Absolutely. I wouldn't be real excited about paying 30K+ for an SS, but from purely a power perspective, the ls1 or ls2 would definately be a better option than the new Mustang. But then again, its all about the straight line for me.

 

I hate to say it, but I think I'd take an '05 Mustang over a 'new' '02 Camaro, for the same cost.

BTW, I see them both as retro. '05 Mustang is inspired by the late '60's, '02 Camaro by the late '80's.

 

After sitting in a new GTO, which I must say is tempting. I miss the lower seating position in my T/A, the T-Tops, nicer and larger stock wheels (275-40-17), Real, functional Ram Air, So much sportier looking, Steering wheel radio controls (GTO is getting them for '06), and of course my Pleather seats!! J/K But all in all I'd prefer my '96 WS6 TA over a GTO. Do the back seats lay down in the GTO? I love that about the 4th gens, I've been able to fit a ton of stuff in my car, to many peoples amazement. Surprisingly my T/A has been very reliable, except for a few issues around 90k miles, but has been problem free for the past 45k miles.

 

Personal preferences here, and I'll admit none are as brutally quick like my Camaro (being a designer I place design and styling high on a potential car's criteria):

-RX-8
-mid level 350Z (not the 'Track' model, although I'd probable spend the $32K entry price for it)
-Solstice (with mods or wait for the turbo), i might be pushing this thread's limits here....
-Lotus Elise

What I'd buy slightly used for $30K over a new Camaro:

G35
350Z track model
330i or M3 (kinda doubt I'd find even a 2 year old M3 for $30K)
3.6 CTS
WRX or Evo

Again, this is assuming they were continuing the 2002 design or brought it back with minimal changes. Personally I'm just ready for a change of scenery,

 

Some of those are options I'll consider IF GM thoroughly botches up the 5th gen. The biggest adjustment for me would be to give up the intoxicating sound of a healthy V8.

 

I voted yes, I would buy one. I can completely see myself in a sunset orange brand new Z28 with black cloth, a Hurst shifter and chrome wheels. I drove one last Sunday...err, actually, it was my dad's '02 Formula

Its funny that Charlie and I think alike on the 4th gens now. The entire time I was growing up, all I wanted was an IROC. I was actually a little dissappointed in myself when I bought my '97 in March 2001. The look just didn't grab me. I bought it because I wanted a Camaro, I wanted a V8 and I wanted a stick...and there it sat on the lot. But it didn't speak to me the way a 3rd gen did. Now? I get goosebumps looking at that car. I don't know when or how it happened, but gradually I have come to appreciate the 4th gens substantially more than when I bought mine over 4 years ago!!

When I was driving my dad's Formula last Sunday morning, he was in front of me in my Camaro. Father and son, banging through the gears on some beautiful mountain backroads in Central VT on a beautiful morning (granted, I wasn't banging through the gears too hard...his car read 1941 miles on the odometer at the END of the 100 mile trip ), and I thought "wow, these cars were just phenomenal." The ride quality of the '98+ cars with the revised shocks and springs is refreshing. The NVH characteristics of the LS1 are not that bad at all. The cloth seats are supportive and made from a nice material (can't say the same for the dash and door panels, obviously). I ordered that car for me through my dealership (within a year of buying my Z, the 4th gens were growing on me), and am so happy he bought it instead. Because seeing that white and orange streak up ahead with the SLP exhaust bellowing was a sight to my eyes...I wouldn't have it if I had bought his.

So yeah, I'd buy one I couldn't buy one in '02, but could scrape together the $$ today to buy one, and still keep my Z. If the new Camaro is as retro as those R&T pics, I may be very, very dissappointed I never bought a new one...retro's not going to make a sale for me.

 

Yup, I agree, the reason I bought a low mile, stripper Z28 instead of a new or new (listed above) car.

While I appreciate the stuccuto of a multi-cam engine, I know I'd severely miss the 'savage brutal' sound of a V8, and the instant gratification that comes from a low, flat torque curve.

 

That about sums it up for me.
I never really cared for the sleekness of the 4thgens too much.If its' looks had grown on me I would have probably got a '97 Z28 with the "sport appearance package".

 

Yes, but if priced the same as an 2005 Mustang, might tilt toward the Mustang for the trunk.

I spent some time this weekend driving an 2002 GT 5 speed convertible. Overall, I liked the layout of the car and it was comfortable, but it seemed sluggish compared to my former '95 Z M6, and the seating position while comfortable, did not evoke driving confidence. Maybe it's a matter of what you're familiar with.

I haven't had the opportunity to spend some time in a 2005 Mustang yet, but I like the looks of the overall package.

 

I agree. SN95's really were no more practical than the 4th Gen F-body. The interior was just as cramped (possibly even moreso). It only mattered if you felt more comfortable sitting up a little bit or dragging your butt on the ground....and whether or not you preferred a trunk vs. the hatchback.

I voted yes, but conditionally. I'm assuming the car would've had the LS2...I'm assuming we could've gotten another interior refresh with some higher quality materials. In this day and age, better fitting, looking and feeling interior pieces are a must.

 

I voted no.
Not that I don't like 4th gens, hell I still love my '01 Z28. But right now I'd be looking at something else, don't know what though. But based on what I know, and the quality of cars that are out now (or coming this fall) I would say no.
Besides, I've had FOUR 4th Gens anyway, time for a change.

 

With your conditions, I'd probably change my vote to a yes...

 

I'll agree as well. The first thing I noticed is that I could barely get my duffle bag to fit throught the trunk opening. Secondly, I noticed the cramped interior. When I got it on the road, I noticed the seating position was not conducive to sprited drivng. The rear seats do NOT have any more room than a Camaro. Actually, since you can't spread your legs to either side of the front seat like you can in a Camaro, I felt there was LESS room.

 

Even if the car is impractical, if it is a desirable car people will still come from all over to buy it, and they will deal with it's impracticality. 3rd gens were just about as impractical as 4th gens, and yet they sold very well (didn't Camaros actually outsell Mustang a year in the 80's, despite being more expensive?) I owned an sn95 mustang as well, and it is no more practical, except for high how you sit in int (which I hated.)

I would buy a new stripper z28 6 speed 1LE in a heartbeat. Nothing could match it in performance for price. Mustang might be "comparable", but it is still going to get walked, especially since any street skirmish I have gotten in is in on the highway, and the races almost always go well about 100 mph.

 

Charlie, why did you start this thread? I know you can't say anything, but is there a new rumor or news on the wind, or just striking up conversation?

Anyone else I wouldn't give it a second thought.