P235/55R-16 tires on alloy wheels, quicker steering ratio and, if equipped
with the automatic transmission, a lower rear axle ratio, which enhances
acceleration.
Those wanting more and whose budgets will absorb not only the extra
cost of the car but also the extra cost of insurance, will opt for the
LT1 V8-powered Z28 (Formula or Trans Am if it's a Firebird). With 285 horsepower
and a standard six-speed manual transmission, it makes the Camaro or Firebird
a genuine high-performance car that's capable of 150 mph-plus.
If that's not enough, order the Camaro SS with forced air induction
or Firebird WS6 with Ram Air and the horsepower goes to 305, accompanied
by further suspension upgrades. When you get to this level, you'll be straddling
the $30,000 frontier, but you'll also be buying performance that would
cost about $20,000 more almost everywhere else.
For this review we looked at a base Camaro Coupe, which includes air
conditioning and the 3800 V6 with five-speed manual transmission. Base
price was $16,215, plus destination of $525. In addition, it had the $1231
Preferred Equipment Group 2, (option code 1SC), which includes cruise control,
remote hatch release, fog lamps, power doors, windows and mirrors, leather-wrapped
steering wheel, remote keyless entry and theft deterrent. The option code
Y87 performance package was another $400, 16-inch alloy wheels added $275,
the P235/55R16 tires were $132, the AM/FM cassette uplevel sound system
was $215, a rear window defogger added $170, power driver's seat was $270
and carpeted rear mats were $15. This brought it to $19,448, and gave us
a car with a remarkable combination of performance and price.
For some alternatives, base price plus destination on an RS coupe is
$18,495; on an unadorned Z28 coupe it's $20,640, which would give you a
lot of go for the money but you'd have to crank the windows and listen
to a basic radio. Or, load up a Z28 convertible until your pencil wore
out and the bottom line could eke over $31,000. Next Page