which is faster a SS or a Z-28 camaro?

Answer 1

It really depends on what year you are talking about. If you are talking about the last generation of them, the SS will be faster than the Z-28 in any given year. On the older ones however, say from the 60's and 70's, there were z-28's that would be faster than an SS, since the SS was just a package, and had nothing to do with the engine. For example, in 1969, the Z-28 came with a very high strung 302 engine used for racing, and had roughly 390 horsepower. You could get an SS with a 327 with less than 300 horsepower. In this case, the Z-28 is faster. Ok, probably way too much information. Basically any SS after 1975 would be faster than any Z-28, but before that time it could have gone either way.

Answer 2

You don't say what year, but I'll assume you're talking about the last Camaros made, the 1998-2002 series.

There is really no difference. SS is a marketing thing.

The 305HP Z28 was under-rated, and the 320HP SS is under-rated as well. Both of these cars would make about 340HP at the crankshaft.

Don't take my word for it, take it from Hot Rod magazine and a rear-wheel dyno. May 1998 issue, when the LS1 engine was new.

1998 Corvette
rated power - 345HP@5600rpm, 350ft-lb@4400rpm
rear wheelHP- 285.6HP@5400rpm, 301.2lb-ft@4100rpm

1998 Firebird Trans Am (non-ram air so like Z28)
rated power - 305HP@5200rpm, 335ft-lb@4000rpm
rear wheelHP - 292.8HP@5400rpm, 307.5ft-lb@4400rpm

Of course, a rear-wheel dyno is going to see somewhere in the vicinity of 20% loss (from crankshaft rating) due to drivetrain losses.

But, there you have it - if the 305HP (non SS) engine is as powerful as a 345HP Corvette engine, then not only is the 305HP rating bogus but so is the 320HP of the Camaro SS. They're all pretty much the same. The fact that the Firebird was actually *more* powerful than the Corvette is slight and within a reasonable margin of error for two identically-powered (not talking ratings here) vehicles.

The SS looks better with hood scoop and bigger wheels, and of course cool "SS" badges. The slightly higher HP rating is a marketing gimmick that people obviously buy into and still do to this day.

Answer 3

on the f-bodies (98-2002), the ss is faster. the z-28 makes approx. 300-305. the SS comes with a scoop on the hood that forces cooler air to the air filter, which bumps its hp to about 320-325. Now, the case is different for the 2002 35th anniversary edition SS, it has 345 hp/370 lbs of torque.

Answer 4

In 1998, Chevy brought back the Camaro Z-28 with the 305hp LS1 V8.
And the Camaro Z-28 SS with the 320hp LS1 V8.

Answer 5

I had a Z-28 that came with 285 hp. I believe the SS has more power.

Answer 6

The SS is quicker and faster. My cousin has 2 of them, and they eat even the new mustang GTs for a nice mid day snack,lol.

Answer 7

SS is their sport edition and is faster.

Answer 8

it all depends on if its stock or a built motor, gearing. if its all stock the ss will be faster of course cuse of the gearing and turbo trans.

Answer 9

sethle99 has the correct answer. those two guys that said buy a mustang if you do, all you get is a name for all the money you'll waste, camaro super sports are way faster than even the mustang cobras.

Answer 10

It is all according to the year model on each cars,but if the year models are the same,my money is on the Z-28,because I just love the way they throw you back in the seat when you punch'em!And that lumpity sound from the exhaust,Man whata ride,But that's just me talking(and dreaming)again............