bearf15

Pros and Cons.

I'm going to buy one or the other this week.

Thanks.

MavsAK

C4 ZR-1, much better looking engine. Better seats and cockpit design. Arguably better looking car too.

C5 ZO6: better everything, and I do mean everything else.

383LPE

the C4 LT5 made by merc marine was a giant leap in tech and power, however it is a complicated engine and the modern C5Z is likely faster and will need little mts and provide superior overall performance.

Unless you are just in love with the LT5, Id stick with the C5Z.

Nowhere Man

the newest ZR-1 is 19 years old. the newest C5 Z06 is 10 years old. C5 Z06 parts to repair will be easy to find. not so much on the C4

JrRifleCoach

ZR1's are remarkable engines. Parts are VERY expensive if obtainable. Little if anything on the performance aftermarket.
Z06's have gobs of torque, parts are common and affortable. Aftermarket is huge!!!

IMHO if your looking for a fun driver, Z06. ZR1's make for great garage queens.

PLRX

C5 Z06 Hands Down.

If you are looking for a cosmetic unique look among Corvette enthusiast buy the C4 ZR-1.

________________

1993C4LT1

and cool pic

bb62

I had the same choice about 6 years ago when I purchased my 95 ZR-1. Some thoughts:

1. The ZR-1 is far rarer than the C5 Z06. C5 Z06s are everywhere.
2. While it is true that the C5 Z06 is quicker that the ZR-1 (from an acceleration standpoint), the difference is minimal from a street perspective.
3. The ZR-1 is truly the "faster" car - for top end performance. But given that you will likely never get the ZR-1 to 180mph (where the ZR-1 tops out) versus about 174 (where the Z06 tops out), this is just so much bragging rights.
4. The ZR-1 is likely to have much greater historical significant in the long run. It was the first attempt as serious performance (from a power perspective) since the solid lifter big block of the late 60s.
5. While ZR-1 have taken a hit in the past 5-6 years, so have C5 Z06s. Still because of the rarity and historical significance, the ZR-1s will likely have the better long term value - especially the 405hp cars.
6. Clearly the best looking Corvette engine ever made (and I also have a 67 435HP coupe).
7. There is a significant ZR-1 support network. I would check out the www.zr1.net website. Part are obtainable (with the possible exception of the original laminated windshields - but regular C4 windshields fit fine and look great). The LT5 is virtually bullet proof. Most of the issues you will ever have with a ZR-1 is related to normal C4 issues.

Good luck with your choice. Really, neither is a bad choice and both are super Corvettes!

ETM

C5Z is a terrific car. Fun to drive, good usable power, handles great. Just a blast. The best car I`ve ever driven.

LT5corsa

Have you read "Heart of the Beast"? Great book to read and explains why the ZR-1 is so unique and special.

If you want a sophisticated, refined car that is guaranteed to give you a PERMAGRIN every time you reach 7k rpm... Buy the ZR-1.

The C5 is quiet and a very comfortable car! The C4 has more of a cockpit design and isn't as easy to get in / out of.

Drive both, and decide for yourself...



David

gerardvg

The C4 ZR1 will become a collectible especially the first and last ZR1, there are a lot out there that have been pampered and have less miles than a 6 month old car.

The C4 ZR1 engine is a well designed bullet proof engine, the LT5 engine will win any engine bay looks contest hands down.

But do not use a classic ZR1 as a daily driver, newer more easilly replaceable cars are for that. There are too many idiots on drugs, mental issues out there that can ruin your pride and joy.

The C5 ZO6 would be nice with low enough milage but age catches up with any car that has not been maintained well, if it has a good service history and is A1 in body and running gear will be a good choice. But a C5 doesnt do it for many people, spend a little extra and get a low mile and newer C6 perhaps?

I would not consider a C5 i am not a fan (sorry is just my oppinion) however i do like the C6 shape better, now that would be a hard choice C6 ZO6 or C6 ZR1.
Perhaps get a C4 ZR1 and a C6 ZR1 now that would be nice in a garage.

What ever gets your heart racing is what you will buy, perhaps road test a C4 ZR1 there are several dealers out there with very good low mile looked after examples and then the C5 ZO6 and you will go one way or the other.

You are the one that will drive it and what we think is of no concern whatever makes you smile more and want to drive will win.

C4in mesa

I met a guy at a Chevy car show last year who has a 1992 ZR-1. A fuel injector went bad an needed replaced. Cost him a mint not to mention the headache trying to find gaskets.

Z51JEFF

They make great drivers too.[IMG][/IMG]If you want a car that you will see everyday with every conceivable J.C.Whitney mod known to man,by that C5.You have a C5 then you have a ZR-1.Straight line performance,its a toss up between the 2.Personably,I wouldnt own a C5,any C5.

FASTAZU

Always the myth about parts.. do some research most if not all parts are available for the LT5, I have driven two as DD with no issues. On the road (not a race track) the ZR-1 will run with the C5Z all day.

The C5 Z is also a great car its hard to beat the advances in technology. Go drive them both and than make the decision but don't do it based on what others have to say.

Good luck. Both are great corvette's

zr1fred

Two different concepts. Z06 - great driver; ZR-1 great occasional driver, show car, collector potential/upside. Age is a BIG factor for a driver car, but then again many, if not most Z06's have been hammered pretty hard. Both can have their own set of issues, mostly age or use related.

C4in mesa

I love my modified 1988 C4. However my next Corvette is going to be a 2003 or 2004 Z06. Any obvious things to look for concerning abuse ? I see them selling for under $23,000 less than 100K miles. Best buy out there as far as I can see.

zr1fred

Most of the problems were taken care of in the 03 and 04's. They also tend to have been treated better, have lower miles, but cost more. Like the ZR-1 forum, there is a wealth of knowledge on the Z06 forum.

F&Yb0dluvr

OP It's good to see you have threads in both forums and ruling out the "generation bias" haha but give us some more I'm info about the cars you're looking at miles/price etc and how many miles you plan on driving it and how long you plan on keeping it. Also take into account a ZR-1 WILL cost more to repair and maintain so if the purchase price is pushing your budget the Z06 will be a better choice

FASTAZU

Sorry I completely disagree with this, in in 40k miles other what I elected to do the only things I did were oil and gas and all normally required maintenance on my 91 ZR-1. In 50K plus on the 90 ZR-1 I had same. I also put 160K on my 04 with only the same maintenance expense. Lets keep it real.

F&Yb0dluvr

Last time I checked oil changes, tuneups, sensors etc and engine and other ESPECIALLY non standard C4 parts cost more for a ZR-1 then a C5 Z06 driven the same mileage a C5 Z06 is a cheaper car to maintain in the MAJORITY of instances let alone it something happens to the LT5. ZR-1's are also anywhere from 6-14 years older then Z06's with more parts needing restoration that's an extra expense in my book. Now I'm not saying to rule the ZR-1 out because GENERALLY it will be more expensive to maintain because I actually prefer the ZR-1 mainly because the roof comes off but like I said if the purchase price is stretching your budget and it's not going to be a garage queen I would choose the Z06 if I were the OP.