How does the 4th gen compare to 3rd gen RS?

[keithert]

I owned a 1990 Camaro RS V8 automatic from 1990 to 1998. I am thinking of getting an 01-02 v6 Camaro automatic and wonder how the car will compare. I have driven a few 4th gens at dealers, but not enough to get a real impression of the car. Even though the RS only had 170 hp the v8 had enough torque to make it feel fast. I never felt it needed more. The newer v6's I've driven haven't felt as fast even though they have more horsepower. I was always very pleased with the handling of the 90. How will the v6 4th gen compare? Since the 90 was built with parts that dated back to the 60's it was very cheap to gets parts for such as brakes, starters, etc. It was much cheaper to maintain than some Japanese cars I have owned since. Of course the winter handing of the 90 sucked. I have heard the newer ones are still bad, but I wonder what the effect of traction control is. Does it keep you from spinning out if you loose traction in a turn in the snow? The thing that upset me the most about the 90 was that on a slight incline in the snow the car could just sit there and not go because of the wheels spinning. Does the traction control or limited slip help any in this situation? Do many of the v6's have limited slip?

[99 RS Camaro]

Re: How does the 4th gen compare to 3rd gen RS?

i had a '87 2.8 camaro with a turbo on it, now i have a 99 3.8 a4 camaro....i was going somewhere with this but honestly its been so damn long since i had the '87, but the 4th gen handles better, is quicker.......4th gens have SGS, second gear start, i havent had to use it ever yet, but i heard it does the job, in nasty slippery wet snowy/rainy weather you start in 2nd for better traction.......dont know how much help this is to you, so sorry if its no help at all, its just what i can recall......................also, i believe only the y87 equipped camaro's/firebirds have lsd w/3.42's..............mines not a y87, so i have 3.08's

by the way, welcome to the board, lots of useful/helpful info and members

[BLLDOGG]

Re: How does the 4th gen compare to 3rd gen RS?

the 4th gen will ne faster, handle better, have better gas mileage and have more expensive parts.

[Fbody3400]

Re: How does the 4th gen compare to 3rd gen RS?

the 4th gen will ne faster, handle better, have better gas mileage and have more expensive parts.

summed up perfectly

[96RS Alex]

Re: How does the 4th gen compare to 3rd gen RS?

On the 4th Gen you will notice a quieter ride with virtually no squeaks like the 3rd Gens I currently own: '83 TA, '88 RS Camaro & '91 Firebird.

When you install a complete high performance exhaust system and other basic power mods, your 4th Gen will uncork more power and leave you wanting for more which is why we are here.

[keithert]

Re: How does the 4th gen compare to 3rd gen RS?

How can I tell if a car has the Y87 package?

[V6Bob]

Re: How does the 4th gen compare to 3rd gen RS?

I was always very pleased with the handling of the 90. How will the v6 4th gen compare?

Better, because the front end design is totally different. Stronger, better geometry. An older car will probably need new shocks if you want good handling.

Of course the winter handing of the 90 sucked. I have heard the newer ones are still bad, but I wonder what the effect of traction control is. Does it keep you from spinning out if you loose traction in a turn in the snow? The thing that upset me the most about the 90 was that on a slight incline in the snow the car could just sit there and not go because of the wheels spinning. Does the traction control or limited slip help any in this situation? Do many of the v6's have limited slip?

Traction control (hard to find a car with it) will not stop you from spinning out in slippery weather on a corner. It mostly helps when starting the car up from a stop in slippery weather, like up that slight incline in snow. It reduces fish tailing when starting up in rain. Dedicated snow tires (not all-seasons) also help a lot.

A little less than half have limited slip.

[slow6]

Re: How does the 4th gen compare to 3rd gen RS?

How can I tell if a car has the Y87 package?

look on the inside of the door, or check the window sticker, there are a few more ways to find out too

[HeadyFirebird'00]

Re: How does the 4th gen compare to 3rd gen RS?

i had A '89 camaro RS for two years. I had the 2.8 and it was weak. way weak. i drove my friends '90 camaro rs with the V8 couple times to get a feel before when i wanted to get a new car. the V8 is just like the newer 3.8. the hp is about the sam. but yes the v8 has my torque.

If i were u, and insurance/payment are not a problem, ... get a newer T/A or a Z28 or SS. they are some much better in many ways. but i still love my bird to death.

[CDNFB]

Re: How does the 4th gen compare to 3rd gen RS?

I had an 82 T/A, limted slip, 305CI cross fire fuel injected, A3 trans. It had a whooping 160 hp!! Thats the lowest HP T/A that was ever produced to date!! I drove this car through many winters, and some seriously snow and ice covered roads.

My 99 3800 V6, A4 trans car handles better, with so much less body flex. No pops, creaks or groans. Very rigid body.

The traction on the 82 was seriously bad. At least with the open diff that my 99 has the car will keep straight on accelleration in snow or ice cause the one wheel that doesn't spin works like a boat rudder keeping the back of the car on track . That's why they called it Safe-T-Trac in the old days. You do not get this with a limited slip diff. With both wheels spinning which, in winter was always. the car was perpetually fishtailing and drifting. Lots of fun for the first while, but then wears on you over time. The 2nd gear start does make a little difference when starting out on slippery roads.

The 99 is way quicker than the 82 could ever be, and the 99 gets way better gas milage. The 82 would only get 20-22 MPG on the highway (it didn't have the 4 speed auto, it was a 3 speed auto THM200)

Overall, my 4 th gen is so much better than the 3 rd gen I had.