stingraymyway

The Stingray with Z51 package is plenty for my wants and needs.

VY427

Normally I would have bought the Z06 - I did back in '06 - but this time I didn't. Though it's great having the high end model, in this case I felt the Z51 better fit what I needed/wanted out of a daily driven sports car. My Z51 is a 2LT, Shark Grey/Kalahari.

The Z06 certainly looks more exotic, and I like that, but it has a few negatives which kept me from buying it. Namely, the long gearing (which I dislike), super wide tires (more prone to tramlining/more expensive) and all the extra power that I just can't enjoy where I drive (ties in with the long gearing). Plus, the C7 looks so much sharper than the C6, that I didn't find the new car's appearance boring or lacking.

The Z06's higher price had a little to do with the decision, but it wasn't a deal breaker. When I bought my car, however, discounted Z51's were significantly less expensive than MSRP Z06's. All things considered, that was difficult to ignore. Similarly equipped, the difference (then) would have been nearly $20K. Most in stock Z06's I found at the time were even more highly optioned which made the difference even greater.

Five months in now, I have no regrets about choosing the Z51. It looks great, sounds great, handles great and feels plenty fast/powerful.

rrsperry

I didn't see any reason at all for me to get a 650Hp version of a car that I really can't use the 460 of the z51 on public roads.


I mean seriously, where the hell can you use the 460hp of this car to it's potential besides a track? That and the extra $20+K...

SK360

I use every horsepower of the car every time I drive it, would just be boring if not.

VictorBarron

ZEEEE06

the instructors at Spring Mountain will tell you that most people that own C7s can't handle the full capability of a Z51 let alone a Z06.

1776DAVE

Z51 mostly because of price. Have not had a car with this much hp before so the z51 had more then I wanted or knew how to use

MostlyHarmless

So I know I will most likely get flamed for this, but for me it was cost and the variety of cars that became available if I had a $110K budget

I love my C7 but I am not wedded to the GM brand (nor any other brand for that matter) and I tend to change my cars every 2-3 years

At the $65K GM discount price that I got my 2015 Z51 it was a steal. There is NOTHING on the road that can touch the C7 at that price. It was all I needed to spend to get a car I fell in love with

But for me, when you get to $110K there is a lot more competition. 911, Jag F Type R, Maserati Coupe, Nissan GTR and even the Tesla 90D start to look really interesting at that kind of money

I am not knocking the Z06 at all, awesome car and in awe of the numbers it is putting up on the track. But at that price point the market is a lot more crowded. At the Z51 price point the car is a no brainer.

Not trying to put down the Z06 or endorse the other cars, and not entirely sure I even made my point very well - but it does at least show you that my head is a very strange place

C7-Beast

Here's my formula for a poor mans Z06...

Step 1- Start with a Z51 then break it in for the first 500-800 miles.

Step 2- Take it a reputable tuner in your area (ECS for me)and get an ECS Novi 1500, or A&A S/C, Methanol, Long Tube headers and a full dyno tune.

You will then have Z06 crushing performance without heatsoak. Yes, you do lose your power train warranty and that is a BIG issue for many.

In my case, 696 RWHP and 613 ft lbs torque My 2LT cost me about 8k less than a base Z06. If I blow it up that just means I'll need a 413

LBRc7

My soon to arrive 2lt z51 stickers at $73k and I got it for $68k. I built nearly the same car in a z06 and it was pushing $95k. Not worth a $28k difference imo. I could add a blower and be making the same power and still save $20k. My thoughts anyway...

\Boost Monkey/

I love my Z51 Stingray... Best that can be had in the price point.

But for the $100k+ department, I would have shopped elsewhere than at a Chevrolet dealer. Possibly a dodge or P-car dealer.

9157

It's not just price...it's more what you are looking for and how you are going to use it. I have had a '14 Z51, '15 Z06 and now a '16 Z51.
For me, the Z06 is the best car I have ever owned (and I have owned 3 Ferrari's). Period. But for me, having a garage queen verses a car that I can drive daily...I prefer the '16 Z51. The '16 Z51 does it all and does it very well. It does it without all the fan fair and flash of the Z06 yet still retains all the thrill.
In my opinion, The wide tires, the splitter and side skirts detract from the daily driving and overall experience. The Z51 with the A8 provides performance that is unmatched as a daily driver.
My only anticipation for disappointment may be at the track.
The Z06 makes a decent driver a great driver! It is just unreal on the track!
I never tracked my '14 but coming out of my Z06 and back into a z51; the '16 Z51's overall driving experience is closer to the Z06 than my '14 Z51 was to my Z06. I was surprised at the difference between the '14 & '16.
For me, the '16 is the best of both worlds.
Just my 2 cents for what it is worth.

trumanjd1

I'm glad I read this thread...'cuz I was considering a ZO6 now that GMS is available..but using common sense..my 2015 DSOM Z51 2LT is more than adequate for my recreational use....I will probably never experience the full potential of my Z51 as it is..and it would be just a waste of money...for other than show. Thanks again for bringing me to my senses!

jdarc1

Same here for me but with a base 1LT , all said and done for car and upgrades 61K.

Steve Garrett

^^^^^ +1

david.a8.z51

"Most people " don't have either car.

HANNY

Like the saying goes "if someone says it's not about the money,,,,,,, it's always about the money"
Now this part is gonna sound really dumb based off that statement but some will understand:::::
I got a base C7 because I had plans to supercharge it, so I did that and that. I got plenty of power now near z06 and I like doing the work myself so that was kool.
Money isn't really an issue for my decisions, but it is why I didn't get the Z06,,,,, just couldn't spend that much,,,,,,, have it just didn't spend it. No use for the Z51, added price for most guys who will never use it is also weird, I will use it tho and the base car has plenty of everything you could ask for except brakes potentially

mustclime

price, I had a budget of 60k....thats a z51.

Corvette ED

My Z-51 fit my budget. Also I think the 650HP could be to much car for me!!!

KevinSun

1. Cost. When I ordered my Z51, the Z06's were just out and the dealer was asking, and getting, $20 to $30K OVER MSRP (at least where I live)
2. Consumer Reports rated the Z51 package as the best value performance package available. For any vehicle, period.
2. Truth (or maybe a justification....). I will never use 650 horse power. Other than some 0-60 tests, I have never really used the 460 I have. (though I might have used 450 once... )
3. Z06 was a first year car. Turns out this was a good guess based on the cooling issues which they have now fixed.

But really, it was about the money. If I had another $50K to burn, it would have been the Z06. Hmm... maybe a trade-in this year.....