Help me decide: 2008 TYPE-S or 2011 Camaro 2SS?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:13 AM
  #1  
cynep's Avatar
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Help me decide: 2008 TYPE-S or 2011 Camaro 2SS?

Looking for some input... Found a 2008 Type-S 6 Speed in bronze with ony 19K miles. At first I got pretty excited about it, as I had leased a "regular" TL and liked it. But then seeing a Camaro 2SS, V8, 6 speed, in Cyber Gray made me all nice and tingly all over.

Now I can't decide... Front Wheel Drive on a "sleeper" performer with looks (and $10K less price sticker) my accountant would approve.... or rear wheel drive "I eat asphalt for breakfast, lunch, and dinner" Camaro 2SS?

Keep in mind, this will be my daily driver and I live in snow-prone Philly region.

So, do I respond to a sensible side or do I get a 2 door monster?
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:20 AM
  #2  
images's Avatar
05 NBP
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: From SoCal, currently in VA
well, your asking acura enthusiasts a question comparing acuras (which we all obviously own) to another car, i'm not saying you wont get un-biased opinions here, but a lot of them are.

It really depends on what YOU prefer, drive them both and see which you like better, i personally don't like the camaro styling at all, havn't seen the interior but nothing could convince me otherwise based on the outside looks.

TL is classy, timeless, and plenty fun enough to drive.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:20 AM
  #3  
VQPower37's Avatar
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,386
Likes: 84
I say go for the TL ... you will have the mix of sports luxury and the 6 speed. And during the snow no issues that you will face with RWD
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:22 AM
  #4  
swoosh's Avatar
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
you are comparing 2 very different cars....

i would get the camaro just for a fun car....but the TL is more of a daily driver....plus if you live in philly where u get crazy amount of snow i would venture into a 4WD....

just my
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:45 AM
  #5  
cnauticav's Avatar
Intermediate
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: FLA
I know where you are coming from. Before I decided to go with my 08 TL-S, I was looking at the 2010 Challenger R/T. I drove both and realized one very important thing. Looks, styling, and front/rear wheel drive aside, they drive completely different. I had American muscle before and loved it. The question was, do I want my daily driver to drive like my other car, or do I want something that will drive like a sports car?

For me, this was an easy question to answer. Although I really enjoy driving rear wheel drive cars, I was looking for a car that handles more like a sports car rather than a Cadillac.
Ultimately you will buy a car that is very hard to find(TL-S) in great condition, low miles, and a rare model, or a car that is a classic American muscle car that can be fun to drive in the snow.

Lastly, for me to consider the SS, I know I would have to dump $$$ in order to bring it up to standards with the TL-S.
Hope that helps.

BTW, I always said I would eventually buy another American muscle car when I could afford to find the exact car I wanted and then upgrade it to the max but now that I have found the TL-S, I much rather go the sports car/luxury path.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:51 AM
  #6  
Waltah's Avatar
Burning Brakes
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 14
From: conus
if you have the money for a muscle car....you should be looking at a 2011 GT.....not the camaro aka overweight pig that cant handle and gets teabagged by the 11 GT in all facets of being a performance vehicle.

aside from that....you live in philly. how the hell are you going to get around in the winter in a muscle car?

this thread is borderline stupid. 2 totally different vehicles for 2 totally different types of purposes.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:55 AM
  #7  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
2011 Challenger SRT 8 6.4L hemi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 12:02 PM
  #8  
jesseray's Avatar
aka CGC
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 204
Likes: 1
From: Scottsbluff, NE
I say TL-S. I was looking at all kinds of vehicles before my purchase last month. But i also wanted something practical. I tossed around the idea of a C5 Vette, SRT-8 Jeep and a few others, but im happy with what i ended up with.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 12:05 PM
  #9  
Persia-TL's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 150
Likes: 2
Tl-s ftw!!!
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 12:15 PM
  #10  
JMooSeR's Avatar
Instructor
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Originally Posted by justnspace
2011 Challenger SRT 8 6.4L hemi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes! Haha!

In all seriousness... Like others have said... Apples to oranges... what are you in the mood for?

TL-S for practicality and Fun! And a great online community
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 12:16 PM
  #11  
princelybug's Avatar
LIST/RAMEN/WING MAHSTA 짱
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 22,453
Likes: 210
From: Orange, CA
Welcome, OP. In a snow prone region, go with the FWD car.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 12:23 PM
  #12  
sixsixfour's Avatar
Drifting
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 213
From: CA
TL-S. unless you want to be driving from inside a pillbox which is what you will feel when you drive the Camaro. visibility is nil.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 01:18 PM
  #13  
Nukeman's Avatar
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Mahopac,NY
That Camaro gets the front of my shirt all wet too but as a daily driver in snow country,,,,,it's the '08 TL-S (also my daily ride).
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 01:38 PM
  #14  
blkaspec's Avatar
Full of water...
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,284
Likes: 11
From: Michigan
TL-S...even though the SS would be tons-o-fun. And think about this...you will be looking at the inside of the car WAY more often than you will be looking at the outside, and the TL is WAAAAYYYYY better looking inside than the Camaro. So what do you want, performance...or everything else?
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 05:50 PM
  #15  
cynep's Avatar
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Hey everyone, thanks for the input. I understand that it's hard to compare the two and each is in a class of it's own. I guess what I'm looking for is opinions on a "fun factor", since practicality and Camaro do not really fit into the same sentence, for the most part.

I know that from a practicality standpoint there are not too many cars that fit the bill as nicely as a TL Type S, while offering fun and good looks. And deep down on a very secret level this thread wouldn't even exist, had I found an identical TL in blue (as it is my favorite TL Type S color).

However, having driven a V8 Camaro 6 Speed I couldn't help but grin silly, while driving a TL was more of a disconnected experience, no offense to TL or it's die hard owners. I also suspect that this fact has a potential of significantly boosting revenues of various speed enforcement agencies...

Perhaps I should mention an ace in my back pocket - I got an RSX Type S right now, which could be my "winter/bad weather" daily driver. Which wouldn't be needed if I had a TL. So, not only it's $10K more but also cost of additional insurance +potential value of RSX.

Yes, I know - practicality speaks for itself, TL Type-S is the way to go... but you only live once, no? Wouldn't you wanna have a little fun? Kind of fun that Acura, as nice as it is, just wouldn't be able to provide?

It's like a girl who's classy and polite and educated but very timid in the sack vs that rowdy and loose girl that's dangerous, hot, not the kind you'd bring home to mom... but who will put a smile on your face every time you ride 'er...

I just can't decide... damn it.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 05:53 PM
  #16  
TeknoKing's Avatar
Race Director
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 10,497
Likes: 279
Originally Posted by cynep
Keep in mind, this will be my daily driver and I live in snow-prone Philly region.
enough said???
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 06:17 PM
  #17  
wubstyle's Avatar
Intermediate
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: NYC
If you have the RSX then I think the Camaro is a no brainer. I hope you have a garage. I put a Camaro 2SS in the "stupid to leave it out in the bad weather" category.

If it were going to be the only car you owned then I would definitely say the Type-S though.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 07:23 PM
  #18  
cjTL's Avatar
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,899
Likes: 299
From: Grand Rapids, MI
If you live in an area with snow in winter, neither are the best options...
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 07:31 PM
  #19  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
sounds like you already made up your mind, with the fun car.

this all is on you and your decision.
if you can afford the car, then go ahead.
if you cant, get the cheaper of the two.


again, the weight is on YOU. not us.

I think its silly when people ask these kind of questions.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 07:51 PM
  #20  
wraithvr442's Avatar
Advanced
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
The Camaro is a cool weekend car, but its not a great DD and you will get sick of filling it with gas all the time
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 08:48 PM
  #21  
NJ SHAWD's Avatar
Back From The dead
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 53
From: NJ
Drove the Camaro as a rental. 6 cyl had plenty of balls and one of the most responsive 6 speed autos.
Sub 6 second 0-60, 28 mpg hwy and the ride was decent. SO there's a third option if you're trying to be somewhat responsible and still have fun.

That said, you live in Philly. Yes there's snow but the roads are cleared pretty fast...it won't matter if you drive the TL or the Camaro in what's left on the roads. Neither will be terrible. Drive the RSX in the shit, or just stay home if it's that bad.
I went TL because I have to take customers out and needed a 4-door. I would have gone 6cyl 2LT RS otherwise.

Just my opinion
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 09:05 PM
  #22  
swoosh's Avatar
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
Dude if you have a DD then hell yes go for the camaro....better yet....Ford Mustang GT ?
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 09:25 PM
  #23  
bforbrian's Avatar
Safety Car
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 134
From: NY
Originally Posted by sixsixfour
TL-S. unless you want to be driving from inside a pillbox which is what you will feel when you drive the Camaro. visibility is nil.
Interesting you mentioned that, my friend said the exact same thing in terms of visibility from inside to out. Apparently the dashboard was designed poorly so that you don't get an efficient view out the windshield.

The most basic model camaro can spank the TL-S bone stock to bone stock, but with the camaro you are paying for the engine and the exterior styling. The interior in terms of looks and feel when you are behind the wheel are shit.

With the TL-S, you get the best of both worlds, sacrificing a little bit of engine power.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 09:29 PM
  #24  
d-townhakuzo's Avatar
Drifting
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,157
Likes: 40
From: Dallas, TX
I think the TL would make a better daily overall, and FWD is better in snow. But, I like the Camaro SS's, so I'm undecided. But I say help yourself out economically and get something you can afford.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 09:31 PM
  #25  
murph145's Avatar
Drifting
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 139
From: simi valley, cali
2011 mustang shelby GT500!!
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 09:41 PM
  #26  
swoosh's Avatar
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
GT500 gets expensive....50K for a new one....

i would go with just the GT...which is ~28K...and it has a 5.0L v8 .... i think you get the bang for ur buck !!!
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 09:54 PM
  #27  
TonemanTLS's Avatar
LUV MY 2007 CBP TLS
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
take the tl-s but im bias Camaro sexy though but not a good daily driver....
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 09:57 PM
  #28  
murph145's Avatar
Drifting
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 139
From: simi valley, cali
Originally Posted by swoosh
GT500 gets expensive....50K for a new one....

i would go with just the GT...which is ~28K...and it has a 5.0L v8 .... i think you get the bang for ur buck !!!
true and look up the stock 11 GT 5.0L beats the Camaro's 6.2L in the quarter mile
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:02 PM
  #29  
youngwhon's Avatar
Youngwhon
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 71
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
the camaro is damn sexy....but im gonna have to say the TL =)
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:08 PM
  #30  
jungy4's Avatar
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 482
Likes: 11
From: Nashville, TN
If you can keep your RSX(a perfect daily driver) and afford a new car why not get a RWD?

GM cars don't hold their values well though. I wouldn't buy those things new.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:28 PM
  #31  
SpiderX1016's Avatar
Three Wheelin'
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 96
Originally Posted by swoosh
GT500 gets expensive....50K for a new one....

i would go with just the GT...which is ~28K...and it has a 5.0L v8 .... i think you get the bang for ur buck !!!
and you can get a supercharger from Ford for $8,000 and wipe the floor with most things out there.


OP, If you already have a DD beater then I'd get the Camaro.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:28 PM
  #32  
cnauticav's Avatar
Intermediate
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: FLA
Problem Solved

Originally Posted by cynep

It's like a girl who's classy and polite and educated but very timid in the sack vs that rowdy and loose girl that's dangerous, hot, not the kind you'd bring home to mom... but who will put a smile on your face every time you ride 'er...

.
^^^
That's exactly right.

Now let me help you out. You already have a front wheel drive rsx. Sure getting the TL-S would be an upgrade, but not really worth buying, especially since you're unsure.

Get the SS, or mustang , change the gears to lets say, 3.43 and treat her like she slept with your brother.

Remember, she likes it rough, so give her what she wants.

That's what I did to my 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo SS and she loved it. She has since moved on to hopefully a better life where her ass won't break lose every chance I got and over heat.

BTW, yes I'm talking about the car.
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:38 PM
  #33  
murph145's Avatar
Drifting
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 139
From: simi valley, cali
^ lmao
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:41 PM
  #34  
lightjak_tsx's Avatar
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 737
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area, CA
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 11:55 PM
  #35  
Tehvine's Avatar
6spd FTW
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 49
From: is everything.
My only complaint about the new Camaro (have a V6 in the driveway) is the shit for visibility and the manuals don't feel right in them. However it has some nice haunches to stare at if you adjust the side mirrors in a bit. Definitely can be made to look very aggressive. Steering is very touchy in them too - not necessarily a bad thing. They just need to release a good SC kit for the 6.

Also, forget about any normal sized humans sitting in the back. I am 5'11 and my head is smashed against the roof if I try to sit in the rear.
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2010 | 06:16 AM
  #36  
Bayam0n's Avatar
Veni, vidi, vici
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 4
From: boston
Originally Posted by Tehvine
Also, forget about any normal sized humans sitting in the back. I am 5'11 and my head is smashed against the roof if I try to sit in the rear.
lol

type-s all the way.
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2010 | 06:59 AM
  #37  
cynep's Avatar
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
See, I'm not the only one who has a soft spot for Camaro. I'm not a Ford person, never was - therefore no mustang (or charger, for that matter) for me. Just something about Camaro that I like. I think for now, I'll get a type s and see how it goes... until next summer, when Z24 and convertible are due out.

Thanks everyone for your comments - believe it or not but it helped make up my mind.
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2010 | 07:03 AM
  #38  
ClemsonAcura's Avatar
Advanced
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56
Likes: 2
I would stick with the TL as the daily driver. To me the camaro is depreciating too fast to want to sink money into it. Also when you start having a beater and a fun car you or at least I always ended up in the beater everywhere i went...

I didnt want to get the "fun car" dirty, dinged, mileage, blah blah blah....
so I never drove it...it was beautiful in my garage and I smiled silly every time I opened the garage and drove it...but it was one day out of 15 and less then that in Denver's winter (i was actually more nervous about rocks hitting it on the highway there).

The TL-S makes me smile with its thoughtfulness all the time...it does things that I think are just cool and it makes me smile even when I am not dragging...
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2010 | 08:17 AM
  #39  
Tehvine's Avatar
6spd FTW
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 49
From: is everything.
The Camaro is a cool car and all, but I smile every time I get in the 6spd TL. Our Camaro does not do that... maybe if it were the V8? Not sure, I'm assuming no since I've drooled over having a 6spd TL for years.
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2010 | 08:23 AM
  #40  
TheChamp531's Avatar
Chapter Leader (San Antonio)
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 437
From: Houston, Texas
Too be honest, when I bought my car I had a whole long list of cars I wanted and "thought" I'd like. Of course, the Camaro was not released at that time (the newer version at least). I chose the TL because of the reliability, looks, and longevity that the car brings. At that time, 3-4 years till Med School I didn't want a car that will break down on me in a crucial time in my life either. The Type-S is even a bigger plus as I bought just the base. Either way it is always up to you, but the Type-S wins hands down in a budget, luxury, and best bang for your buck class. I wouldn't trade my car for any car until it starts in the M3 price range. I don't care for the IS series, the Camaros, def. not the mustangs (POS), or any Benz/3 series bimmers (even though 335i's are nice and was 2nd on my list when I bought my car).
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:46 AM.