FLASHBACK 1983 Porsche 928s vs. the Camaro Z28
Porsche has made some great automobiles — no one is denying that. However, they have always had a tendency to come with a very high price tag that was (and is) relatively unattainable for most people.
There have been many cars made to compete with Porsche at a cheaper price, and all have fared differently. Back in 1983 Porsche was producing the 928s which was considered to be “the most refined of European sporty cars” and also held the title of being the fastest production car in the United States.
The price started at $43,000. However, the 1983 Camaro Z28 started at just $13,600 and was considered to be the “hottest version of America’s best-selling sports coupe.” Still, were these really worth comparing?
It may be surprising, but the two vehicles are actually very similar. The 928s has a top speed of 145 miles per hour, whereas the Z28 has a top speed of about 135 miles per hour. Both are rear-wheel-drive, 2+2 configuration, and a large glass hatch.
There is less than a three inch difference in wheelbase, though the Camaro, in total, is fourteen inches longer. The Porsche has a bored out, all-aluminum V8 with a 3.7L displacement that generates 234 horespower and 263 lb./ft. of torque.
The Camaro has a cast iron 5.0L V8 that puts out 190 horsepower and 240 lb.ft. of torque. Both have 5-speed manual transmissions, though it is located in the rear of the Porsche.
But the real question is how these fast rides perform against one another at the racetrack. MotorWeek did this test at Summit Point Raceway — a two mile track with ten tight curves and a 30,000 foot backstretch.
Once on the track, the 928s accelerated to over 120 miles per hour past put road and down the long straight. The Porsche has an unusual shifting pattern (first gear is down and to the left) which made driving it a bit awkward for the drivers. However, it wasn’t much of a problem since they only had to actually downshift twice on the long track.
After the straight the Porsche came to two tight turns. The ventilated disc brakes allowed for minimal fade and the vehicle was able to maintain high speed up until the last second, though over-steer was a concern. In addition, the 928s did not hit its maximum torque until 4000 RPM, which was certainly a downside. Overall, the Porsche 928s was fast but also “a handful.”
The ride’s final lap time was 1 minute and 40.0 seconds, with an average speed of 72 miles per hour.
Unlike the Porsche, the Camaro was able to hit its peak torque and horsepower at a much lower RPM. The traditional brakes did not perform as well on the initial first two turns and the vehicle faded more than its counterpart.
Still, the brakes were strong and held up to all four fast laps that MotorWeek ran. In later turns, the Z28 had to brake faster and sooner than the Porsche in order to enter safely.
Even so, the final lap time for the Z28 came out to be a stunning 1 minute and 38.3 seconds at an average of 73.25 miles per hours!
There is no denying, as we said before, that Porsche makes very good sports cars. Still, at a price of more than $30,000 more than Camaro Z28, we would take the American powerhouse any day.
The Chevy not only handled the track better than the 928s, but is also had a better balance for power and handling, the gearing was close to equal, its steering response was more adaptable, and it is much, much cheaper!
Check out the competition below and see the two ’83 sports coupes go head to head!