Why I BOUGHT a 2023 SS 1LE Camaro not a ZL1 1LE!

Now you know why I bought the SS and not a ZL1. Check out Asfar’s channel here 👉 youtube.com/@HotRodsDFW

As a ZL1/1LE owner…on a racetrack - no contest. ZL1/1LE puts down power better…it did 7:16 at the Nurburgring after all. Things that people don’t know - The Aero was developed at the Mercedes F1 Wind Tunnel. The rear glass is thinner for less sound insulation and weight. The front lower grill is very different and chugs in 106cu.ft more air than the base ZL1. The wheels are forged unlike cast wheels for most Vettes to date. You can brake harder beyond the ABS threshold in the ZLE and there is no ICE mode. The 6spd has a shorter ratio in 6th gear to go like a bat out of hell in any gear. The ZLE has a solid subframe where the chassis is bolt to the body with little to no rubber. What it means is information and confidence at the limit. The stock GY3R tires are for track only with very stiff sidewalls. Most change to the Michelin PS4S for the street and it changes the ride immensely. The ZLE is GM’s version of the GT3RS. In short - lots more easter eggs.

I've had both.. I sold the ZL1 1LE and and bought ANOTHER SS1LE.. I really enjoyed the ZLE,, but in the end, it was so overkill that it wasn't as fun to drive in 99% of my driving scenarios. In the end, I sold it for ALOT more than I spent on it when the market was crazy high on used cars and later bought a brand new 2023 SS 1LE. Super happy to be back in a SS 1LE.

I have an SS and I swear I floated a rib taking corners. She holds the road so well!!!

6-speed manual is Everything.

It was an awesome day Mike - loved hanging out with your beautiful SS 1LE and those crazy C8 launches for sure :D

This 100% helped me. I currently drive a 2019 GTI and plan on keeping it as a daily when I get my next car. It's fun and practical. For a while I was really deadset on getting a 21+ Mach 1 with the tremec. Then I saw how much cheaper the SS was with the 1LE package. I was looking at ZL1 1LE's as well. Just like you had mentioned, I want to also be able to put 100% of the power to the ground on the street and not worry as much about losing traction. Did not know it did not have the magnetic ride suspension. For me, that's a big selling point. I've never had a car with it and would love to experience it. Another selling point is the torque and power curve of the LT1 compared to the Coyote. I'll test drive one eventually but I do like the idea of how much more usable the entire torque curve is in the LT1. So now I'm looking to get an SS 1LE by the end of the year. Not sure if I want to get a lightly used one or build one to my own liking from the factory for the final model year. I have no doubt they are, but the LT1 is a pretty reliable engine right? Even with a good chunk of mileage on it? P.S. Found your channel about a week ago and love the content! Very informative. New subscriber

The ZL1-1LE has wider front fenders, thinner glass, also has parts that you add underneath to help with airflow that come in a box in the trunk when you get it new, when I got my ZL1-1LE, although it was very difficult to get (waited a year) the SS-1LE was even harder to get. I don't daily mine, and if I had to, I would definitely say the SS-1LE or regular ZL1 would be a more livable choice. The ZL1-1LE also has a completely different front fascia than the reg ZL1, beyond just the dive planes, it eliminates the led lights, and has additional scoops around the central grille opening, hard to notice unless u see them side by side. I really liked this video, because I really feel like these 2 are going to be Camaros that people will want, and will be the ones that hold their value. 👍👍👍🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

My son had a Crush Orange 2019 2SS 1LE. It was sooo much fun to drive. That mag ride was sweet. He now has a 2023 ZL1 1LE. Equally as fun, just a very different animal and ride!

I had a Yellow 2017 1LE and it was one of the best cars I’ve ever owned or driven. Great engine, great transmission and one of the greatest suspensions ever! Lightweight 0-60 in 4.0 seconds

Thanks again. I always wanted to know about the differences.

Another life long Texan here, 4 years ago I test drove 3 ZL1'S all used, 2 were 1LE's they broke my heart on the rough ride. Found a white ZL1 with all OEM 1LE parts added, with 2700 miles, she's been with me for 4 years and almost 30K, magnetic ride is wonderful, and I will eventually get to COTA with it. The SS sounds louder due to higher compression, my ZL1 has borla Atak cat back, it speaks to your soul and everyone around you .😂

Love that supercharger whine.That would be my choice.

That’s why I got a regular ZL1 , mag ride is awesome and you get a sunroof for the already cramped interior

Well done. I was faced with this same decision last summer when I went car shopping. Im not wealthy but could have gotten either car. It was between a 18' 2SS 1LE with 6k miles or a 18' ZLE 3k miles. I was omw to drive the ZLE and saw the freshly traded SS 1LE at local Chevrolet dealer. Decided to stop and take a look at the SS 1LE took it for a drive keeping in mind this is pretty much be my DD except for couple months or rain. Id heard all the things about the ride of ZLE making it almost impossible to DD, loved the 2SS 1LE and never went to drive the ZLE. I love my 2SS 1LE but been thinking maybe I made a mistake. This video reminded me why I made the right choice for me. Great video. Thanks guys

Got my 6-speed manual 2022 SS 1LE last May Satin Steel Metallic. Took six months from order to delivery. It's not a daily only have 2200 miles on it right now but I enjoy driving it every time I get it out. I probably could have ordered it without a sound system, I rarely listen the radio because I love the sound of that LT1 engine. So, for me the SS 1LE was a much better option because of $20,000 difference and I can put full power to the road without traction issues. It's also a fly looking ride.

I couldn't resist, so I bought both. Both are in the rapid blue. Both are awesome track cars.😎

Awesome cars. I bought a 2020 ss 1le 1ss at the beginning of covid when you could still get a deal. It stickered for45000 and i got it for 42000 otd. I think that is a fantastic value for a true sportscar.

Mike very good vlog sir! Keep up the good work!!👍🏽

Hey Mike, sorry I have been AWOL for a bit…a couple of weeks in the Caribbean doing some snorkeling. Great to see Asfar again! Welcome back, man! Love both cars. I must say that as much as I enjoy my C8, I do not get the rush I do in my modded C7Z. But I love both and they both serve different desires. My C8 is stock, and my C7Z has 681/675 wheels numbers. If I had to choose one of the Camaros and could only have one toy, it would be the LT4 With mag ride. I have Z51 and mag ride on both of my Corvettes and love it, but I know I would miss the extra horsepower given the choice of only one. Great video, guys! I am one of Asfar’s subs and enjoy his content as well.