Chevrolet Camaro6 ZL1 1LE / Chevrolet Camaro6 SS 1LE
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE makes 659 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8. The Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE makes 455 horsepower from a naturally aspirated 6.2L LT1 V8—204hp less (31% power deficit) from the same displacement. Across 84 shared tracks with 24 unique comparison scenarios, the ZL1 wins by 2.06 seconds overall, and when you filter the comparison data on this page for matched modifications and matched tire treadwear, the ZL1 wins 77.4% of battles with a 4.08-second average gap.
This is Chevrolet's performance hierarchy in the Camaro 6th generation (2016-2023): the track-focused SS 1LE at $52,500 versus the supercharged flagship ZL1 1LE at $130,000—a $77,500 price gap (148% more expensive) for 204hp more power and race-proven aerodynamics. Both share the Alpha platform, magnetic ride suspension, and 1LE track package. The difference is forced induction, power, and price.
The 204-Horsepower Gap: Supercharged vs Naturally Aspirated
The SS 1LE's LT1 makes 455hp at 6,000 rpm and 455 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm from 6.2 liters naturally aspirated. Power-to-weight: 8.29 lbs/hp. The ZL1 1LE's LT4 adds an Eaton R2650 supercharger to the same 6.2L architecture, producing 659hp at 6,400 rpm and 650 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. Power-to-weight: 5.79 lbs/hp—a 30% advantage.
The weight difference is minimal: SS at 3,772 lbs, ZL1 at 3,818 lbs—just 46 pounds heavier despite the supercharger, intercooler, and upgraded cooling systems. The ZL1's power advantage overwhelms this negligible weight penalty entirely.
What the Filtered Data Reveals
The comparison tables show the ZL1's dominance across all scenarios:
- Matched mod + matched tire (186 laps): ZL1 wins 77.4%, SS wins 22.6%, 4.08s gap. The supercharged LT4's 204hp advantage and 195 lb-ft more torque create a power gap the SS can't overcome even with equal preparation. The SS wins 22.6% of battles—proof that driver skill and track layout matter, but power usually wins.
- Mismatched scenarios (68-73% ZL1 win rate): When modification levels or tires mismatch, the ZL1 still dominates but by smaller margins (3.46-4.87s). The SS can compete when running higher modifications or grippier tires, but the supercharged power advantage is difficult to overcome.
Use the comparison filters on this page to see that the ZL1 wins consistently across all scenarios. The SS's only path to victory is running significant modification advantages—a race-prepped SS with headers, cam, and tune (550hp+) can challenge a stock ZL1, but that requires $8,000-12,000 in mods.
The $77,500 Price Gap and Modification Paths
SS 1LE: $52,500 buys the LT1's naturally aspirated 455hp, 1LE track package (magnetic ride, electronic LSD, Multimatic DSSV dampers, aero), and Recaro seats. To extract more power requires headers ($2,000), long-tube exhaust ($1,500), cam swap ($3,000), and aggressive tuning ($1,000)—adding maybe 80-100hp for $7,500. The naturally aspirated ceiling is 550hp without forced induction.
ZL1 1LE: $130,000 buys the LT4's supercharged 659hp, upgraded 1LE aero (larger front splitter, dive planes, massive rear wing), forged wheels, and Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers. The supercharged ceiling is higher: pulley upgrade ($1,500) + tune ($1,000) = 700-750hp on pump gas. The LT4's forged internals handle 800hp+ with supporting mods ($5,000-8,000 total).
That $77,500 premium buys 204hp more out of the box, a higher modification ceiling, and stronger appreciation (ZL1 1LE appreciates 3-5% annually as a limited-production track special vs SS 1LE's 1-3%).
The Verdict
Choose the Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE if you want naturally aspirated V8 performance at $52,500, accept losing 77.4% of matched battles, and value the LT1's character over ultimate lap times. The SS 1LE delivers 90% of the ZL1's capability for 40% of the price—making it the smart choice for track day enthusiasts who can't justify $77,500 more for a 4.08-second advantage.
Choose the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE if you want supercharged dominance, have $130,000 to spend, and prioritize winning. You're paying $77,500 more (148% premium) for a 77.4% win rate and 204hp more power that translates to 4.08 seconds per lap. The ZL1 is the choice for drivers who demand peak American muscle performance and can afford the flagship.
LapMeta's 2.06-second overall gap and 4.08-second matched-condition gap show the ZL1's superiority. The SS's naturally aspirated LT1 can't compete with the supercharged LT4's 659hp and 650 lb-ft. For the driver who wants Camaro track performance at the best price, the SS 1LE delivers. For the driver who wants the fastest Camaro regardless of cost, the ZL1's 77.4% win rate proves that $77,500 buys measurable superiority and supercharged power the SS can't match naturally aspirated.