mk56fishing

have always had older vettes but now looking for a z06.would be happy with a 2003, or are the newer ones(2008) worth the extra 20k.what would be the big diferences? besides the extra 100hp-thanks mike

rabrooks

Aluminum Chassis, stiffer chassis, shorter body length with longer wheel base for starters. I guess its lighter too but not sure.

Homeboy77

Both look good, so you can't go wrong.

Unreal

Depends on what you want. A c6z is a good track car/race car/weekend racer. I wouldn't want one as a daily. The grandsport, or base c6 is a better car IMO than the z06 to drive around.

RobsVette04

C5 Z06 in my opinion looks odd, as I was never a fan of the fixed roof coupes. Also, the extra power really isn't as noticeable as it should be.

C6 Z06 is a WORLD apart from a C5 Z06. The power, torque, looks and overall package in my opinion are well worth the cost.

I had 3 C5's, and now own a 2007 Z06, it's easily the coolest, best car I have ever had. Get black, its the fastest color.

Bill Dearborn

C5Z although already over 10 years old is still a great track car. They far outperform the base C5 and can easily run with some pretty high priced sports cars. The difference between it and the C6Z is the engine, brakes, engine oil cooler, diff/transmission cooler. C6 GS is a waxer's Z06, it has the FE3 suspension Vs the FE4, it has the same transmission ratios as the C5Z which help it make up for the reduced torque and HP, it weighs a couple hundred more pounds than the C6Z. The C5Z will outperform a C6GS due to the weight. Where the C6Z gains its advantage over the other two is that 427 engine with its lower end torque and several hundred higher rpm power peak. On a track with straights like Watkins Glen the C6Z will run 5 to 12 mph faster at the end of a straight than a C5Z.

Bill

FlipRay

I was in the same boat. Was originally looking at C5z but the interior killed it for me. Mind you, the C6 aint exactly Ferrari-esque interior wise but atleast it doesnt remind me of a Cavalier's interior. Also, didn't get sold on the FRC body style...I like the lift back/hatch more, which isnt available as Z06.

Too Slow '90

My opinion...the C5Z is a far better looking car than any C6. Having said that the C6 is a much nicer car. I was looking just as you and was concerned about the engine issues with the LS7. I'm sure there will be many who will say it's not an issue or it's a small percentage. Maybe they are right but if I'm the part of that percentage and have to pony up the money for a new engine on top of the 20K difference then it's not worth it....for me.

For me the Grand Sport was the choice. I noticed my forearms were not as jacked as they used to be and I figured all the waxing would help. . I recently picked up a C5Z...only time will tell.

Z06-HEC*

my opinion....
You cannot beat that 427 !!!
I test drove a C6 Z51 cammed to compare vs my Mildly cammed Z06 C6 and the difference was sooo dramatic...
So that was comparing a LS7 to an LS3 both cammed...
I cant even imagine the LS1 from a much older car...

Unreal

It all depends. If it is a daily driver, waxer, cruiser, show, etc I would get a GS. If you plan to road course it, and are willing to deal with head issues/etc of the z06, go for it, but for a car to just daily drive and cruise around, I think the GS is a better car.

VetteVinnie

That is definitely a matter of personal opinion. I would happily daily drive my H/C/I car every day if I didn't need four doors to shuttle customers around.

Unreal

Didn't say z06 aren't capable, just the GS is better for most people. I daily driver my h/c/blower 1100rwhp car now, but does it drive nicer/etc than a stock GS? No way. I rather drive 3k miles cross country in a GS than a Z06. Both are capable. Just like I rather drive my mustang over a GS or z06 as a daily.

Fisch

The C6z is IMO hands down the best looking and best all around Vette ever buiit! After over 8 years owning one it still brings big grins every time I drive it. After seeing the C7 Z (ugly ***) and learning how pig heavy they are I will probably drive this one another 8 years or more. Yes I drove a GS and its a nice car but it ain't no Z.

VetteVinnie

Stock suspension and run craps? I can understand. DRM Bilsteins and Michelin PSS? Rides just as nice as my Volkswagen. But to each his own.

Unreal

Nope, got DRM bilsteins, and had 4-5 sets of different tires. Never had PSS.

I just see a lot of old men buying z06s just to have a 427 then just drive around never getting on them. I rather see the Zs saved for track use where they excel. I still say for a car just to drive, not get on, the GS is a better car.

RFZ

if i wanted to build a dedicated track car c5z would be my starting point. for everything else its the c6 z06. no comparision stock to stock...c6z blows the c5z away in every catergory. i have purchased 2 new c6z's. have been driving vettes for over 30 years. have had every gen . bang for buck c6z kills them all.

SlickShoes

Newer C6Z's outshine earlier ones as well, somewhat bridging the gap in comfort and refinement. The trans got better, the shift mechanisms got tighter, the steering rack changed, the suspension tuning slightly changed, the seats got a little nicer ('12 I think), more sound deadening showed up. Etc.

Drove a '13 and it was quite a bit nicer feeling than my '06, despite being the same car on paper and at a cursory glance.

stefuel

"I just see a lot of old men buying z06s just to have a 427 then just drive around never getting on them. I rather see the Zs saved for track use where they excel. I still say for a car just to drive, not get on, the GS is a better car."


Hey, I resemble that
It sucks going to Dunkin Dounuts and being asked if you'd like the senior citizens discount at age 59

VetteVinnie

I hear you. The 99 toll road and the Beltway 8 are my "tracks" lately.

I average 11-13 MPG because I simply can't keep my foot out of it.