Nothing can compare to the sound of a Chevy Camaro when you turn the key! The smooth, throaty roar is a sound like no other. Combine that sound with the classic look of the car and you have an unbelievable piece of machinery! I remember the first time I ever saw one. I was hooked!

In 1988 Chevrolet made some changes to the Camaro. They limited the choice of models to a basic coupe style and the IROC-Z.

For people who like to have more choices, this was disappointing. However, both models were redesigned and had many options to offer.

The basic coupe was redesigned with lower body side panels, a rear spoiler, mirrors that were the same color as the body and standard aluminum wheels. You could choose from a four speed automatic or five speed manual transmission.

With the coupe you had a few different engine choices. The standard engine was 135 Horsepower (2.8 liter V-6), which was what previous camaro's were known for. Or you could spice it up by ordering a 5.0 liter throttle-body-injected V-8. This gave you 170 Horsepower, five more than the 1987 Camaro engine.

The IROC-Z was the Z28 lovers dream. It didn't disappoint. It made the basic coupe pale in comparison.

The standard engine in the IROC-Z was a 5.0 liter V-8. The same engine as was offered on the basic coupe. However, the choices you had from there were unbelievable! A port-injected version cranking out 220 horsepower when paired with the standard five-speed manual, or 195 with the optional four-speed automatic. And if you really wanted to blow people away you could choose the Corvette's 230-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8, but it came only with the automatic.

In 1988 the Camaro was a popular model. Not only were they fast. They were sleek. In my opinion, they ate the Mustang for breakfast! With the ability to add more power, they were a contender in any race. And even with all that power, it was so easy to handle!

So many cars these days have all of these gizmos and gadgets that you don't need. The 1988 Camaro was to be driven and not lived in. You didn't need a TV. You didn't need a DVD player! CD players weren't even thought of yet! All you needed was the road and a tank of gas! And, depending on your engine, someone to race! Sure, other cars are nice. Some are faster. But, I myself prefer the Camaro.

If you want to drive a real sports car I would recommend driving a Camaro. I myself am partial to the newer models brought to life in the 90's. You don't need a Hemi to have power under the hood. Trust me. You can go from 0 to 60...well I wont spoil it for you. Go take a ride in one!

Learn more about this author, Vanessa Calleja.
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