Then and Now

 

I was recently watching an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage and as always when I see classic cars I began to get a bit nostalgic.  The sixties “Muscle Cars”, the memories of “Cruising Riverside” in Spokane.  The hours and hours I spent messing around under the hood, the speeding tickets (ya Mom, I got a few of those.)  Boy, they don’t make them like that anymore!

Then I began thinking about the new generation of “Muscle Cars” and I began pondering the changes over the years.  I clearly remember 1980 when GM put the first on-board computers in cars.  I was working at a Chevrolet dealership at that time, and it was quite a shake-up.  I remember hearing (and saying) “computers do not belong on cars!”  I mean seriously, computers were not even in homes yet.  We had no clue what computers would evolve into in the automotive world.

The 1980’s era computer controlled fuel systems vehicles seem a bit barbaric compared to what we have today.  Cars today have multiple on-board computers/modules that control almost everything on the vehicle, even things as simple as backup lights are controlled through a body control module.  So I began to process what that means in the difference between the original muscle cars and the newest generation and how they evolved through the years.  I researched the specs between the legendary 1967 Camaro Z/28 and 2014 Camaro Z/28.

Cosmetics, well they are both beautiful cars.  The 1967 was 184.6 inches in length compared to 190.4 in the 5^th generation Camaro.  The wheel base specs are 67 – 108.1”, 2014 – 112.3”, not a lot of difference.  Comparing these to other generation Camaros surprised me, I always felt the second generation Camaros seemed like a pretty big car compared to the 1^st  generation and the 5^th generation.  In reality the 70’s version had a wheelbase of 108, almost identical to the ’67, with the sheet metal growing 4 inches, but smaller than the 2014 in both wheelbase and overall length.

Other comparisons:

	1967		2014
Height	51.5”		52.4”
Width	72.3”		76.9”
Curb Weight	3355 lbs		3800 lbs
Engine	5.0L Iron		7.0L Aluminum
Horsepower	290@ 5800 RPM		505@6100 RPM
Transmission	4 spd manual		6 spd manual
Brakes, Front	11” Disc		Carbone ceramic 15.3” disc (6 piston)
Brakes, Rear	9” Drum		Carbone ceramic 15.3” disc (6 piston)
Suspension, Front	Independent, Coil Spring		Independent, Multi-link strut
Suspension, Rear	Solid axle, Leaf Springs		Independent, 4.5-link
Base Price	$3,527 (current Value is approx. $39,500 #1 Condition) (Low?)		$75,000
0-60	7.1 Seconds		4.1 Seconds
¼ Mile E/T	15.7 Seconds		12.3 Seconds
Top Speed	132		177 MPH
MPG	12.7		13/19
Production Number	602		515

 

So…Clearly the newest generation Z/28 outperforms the 1967 Z/28.  Does that make it a better car?  I don’t believe there is a correct answer to that question.  The 1967 Z/28 is a true classic, but looking at production numbers, it is likely the 2014 version will be as well.  Both versions have great body lines.

If these two cars were parked side by side, in perfect condition, and ownership was offered to me without a price tag, I believe I would have a very difficult time deciding which one I would drive home.  Fortunately, I don’t think I will ever be put in that position…

I would love to hear feedback on your thoughts about these two cars and how things have evolved, good or bad?