2017 Camaro blows doors off 1967 Camaro SS, but costs 50% more

(October 8, 2016) To celebrate the Camaro's 50th anniversary, H&H Classic Parts has created a detailed chart comparing a 1967 Camaro SS to a 2017 Camaro 1SS. The comparison graphic reveals the 2017 Camaro has increased in both weight and price. The newer model weighs 360 pounds more than its 1967 counterpart, and, when adjusted for inflation, the MSRP of the 2017 Camaro 1SS is nearly 50% more expensive than the 1967 Camaro SS 396 with the L78 engine package.

“In many ways, the '67 Camaro SS 396 is beyond comparison,” says Tray Smith, vice president of H&H Classic Parts.

“The first Camaro's combination of style and performance are irresistible to classic Chevy enthusiasts like myself. The 2017 Camaro SS is definitely impressive, but it comes at a hefty price.”

Despite the additional weight, the 2017 Camaro proves itself in the performance comparison. It is considerably faster, more powerful, and handles much better than the '67 model. The 6.2-liter LT1 V8 produces 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque, and when paired with the 8-speed auto transmission, it can run the 1/4 mile in 12.3 seconds. That's substantially faster than the 1967 model, which had less power, fewer gears, and a much harder time getting traction.

"The '67 Camaro had a single leaf on the rear axle, making it very prone to wheel hop. Chevy also placed both shocks on the same side of the axle, making launches impossible. Our estimated 1/4 mile time is a best-case scenario number," says Smith. "The 2017 model, on the other hand, is relatively easy to launch. Not to mention, the suspension and tires are light years ahead of late 1960s technology," explains Smith.

The suspension comparison is just one item on the chart. Some of the most notable comparisons are:

    • The very slight change in the wheelbase between the two cars, an interesting fact considering 50 years have passed
    • The 2017 Camaro's enhanced braking performance, stopping more than 100 feet shorter than the '67
    • The mild improvement in fuel economy

"The fuel economy comparison between 1967 and 2017 is fascinating. When tuned correctly and running right, it was possible to get mid teens gas mileage with a '67 back in the day," says Smith. "But today's car has fuel injection, computerized engine management, and 8 gears in the transmission. While the new car makes substantially more power than the '67 model — and the new car is heavier — the relatively small increase in gas mileage over the last 50 years was a surprise."