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2017 Camaro ZL1
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By Mary Conway Nov 13 2016 - 4:20pm

Fans debate which they would rather buy, 2017 Camaro ZL1 OR the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport

A Michigan Trans Am owner poses an interesting question, which would fans rather have a high powered 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 or the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport. The answers are surprising.
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The Michigan performance car fan asked the logical question. “Now that the order form and pricing has been determined by GM for both the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport and the 2017 Camaro ZL1 which car would you purchase and why??” And answers starting streaming in.

A guy who claims to drive a ZL1 was the first to chime in. “ZL1 is the best Camaro at the moment with most HP. Grand Sport is not the best Vette. It's a poser wanting to be a Z06... It's a "wanna be" car. Get the ZL1! Best bang for your buck!!!"

A New Jersey 2010 Camaro owner says, “We optioned a 2LT grand sport, and by the time we were done with options, it was at $96K. That's Z06 money for NOT a Z06. So we're going with ZL1 instead.”

A Dallas driver is similarly torn. “I'm playing the same game. I like the looks and paint color options of the Vette better, but the thought of getting that crazy power plant in the Camaro ZL1 for similar money is also attractive.”

Another performance junkie says “I was all set to get a C7 z51 at the end of the year, but the zl1 is just crazy stupid performance for the money. I don't know what to do now, nightfall grey metallic is looking pretty damn sweet.”

A Houston driver sums it up this way “Grand Sport has the looks/presence and handling ZL1 has the power and comfort.”

A Corvette owner adds this, “Lmfao. Two of my buddies I run with in the Corvette Club drive 17 Grand Sports. While they do get compliments many guys call them posers and ask why they didn't get the "real deal". "Can't afford the real Z06?" They are made fun of at almost every meet.”

A North Carolina Camaro owner recommends “Go with the ZL1 and get an awesome car plus save 15-20K over an equally loaded GS.”

A fan named Jimmy adds “I love both cars tough choice, can't go wrong with either really.”

A Camaro driver who used to drive a Corvette says, “The thing that the ZL1 REALLY has going for it in a comparison like this...is that it's loaded with convenience and tech equipment that you need to pay extra for in the Corvette. If someone is looking for a track toy - there's a hard argument to be made for the Grand Sport in base trim.”

Doc from California weighs in with this. “It really comes down to what you want, honestly for me I would probably pick the Grand Sport Corvette over the ZL1 Camaro.”

The Michigan driver who posed the question doesn’t say what his final decision will be. His last post acknowledges what a great position to be in. “Yes, it sure is a tough decision...but a fun one.”

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Comments

Even wrote on November 14, 2016 - 3:50am
Owned a 2014 ZL1 and loved every moment with it. Dying to get into the 2017. If I could afford a Z06 I would in a second, but I wouldn't even consider a Grand Sport over a ZL1. *I am extremely excited to see what -200+ lbs of weight, 60hp, ~100lbs/torque does to a ZL1
Mary Conway wrote on November 14, 2016 - 12:52pm
Seems like everyone who has driven a ZL1 agrees with you! Let us know how you love the new one!
Alan wrote on November 16, 2016 - 7:45am
If you paid $96k for a 2LT with the Z07 upgrades then it is your fault for overreaching, I paid under $70k for my 2LT C7 GS, it is the best Vette I have owned after 4 others, and the best part of it is that I never have to say I own a Camaro.
Even wrote on November 18, 2016 - 1:10am
Fair enough. The one good thing about owning a vette is that you own a vette :) Owning a ZL1 is still owning a camaro (Which they make in a 4 banger now ... so sad ) The one thing I didn't like about my 2014 ZL1 was how similar it looked to the SS and LS models. The C7 is beautiful in every way and I am a big fan for sure. But I still stand by my decision that I would buy a ZL1 over a non-Z06 in a heart beat. And if I had the money I would probably buy a ZL1 and put the rest into restoring a 71 cuda (my dream car) instead of putting it all into a Z06 C7. But ... this is why we have choices, we are all different :)
Mary Conway wrote on November 19, 2016 - 6:33pm
I think it makes perfect sense. Can't wait to see what you do with the Cuda restoration!
Donald wrote on November 25, 2016 - 2:18pm
HI Mary Conway, I am the Michigan Trans Am owner who posed the original question. Thank you for posting it in the Torque News. I am enjoying all the responses from the forums and your website. Am wondering if the 2017 Camaro ZL1 will have an influence on the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport sales? I feel they ALMOST are in direct competition with each other - while the Corvette ZO6 has the same horsepower as the ZL1 the ZO6 costs quite a bit more. When reviewing the specs, the ZL1 is not as expensive, is faster [0-60 mph, & 1/4 mile] and is rated at 1.02 g's which is almost the same as the G.S. without the Z07 performance package. To me, it seems that the ZL1 MIGHT be the better value. I do realize that there are also subjective areas to consider i.e., exterior and interior styling/size, perceived comfort/ride, brand value [Corvette verses Camaro], etc. I am hoping that one of the major publications does a head-to-head comparison. For me, 'the jury is still out'. However, it sure is a fun decision to make. Keep the responses coming!
rick wrote on December 19, 2016 - 11:29pm
I have a Grand sport and its not a poor man z06 ,just look at the specs at the big willow and see ...Its right there with the z06 .. Dont get me wrong the Camaro is nice but the grand sport is out of this world..