Hello,
I recently got my drivers license and now I need a car. My dad said that he had $3,000 set aside for a car for me. I have wanted a camaro since I was young and now the possibility seems real. I cannot get a Z28 because he says they have too much power and I will speed (and let's be honest, I will speed). So for about $3,000 I can either get a '91ish RS with a rebuilt 305 in it or a '97ish RS with a 3.8L V6. I love both body styles equally so I can't decide on that. I must turn to the experts of camaroz28.com to ask my question. Which engine is more reliable? the 305 V8 or the 3.8 V6 i am leaning towards the V8 because it would probably sound better but a 3.8 would be more peppy. I ask that you only post if you really know what you are talking about, I would like an educated answer from a mechanical standpoint. If you are going to post a bias opinion please give reasons why you have this opinion.
thanks, jesse

 

If you only have a choice between the two, I would probably go with the fourth gen. As mentioned above, it is newer and more refined. Also, the 3.8L v6 put up similar horsepower numbers as the 305TBI. Frankly though, you will probably regret not getting the z28 in the future and whether you are driving a v6 or a v8, the urge to speed will always be there.

 

If you just cant get a "Z28" get a third gen rs thats had a 350 swapped in....just a suggestion

 

I would definately go with the 97. More reliable, kind of quick (mid 15s in the 1/4) and better styling IMO. But remind your dad that you can speed just as easily in the v6 bas you can in the v8. I got my Z28 when I was 16, now its putting down 375 to the wheels, and the only accident I have ever been in was in a 95 civic Not really lol, cost me my entire mod budget for the summer

EDIT: Oh, forgot to say welcome to the board. Is 1990 the year you were born? Wow, licences of the 90's generations, I'm starting to feel old.

 

97 3.8 V6, no question. 305s aren't that fast and will only get 16 mpg. Plus it's old(er). No modern conveninces..

 

I'd get the 97+ V6. Better gas mileage then the 305, same if not more power then the 305TBI. It'll be newer, meaning less headaches. Easy to find one with t-tops and the RS sports package [rear disc brakes, posi, dual exhaust].

 

Listen to an old man Try to find a 98 V6 with a tad over 50K on it. I had 2 6 cyl 3.8s a 96 and a 98. Both were plenty quick. The more important and always overlooked but needed option with the 6 is the performance package. Without it your stuck with a limiter among other things, T rated tires etc. If the car has dual exhust tips stock. A 3.42 rear, leather wrapped steering wheel, then it has the package. Another note most if not all 3.8s since the 60s <it is basically a varient of a Buick 231cu.> tend to leak oil at around 40K from everywhere in my limited experience. What ever you do the Z can wait. The 6s are more then enough. Just my 2 cents. Good luck in whatever you do at least your going in the right direction.

Stay away from a 3rd gen 305. A 4th with a 6 is a much better car.

 

I'd get the 97. But then I don't like the 3rd gen cars. Too trouble prone and the interiors suck. That 3.8 is actually very quick. I bought my son a 95 with a 3.8 in it. It was quick enough to get him a ticket for 94mph in a 40mph zone and loose his liscence for 6 months.

Seriously...You can speed in a Kia. It just takes less time in a V8 Camaro. How fast you drive depends on how fast YOU want to drive. Buy the V6 for now.

Re'
(old man)

 

Just get the 97. I wanted a Camaro, Supra TT, and 3000gt vr4 when I was getting my license, but my parents decided to pay for my tuition instead of buying me a car, so I just drove whatever they gave me (92 Nissan Stanza). After I graduated, I got a good job, and I bought myself my 02 Z. Just wait until you get a job and can get whatever you want.

 

Besides, you need to learn how to handle a low-power RWD car before you jump into a high-power RWD car. You will get in trouble fast, and I mean fast. You probably consider yourself as a good driver, and I don't have any reason to doubt you, but you will do stupid things for numerous reasons. Doing those things in a cheap V6 car is not as bad as doing it in an expensive Z28.

 

^^
dude be cool...

Anyway thanks for your input guys, keep it coming. you guys make it sound like the 91 RS is a bad car. there is an abundance of third gen's around where i live but a fourth gen with a 3.8 is hard to come by. as i said before i like both bodystyles and i really didnt see a problem with the interior when i saw it. gas mileage isnt really THAT big of deal because 16mpg i can handle. as a teen, a minimum wage job with no bills is lots of money and i can more than afford a 16mpg car. truthfully high school is all about show, i want a car that looks good, sounds good, and puts up a good smoke show. (sorry high schoolers are shallow). i want dependability more then speed so i would really like answers to be based on reliabilty which some of you have done (and thanks). i was planning on just getting the 305 and putting a 350 (or more) in it after high school. thanks for all of your input. like i said there are just not many 3.8's for sale around here. i know the 3.8 is a good engine and it's a shame there arent more for sale. thanks and keep posting
jesse

 

I don't understand, I though you had to choose between the97 v6 and the 91 305 v8. The 97 is the winner hands down. Correct me if I'm wrong but won't the 3.8 make more power than the 305??? You will have to drive the v8 like a grandma to get 16 mpg. You can drive the 3.8 crazy all the time and you will still get 16 mpg. That's why I liked my old 240sx. Floored it all the time and still got 26 mpg!

 

The 97RS will almost definitely be more reliable than the 91.

 

thx mike
thank you guys for all your input, i'll probably just wait for a decent deal on a 97RS to come around insted of jumping on a 91. and brad i do have a choice because we have done some research and found out some decent camaro packages for what we can afford. just because we found out waht a good deal is dosent dosent mean there are any for sale around our area. thx your knowlege. i am not limited to camaros, if any of you have had good experiences with any other cars that arent even chevy or GM plz post
jesse

 

Okay well between the 2 it is no doubt in my mind or in anyone elses that the 3.8 is prolly the better car for your circumstances. but for some reason i have always been drawn to cavaliers.... maybe not ure thing. but i think they are nice little cars. i am thinking about buying a cavalier/sunfire in the near future myself.