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So I’ve been on this forum for the better part of a year learning about the RCF in preparation of buying one when the right one comes available. It’s been a lot of fun familiarizing myself with a car I don’t even own and you all have been a great resource. I’ve purchased too many cars on a whim and didn’t know their pros and cons beforehand. This time I swore I’d do things differently.
After being spoiled with a 377hp Acura sedan with 0-60 times around 5 seconds flat for the past 3 years, I have developed an appetite for quick cars.
What drew me to the RCF was the big NA V8, the aggressive looks, fit and finish, Lexus quality, sexy interior and it’s rarity. Nothing I dislike more than driving a car everyone else has.
This past summer my 17 year old son bought his first car - a mint low mileage red 2003 Ford Mustang V6 convertible. It’s slow as a donkey but so much fun to cruise around in. I had never been in a convertible and I fell in love with them.
I started searching for big V8 sexy rare convertibles and have recently become enamoured with the Camaro ZL1. It’s a beast of a car and offers an open top which the RCF does not.
I can get a low mileage 2013 ZL1 convertible with 580HP stock for a little less than a slightly higher mileage 2015 RCF. I know I’m losing reliability and build quality with the ZL1, but it’s a convertible and its intoxicating exhaust note really speaks to me (I know the RCF can sound better too with an aftermarket exhaust). I also like the magnetic ride suspension which really softens in touring mode and makes for a more comfortable ride.
Did anyone consider the Camaro ZL1 before buying the RCF? What thoughts or advice would you offer someone who doesn’t own either? I know Lexus has the LC and it’s a gorgeous vehicle, but it’s simply out of my budget with young kids still at home and university to pay for...
I feel like both are phenomenal cars for different reasons. Decisions decisions.
I have owned a lot of cars. Some bought on a whim, others after extensive research. I have "sort of" considered a ZL1 in the past just because of the pure amazing performance, but rather quickly moved away from it for a few reasons. 1. Even though it is on the more rare side, it doesn't look remarkably different than your run of the mill Camaro rental car. You're going to see Camaros every single day you are on the road. Sure, yours will have the ridiculous horsepower, magnetic ride and all of the things that make the ZL1 a track beast, but it will be fairly ordinary from a looks standpoint. 2. I don't trust GM reliability over the long run. If the Camaro will be a 2nd or 3rd vehicle for you, this is less of an issue. But if it is the daily driver you're going to depend on every day, I think it is much more risky than a Lexus. 3. I don't prefer convertibles. Yes, driving one with the top down on a nice day... especially in the early evening...is a fun experience. That said, I've never seen a convertible that looks better than the coupe version of the same car, and particularly something as big as a Camaro. It looks a little awkward (to me) with a drop top.
Rarity and reliability firmly fall in the RCF's column. Power and performance fall in the Camaro's. The rest of it is more subjective. The big power American muscle car just isn't me. I admire them for what they are... a nice GT350 will turn my head every time. I love the looks of a blacked out Z06. I appreciate those cars and their awesome performance. The dollar to power ratio of those cars cannot be beaten. But they just aren't my cup of tea.
Thanks VBB for your detailed response. I agree with most of your comments except that for me right now, I am really feeling the convertible thing at the moment. The RCF or ZL1 would be a third car for me, so I wouldn’t plan to daily either of them. Where I’m torn is that for the last year, my heart has been set on the RCF, so the ZL1 vert thing has come a bit out of left field.
Also, although I agree the ZL1 isn’t “that” different from the run of the mill Camaro, any car guy sure knows it is. It’s quite menacing looking in person. I suppose not much different really to the RC350 and the RCF. I’ve read many comments on this forum of people saying their cars get confused with the decaf RC all the time, even though they are completely different animals. To non-car people, an M3 is a base BMW... If complete certainty of what you drive is important, we would have to buy a Lambo not a ZL1 or RCF
I'll also add something to think about....all that power from the ZL1 is tricky.... I have not once, lost a race (from a dig) to a stock or lightly modded ZL1 (on the street or airport run ways). They simply DO NOT get traction and can not put the power down unless on a well prepped drag strip. So basically, off the line, the ISF/RCF will be faster on the street than the ZL1/ZO6'S. Obviously once they get going, if the race is long enough, they catch up, but how often are you going to be doing 1/2 mile or 1 mile plus pulls on the street? I think on the street, 0-60 is a realistic number that can be used often...much moreso than 60-130mph.
And the build quality is horrendous on the <'14 GM products. I can barely deal with the quality of my '18 GMC Sierra Denali after having 4 different Lexus'.
While I didn't get the vibe that the OP is interested in winning street races, you also bring up an often overlooked point. In this golden age of horsepower, cars are getting faster and faster each day... but it isn't really usable in any realistic and legal application. I'm not at all saying performance should be ignored of course, but I am saying after a certain point, it doesn't really matter. 400hp vs. 700hp is a HUGE difference, but for your normal, spirited drive around public streets, you're not using it. So the performance benefits of the ZL1 over the RCF probably won't be seen 99% of the time.
If the OP is interested in a convertible though, obviously the RCF is out. For a true performance car that comes in a convertible and can be had lightly used for under $40K, the ZL1 is probably the best thing going. This is a totally different direction, but for that same price, a 2009-2012 Porsche Boxster S can be found. With the right wheels and suspension it can look good, and with the hydraulic steering, small size and lightweight it will be a BLAST to drive. More fun than either the RCF or ZL1 for sure. It would make a great 3rd vehicle.
interior of american cars are subpar compared to JDM ones... BUT the ZL1 is probably alot more fun and raw with a ton of aftermarket power options vs the RCF.
RCF guys--- 3 lips to choose from, 3 side skirts, 5 exhausts, 2 intakes, 1 FI option, 2 headers, 3 choices of suspension? and then it starts all of the super minuscule mods lol.
I have owned a lot of cars. Some bought on a whim, others after extensive research. I have "sort of" considered a ZL1 in the past just because of the pure amazing performance, but rather quickly moved away from it for a few reasons. 1. Even though it is on the more rare side, it doesn't look remarkably different than your run of the mill Camaro rental car. You're going to see Camaros every single day you are on the road. Sure, yours will have the ridiculous horsepower, magnetic ride and all of the things that make the ZL1 a track beast, but it will be fairly ordinary from a looks standpoint. 2. I don't trust GM reliability over the long run. If the Camaro will be a 2nd or 3rd vehicle for you, this is less of an issue. But if it is the daily driver you're going to depend on every day, I think it is much more risky than a Lexus. 3. I don't prefer convertibles. Yes, driving one with the top down on a nice day... especially in the early evening...is a fun experience. That said, I've never seen a convertible that looks better than the coupe version of the same car, and particularly something as big as a Camaro. It looks a little awkward (to me) with a drop top.
Rarity and reliability firmly fall in the RCF's column. Power and performance fall in the Camaro's. The rest of it is more subjective. The big power American muscle car just isn't me. I admire them for what they are... a nice GT350 will turn my head every time. I love the looks of a blacked out Z06. I appreciate those cars and their awesome performance. The dollar to power ratio of those cars cannot be beaten. But they just aren't my cup of tea.
I couldn't have said it better. My sentiments exactly.
If you want a convertible than fun to drive at any speed, a Miata worked great for me. Loved the hardtop/convertable package with 5 speed manual transmission.
If you just want a fast car, a Camaro works great. An IROC, and SS from the past were fun when going very fast, but that led to many contributions to the local PD.
Like my RCF because it's a 3 for 1 car. It has quality/reliability, is a great commuter car (in normal mode), and has the spirit of a sports car (in sport+ mode).
I think OP needs to prioritize his ‘must-haves’. If convertible is at the top, RCF is clearly out or any Lexus for that matter. If rarity/quality/reliability is at the top, my vote is RCF all day, every day. How about BMW M4 convertible? I would think that gives you somewhat of rarity (most M4s in my area are coupe), certainly performance and quality.
I had one a few years ago and I kept it alongside with my new RCF for a few years. Then I finally sold it bc of non use. The 4 one year old brand new tires had dry rotted out!!! It was a blast to drive, but not as fun as the RCF. The years I had my two SLK'S (one AMG one regular V6) were problems free for the most part. No major issues. But when the AMG got to around 50K miles and the non AMG got to 60K miles, I thought I sell it while I was ahead with no issues at hand.
A 2016 MB SLK55 AMG HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE goes for around $33K to $39K+. The non AMG variants are much cheaper, but no power (I had a SLK280 several years back and while it was a blast too, but lacked the power. I think 2016 was the last year for the SLK'S. MB renamed its line up after 2016.
Caution:. Repair and maintenance for MB's are higher vs Lexus in general. Especially after warranty stuff!!!
If you want a convertible than fun to drive at any speed, a Miata worked great for me. Loved the hardtop/convertable package with 5 speed manual transmission.
If you just want a fast car, a Camaro works great. An IROC, and SS from the past were fun when going very fast, but that led to many contributions to the local PD.
Like my RCF because it's a 3 for 1 car. It has quality/reliability, is a great commuter car (in normal mode), and has the spirit of a sports car (in sport+ mode).
Having owned a couple of 911s, I would rather the best 911 convertible within budget. Really nice car to drive and very capable performer. Never tire of the flat 6 wail.
Want crazier power? 911 Turbo cabriolet.
I've had excellent experiences with my Porsches and like Lexus, they are a brand I really like and always consider when shopping for a vehicle.
RCF or ZL1?
