CAMARO ZL1 vs C63
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 290
Likes: 2
'14 C63 "Edition 507"; '02 Widebody WS6 Trans Am ~ 1,200hp (kills everything)
It's close, in the spring I went to the track with a buddy who had recently purchased a ZL1. Both of our cars were bone stock and we are both experienced drivers. His best run was 11.99 at 116+ vs my 11.91 at 118+ and it left us wondering how does a car with 100hp more and only 100lbs more weight come up second 
Of course that's stock to stock, once modified its gonna take a lot more for an AMG to keep up and in my opinion there's a point where the Camaro will not be caught - the LSx market is just incredible and can make more power than most can imagine.
Of course that's stock to stock, once modified its gonna take a lot more for an AMG to keep up and in my opinion there's a point where the Camaro will not be caught - the LSx market is just incredible and can make more power than most can imagine.
I'm another voucher for the LSx cars in terms of potential. The difference is this - a Camaro is not a Mercedes-Benz.
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
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From: So Cal
C63 507 Coupe , Cayman GTS
I currently own a 2013 ZL1 and it is an amazing car,one of the best bang for the buck cars out there imho.
When I take delivery of the 507 it may be time to sell the ZL1.
The Merc will be the better DD (going from manual 6 speed to MCT transmission) and blows away the ZL1 in regards to fit and finish.
I have only test driven the 507 but I would say the ZL1 will have a better track time then the Merc, but in a straight line it will be close. Its difficult getting close to 600HP and 550+lbs of torque to hook up. ( installed a cold air intake on ZL1).
It was a fun year driving the ZL1 (3800 miles) but really looking forward to the 507 !!!
When I take delivery of the 507 it may be time to sell the ZL1.
The Merc will be the better DD (going from manual 6 speed to MCT transmission) and blows away the ZL1 in regards to fit and finish.
I have only test driven the 507 but I would say the ZL1 will have a better track time then the Merc, but in a straight line it will be close. Its difficult getting close to 600HP and 550+lbs of torque to hook up. ( installed a cold air intake on ZL1).
It was a fun year driving the ZL1 (3800 miles) but really looking forward to the 507 !!!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 364
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From: Carrollton, TX
2016 C63S AMG SEDAN
It's an incredible car for the $$. I almost bought one, a convertible. Dealer wouldn't make the -10K off sticker they offered me when I called them to the table on it.
C63 drives and handles far superior for daily use in my opinion. Engine & build quality are superior in the AMG in my opinion.
C63 drives and handles far superior for daily use in my opinion. Engine & build quality are superior in the AMG in my opinion.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 852
Likes: 1
your mom
I have started seeing a lot of these around here.
If I really wanted one of those muscle cars (Camaro . Mustang . Challenger)
I would probably choose a SRT8.
Awesome for cruising - tonnes of torque - good looks (subjective)
If I really wanted one of those muscle cars (Camaro . Mustang . Challenger)
I would probably choose a SRT8.
Awesome for cruising - tonnes of torque - good looks (subjective)
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 281
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C63 AMG
It's close, in the spring I went to the track with a buddy who had recently purchased a ZL1. Both of our cars were bone stock and we are both experienced drivers. His best run was 11.99 at 116+ vs my 11.91 at 118+ and it left us wondering how does a car with 100hp more and only 100lbs more weight come up second
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
C63 AMG
People need to be more objective to what a car IS for them vs. what it COULD BE for them. For those who made real world daily driver comparisons, props to you. For those who busted out lap times or other track based comparisons, all I can say is FAIL and have fun car shopping that way.
Last edited by mdgrwl; Oct 14, 2013 at 12:46 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 396
Likes: 7
From: West Texas
'16 CLS 63 S
Hey mdgrwl,
Re-read the OP's posts. He never said he had to be for a daily driver, nor is he replacing his C63. He simply asked why people have bought a C63 over a ZL1, can be objective or subjective, as a daily driver or track day car, doesn't matter. Nice to see you trying to rag on everybody, when they're doing what the OP asked them to do. (end rant).
Everybody else,
I chose the C63 over a ZL1 for many reasons:
1. It isn't 4 doors (family's requirement).
2. If I am spending that much on a Chevy, I would put it toward a Vette.
3. While I don't see a lot of ZL1's where I work, there are dozens of the lower models (SS, 1LT, etc.)
4. The deal I got on my C63 is better than what I could get on any GM products.
I have ridden in a buddy's ZL1. It was through San Antonio, Tx's city streets so he wasn't able to open it up. I really enjoyed the extensive use of carbon fiber and the seats weren't bad. Visibility out of it is still poor and I'm not a fan of the set up of the gauges in the center console. It is a nice car, just didn't tick enough of the right boxes.
Re-read the OP's posts. He never said he had to be for a daily driver, nor is he replacing his C63. He simply asked why people have bought a C63 over a ZL1, can be objective or subjective, as a daily driver or track day car, doesn't matter. Nice to see you trying to rag on everybody, when they're doing what the OP asked them to do. (end rant).
Everybody else,
I chose the C63 over a ZL1 for many reasons:
1. It isn't 4 doors (family's requirement).
2. If I am spending that much on a Chevy, I would put it toward a Vette.
3. While I don't see a lot of ZL1's where I work, there are dozens of the lower models (SS, 1LT, etc.)
4. The deal I got on my C63 is better than what I could get on any GM products.
I have ridden in a buddy's ZL1. It was through San Antonio, Tx's city streets so he wasn't able to open it up. I really enjoyed the extensive use of carbon fiber and the seats weren't bad. Visibility out of it is still poor and I'm not a fan of the set up of the gauges in the center console. It is a nice car, just didn't tick enough of the right boxes.
Last edited by edwardsflight33; Oct 14, 2013 at 03:17 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2011
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2012 C63 2015 C300 sport
my friend has a zl1 and i drive it alot.
its a great car with really good road presence but for the price, what you get extra from the c63 in performance you lose in quality. cabin definitely feels much cheaper. also if you have never been in a camaro, the visibility SUCKS!
Performance wise its pretty quick, but not as quick as my oe tuned c63. I also raced a stock c63 in it and we were pretty close from like 35-80or 90 then the zl1 pulls away. it takes corners much better than the c63, but its a big car and much harder to drive in backroads (but probably because im more used to the c63). its also not as tossable as the c63 and I dont think its as fun to drive. I prefer our quick revving n/a to the low revving motor in the camaro.
its a great car with really good road presence but for the price, what you get extra from the c63 in performance you lose in quality. cabin definitely feels much cheaper. also if you have never been in a camaro, the visibility SUCKS!
Performance wise its pretty quick, but not as quick as my oe tuned c63. I also raced a stock c63 in it and we were pretty close from like 35-80or 90 then the zl1 pulls away. it takes corners much better than the c63, but its a big car and much harder to drive in backroads (but probably because im more used to the c63). its also not as tossable as the c63 and I dont think its as fun to drive. I prefer our quick revving n/a to the low revving motor in the camaro.
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
C63 507 Coupe , Cayman GTS
my friend has a zl1 and i drive it alot.
its a great car with really good road presence but for the price, what you get extra from the c63 in performance you lose in quality. cabin definitely feels much cheaper. also if you have never been in a camaro, the visibility SUCKS!
Performance wise its pretty quick, but not as quick as my oe tuned c63. I also raced a stock c63 in it and we were pretty close from like 35-80or 90 then the zl1 pulls away. it takes corners much better than the c63, but its a big car and much harder to drive in backroads (but probably because im more used to the c63). its also not as tossable as the c63 and I dont think its as fun to drive. I prefer our quick revving n/a to the low revving motor in the camaro.
its a great car with really good road presence but for the price, what you get extra from the c63 in performance you lose in quality. cabin definitely feels much cheaper. also if you have never been in a camaro, the visibility SUCKS!
Performance wise its pretty quick, but not as quick as my oe tuned c63. I also raced a stock c63 in it and we were pretty close from like 35-80or 90 then the zl1 pulls away. it takes corners much better than the c63, but its a big car and much harder to drive in backroads (but probably because im more used to the c63). its also not as tossable as the c63 and I dont think its as fun to drive. I prefer our quick revving n/a to the low revving motor in the camaro.
visibility doesn't seem to bother me in the ZL1.(I know im the minority on this topic)
ZL1 is a big car and it isn't as engaging as the Maserati Granturismo MC
(another large car) on the backroads, but the GT-MC is surprisingly easy to hit your marks.
I am sure the C63 will be a great DD and be able to toss around the twistys and straight line bliss.... cant wait!!!
Great forum you all have created and I wanted to thank you.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 852
Likes: 1
your mom
So the Z/28 hit a 7:37 on the 'ring. Anyone know the number for the C63 black series.
Apparently, there was rain on certain sections and even at 7:37, its faster than quite a whole lot of cars. too bad its gonna cost like 75k or so.
Apparently, there was rain on certain sections and even at 7:37, its faster than quite a whole lot of cars. too bad its gonna cost like 75k or so.
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 100
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C63 AMG Edition 507 Coupe
don't know about the bottom end.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 474
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From: NYC
2015 E63S AMG & 2013 GLK350
Originally Posted by USCGTO
So the Z/28 hit a 7:37 on the 'ring. Anyone know the number for the C63 black series.
C63 BS - 7:46
Facelift C63 coupe - 8:01
Pre-facelift C63 sedan - 8:13
Also GM confirmed 7:41 for the ZL1
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 380
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From: Seattle, Warshington
2005 C55, 2006 Ram 2500 MegaCab diesel, sold 2001 Dodge 2500 Cummins, sold 87 190e-16v, sold 97 e420
What makes the Z28 times more impressive was is was done in the wet.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: NYC
2015 E63S AMG & 2013 GLK350
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 290
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'14 C63 "Edition 507"; '02 Widebody WS6 Trans Am ~ 1,200hp (kills everything)
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 45
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From: Boston/Fort Myers
2009 C63
To me the 2 aren't even comparable, a brutal loud domestic muscle car or a refined german sports car?
If you are aiming for the outright fastest car, why not get a 1-2 year old GTR?
If you are aiming for the outright fastest car, why not get a 1-2 year old GTR?
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
The good people that ultimately see fit to furnish my remuneration probably don’t do so based on what I drive.
Yes, that’s an assumption but my manly man presence isn’t based upon an erstwhile AMG or any other tinwork.
Are Hampton folk impressed with a relatively inexpensive C…and who who’s comfy in his own skin cares?
Impressive Nürburgring run from that Yank/NAFTA Z-28. It’s not for my driveway though.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: NYC
C63 AMG
my friend has a zl1 and i drive it alot.
its a great car with really good road presence but for the price, what you get extra from the c63 in performance you lose in quality. cabin definitely feels much cheaper. also if you have never been in a camaro, the visibility SUCKS!
Performance wise its pretty quick, but not as quick as my oe tuned c63. I also raced a stock c63 in it and we were pretty close from like 35-80or 90 then the zl1 pulls away. it takes corners much better than the c63, but its a big car and much harder to drive in backroads (but probably because im more used to the c63). its also not as tossable as the c63 and I dont think its as fun to drive. I prefer our quick revving n/a to the low revving motor in the camaro.
its a great car with really good road presence but for the price, what you get extra from the c63 in performance you lose in quality. cabin definitely feels much cheaper. also if you have never been in a camaro, the visibility SUCKS!
Performance wise its pretty quick, but not as quick as my oe tuned c63. I also raced a stock c63 in it and we were pretty close from like 35-80or 90 then the zl1 pulls away. it takes corners much better than the c63, but its a big car and much harder to drive in backroads (but probably because im more used to the c63). its also not as tossable as the c63 and I dont think its as fun to drive. I prefer our quick revving n/a to the low revving motor in the camaro.
LOL, that thing did really pull away over 90mph. Tears in my eyes
