposed to see Temps below 40 degrees. I checked out a 13 z06 this spring. They had put new tires on it in the fall then it sat out side all winter. All 4 were cracked. __________________ real ZL1 wheels and brakes, 285/305 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Pray ported Intake manifold, Soler Throttle Body, Rotofab intake, EFI Tuning Flex fuel kit, full American Racing Headers Exhaust, 1 7/8" w/ cats H pipe and mufflers. Full 1LE suspension, with BMR adjustable sway bars and links, GM aluminum cradle bushings, Hurst shifter with lighter reverse spring, TWM shifter knob, Tick level 1 transmission. I should have bought a ZL1

02-03-2017, 08:51 PM	#10
sdynak Drives: 2010 1SS Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Bayville, NJ Posts: 936	I'd push on the ZL1 hard first.. Make them a final offer and try to close the gap.. Red ZL1 ugg! .. not a question to me.. It would be in my garage if I were you already LOL.. Not much to really do but drive it and smile. __________________ 2010 1SS LS3, Black, 235/250, .621/.615, 114 + 4, Kooks Stepped Headers, 3.91's, Bo White PTB, Flowmaster Mufflers, Cold Air Industries CAI, Apex Scoop & Windshield Washer Relocate, SLP Wheels, Skip Shift Eliminate, Barton Flat Stick, OEM HID/Halos, Dyno Tuned by ECS

02-03-2017, 09:19 PM	#11
Jpax Drives: ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Ontario Posts: 14	ya the red is sweet, and I have only seen it indoors so outside must be amazing... Attached Images

02-03-2017, 09:44 PM	#13
DeSH Drives: 2013 ZL1 A6 #4801 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 241	Get the ZL1. If you're questioning it now, you surely will if you get the 1LE. I'm biased BTW.

02-03-2017, 10:05 PM	#14
Jpax Drives: ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Ontario Posts: 14	I am leaning to z... thanks all for chiming in!