1970 vs 1971 Z28 (apples to oranges?)

[Dave Rifkin]

I was speaking to a knowledgeable second generation Z28 collector and the topic of 1970 vs 1971 Z28's came up. This person said that he thought comparing the two was like comparing apples to oranges. What are your thoughts and what would you consider an average price difference, if any?
BTW: I tend to agree with this person and was hoping to get other enthusiast's opinions.

[owners2]

Both years are great cars. I personally like the 71's better. Hate the short front seats with the headrest. I have owned 4 1971 z's & still own 3 and they are my personal favorite. Also not that concerned about the 30 horsepower loss. In 1970 there were 8,733 z28's & in 1971 there were 4,862 z28's so to me the 71 is a little rarer. This of course is my opinion!

[TimG]

Unfortunately, I haven't owned either, but I don't think that the difference between 360 hp and 330 hp makes a tremendous difference. I'd take either one of them and be very happy as they are both great cars.

[Stefano]

Both are cool/similar cars, however; there is a much bigger performance feel/difference than the stated 30hp would indicate.

[Mr70]

Put me down for the Apple.

[Dave Rifkin]

Isn't the '70 the more desirable of the two for reasons other than just the 30hp difference? Aren't there quite a few '70 specific features that make the car rarer and more desirable? The 12 bolt rear for one.

[Seattle Sam]

Here are some of the differences, I don't know if they are why the 1970 is more desirable (higher priced):
No chin spoiler in 1970
Low front seats with headrests in 1970
small rear spoiler in 1970 (except for "COPO" 1970 Camaros)
Year-specific steering wheel in 1970
Last year of the 12-bolt rear in 1970

[Stefano]

The drop of two full points 11.0 to 9.0 adv in compression ratio is key. If you took a stock L78 and dropped the compression two points you would get an idea of what the difference would feel like, however it is more dramatic on the smaller 350 engine.

The low spoiler was still available in 1971 as an option.

[ohhawk]

Sounds like your trying to convince yourself one way or another which is fine. I've been looking to add a nice one for quite awhile. I think they're both good choices and investments. I think most see the 70 as the pinnacle of horsepower years and the 71 as the beginning of the end of the horsepower era. Besides that I see little to bicker about between the two. 71 could be touted as more practical as the higher octane gas is less of an issue. 70 will always be more popular I would guess. In my mind a higher end 70 vs. its equal model 71 both with docs and #'s represents approx. 30-40% difference in price.

How did the inspection of the 70 in Michigan go? Showdown car by any chance?

Good luck in the hunt.

[DarrenX33]

[ QUOTE ]
The low spoiler was still available in 1971 as an option.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, my brothers 71 Z had the low spoiler.