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Firebird vs. Camaro, would you switch, and if so why?

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Old 03-06-2005, 05:47 PM
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Firebird vs. Camaro, would you switch, and if so why?

If you have just one or the other, would you want to switch? Are there any technical differences that are that significant? In some old magazine reviews I've read, the guys said they liked the Firebird suspension better, but the Camaro was a tad faster due to its lighter weight.

One other thing I thought about was hood clearance. It seems the Camaro guys have an easier time fitting taller intakes (Performer RPM) under the hood of their cars, and the Camaro also probably breathes better through the front grill.

I'm partial to the Firebird's styling, but thirdgens are getting pretty scarce in this area, so I may not have the luxury of choice before much longer!
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Old 03-06-2005, 06:19 PM
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Firebirds look cooler
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Old 03-06-2005, 06:30 PM
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I think Firebirds have a slightly lower CD (coefficient of drag) than the Camaros do, because of the hood. The 82 Trans-Am was actually designed in a wind tunnel!

I always thought the Camaro looked more like a muscle car, but the Firebird looked more like a sports car.

But I dig the flip-up lights and interior of Firebirds... I'm definately a Firebird fan.
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Old 03-06-2005, 07:36 PM
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Car: 89 Firebird, 92 RS
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firebirds are more aerodynamic, and aerodynamics play a bigger role in the long run than weight does. of course im not sure of the specifics abotu camaroes or the weight difference, but i think firebirds had a cd of .32 or so, in 82. and it probably got slightly smaller as the years went on.(i think in 82 the trans am was the most aerodynamic domestic car made up to that point, until the next 'vette generation came out)

regardless, firebirds just look so much more bitchin than camaros, and you dont see them as much. i might take an iroc-z's look over an early 80's sc, but other than that firebirds are immensly superior in the looks department. people at my school think my 'bird is a corvette. granted, they're dumbasses, but you'll never catch anyone thinking a camaro is a 'vette.

i wouldnt switch to a camaro if it had an ls2 in it.

now, i would get it, i just wouldnt give up my bird for it.
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Old 03-06-2005, 07:52 PM
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Car: 82 firebird s/e 83 Trans Am
Engine: 5.0L 305ci 4b carb.....CFI
Transmission: TH200C....700R4
Birds are the way to goBecause I think the flip up lights are cool and the firebird logo.Camaros are bad as* looking too but I like the birds look much more.The 82-84 birds have no problem breathing that came with the functional hood scoop,nose vents and maybe even the fender vents

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Old 03-06-2005, 08:08 PM
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Car: 91 Camaro RS...GONE 87 SC (84 Z/28 clone)
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well...(although it looks like im the only one haha)...im gonna have to go with the Camaro...i actually passed up an 82 firebird so i could get the camaro im driving now....i like both body styles...but i lean towards the camaro...just looks cleaner to me
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Old 03-06-2005, 09:13 PM
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I'd take either, as long as it ran. If I had my choice, a camaro.
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Old 03-06-2005, 10:18 PM
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time to face the facts Stekman... you'd take any car that was broke just because you love to fix 'em

I'd choose Camaro w/ T-Tops...
or Firebird w/ drop top.


Camaro would be my 1st choice though.
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Old 03-06-2005, 11:22 PM
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camaro every time. i have no use for firebirds. the flip up lights are one of the things i don't like the most. that and the goofy instrument panel. i don't like how the nose comes to a point. my first car was a camaro, and this car is a camaro. i think that it will stay that way too. way more muscle car-ish, and i like them better than sports cars.
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Old 03-06-2005, 11:41 PM
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I've got a bird, but I was looking for a Camaro. I think the IROCs and later Z28s just look pissed off if you look at them. Much more aggressive in my opinion. I also like the fact that they are a tad lighter on the front end, but then again, the birds are a bit more aerodynamic as well.

There's pluses and minuses to both of them. Honestly, I'm not sure which I'd take if I had the choice between two otherwise identical ones for the same price. It'd be a hard decision, especially if both were black.
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Old 03-07-2005, 08:16 AM
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I dont really care which, I got this car for a song and it just happened to be a firebird. But EVERYWHERE you look, camaro, camaro, camaro. When we were at a stop on the power tour there were 3rd gen camaros coming out my ears...I counted 3 firebirds.

I like things outta the norm, or non-sheep like- so I have to pick the birds based on camaro saturation everywhere I look.
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Old 03-07-2005, 01:48 PM
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well the camaro is hands down better from 82-84 (can't stand the 82-84 birds, T/A is ok) but, from 85-90 the birds look better (int. and ext.) I think chevyt droped the ball on the camaro int. in these years. from 91-92 I would take both
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Old 03-07-2005, 02:49 PM
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I always like the firebirds looks better for every year (except 69).
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Old 03-07-2005, 03:49 PM
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I want my '88 Bird back! I'd still have it if it hadn't gotten stolen. The Camaro I have now was a really good deal, since the engine wasn't running. It's ok but I'd still rather have my Bird.
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Old 03-07-2005, 08:46 PM
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Car: No more birdy
I could never decide I like both. I like the Camaro front clip yet the Firebird rear clip is better looking. The only solution is to have one of each
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Old 03-08-2005, 09:12 PM
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Firebirds all the way. This is my second one.
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Old 03-09-2005, 05:27 AM
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I have owned a Firebird, a Trans Am and a Camaro (except Berlineta)and my choice would be a Camaro....I can't explain why I just love Camaros..
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Old 03-09-2005, 08:23 AM
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Camaros have a better recognizable reputation for performance.
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Old 03-09-2005, 08:42 AM
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I've had a 87 Formula, and now Have a 83 TA (wifes car) and my baby a 85 IROC. I really love my IROC's stance and its aggressive look. Everyone has there own opinions as long as its a 3rd gen ya cant go wrong.
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Old 03-09-2005, 08:55 AM
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I like my Trans Am, but I WISH there were a better way to get cold air to my engine. I also really like the look of the 91-92 hi-rise spoiler that came on Camaros. But I have 2 birds already. Maybe next one will be a Camaro, I dont really care.
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Old 03-09-2005, 09:06 AM
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cam vs fire

Firebirds all the way. Its all a matter of style and preference. Would you like the power of an all out american muscle car like the firebird, or would you go for the less aggressive foreign sounding camaro .
I do however like the look of the stingray stinger hood on the camaro and the 92 high rise spoiler. Yea i guess camaros rock too.
I own all Firebirds now so I guess im still biased.
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