Comparing my 2009 F55 vert and 2005 Z51 coupe.
08-18-2008, 01:24 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Comparing my 2009 F55 vert and 2005 Z51 coupe.
Now that I've gotten a few hundred miles on my new 2009 convertible, I thought I'd write up a review of my first impressions. It would be impossible for me to do this without comparing it to my previous C6, a 2005 silver coupe set up with the Z51 performance package. I did have my share of issues with the 2005, including DBS but, in the end, it turned out to be a fairly reliable car and lots of fun to drive. These two cars are really on opposite ends of the C6 spectrum, both having in common the MN6 manual transmission, but little else.
I have to say that I am impressed with the 2009, and years of fine tuning the C6 do show. I had no objections to the large "Doughboy" steering wheel in the 2005, but the smaller, albeit more generic, wheel being used now is more comfortable. The addition of both audio and Bluetooth controls on the wheel are a welcome change.
Interior trim is much nicer, with the old flat silver plastic console trim being replaced with an attractive faux "machined" facade trimmed with stitched vinyl. That, and the addition of some chrome surrounds on buttons and accessories, makes for a decidedly more refined look.
Externally, there are no changes at all except for a slight redesign of the emblem. Having a convertible is, of course, a huge change from the coupe. I found, with a long history of open top roadsters, I really missed being able to drive top down. Granted, removing the top from the coupe made for an enjoyable driving experience, but it wasn't quite the same as true top down motoring. My wife always had trouble handling the top, so she never drove with it off. The convertible has an easy to use power top which just requires turning a single latch and holding a button down while the top either retracts or comes back up. Simple and easy. The vert does have more headroom than the coupe, and at 6'3" that is appreciated. The top is well insulated and totally free of wind noise. Road noise is a bit more subdued than the coupe, mainly because the hatch/trunk area is isolated form the cockpit. Turbulence with the top down is moderate and actually less severe than the coupe was with the top stowed. Visibilty to the rear is better in the top up vert than in the coupe.
With the top on, the coupe has dramatically more storage space than the convertible. With the top stowed however, the vert wins hands down. Both cars are great looking. I think the coupe is striking, but not as impressive as a top down vert. Top up, the vert does have a somewhat awkward look ... still attractive but not nearly as eye catching as with the top down.
Driving the two cars is an interesting comparison. My Z51 MN6 coupe handled great, was slick shifting, and comfortable over decent roads. On rough roads, it could become a bit unsettled and felt harsh, although never too uncomfortable. Steering was heavy with little feedback...sort of numb feeling, although precise. The 2009 steering rack now includes variable ratio as well as variable assist, and it has a very different feel to it. It is very light and quick at low speeds, and gets heavier and slower at high speeds. The transitions are seamless and feel natural. Straight line tracking is excellent. At one point I actually remarked to myself, "Hey, I can feel the road!" It does have improved feel and is lighter than it was in my 2005. I don't know if it's quite as good as my old BMW's but, if not, it's getting pretty close.
When I went to the F55 suspension, I did so with lots of questions and doubts. But, for me, the deteriorating conditions of my local roads plus the dismal tread life of the Z51 SC tires, pushed me towards something other than the Z51 setup. I did not want to lose the crispness and control of the Z51, but I also didn't want to replace tires after 12-15,000 miles; suffer over huge potholes, expansion strips, and washboard road surfaces, and constantly worry about poor traction in cold weather driving conditions. So....I went with the F55 and had my dealer install the Z51 sway bars at delivery. I hoped this would be a viable alternative to the Z51 system that I liked in spite of everything.
So far, in a variety of driving conditions, the F55 has been very impressive. My local driving is mostly in "Tour" mode, and even with that, the handling has been very sharp. In "Sport" mode it's hard for me to tell the difference between this and the Z51. It is decidedly more comfortable over bad roads than the Z51, and I have yet to see the rear end skip out during hard cornering on rough pavement. So, I have to admit that the F55 is an impressive suspension system. Again, I have not driven an F55 with the standard sway bars, so these comments only apply to my setup with the Z51 bars added. With the MN6, I don't have the more aggressive gearing of the Z51's MN6, but it's not a very big factor since the car pulls so strongly anyway. I can still easily move the car in first by just feathering the clutch with no throttle, and can also easily start in second gear.
The transmission is another part of the car that has been changed. My old MN6, after it was broken in, felt fine to me. The newer tranny has shorter throws, and the gears seem to engage a bit more crisply, but it's hard to know how it will feel when broken in. I'll reserve judgement on that one.
I went from a Corsa Sport exhaust system to the NPP. The NPP is sort of cool, but it is not nearly as loud as the Corsa was. Very quiet when closed, fairly loud when open. I think it's a good idea, and it suits my needs, but some may still prefer a more aggressive aftermarket exhaust.
So, I would have to say that GM has gotten this car really sorted out at this point. It feels more agile, quieter, and tighter than my 2005 did. I'll post some follow-ups as the miles pile on. Hopefully this will be a trouble free car and stay as tight as it is now.
I have to say that I am impressed with the 2009, and years of fine tuning the C6 do show. I had no objections to the large "Doughboy" steering wheel in the 2005, but the smaller, albeit more generic, wheel being used now is more comfortable. The addition of both audio and Bluetooth controls on the wheel are a welcome change.
Interior trim is much nicer, with the old flat silver plastic console trim being replaced with an attractive faux "machined" facade trimmed with stitched vinyl. That, and the addition of some chrome surrounds on buttons and accessories, makes for a decidedly more refined look.
Externally, there are no changes at all except for a slight redesign of the emblem. Having a convertible is, of course, a huge change from the coupe. I found, with a long history of open top roadsters, I really missed being able to drive top down. Granted, removing the top from the coupe made for an enjoyable driving experience, but it wasn't quite the same as true top down motoring. My wife always had trouble handling the top, so she never drove with it off. The convertible has an easy to use power top which just requires turning a single latch and holding a button down while the top either retracts or comes back up. Simple and easy. The vert does have more headroom than the coupe, and at 6'3" that is appreciated. The top is well insulated and totally free of wind noise. Road noise is a bit more subdued than the coupe, mainly because the hatch/trunk area is isolated form the cockpit. Turbulence with the top down is moderate and actually less severe than the coupe was with the top stowed. Visibilty to the rear is better in the top up vert than in the coupe.
With the top on, the coupe has dramatically more storage space than the convertible. With the top stowed however, the vert wins hands down. Both cars are great looking. I think the coupe is striking, but not as impressive as a top down vert. Top up, the vert does have a somewhat awkward look ... still attractive but not nearly as eye catching as with the top down.
Driving the two cars is an interesting comparison. My Z51 MN6 coupe handled great, was slick shifting, and comfortable over decent roads. On rough roads, it could become a bit unsettled and felt harsh, although never too uncomfortable. Steering was heavy with little feedback...sort of numb feeling, although precise. The 2009 steering rack now includes variable ratio as well as variable assist, and it has a very different feel to it. It is very light and quick at low speeds, and gets heavier and slower at high speeds. The transitions are seamless and feel natural. Straight line tracking is excellent. At one point I actually remarked to myself, "Hey, I can feel the road!" It does have improved feel and is lighter than it was in my 2005. I don't know if it's quite as good as my old BMW's but, if not, it's getting pretty close.
When I went to the F55 suspension, I did so with lots of questions and doubts. But, for me, the deteriorating conditions of my local roads plus the dismal tread life of the Z51 SC tires, pushed me towards something other than the Z51 setup. I did not want to lose the crispness and control of the Z51, but I also didn't want to replace tires after 12-15,000 miles; suffer over huge potholes, expansion strips, and washboard road surfaces, and constantly worry about poor traction in cold weather driving conditions. So....I went with the F55 and had my dealer install the Z51 sway bars at delivery. I hoped this would be a viable alternative to the Z51 system that I liked in spite of everything.
So far, in a variety of driving conditions, the F55 has been very impressive. My local driving is mostly in "Tour" mode, and even with that, the handling has been very sharp. In "Sport" mode it's hard for me to tell the difference between this and the Z51. It is decidedly more comfortable over bad roads than the Z51, and I have yet to see the rear end skip out during hard cornering on rough pavement. So, I have to admit that the F55 is an impressive suspension system. Again, I have not driven an F55 with the standard sway bars, so these comments only apply to my setup with the Z51 bars added. With the MN6, I don't have the more aggressive gearing of the Z51's MN6, but it's not a very big factor since the car pulls so strongly anyway. I can still easily move the car in first by just feathering the clutch with no throttle, and can also easily start in second gear.
The transmission is another part of the car that has been changed. My old MN6, after it was broken in, felt fine to me. The newer tranny has shorter throws, and the gears seem to engage a bit more crisply, but it's hard to know how it will feel when broken in. I'll reserve judgement on that one.
I went from a Corsa Sport exhaust system to the NPP. The NPP is sort of cool, but it is not nearly as loud as the Corsa was. Very quiet when closed, fairly loud when open. I think it's a good idea, and it suits my needs, but some may still prefer a more aggressive aftermarket exhaust.
So, I would have to say that GM has gotten this car really sorted out at this point. It feels more agile, quieter, and tighter than my 2005 did. I'll post some follow-ups as the miles pile on. Hopefully this will be a trouble free car and stay as tight as it is now.
Last edited by StanNH; 08-18-2008 at 07:18 PM.
08-18-2008, 01:41 PM
#2
Drifting
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: San Diego & Palm Harbor Ca. & Fl.
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Cruise-In 9 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08
Nice write-up..... And I really like that new Gray...... Not too much difference from the '08 that I bought my wife....But that color might sway me to trading in the '05...(did I say that..?) Congratulations...
08-18-2008, 03:38 PM
#10
Drifting
A well written comparison including specifics that should be of help to others wondering about the vert or coupe.. The red interior looks terrific with the grey.
Um, nice looking yard. Glad I don't have to mow it.
Um, nice looking yard. Glad I don't have to mow it.
08-18-2008, 04:45 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
The best commentary on this car probably comes from my wife. She did not enjoy driving my 2005 at all and wound up using it very little. I had her out in the new car this afternoon, top down under sunny skies, and she smiled the whole time. She loved the steering and found the transmission much easier to shift accurately. I had her operate the power roof a few times, which she was able to do with no problem at all. "That car is really smooth." is how she summed it up. I think she's actually looking forward to driving it again.
I guess I should comment on my color choice. Color is very subjective, but the reaction to the Cyber Gray has been uniformally positive. People are constantly telling me how "stunning" this color is. It's a very different color than most, and has so much flake in it that it takes on a different hue in different light. I think the red and black interior complements this color well, and I'm glad I went with it. Also very pleased with the polished Gumbys and can find no flaws in them at all.
08-18-2008, 04:46 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
Articulate, precise, and informative . . . how could you ask for more?
I do not have the Z51 sway bars installed on my '07 F55 vert, but still share the same feelings about the suspension.
There is nothing to compare with "open air" driving. I love it, I love it, I love it. And it's interesting that your wife could not handle the top on your coup. I have a '92, and my wife refused to consider unscrewing the top. She can; however, with no effort put the top down.
As others have already ask, how about the difference in power?
Beautiful color combo . . . enjoy and thank you.
I do not have the Z51 sway bars installed on my '07 F55 vert, but still share the same feelings about the suspension.
There is nothing to compare with "open air" driving. I love it, I love it, I love it. And it's interesting that your wife could not handle the top on your coup. I have a '92, and my wife refused to consider unscrewing the top. She can; however, with no effort put the top down.
As others have already ask, how about the difference in power?
Beautiful color combo . . . enjoy and thank you.
08-18-2008, 04:58 PM
#17
Drifting
Member Since: Sep 2004
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The f55 setup is awesome to me and the reason I hesitate about going to a z. I did not like the z51 at all so I would probably have to change the suspension on the z to soften it up some. The f55 fits my back issues perfectly and allows for long hours driving without problems. Thanks for the write up and have fun with your new ride. That color has really grown on me.
08-18-2008, 07:04 PM
#18
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
I wish I could say, "OMG!", but at this point that's not going to happen. It feels a bit stronger and refined, with less shake at idle, but I can't feel any dramatic difference. Give me another week, when I'll be more comfortable bumping the rev limiter, and I may change my mind. 
08-18-2008, 07:10 PM
#19
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
We're almost back in synch again...two new 2009 Cyber Grays just a few days apart. I may even forgive you for not getting a red interior this time...but only because I know you didn't special order your new Z06.
Sorry I couldn't take you up on your offer of a free beer. It was free, wasn't it? If you ever get far enough east, the same offer holds on my end. The only difference is that my son-in-law is an award winning micro-brewer and his beer is the stuff of legends. Really.
