a 1968 302 Camaro z28, outperforms a 1968 396 Camaro SS

Define "outperforms".

true. Cornered better, and was quicker due to it's ability to rev.

The Z28 was a complete package optimised for the road course racing of the day. So yes, in that context, it far outperformed the SS396.

There were 327 Chevelles outrunning big block Chevelles as well. Those small blocks loved to rev. My dad has taken his 327s up to 7000rpms, while the big blocks usually wont rev past 5500rpms.

Define "outperforms".

That was my response.

Outperforms is relative but except for 1/4 mile the Z/28 is the better car.

Corner better than the 396 sure, but the 302 was no match for the 396 car in a straight line.

Corner better than the 396 sure, but the 302 was no match for the 396 car in a straight line.

this is what i have found as well... my best friend's dad just bought a 302 off of the barret jackson auction, and was facinated that it was a high reving motor... although producing less horsepower, its ability to use higher rpms through lower gears sometimes aids a vehicle to a better perfomance...

now that he has both the 302 z28 and the SS396... he's thrilled...

this is what i have found as well... my best friend's dad just bought a 302 off of the barret jackson auction, and was facinated that it was a high reving motor... although producing less horsepower, its ability to use higher rpms through lower gears sometimes aids a vehicle to a better perfomance...

now that he has both the 302 z28 and the SS396... he's thrilled...

Yeah, I agree. The 396 could beat the 302 in a straight line, but the Z28 was the better package. In my opinion anyways.... funner to drive for sure.

If the monetary values were ignored, I'd still rather have the 396 SS.

I love big blocks - so sue me.

The original Z/28 was the Honda S2000 of its day: VERY high reving in

comparison with most of the cars of that era, and it still had a TON of

torque unlike the balls-less S2000 Hon-dog.

The original Z/28 was the Honda S2000 of its day: VERY high reving in

comparison with most of the cars of that era, and it still had a TON of

torque unlike the balls-less S2000 Hon-dog.

I think it had more along the lines of "a TON of GEARING", rather than a ton of torque.

More torque than a little 4 banger import for sure, but the DZ and MO 302's weren't famous for their "torque". They spun up quick, and usually had a decent gear in the rear.