GM F-body: Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird

Chevrolet Camaro
Pontiac Firebird
Think in American way : a sports car with 300 horsepower V8, storms from rest to 60 mph takes less than 5 and a half seconds, with aggressive styling that might scare your mother, just cost the same as a 2 litres turbocharged import coupe. Can you resist it ?  

Obviously, the strongest selling point of Pontiac Firebird and Chevrolet Camaro is value for performance. This comes from the all-alloy LS1 engine, that is, 5665c.c. ohv alloy V8 with 305hp and 335lbft. Originally reserved only for Corvette, this engine became standard in Firebird and Camaro, despite of detuned. If not enough, the Ram-Air (forced induction) option can boost power to 320hp. Of course, poorer customers can choose the "Series II" 200hp 3.8 V6, but the price is 100 horsepower.  

You may wonder why they could be so cheap. Poor build quality and cheap components / material used ( look at the cabin! ) are the most apparent reasons, but the lack of development is also important - just see the live-axle rear suspensions and you will understand. Also because of lack of development, you can hardly expect outstanding handling precision and riding comfort.  

In recent years, the pony car market is declining. As we know, GM does not have any plan to replace the current Camaro and Firebird. These famous names are likely to disappear in a few years time. 
 

The above report was last updated on 18 Feb 99. All Rights Reserved.

Specifications

Model
Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Pontiac Firebird Ram Air
Layout
Front-engined, Rwd
Front-engined, Rwd
Dimensions
L / W / H / WB : 
4915 / 1882 / 1300 / 2568 mm
L / W / H / WB : 
4923 / 1892 / 1321 / 2568 mm
Engine
V8, ohv, 2v/cyl.
V8, ohv, 2v/cyl, ram air.
Capacity
5665 c.c.
5665 c.c.
Power
305 hp
320 hp
Torque
335 lbft
345 lbft
Transmission
6M
6M
Suspensions
F: Double wishbones; R: Live axle
Tyres
All : 245 / 50 ZR16
All : 245 / 50 ZR16
Weight
1560 kg
N/A
Top speed
158 mph *
N/A
0-60 mph
5.4 sec**
N/A
0-100 mph
12.6 sec*
N/A
 
* Tested by Car and Driver
** Tested by Road & Track
 

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