I am the proud new owner of a white, 2015 Camaro 1LE. Specifically a 1SS non-RS package. My previous car to this is a white 2005 AP2 S2000. This is a write up explaining my experience with some of the key differences in owning two very different vehicles. Both are absolutely fantastic and are bargains at each range of their price points.
I have owned the s2000 for about 2 years. I bought the car with 97,XXX miles. Since then, I have made a couple mods to invest in common wear tear items and improvements, with a focus on track performance. Stage 2.5 ClutchMasters clutch with a lightweight flywheel, Tanabe custom G exhaust, RPF1's, Hankook Evo 2's, INJEN CAI.
On the track, the s2000 has great steering response and a tight gearbox. The lack of torque, even in the high rev range of a track atmosphere, means I must keep it in VTEC to keep momentum at an acceptable level. Braking is very poor with the stock 1 piston brakes. This would be my next improvement if I was looking to invest more in the car. The stock suspension is great, with very little roll or dive. The car is better suited to autocross than a large track with sweeping corners, which is what I was on.
On the road the s2000 is fun, but misses out because of a lack of torque. You simply cannot get off the line or past traffic in a low-effort way, and with the exhaust and need to break 4000rpm everywhere, you feel like you are always high effort. Comfort is sparse as the car is very cramped, so passengers must deal with a go-kart type experience. Not much in the way of luxuries, as even in 2005, the s2000 was behind on amenities. Road noise is very loud, since you are in a rag top.
The 1LE on the other hand is completely different, as you might imagine. It addresses every single short coming I have with the s2000, while retaining a number of qualities.
First and foremost is the powertrain. Moving from a 2.2L 4 cylinder to a 6.2L LS3 is one of the biggest adjustments in car ownership you can probably make. I feel like I am driving a space shuttle, ready to launch into orbit when cruising at 3,000rpm and feeding some throttle. The exhaust note is glorious, with a 2 stage system that opens up as you get higher in the revs. As a person approaching my 30's in the next couple of years, this more mature take on sound is welcome, as the revy and loud Tanabe exhaust can become grating and juvenile. Simply put, girls seem much more comfortable and enthusiastic about getting in the Camaro vs. the s2000 (I have tested this and noted my results).
The two cars are both great in transmission qualities. I did not sacrifice anything here, with the 6 speed Tremec in the Chevy being very low effort (light) and extremely durable. One thing you are always cognizant of in driving the s2000 is that is not made to be launched too hard or abused too much off the line. You do not want to break your glass rear diff. On the other hand, the Camaro oozes confidence in durability. I know it is not fair to compare a car with 100k+ miles versus a brand new car in it's ability to be reliable, but these are inherent design qualities of each car.
The 1LE is an absolutely gigantic vehicle, meaning that the s2000 feels like a go-kart when you get back in it. It is actually a very pleasant change, and even though the s2000 loses out on power, it steel feels quick in a way, due to the high responsiveness of the engine, along with light weight and agility. I have no problem seeing out my Camaro, which is a common complaint people list.
Braking in the Camaro is the second biggest improvement after the engine. The 4 piston calipers in front and rear are amazing, even with having to stop a 4000lb tub. The brakes and tires on the 1LE can easily outbrake the stock s2000, and I imagine the Camaro can still outbreak the s2000 even if you were to get upgraded brakes, simply because the 1lE has such huge wheels and brakes, on all 4 corners. I could be wrong, but it would be a fun test.
Another huge improvement in the Camaro is the creature comforts. It is a 10 year newer car, so it has that going for it. The interior is much better than what I was expecting. I hated Chevy interiors in the 2000's and I knew the Camaro was going to have a lot of plastic. However, it is very acceptable and with the Alcantara flat-bottom wheel and shifter, the things you touch are very nice. The MyLink infotainment system is gigantic and feels premium. Much better than the 2015 Mustang GT I drove that had a tiny screen (it was the non premium, performance pack). Seats are big and comfy and my single passenger can relax in comfortable atmosphere.
I have yet to take the 1LE on the track. I expect that final experiment will be the most jarring for me and I cannot wait to get out there in August. Gas mileage and tires are my only real cost increases (aside from the price of the car, obviously).
If you are wondering why I did not wait for the 2016 Camaro, it is because the 1LE is exactly what I want in a car. The stock 20" inch wheels from the ZL1 are fantastic. Brembo brakes on all 4 corners. Suspension sorted out from Chevy. Great looks with splitter and matte black hood. Exhaust already good to go with NPP. This type of package is not likely to come out in 2016 Camaro (aside from a possible basic performance pack) and the prices will be inflated in the first year. The only 2 mods I would consider for the car would be springs to lower an inch or 2, and a supercharger post-warranty.
If you are looking for a unique car with a ton of bang for your buck, check out the 1LE. I do not believe you can find another car that will get you out the door under $40k that puts up the type of numbers it does. It competes easily in the $50k and $60k price range, only starting to be equaled or bettered in the $70k bracket.
The s2000 is still a fantastic vehicle. Whoever purchases the car will have a great vehicle that will get respect and looks from car and non-car fans. That is hard to find in something in the 10 grand price range.
Edit : Grammar
Pics (4 images) : http://imgur.com/W1wWu1I,rEk3ss4,71Z5P2G,rG7So4Q
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