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Battle of the Chevrolet Camaros - ZL1 vs 1LE

Compare a fast car to an even faster one - the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs the 1LE

Auto Trader

Words by: Auto Trader

Published on 19 January 2022 | 0 min read

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1; a muscle car so hardcore, it’s banned in Europe and even in parts of America. It challenges the most advanced sports coupes in the world and has unprecedented levels of technology, refinement, track capability and straight-line acceleration. The supercharged 6.2L V8 engine allows it to race from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds.
It is fast, rare and attractive, but how does it compare to the even more hardcore ZL1 1LE? Let’s find out.

How much do they cost?

Over in America the base price for the ZL1 comes in at $62,495, whilst the basic 1LE can be purchased for $69,995. Here Rory drives a ZL1 modified to something close to 1LE spec with an upgraded air intake and supercharger. Check out his review to feast your ears on the manic roar of the exhaust.

Is there a difference in engines?

The ZL1 1LE’s supercharged V8 carries over from the ZL1 unchanged. Though the 1LE’s engine can breathe slightly better due to optimised grille and intake openings, swallowing 106 cubic feet more air per minute than the regular ZL1.
The 1LE also differs from the ZL1 in its suspension, which is fully adjustable so enthusiast owners can set it up for maximum performance depending whether they are driving on road or track, Its springs are three times stiffer than those in the ZL1, meaning you’ll likely feel every single bump in the road. The two Camaros also differ in wheel size, with the 1LE using 19-inch wheels in place of the ZL1’s 20-inchers, reducing weight of the vehicle by about 6kg. Traditionally American muscle cars like the Camaro have been considered fast in straight lines but off the pace of European supercars through the corners. The ZL1 1LE proves that myth wrong in spectacular style, with devastating speed on drag strips and twisty racetracks like the Nürburgring alike. Compare Camaros on AutoTrader by clicking here.