billschroeder5842

My buddy has a 96 GS and is very proud of his car. I love the GS and will have one in the future, but for the moment my LT5 has my heart. That ZR1 is just a full on shot of adolescent hormonal lust.

When we get together he starts to "compare" the GS verses the ZR1 and the merits of the LT4 against the LT5. I mostly just listen and offer a few amateur observations as debating is not my thing.

To me, ANY C4 is a cool car, but are there any definitive "studies" or articles that do an actual comparison (both technical and driver impression) between the two cars?

pologreen1

My favorite C4 ever was the zr1 with GS scheme someone did years ago, and I think the engine was black. Bee a long time but I think they were a member here at one time.

FAUEE

The zr1 was faster, but the GS handles better. Personally, I'd have a GS, but zr1 are cheaper.

The downside of a GS, they'e so rare that you can barely drive them without feeling bad about it.

whichvette

Lt5 7k rpm tough to beat that sound

ghlkal

I agree that all C4s are cool

I haven't seen a head-to-head of ZR-1 vs. GS, but you can find individual reviews

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...e-grand-sport/

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...ive-flashback/

According to R&T, the Z is faster and corners better ...

cv67

The difference in feel is noticeable. 2v vs 4v totally different
the Z has a more peaky "double pumper" feel to it. the LT4 more flat and gives up a little sooner funny thing is no matter how high the Z revs its done not much after 6..


My impression before I bought mine wasnt holy cow..it was more like "nice, this is how a stock vette should run".

Get what youre gut tells you to, all this collector crap is so overblown
Best thing to do is go drive one of each and lean on em a little if the owner doesnt get a big __ about it.

bb62

In the long run, the Grand Sport will just be a footnote. Much like the 1978 Pace Car Corvette, it's little more than a paint and tape special. The engine could be had with any manual 96 Corvette. On the other hand, the ZR-1, not too dissimilar from the L88s drew back to the Corvette nameplate a performance legacy after nearly a generation of mediocrity. When you look at virtually ANY car of any marque, it is the most performance oriented vehicles that become most treasured. Like the L88, which was valued less than that of the Pace Cars in the day, the relative significance of the cars will in the long run be acknowledged.

1993C4LT1

That pic is nothing but cool OP

PLRX

The ZR-1 was faster, BUT not by a lot especially considering the price difference. In 1997 Corvette Fever compared the 95 ZR-1, 96 GS, and the C5 and the 96 GS was named the Best Corvette yet at that time. When the 2001 Z06 came out it took it away from everybody.

Today the best Vette is the C7Z06/Z07 and the C7ZR1 will be the best next year.

JrRifleCoach

There are 1000 GS's built. The only production serialized Corvette.

Go GS

whichvette

Gm dropped the ball they should have ended the zr1 run in 96 with the gs appearance package

billschroeder5842

Thanks! Being an unabashed "car guy" my other car buddies know I'm always messing in my garage and often stop to say hi. While at my house we start up the mutual admiration society aided by my beer stocked fridge.

I wonder sometimes if they stop to give me hand with my latest project or just get a couple of beers?

Paul Workman

And, used the GEN-III (550 HP) 5.7L LT5! Like the original '63 GS, THAT would assure the C4 GS a place in history besides paint, stick-on flairs, and unique serial #. But...imagine trying to sell new Corvettes with a showroom monster like THAT in it's history!

cdm747

Nothing like a Corvette and a Coors Lite.

Paul Workman

Yes, that was Kieth who had a ZR-1 in 96 GS colors. I believe he hails now from KC (or was it Vegas?).

From Bloomington Gold - back in 2008(?)...

.

cv67

gs/z would have been an instant collector best of both worlds

1993C4LT1

Yup same with the neighbor across the street from me. But I don't drink beer, so I know he is legitimately interested

Edv92c4

Bill, did you ever get your dealer promo model of a DRM 91 ZR1? I saw some roll through eBay recently and wondered if you picked one up.

billschroeder5842

Thanks for remembering! I did get a model and then promptly gave it to a friends 8 year old son who saw my car in the garage and exclaimed "Cooooooooool!"

When an 8 year old thinks you have a cool car, you immediately reward him with a gift. Maybe he will be hooked and a future ZR1 devote.

billschroeder5842

Now THAT is a good looking engine.