Old verses New

[Danny Thomas]

If you had a choice of an new 2010 camaro or and old Pro-touring camaro which would you choose. Just something to ponder. Nothing like an old 1st gen that has been brought into the modern day era---LS1, T56, Air Ride, Forgeline, AutoMeter, Vintage air and etc. But then there is the new well thought out 2010 that has all the above plus a warranty. If you get the ss version you pretty much have a car that really could be left along and have one bad car. just wanted to poll the masses and see how the two compare.

[Stuart Adams]

The new camaro would be tons less money, for sure. If its a daily driver buying the new one is a no brainer. Ground effects, supercharging, suspension upgrades and paint schemes make it a whole different car personally, but a first gen car done well is unbeatable IMO.

[MODO Innovations]

Vintage pro-touring muscle. :thumbsup:

[buickfunnycar.com]

Vintage pro-touring muscle. :thumbsup:

X2:thumbsup:

[Aschle]

X2:thumbsup:

X 3 , anyone can go buy a new car !

Jason

[ArisESQ]

Personally I don't think the two are even comparable. Completely different cars. Honestly if you were in the market for a first gen pro touring camaro, I don't think a 2010 camaro is going to interest you, and vice versa.

[Danny Thomas]

I presently own the car known as The Black Pearl in this months issue of CP. Thanks Steve for the article. Was just wanting to see point of views. I love my 67 but also looking hard at 2010. As we all know, old cars do require constant attention and the cost to restore is high. Buying new gives modern technology but how many will be out there and what value wil they hold as the years go by. Is this another PT crusier? Are the guys that pay high now going to get burned within a year? This car has long been waited on and is awesome in many respects.

I know this is going to go down to what a persons preference is and the money available to do what you want. Just want to see what the die hards have to say.:cheers:

[tones2SS]

The new camaro would be tons less money, for sure. If its a daily driver buying the new one is a no brainer. Ground effects, supercharging, suspension upgrades and paint schemes make it a whole different car personally, but a first gen car done well is unbeatable IMO.

I agree with Stuart. The '10 would be A LOT less money, especially if left as is from the factory and a great car if it's going to be your daily driver. It is a nice car. don't get me wrong.
But, it is hard to beat a very nicely done pro-touring Camaro for sure!:thumbsup: :cheers:

[dhutton]

I think for a daily driver the 2010 Camaro is the way to go. If you have a family to take care of there is a lot of value in antilock brakes, airbags, traction control, collison safety etc. For a weekend cruiser, the pro-touring car is the way to go.

Don

[MattO]

A '69 all the way. Daily, weekend, track attack, w/e. Doesn't matter. A properly engineered pro-touring car should be able to do all the things that a 2010 can and more.

Just like a truck, I wouldn't buy a new one because I can make an older one just as nice with a little work and research. Once I do my motor swap in my '85 Silverado, it will beat my dad's '06 GMC shamelessly in every category of performance, utility, and reliability. It will also burn cleaner to keep the hippies happy. :captain:

[70rs]

Vintage. New has it's place and the 2010 Camaro is pretty cool. But it is a cookie cutter if left alone. I think the high prices will come down (at dealers) over time and the future value is so far from now that I don't think anyone could predict it. I like the old stuff and 55k will still build a really nice first gen that is daily driver quality. But as stated above there is something to be said for anti lock, modern design (saftey) and that ever important warantee.

[Josh69]

Hmm, it really comes down to how it makes you feel in my book.

I've had some of the best of the best modern cars, but they all bored me after awhile.

Every time I fire up the Firebird, it makes me happy. I drive it down the road and it makes other people happy. I lay it into a corner and it thrills me and even scares me a bit. Just the sound of the cam as I roll into the gas station thrills everyone around me. Those are the kind of things that a new car will never do. It certainly won't be 'special' when they are on every corner, nor will anyone appreciate the fact that it was painstakingly hand built like a PT car.

Of course, the trade-off is a care-free ownership experience with the new one....but that's what Accords are for.

[69496]

I would go with a first gen. The new camaros are cool but if you were to give me one or the other I would choose the old car.

[buickfunnycar.com]

Hmm, it really comes down to how it makes you feel in my book.

I've had some of the best of the best modern cars, but they all bored me after awhile.

Every time I fire up the Firebird, it makes me happy. I drive it down the road and it makes other people happy. I lay it into a corner and it thrills me and even scares me a bit. Just the sound of the cam as I roll into the gas station thrills everyone around me. Those are the kind of things that a new car will never do. It certainly won't be 'special' when they are on every corner, nor will anyone appreciate the fact that it was painstakingly hand built like a PT car.

Of course, the trade-off is a care-free ownership experience with the new one....but that's what Accords are for.

Very well stated...could not have said it better myself.:thumbsup:

[tjtucker]

I like this thread.
I have been looking for a nice PT car which could be used as a Daily driver for about a year after riding with the DSE boys at the 2008 Goodguys. I would like to have a 70 Camaro just like the DSE car but with a less expensive 383 crate motor.

In my search I'm finding the cost of the PT cars to be much higher than I thought. It appears a quality daily driver with nice rust free body, fuel injection 6 speed, big brakes, wheels and modern interior is priced well into the 40,000.00 range and up.

What I call runners projects need an additional 8,000 to 10,000 worth of work is 20,000 to 30,000. How can this be? For 25,000 to 30,000 I can get a year old supercharged Roush Mustang which will run mid 12s, pull .90 to 1 g and get 20 to 22 mpg.
For 20,000 to 23,000 I can buy a 500 hp GTO or very low mileage 2003-2004 Cobra Mustang with a KB supercharger and 500 to 600 rear wheel hp.

Now for a nice finished PT car 40,000 to 45,000 I can get a 2006 low mileage Z06 or Viper coupe.

Don't get me wrong I love the old PT cars but it seems the value for the $$ is not up to par. I would much rather drive a nice PT car but does anyone agree it seems the value is off?

Still looking & hoping

TJ

[XcYZ]

Good topic.

The new Camaro is a good looking car, has great driveline and suspension, a 100,000 mile warranty... all within a reasonable price point. You certainly couldn't build a car with those options for the money. The downside is that everyone and anyone that qualifies for financing can just go drive one off the lot. Pulling up to a stoplight and having a 60 year old lady pull up with the identical car is a buzzkill. lol

I personally like the used C6 ZO6 idea.

[ZMAN1969]

This is a tough one, do you like working on your car? old cars seem to need to be tinkered with more- updates, improvements, adjustments ect ect vs a new car you can jump in and drive, Hmmm... I ask myself why im building a 69 trans am clone with updates - ls6/6 speed 4whl discs and so on- thinking is this IS alot of work, then I picked up a used 99 trans am - running and driving - DONE! almost instant enjoyment air works great, stereo great after amp and sub installed, taken it twice on PowerTours basically a DD unless I take my junkyard beater truck. wife likes it too. so why am I doing all this work for a car that will look old and ride like newer, you have to decide if YOU want to work on it or just get in and cruise, the WOW factor is much better on the old if its nice! new cars- who cares but from the seat you cant see much different. I'd love a new yellow Z parked next to my 69 Daytona yellow one DOH! too late now! tough decision coming your way good luck :cheers:

[70rs]

I think there are two different issues here. Straight out cost and "feeling" about the cars themselves.

If all you do is compare the money factor the new car will come out on top everytime. If you compare emotion and the experience of ownership the old cars win for me.
It all comes down to what is most important to you. Either way, most cars are a losing proposition when it comes time for re sale.
How does the car make you feel when you drive it? That is what's going to matter every time you turn the key.

[04Prox2]

I bought my car lastyear when I was 22, I thought about a 4th gen SS or WS6 but those cars just lack the nostalgia and charisma of the 1st gen. When I see a Z06 or ZR1 I don't think "ooo I'd love to be driving that", I think "I'd love to have that drivetrain and suspension under my car".

[Danny Thomas]

There is much to be said about that feeling of pulling up to a stop light and a beautiful blonde screams at you saying that is my fantasy car.. how much to buy and you wish your wife wasn't setting there.. because I could have made a deal with benefits. The jest is that an old new PT car turns heads like no tomorrow and makes for good conversation at a gas station or car show.

How long with the 2010 have that head turning appeal? I guess if it has been modified or a Feesler car then it may hold longer. Chevy got this car right this time. Its curb appeal is just awesome. But do you pull the trigger and get one or wait for the 2011 that is suppose to have some added features that were left out this time. Maybe keyless start, possible turbo charged 6 cyl, and etc. per some of the conversation on camaro5 site. And yea that convertible is downright awesome but do you wait 2 years.

love reading all the feedback ... as there are pro and cons to both. as expressed earlier money is the biggest factor. I have over $80 in my 67. some peoples house didn't cost that much.

[tones2SS]

There is much to be said about that feeling of pulling up to a stop light and a beautiful blonde screams at you saying that is my fantasy car.. how much to buy and you wish your wife wasn't setting there.. because I could have made a deal with benefits. The jest is that an old new PT car turns heads like no tomorrow and makes for good conversation at a gas station or car show.

How long with the 2010 have that head turning appeal? I guess if it has been modified or a Feesler car then it may hold longer. Chevy got this car right this time. Its curb appeal is just awesome. But do you pull the trigger and get one or wait for the 2011 that is suppose to have some added features that were left out this time. Maybe keyless start, possible turbo charged 6 cyl, and etc. per some of the conversation on camaro5 site. And yea that convertible is downright awesome but do you wait 2 years.

love reading all the feedback ... as there are pro and cons to both. as expressed earlier money is the biggest factor. I have over $80 in my 67. some peoples house didn't cost that much.

I agree. When I first saw the new Camaro, I almost threw up. Didn't like it at all. But, it is growing on me. I still hate the "mail slot" in the front and the taillights and thought that GM could have done a better job on those. Like make them almost the same style as the '69 taillights, which I think Fesler is taking care of on their cars.
The Fesler and Nickey Camaros are going to be wicked and you'd be hard pressed to find a modern day that can compete in my opinion, for the money that is. It will have the looks, the warranties and the power to make you smile. Hennessey has a Camaro out as does SLP. SLP has some N/A options and a supercharger version as well.
I'm still leaning towards the '69 Camaro though, unless it is your daily driver, than go to the 2010. Or wait, maybe GM will do that 6 cylinder turbo and have the key less start? Interesting thread non the less.:cheers:

[1in1969]

Agreed, very good question. I was talking w/a car broker/dealer at the tulsa auction and we strted talking about 1st PT car and new 2010, his point ws who would spend 60-70k for an older Camaro with PT treatment, instead of spending 40-50k (Price?) for the new Camaro. The older cars will always hold their value. (IMHO) Just look at the history, how many of us would have kept the muscle cars we had in the 60's,70's,80's, and even the early 90's seeing what they did in value? Look at the new Vettes, Vipers every year they keep going down in value. Not that I wouldn't mind having a C6 ZO6! One sunday I was driving my 69 Camaro over to a friends house, saw a black 2010 SS, the guy runs me down and pulls me over, tells me how sweet my car is, just goes on and on, I'm like look at yours! I don't know if he didn't apprieciate it because his Dad just won the thing at a casino and gave it to him! Wow! thank Dad! Anyway, if someone gave you a choice to be given to you, which would you take?

[tones2SS]

Agreed, very good question. I was talking w/a car broker/dealer at the tulsa auction and we strted talking about 1st PT car and new 2010, his point ws who would spend 60-70k for an older Camaro with PT treatment, instead of spending 40-50k (Price?) for the new Camaro. The older cars will always hold their value. (IMHO) Just look at the history, how many of us would have kept the muscle cars we had in the 60's,70's,80's, and even the early 90's seeing what they did in value? Look at the new Vettes, Vipers every year they keep going down in value. Not that I wouldn't mind having a C6 ZO6! One sunday I was driving my 69 Camaro over to a friends house, saw a black 2010 SS, the guy runs me down and pulls me over, tells me how sweet my car is, just goes on and on, I'm like look at yours! I don't know if he didn't apprieciate it because his Dad just won the thing at a casino and gave it to him! Wow! thank Dad! Anyway, if someone gave you a choice to be given to you, which would you take?

If it were given to me?!?!
Without a doubt the PT '69 Camaro!!!!! Not to say the 2010 isn't cool. But, if it's given to me, that's a NO BRAINER!!:cheers:

[fesler]

Have one of each a matching 1969 and 2010 we are doing two sets right now. They will have the best of both worlds, old and new. I will post up shots of the builds soon. we have a 69 and 2010 getting LS-9 engines right now. They are going to be sick.

[camaro2nv]

Been there done that. I put close to 100k into a modern car. In the end a new body style came out and it wasnt worth crap! I like to mod cars and for me to do that I need to stick with cars that will hold value. That said now that I own a 1st gen it would matter about value. This car just gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside. The odd part is the car isnt even done,lol

[Josh69]

I will add that I drove the 'bird into work today. I'll be done in about a half hour. I'm already nervous and excited with sweaty palms to drive it home. That doesn't happen with typical cars. It's like Christmas eve and I'm about to open a big ass tire shredding present shortly. WOOT! :willy:

There's your value. If you haven't built one, or driven one alot, you probably won't understand, and rightfully so. It's a big decision, and a costly one. My wife didn't either, but she drove the 'bird the other day and couldn't stop shaking she was so thrilled. All she kept saying was Holy [email protected] [email protected] IS F@CKING INSANE...OMG. She was actually crying it was so exciting for her to finally understand what I keep rambling on about when I am trying to justify the costs. Keep in mind her daily driver was a lifted Rubicon for quite awhile and was a barrel racer...so she's not a typical chick and is used to the rush of adrenaline.

Everything has a price, what does your happiness cost?