If it were me I would get the Camaro.
There is not a huge difference in fuel economy between the V6 and V8, but I don't mind paying a little more for the beautiful sound and power the V8 has to offer.
If you treat it well and don't have a heavy foot, it wont cost you much in fuel and parts. If you drive like I do than you might want to learn how to do the repairs yourself lol
Even with high gas prices, I would still rather drive my Camaro than anything else. Love love love it!!

 

Between my formal car, a '96 Buick Century 3100 V6 and the Z28 I've had for over a year now, the gas difference is barely noticeable and that's with the raise in gas prices and switching from running 87 to 93 all the time. If you want decent mileage and power on demand, then go for a V8. If not, the V6's are cute too.

 

I bought the black one for $7000. Now can i run 89 octane instead or 91? Would it hurt power and mpg more than its worth?

 

You can run 89, but in the long run it'd be cheaper for you to use 91 or 93 octane. I can't remember what the compression ratio is in the LS1, but I'm sure it's not much lower than LT1, so the few extra dollars it'll cost to use 91 will out way using 89.

 

Ok. Ill stick to 91 or higher. When should the spark plugs be replaced, they are original. What else should be done at around 70000 miles?

 

I hate the "sport appearance package" on the red z28. ive never liked that look. Basically it goes down to the comparison of the drivetrain and maintanence.