Stinger GT to Camaro SS

[Maljey]

I'm actually eagerly anticipating what GM will do with the electric Camaro. It's pretty much inevitable at this point. Given how well their chassis tuning has been, I fully expect the electric Camaro to be a great handling car, even given the constraints of lugging around heavy batteries.

They just need to make it affordable and stick to the same 'cheap speed' recipe that has made the pony cars successful--cars that punch way above their price point for straight line (and handling) performance. There are going to be a lot of fast electric cars from other manufactures, so GM/Ford/Dodge will need to ensure their offerings are cheaper than the competition, just like they always have.

 

[stoopid]

... But the draw to me for a muscle/pony car is the V8 sound.

As with most things in life, everything is subjective. Not everyone wants a loud car. Even people who like cars/driving. TBH I'm looking forward to leaving the gas powered world. EV whisper quiet and quick is fine by me.

This isn't to say the guttural growl of a nicely tuned big displacement engine isn't something to experience, but I'd kill myself hearing it day in and day out. I listen to music in my car, it's become a time for relaxation for me. Especially when it's bumper to bumper, I aint going anywhere fast anyway.

 

[Mike810]

The automatic Camaro SS has cylinder deactivation, so it basically turns into a 4cyl on the highway and gets well over 30mpg. The major doesn’t have that, so I average 19.5mpg. My stinger averaged 21, so I can’t complain.

The cylinder deactivation is interesting and very cool. I would get an automatic in my case anyway. 19.5 mpg is very good for a 6.2 liter engine. I am sometimes surprised that the Stinger only gets around 20 mpg with spirited driving considering it is lacking 100 hp on a Camaro SS. So basically I would be paying the same for gas with a Camaro SS and have a faster car. Appears I am not too bright considering my main priority is straight line speed when I want to have fun. Lol.

 

[RM7]

The vast majority of pony cars being sold are non-V8 versions. That's why the big 3 can afford to keep the V8 cars in production. They have been making non-V8 pony cars since literally the beginning. Like 60+ years? So the non-V8 cars are just as much part of the pony car heritage as the V8s.

The non-V8 cars also fill a specific niche here in the US--affordable (sub 30K), RWD coupes. There's a very short list of new, affordable RWD cars. You only have the Miata, BRZ, 370Z, and the pony cars. The pony cars offer some added utility over those others, being larger. IMHO they are better suited for daily drivers, while still being capable in autocross or the track with some light modifications. Just pretend they don't say 'Mustang' or 'Camaro' on the car and look at them for what they are.

This.

But this is also the big problem for the Camaro. Purists know how capable the chassis is and in the higher trim levels, the SS 1LE, ZL1, ZL1-1LE, it's absolutely fantastic. There are some compromises, but it's the real meal deal, crazy good handling that can eat up tracks. The lateral Gs that GM is getting from these is just amazing. The SS isn't far behind, besting the previous M4 GTS.

But after that, it does drop off quite a bit. Unless you go for that V6 1LE with the ideal of competing in AutoX, you make some big compromises for not much benefit. In other words, the lower end Mustang and Challenger have less compromises, whether it's visibility or rear seat room, whatever. Most of the people that buy these lower level cars are going to buy an automatic and are generally not concerned much with handling and chassis stiffness. These do make up the bulk of the sales though, so it's the number 1 reason that the Camaro struggles to sell, vs. Challengers and Mustangs. Ford has struggled to make competitive models at the higher levels, for years refusing to put the kind of rubber (width), brakes, cooling and suspension on a Mustang GT that is required to harness the power. They have finally gotten there with the Mach 1, but it's been years to get there. The challenger has never gotten there. We had a Scat-pack widebody at the last autoX and it was just laughable trying to move that weight quickly around turns. But for sales...this all doesn't matter, the lower end cars sell more and these cars have less compromises at those levels. An educated buyer going for a more capable car for carving turns may go with the 1LE or ZL1, but these are just too few drops in the bucket. And then there are the ones that only care about straight line (future EV drivers). The Camaros aren't straight-line cars, they weren't designed for it.

 

[RM7]

As with most things in life, everything is subjective. Not everyone wants a loud car. Even people who like cars/driving. TBH I'm looking forward to leaving the gas powered world. EV whisper quiet and quick is fine by me.

This isn't to say the guttural growl of a nicely tuned big displacement engine isn't something to experience, but I'd kill myself hearing it day in and day out. I listen to music in my car, it's become a time for relaxation for me. Especially when it's bumper to bumper, I aint going anywhere fast anyway.

A guy in a ZL1-1LE pulled up next to me the other day. It's loud. Even with my exhaust fuse pulled to keep my flaps open all the time, mine is nowhere near as loud as that and it's never intrusive. That ZL1-1LE was way, way louder. I couldn't live with that level day to day. If you are throwing straight headers on and an exhaust, yeah, it's going to be loud.

 

[87and66]

A guy in a ZL1-1LE pulled up next to me the other day. It's loud. Even with my exhaust fuse pulled to keep my flaps open all the time, mine is nowhere near as loud as that and it's never intrusive. That ZL1-1LE was way, way louder. I couldn't live with that level day to day. If you are throwing straight headers on and an exhaust, yeah, it's going to be loud.

I have to say, my SS has a Borla ATAK catback, which is the loudest Borla you can get for the Camaro. So, it has volume, for sure. But inside, it’s quieter than my stinger with just an MBRP, which is a pretty docile exhaust. At least until I get above 4000rpm. Even then, it’s not loud inside and there is 0 drone. The 6th gen Camaros have some really good sound deadening. Cruising on the highway, I can barely hear it. With music, I can’t hear it at all.

Edit: just realized I replied to the wrong person and I’m preaching to the choir. Oh well haha

 

[JUMBO PALACE]

Beautiful car, congrats! The Camaro was actually my other option when I was looking at Stingers. I had a 2001 firebird and have always wanted to get into a V8. As a daily though, the Camaco just didn't make sense for me. I frequently do hundreds of miles for work throughout the northeast and a rear wheel drive, 2 door wasn't going to handle that or the big samples I bring with me. When I'm in a position financially and have the space for a second car I'll come back for that V8 power and sound.

 

[ballplayer41291]

As some of you know, I sold the stinger last month and replaced it with a manual 2018 Camaro 2SS. Just thought I'd show some pics and give my thoughts on how the cars compare after owning the Camaro for a few weeks.

A few details on the Camaro: Bought used with 13,000 miles on it. 455 hp, 455 tq. It's a 2SS so it has all the bells and whistles. Even more than my GT had. It came with a Borla ATAK valved (NPP) catback exhaust ($3000 value) and the windows were already tinted. Otherwise, it was stock. I have done an oil catch can, dash cam, 20mm wheel spacers, black ZL1 rear spoiler, and Black ZL1 front splitter so far.

I owned the stinger for 3 years and I stand by the statement that I think it's the best all-around car you can buy for under $60,000. I had some issues during ownership, but I loved the car. After 3 years, my wants and needs changed, so I got the SS. Some comparisons:

Power/acceleration: The SS is faster, no question. But the stinger felt faster off the line. Which makes sense because the stinger was automatic and AWD, and the Camaro is manual and RWD. The difference is, the Camaro has less torque at lower RPMs, but pulls hard all the way to redline. The stinger feels strong at low and mid, but dies off at higher RPM. Again, makes sense, Naturally aspirated vs turbo

Comfort: about the same: the camaro is smoother actually, but my stinger was lowered on H&R springs.

Sound: Camaro wins and its not even close. That 6.2L V8 is something else, especially with the Borla ATAK

Handling and fun factor: I feel like the Camaro handles better than the stinger. I am running summer tires on the Camaro, and always ran DWS06 all seasons on the stinger, sop that may be a factor. But the Camaro has less body roll with stock suspension than the stinger did with aftermarket sway bars and springs. I can only imagine how the 1LE (track pack) handles. The Stinger is a very fun car to drive, but the Camaro having a manual trans and that wonderful sound makes it more fun and engaging to drive.

Practicality: Stinger all day. cargo room. Back seats. AWD. ease of driving since its an auto. But, I have another car for all of that.

TL,DR. Overall, they're both fantastic and very different cars, and I wish I could own both. Here are some pictures. Last one is most recent.
View attachment 70243View attachment 70245View attachment 70244View attachment 70246

I am about to do the same thing. My stinger lease ends soon and I am considering a 2024 Camaro SS. Seeing this review makes me feel a little better about letting go of my much loved Stinger.

 

[AtomicGTL]

For under 60k, there are tons of options better than stinger. Now under 40-45k I agree.

Also Stinger msrp is 50 loaded. 60 is a reach.

 

[87and66]

For under 60k, there are tons of options better than stinger. Now under 40-45k I agree.

Also Stinger msrp is 50 loaded. 60 is a reach.

I don’t know. I still stand by that statement with emphasis on “all around”. So a car that can do just about everything. There are better sports cars, more practical cars, cars with nicer interior, more reliable long term, and so on for under 60k. But when you combine all of the factors, it’s hard to beat the stinger. Especially when you specifically want a sedan.

I am about to do the same thing. My stinger lease ends soon and I am considering a 2024 Camaro SS. Seeing this review makes me feel a little better about letting go of my much loved Stinger.

I have since sold the Camaro and “downgraded” to a 370Z that I manual swapped. And while I actually get more enjoyment out of the Z for less money, I still recommend the Camaro if you want a RWD V8 sports car. It’s fantastic. Especially if you want an automatic. Mine was manual, but I believe a car has to have a certain amount of power to be fun as an automatic, and the Camaro has that.

 

[Volfy]

I seriously considered getting an 6th gen 1LE before these NA V8's all go the way the dodo. Went so far as to test drive a couple of variants. Very entertaining chassis. Far more so than either G70 and Stinger. Rear end has no problem stepping out, if you ask it to, even with the NA V6, and quite controllable. Driver visibility is not the greatest, but nowhere near as bad as some folks make it out to be. IMO, if you're gonna get a 6th gen, the 1LE package is an absolute must. They used to offer it with the 2.0T, but the later model years only available with the SS.

Ultimately, Stinger is a very nice Gran Turismo, while the SS 1LE is a true track-ready sports car. Not really much of a comparison, as they excel in their own respective roles.

 

[87and66]

I seriously considered getting an 6th gen 1LE before these NA V8's all go the way the dodo. Went so far as to test drive a couple of variants. Very entertaining chassis. Far more so than either G70 and Stinger. Rear end has no problem stepping out, if you ask it to, even with the NA V6, and quite controllable. Driver visibility is not the greatest, but nowhere near as bad as some folks make it out to be. IMO, if you're gonna get a 6th gen, the 1LE package is an absolute must. They used to offer it with the 2.0T, but the later model years only available with the SS.

Ultimately, Stinger is a very nice Gran Turismo, while the SS 1LE is a true track-ready sports car. Not really much of a comparison, as they excel in their own respective roles.

I agree except for needing the 1LE package. If you’re never going to be on a track, it’s a waste of money. Unless you just want it for the cool factor. You’ll never be able to drive on the street hard enough to need that added handling capability. My SS handled like an absolute dream on the street. Better than my Z that weighs 600 pounds less. That chassis is world class. But if I were to track the car, I’d want the 1LE for sure.

 

[StingerVetteMan]

While the Stinger is a great car, fun and a very nice place to spend time in, there is nothing like a big old American NA V8, and oh that sound!!
That's why I rarely listen to music when in my Corvette, that exhaust is music!!

 

[Maljey]

For under 60k, there are tons of options better than stinger. Now under 40-45k I agree.

Also Stinger msrp is 50 loaded. 60 is a reach.

That really depends on your criteria. What cars do you consider as better and how are you judging them?

To be fair, I'd consider a loaded Stinger as 55K. That was pretty much the final pricing of a GT2 with AWD.

If you need a 4 door sedan with room for adults in the back, decent luxury, and sporty performance, then its a pretty short list of options at that price.

Maybe you're considering used cars as well, but that's a whole different discussion.

I don’t know. I still stand by that statement with emphasis on “all around”. So a car that can do just about everything. There are better sports cars, more practical cars, cars with nicer interior, more reliable long term, and so on for under 60k. But when you combine all of the factors, it’s hard to beat the stinger. Especially when you specifically want a sedan.


I have since sold the Camaro and “downgraded” to a 370Z that I manual swapped. And while I actually get more enjoyment out of the Z for less money, I still recommend the Camaro if you want a RWD V8 sports car. It’s fantastic. Especially if you want an automatic. Mine was manual, but I believe a car has to have a certain amount of power to be fun as an automatic, and the Camaro has that.

Any reason(s) why you sold the Camaro?

The Stinger is the fastest car I've owed so far. Frankly I don't think I'll want anything faster in the future. I'm already at...extra-legal...speeds moments after mashing the throttle. For a car that's mainly daily use, I don't see the point in getting to 60mph (or whatever) one second faster. Plus I'm always paranoid about a deer jumping out lol. Way too many deer around here, and I'm guaranteed to see a deer carcass anytime I commute on the interstate to work.

I do miss my V6 Camaro for being a little bit slower, but allowing me to wring the engine out on the street without getting into too much excessive speeds.

 

[AtomicGTL]

That really depends on your criteria. What cars do you consider as better and how are you judging them?

To be fair, I'd consider a loaded Stinger as 55K. That was pretty much the final pricing of a GT2 with AWD.

If you need a 4 door sedan with room for adults in the back, decent luxury, and sporty performance, then its a pretty short list of options at that price.

Maybe you're considering used cars as well, but that's a whole different discussion.

Yeah, 55k is not ideal at all, no matter what the features it has.

For another few grand, you're getting a m340i for example. Better in everything not named a hatch cargo.

Now if you're talking about lightly used CPO, that would take out stinger from the top 10 immediately.

 

[Volfy]

I agree except for needing the 1LE package. If you’re never going to be on a track, it’s a waste of money. Unless you just want it for the cool factor. You’ll never be able to drive on the street hard enough to need that added handling capability. My SS handled like an absolute dream on the street. Better than my Z that weighs 600 pounds less. That chassis is world class. But if I were to track the car, I’d want the 1LE for sure.

For sure. If I were to buy a car like that, I'm definitely tracking it. It would be buying a Daytona 765 R and only road ride with it. There are better tools for that sort of use.

The local AutoX always has at least 4-5 SS1LE's in F Street class. Every track day I've been to, 6th gen 1LE's also make up a good portion of the attendees.

 

[87and66]

Any reason(s) why you sold the Camaro?

I have a daily driver and a motorcycle. Paid cash for both. Financed the Camaro and found myself paying way too much for a car I drove once or twice a week. Just wasn’t worth the cost.

For sure. If I were to buy a car like that, I'm definitely tracking it. It would be buying a Daytona 765 R and only road ride with it.

It makes me happy to see Triumph mentioned. I absolutely love my street triple 765. Best bike I’ve ever owned. It’s the RS, so it has all the goodies. Up and down quick shifter, brembo brakes, Ohlins rear suspension, rider modes, traction control, wheelie control, etc. But… I do not track it. Closest track is too far away and I don’t have a truck to transport it.

 

[Volfy]

I have a daily driver and a motorcycle. Paid cash for both. Financed the Camaro and found myself paying way too much for a car I drove once or twice a week. Just wasn’t worth the cost.


It makes me happy to see Triumph mentioned. I absolutely love my street triple 765. Best bike I’ve ever owned. It’s the RS, so it has all the goodies. Up and down quick shifter, brembo brakes, Ohlins rear suspension, rider modes, traction control, wheelie control, etc. But… I do not track it. Closest track is too far away and I don’t have a truck to transport it.

Hehe... I bought the 765R intending on modding it into a Streetona to replace my aging GSXR600 track bunny. Then my son and I got our G70 and Stinger, and we went tracking those instead. At least it's good for him and I to go ride together.

 

[87and66]

Hehe... I bought the 765R intending on modding it into a Streetona to replace my aging GSXR600 track bunny. Then my son and I got our G70 and Stinger, and we went tracking those instead. At least it's good for him and I to go ride together.

Love it! You picked the right bike for sure. Only reason I got the RS over the R is because I got an insanely good deal. It was used with only 800 miles on it. First owner went from a grom to the striple. He didn’t say it, but I’m pretty sure he was just scared of it. Got about $4k off of MSRP for basically a brand new bike

 

[Volfy]

Love it! You picked the right bike for sure. Only reason I got the RS over the R is because I got an insanely good deal. It was used with only 800 miles on it. First owner went from a grom to the striple. He didn’t say it, but I’m pretty sure he was just scared of it. Got about $4k off of MSRP for basically a brand new bike

I would've gotten the RS if there was a good deal for one. This R popped up locally and the seller was fairly motivated, so I went with it. Either way, the suspension would've gotten swapped out for the Daytona build, but the RS would still have better front Brembos and a factory engine tune slightly better for the track.

LOL... previous owner of mine was very similar to yours. He actually downgraded to a Royal Enfield Himalayan. In talking to him, it was clear he was still very much a newb that found the 765R a bit too much bike and didn't ride it much either. Judging from both brake rotors, he didn't use the front brakes much, as there was only appreciable wear on the rear rotor. Yikes!

BTW, I'm a huge fan of Hinckley triples. This was my garage at one time: