The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LE is a helluva performance bargain, offering up a stout four-cylinder powerplant, upgraded suspension components, and a number of other driver-focused improvements over the standard four-cylinder Camaro. However, the question is this – how does it fare when pitted against the 2019 Porsche Cayman?
Let’s start with the specs. The Chevrolet Camaro is packing 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque thanks to its turbocharged 2.0L LTG I4 engine. By comparison, the Cayman has more power, but less twist, posting 300 ponies and 280 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged 2.0L flat-four.
However, the Porsche seems to have an advantage here, with significantly less weight compared to the Camaro. The Cayman tips the scales at 2,944 pounds, while the Camaro is more than 400 pounds more at 3,354. To make matters worse, the Porsche boasts a mid-engine layout, enhancing rear-wheel traction, whereas the Camaro is front-engined.
Nevertheless, the gauntlet is thrown, and these two sports machines take to the track to settle which is quicker. Hosted by professional racing driver Randy Pobst, the video is fun in its presentation, and does well to demonstrate the differences between these two vehicles.
The first test is a heads-up drag race, and although the Porsche driver sandbags it on the first run, the next run proves what traction and weight savings can do in terms of straight-line speed. After that, the Chevrolet Camaro and Porsche Cayman enter combined test of acceleration and braking with a 0-100-0 mph run. Again, the Porsche seems to dominate.
Thankfully, the Chevrolet Camaro fights back in the slalom test, showing off that track-bred 1LE package by closing the gap to the Porsche. Factor in the huge price difference between these two vehicles, and the Camaro has nothing to be ashamed of.
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Comments
Racing dynamics in action again. The results could have been predicted just by looking at the specs, 100% favoring Porsche. However, Camaro came really close in slalom. Close, but not cigar! But, I believe the reason is engine layout instead. It is known that mid engine cars tend to understeer a bit around curves and bends. Front engine cars tend to fish tail, which, if well managed, they could bring some advantage during slalom.
Imagine a well sorted mid engine sports car outperforming a sedan. Who knew?
If you take into account the cost, then the Porsche is over-priced for that performance. As a New Yorker, I will always prefer the Camaro (I drove a 1967 Rally Sport model) over any expensive German trash. Would a native German drive a Camaro over a Porsche? NO, so we should not be sponsoring any import!
Camaro issued a challenge did it? Lol … More like an editor wanted to do an article on how an expensive European mid engine sports car could beat a heavier American coupe. I can assure you, nobody was surprised by the results
No surprise. Now compare the Porsche to the SS 1LE.
Randy Pobst bought one of these turbo 1LE, I’m sure it’s a damn fine car
Apples to oranges comparison and $ for $, BS. Hmmm, Porsche 718 bases price is $60K so lets compare it to the new C8 for the same $$. Yeah, NO comparison. Want real bang for the buck? As previously mentioned, compare an SS 1LE to the Porsche. Outcome will certainly be different and for a lot less $$. Oh, a V8 is unfair? How about a 3.6L 1LE? Bet the Camaro wins there too. At $72K for the 718 S, that gets you a whole lot of C8.