Racer's Lounge - Purely Styling: LT1 vs LS1 F-bodies

Just a quick question...I know there is a lot to be said about the performance of both the LT1 cars and LS1 cars and there is some animosity between the two. All the LS1 guys seem to bash on the LT1 cars like they are junk, that it's just the red-headed bastard step child before the LS1. I have love for both but the modability and advantages of the LS1 are obvious, but I always appreciate a good running LT1 and would never knock them.

But what do you guys think about styling wise? Which years do you think the 4th generation had the best styling? 93-97 or 98-02? This goes for both Camaros and Firebirds, and for all trim levels as well.

Before I really knew what I wanted, but knew I wanted a Trans Am, I actually preferred the looks of the 93-97 non-WS6 Trans Am to the 98-02 WS6. Some people will think I am crazy for saying that but I really appreciate the sleek look of them. I currently own a 98 WS6.

As for the Camaro I am still torn. Sometimes I look at base LS1 Z28s and think of how ugly and plain they look (no offense to any owners) and think how the LT1 Z28s had more appealing lines to them and seem cleaner. Then, I look at the LS1 SS's and think "oh that hood looks better on an LS1 car". But often I change my mind when I see a clean example of either (LT1 SS or LS1 SS).

So what do you think guys? I made a poll and I'd like to hear your opinions on what you think is the best style, Camaro or Firebird (or both) for the 4th Gen and reasons why.

First off. You'll never hear me state nothing but complete admiration for the LT series engines.

LT1/LT4>Any V8 for 20 years before it.

But, I prefer the body styling of the '98+. Not that I do not like the styling of the LT equipped cars, I just like the LS looks better.

Voted for 98+ WS6 T/A

98+ SS and WS6 are the best to me, but if I have to pick between the two, its SS, because I like Camaro's slightly more.

love the 98+ WS6, not just because i own one, but definitally had more effort put into for looks over the camaro. even though a few taseful mods to an SS will make it look very nice.

98-02 Firebird Trans Am WS6

One of the best looking stock cars in the world. Definitely the best looking "new" muscle car.

I like the LT1 Camaro Style, not big fan of the Cat Fish..:engarde:

98-02 trans am ws6, regular t/a is just as good to me and dont forget the hawk

96-97 WS6 Trans Am. I like the hoods better too

98+ are so common:D

The best looking I have seen is the 98-02 ws6 trans am, but id really love to have a trans am ws6 with the formula bumper only :)

I voted 98-02 Firehawk. More specifically a Formula Firehawk.

I have owned a 96 TA, a 99 Formula and a 99 SS and I am purchasing a 00 Formula Hawk this Friday..

I liked my 96, only traded it in for the Formula since the miles were really high on mine, and really low on the Formula, and the price was wayyyy too low, and the dealer didnt realize it.

I have no clue why I sold my Formula....but I did, and I regret it soooo bad. I liked my buddies SS and I liked all the other guys SS's too...so I bought one. After owning it for a while, I cant wait to get out of it. Which is why im picking up the Hawk..I wanted another Formula and I have always wanted a Hawk...so its the best of both worlds :)


the 98-02 WS6s are badass though, and i think they will win the poll

96-97 Camaro SS...

-Rick

I likr the 98/02 T/A's the best. I think they look the most bad ass.

- Mike

96-97 Trans Am Ws6. The front and hood on the LT1 TA's look so much better than the rounded, over-designed front ends of the 98-02's. The LT1 style is clean and simple.

I mean there is a reason I just picked up a '95 TA coupe...:chug:

They tried way to hard with the 98-02's. However, I will say if the TA's would have come with the Firehawk hood instead of the outragous Ram Air hood it has on it, it might be a different story. You just see to many 98-02's with Ws6 hoods. How boring...

I love the T/a's but get tired of all the plastic shit all over them after looking at it after a while.... the cheesy looking wing and hood.... I like the more sleek/clean look of the camaro Z28/SS

Picked LT1 SS, Aggressive looking without going over the top. LS1 cars I like just a regular T/A. Like the higher spoiler on the hatch, but don't feel the WS6 hood is always needed.

For me:

LT1 Camaro looks better than LS1 catfish Camaro
LS1 Firebirds look better than LT1 beaked Firebirds

Best overall = 98+ WS6 Formula

91-92 third gen :engarde:

I can't believe anybody voted for anything besides LS1 cars.

'98-'02 Formula Firehawk. Best looking car Pontiac has ever put out.

I voted for the '93-'97 Z28, as it was a '94 Z28 that sparked my passion for these cars. Beyond that, I completely agree with NineBall.

all of them can be made to look very good, but stock, my vote is for the 98-02 ws6 or the firehawk

98+ T/A WS6 to me....not because I own one either. I specifically bought it for the reason being IMO it looked nicer then other LS1's.



Although a Firehawk T/A in SOM is tough to beat.

LT1 camaro and the LS1 Trans Am are cool because thats what i have

'98-'02 Formula Firehawk. Best looking car Pontiac has ever put out.

SLP put it out. So then the 98+ WS6 gets your vote?:angel:

00 ws6 formula!

SLP put it out. So then the 98+ WS6 gets your vote?:angel:

Nope. :)

I like the LT1 Camaro Style, not big fan of the Cat Fish..:engarde:

x2. i voted for the 96-97 ss. but i would have to say the ws6 is right there next to it. (there equal in my eyes)

For me:

LT1 Camaro looks better than LS1 catfish Camaro
LS1 Firebirds look better than LT1 beaked Firebirds


I'm with you on this. I've owned a '96 WS6 T/A and now my '02 T/A. 98-02 WS6 hands down!!!:punch:

I'm with you on this. I've owned a '96 WS6 T/A and now my '02 T/A. 98-02 WS6 hands down!!!:punch:



I choose 96-97 T/A and SS. I would pick an LS1 motor over an LTX anyday but I hate t-TOPS on 98-02 T/A's:supergay::supergay: they ruin the car and I also think its way to overdone

I like the taillights on the LT1s, the nose a little more
on the LS1s. Something about the windshield wiper
plastic area always bugged me on the LT1 style cars
(and V6es of same vintage), just too much plastic
going on there; maybe it's just having a silver car, or
some difference in the SS hood makes it less noticeable
on mine. And I do envy the LT1s being able to get a
headlight replaced for under a hundred bucks.

I would have to say 98-02 WS6 TA's, I'm deciding either the WS6 or hawk hood my my TA :)

Nothing more sexy than a 98-02 WS6... It's been my dream car since I was in High School.

i own a 94 lt1 z28 but i cant lie, i love the 98-02 ws6 t/a. that car just looks like its gonna eat you and spit you out. I love those cars. I hope to get one next yr maybe.

I appreciate both styles, the 96-97 SS/WS6 just look mean. The 98-02 WS6 were more rounded and the nostrils look way more aggressive. I like the 98-02 SSs because they use more of a hint of 69 style like th grille just a little more rounded. My dream car hands down is the 2002 SS 35th anniversary, but I think when the 2010 comes out I'll definitly be amongst the first kids on the block to own an SS. I would agree that the LT is far superior to any Gen I small block ever and, the LS is just the fruits of technology. Both are great engines. But to say that the LT or LS is far better than ANY engine produced in the past 20 years is BS. Don't forget the 454/496 was still in production. I'm not saying the SBCs wont make power but, as far as full blown race engines, I would not choose any variation of small block LS or LT. Big Blocks make brute power, bottom line (you show me a small block that can produce 1600+hp N/A from 500ci). Now if I can just figure out how to fit one of those 8.1L Vortec engines into my 4th Gen....

i love the looks of an ls1 trans am WS6. beautiful cars. next would be a tie between LT1 Z28's (probably because that's how i noticed f-body's) and ls1 ss's.

i love them all haha...but if i could pick one it would be a 98+ Trans Am WS6 in black or arctic white...i own a 93-97 Camaro in white and i love it to death but my dream car is a 98+ T/A WS6

I used to be in love with the 98-02 WS6's, but they're just too many around here that it gets kinda of old. I start to notice that the front end is just too bulbous. I went with the earlier LT1 WS6's. I just like the lines better and it looks so much cleaner IMO. I think glocklimited's T/A is the best looking f-body I've ever seen.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/tfalconier/DSCF0465.jpg
Hope you don't mind I used your picture glock. :cheers:

I love them all haha...but if i could pick one it would be a 98+ Trans Am WS6 in black or arctic white...but my dream car is a 98+ T/A WS6

I'll agree. Unconditionally.

i voted 96-97 WS6... they are the best looking 4th gen imo.. thats why i added the hood and airbox to my 95 :)

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff279/pdennis93/indy%20bash%2008/Picture194-1.jpg

93-97 Camaro.... my first and true F-body love.

I know this is blasphemy coming from an 02 z28 owner, but for me it doesn't get any better looking than the LT Trans Am. I'd LOVE to get a black one and swap a 6.0 LS into it.

I think the 96-97 SS is the best looking 4th gen Camaro, but the 93-97 vintage Z28's are cool too. Not saying the 98-02 cars are ugly, but the older ones are a little more unique. I also love the 93-96 interiors, they got that cool tweed seat fabric, and a cooler dash(98-02 dash=teh suck)

For Firebirds, hands down the 98-02's look better. Favorite is the 98-02 Formula Firehawk hardtop, with a Trans Am wing(I know, no such thing). The 93-97 front end just doesn't look right to me, I don't like the pop up lights. I was thinking that if you got rid of the pop up lights and made that part of a big cowl hood, and just used the fog lights for driving lights it would look bitchin.

I voted for this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/CRAGER01/JoeDirt/Joe.gif
:devil: j/k

98-02 ss & 98-02 ws6 gets my votes.

~ Craig

I own a 01 TA WS6 and I like the 96-97 WS6 a lot better styling wise. I had a 96 TA and I regret getting rid of it. I'll have to find another one pretty soon.

LT1 SS = Pure Sex

97 WS6 has always been my favorite even though i own a 98. Several years ago i came across a 97 WS6, black on tan, 6spd, TTops all original but damn the dealer was asking way too much for it. I always think about that car still to this day.


jason

For me:

LT1 Camaro looks better than LS1 catfish Camaro
LS1 Firebirds look better than LT1 beaked Firebirds



Best overall = 98-02 Firehawk

I'm not a fan of any LT1 beaked bird and will take the LT1 Z28. I didn't like the widemouth bass look of the LS1 Camaro but it's really grown on me to the point of liking it now.

man, i like both LT1's and LS1's. ive seen some sick looking LT1's on this site and bad ass LS1's.


but i love the look of a white LS1 SS/WS6!! i think the best looking color on a fbody.

Just a quick question...I know there is a lot to be said about the performance of both the LT1 cars and LS1 cars and there is some animosity between the two. All the LS1 guys seem to bash on the LT1 cars like they are junk, that it's just the red-headed bastard step child before the LS1.
.

Sometimes i like to be the underdog, I love getting out on the interstate looking for a vette or other fast car to take on

since i got my 95 T/A i feel that all 98+ ws6 are played out, always wanted a 98+ ws6 though
if i could vote it will be for 96-97 ws6 Hands down since i m picking up a slp ws6 hood really soon:D

I like the 98-02 WS6.. it looks so badass and was the most complete package IMO !

98-02 Firebird Firehawk

http://i37.tinypic.com/rbjwr7.jpg


/thread (epics car by the way)

98+ WS6 TAs take the cake for me, just a good looking car hand down.

98-02 Firebird Firehawk

http://i37.tinypic.com/rbjwr7.jpg


/thread (epics car by the way)

Looks like my old one. I so miss her

ws6 for sure

LT1 SS
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff255/Toronto_LT1/redSS.jpg

I hated the dumpy frog eyed camaro in 98. But it grew on me and wouldnt have it any other way now. You should be able to pick a top 2. my second. Black 98-02 WS6... Just mean.

I still would rock a 96-97 SS though.

For the Camaro I like the 98-02 SS. For the Trans am I like the 93-97 WS6 look better. I think they got carried away with the 98-02 Ws6. IMO

No love for the Formulas? Of course who am I to talk, I own one and still didn't vote for it. I went with the LS1 WS6 like most people. I do love the nice clean lines of my car though, probably a close second. I prefer LT1 Formulas to LS1 Formulas.

I will also take any 4th gen bird over any 4th gen Camaro. :engarde:

98-02 Firebird TA WS6 is my choice......

I love the LT1 Z28s & SSs but but the BEST looking 4th gen F-body is the 98-02 Firehawk FORMULA (not the TA). My good friend Mike (Hawk915 on here) has one & I drool over it everytime I see it.

98+ T/A WS6, although I love an Artic White Formula if done with some nice rims
96-97 Camaro SS is awesome looking as well