Well, I've decided I'm probably going to get one of the two.
I'm looking at either a late 3rd-gen Camaro ('92 Camaro Z28) or a 4th-gen Firebird ('98 Firebird)... And MAYBE a late 3rd-gen Firebird ('90 Firebird).
I have a realistic spending limit of $7000 or $8000.

I'm not one to soup either one of them up to God-like preformance, but maybe some racing, the most modding I would do for a while is slap on a Ram-Air WS6 type hood onto the 4th-gen Bird, and a 4" scoop on the Camaro.
I know this is basically a 3rd gen board, and I dig 3rd gens, but I've recently become pretty fond of the 4th Bird too...

What would you suggest? Pro's & Con's of each? A lot of people tell me the Camaro, but, well, what are the big pros of having a Camaro over a Bird?
Which has better mileage (Or generally easier on the wallet), top speed, possible upgrades, easier to maintain, wouldn't having a newer 4th be easier than having an older 3rd, etc?

 

if the fourth gen you are thinking of getting is a V8 then by all means go for that.

If you are going to go for a V6 then why even bother getting a sports car. If you can find an LS1 based car for under 10k don't let it pass. LS1s are great modifiable engines and I love them very much. My next car is going to be an LS1 based car.

However, I am pretty sure you can pick up a 350 TPI Z28 for about 4-5k nowadays, the hp ratings that come on those cars are pretty close to the LT1s stock. Its only about a 15 hp difference I believe (between 93-94) Stock 350 TPIs come with about 260hp and 310lbs of ft tq. I may be wrong on this, those are great cars and are fast stockwise too.

You should consider LT1s as well...these are the engines that came on the F-body platform from 93-97' I have alot of respect for those engines as well and you tend to see alot more modded LT1 cars then modded LS1 cars (don't ask me why but I guess you can say that has partly due to the fact that modded LS1 car puts out on average 280-305rwhp depending on the transmission) LT1s are strong sturdy engines and I am pretty sure you can find one for about 5-6k as well, same price you would be paying for a 350 TPI and its probably a little faster.

That's my two cents, I think the 350 TPI would do you good if you just wanna drive around town and look good...3rd gen camaros are easy to work on in my opinion. So are LT1s....LS1s are more computerized but I would imagine the home mechanic can still get stuff done on it. I wouldn't expect major engine problems out of the LS1 though as it is a "very" reliable engine. The LT1 if taken care of will give you years of service as well. I know this on a personal experience.