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[Z06] C5 Z06 compared with Base C6

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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 11:10 AM
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Default C5 Z06 compared with Base C6

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum.
I realize that this is a C5 Forum but I'm tring to see if I should buy a 2003-4 z06 or if I should wait and buy a regular c6 next year. I'm guessing that a used c6 will be in the mid 30's next year as would a nice c5 z06.

They both have about the same power but the c6 offers both the new look and the targa top.

I've heard different things about which is a better performer. What do you all think?
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by bakhteria

They both have about the same power but the c6 offers both the new look and the targa top.

I've heard different things about which is a better performer. What do you all think?
Welcome to the fourm.

Both look the same on paper, but the C5Z06 has more get up and go then the C6. Easy to mod if you choose, no Tire pressure senssors on the C5 Z06.

Easy to tune too
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 01:05 PM
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If you want a daily driver that you're not gonna beat up to much then go with the C6. If you really wanna have fun with it, C5 Z06 all the way!!!

Jim
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 02:12 PM
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For those of you have driven both, which do you think is a better performer (handling, acceleration, braking)?
Is it better to get a Z06 or to get a regular C5 and improve a few things here and there?
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by bakhteria
For those of you have driven both, which do you think is a better performer (handling, acceleration, braking)?
Is it better to get a Z06 or to get a regular C5 and improve a few things here and there?
I've driven both. My friend has an auto C6. It rides nice-pretty tight too. I'd say the Z handels a little better as well as brakes a bit better, although I didn't stomp on his brakes.
As for acceleration, the Z hands down...The stock C6's run low 13's I believe.
We raced from a 50mph roll after he went first & I walked him badly...
The car is sweet though..Now the C6Z06 is the ride to get if you could...I guess it's personal preference & how you plan on driving it/using it for. I would NOT trade my 03Z06 for a regular C6
Ron
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by bakhteria
For those of you have driven both, which do you think is a better performer (handling, acceleration, braking)?
Is it better to get a Z06 or to get a regular C5 and improve a few things here and there?

Driven all four. The C5 Z06 has better handling and acceleration then the stock C6. But not by much. Braking is immaterail as the calpers are the same just change the brake pads to Very good pads, the stock C5 Z06 pads are excellent and better then most aftermarkt pads and some DOT 4 brake fluid. Also some DRM ( Doug Rippie Motorsports ) brake duct extensions.

I have a heavely modifed 03 C5 coupe ( over 400 rwhp and 425 rwtq), To do it again I would get the Z06.

Dont get me wrong the C6 is a great great car. the two things I dont really like about most of the C6s are the TPS ( tire Pressure Sensors) as they are differnt to program then the C5s. then harded to put better tires one.

and second are the magnetic door locks. I would like mechanical door locks for safter purposes.

If you want a car to have some serious fun on the track with a C5 Z06 can not be beat.
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 03:11 PM
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Thanks for the feed back.
My next question is about warranty.

I have a 93 MR-2 and the forum has been so good that I've done most all repairs by consulting the forum.

1. How is this forum in terms of technical support?

2. How reliable is the 02+ Z06?

3. Should I dish out an extra 2K for warranty?

Thanks
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 05:06 PM
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I keep breaking stuff on my Z06, just dont mod or race it and you'll be ok. Warranty us useless if you plan on modding. This forum is 2nd to none. LS1tech is better for heads and cam setups, but for vettes this is the best imo.

Last edited by Shawn MacAnanny; Nov 16, 2005 at 10:03 PM.
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 08:56 PM
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Originally Posted by bakhteria
Hi all,
I'm new to the forum.
I realize that this is a C5 Forum but I'm tring to see if I should buy a 2003-4 z06 or if I should wait and buy a regular c6 next year. I'm guessing that a used c6 will be in the mid 30's next year as would a nice c5 z06.

They both have about the same power but the c6 offers both the new look and the targa top.

I've heard different things about which is a better performer. What do you all think?
I have owned both cars....I am back in a C5 Z06....nuff said.

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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 09:18 PM
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That's a tough decision....Flip a coin, heads you win, tails you win. If I didn't currently own a C5Z06 and were in your shoes, I would probably lean towards a C6, but it would have to be a Z51 6-speed or the C6 isn't an option. Not that I don't love my car, but new body style, targa (I really miss my 2001 targa coupe), 400HP, and all updates that go with a newer generation /model.

I don't mod my cars (much) and 2/10ths in the quarter doesn't mean much to me. I am somewhat ambivalent towards the looks of the C6, however.

The more I think it about, the more I don't know which way I would go....

Good luck with your decision and congrats either way.
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Old Nov 17, 2005 | 06:42 AM
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I have driven both, from an enthusiasts stand point the Z06 is more of a drivers car, it lacks a little of the C6 refinement but performance wise it will take the C6 in every catagory. Like someone above said.... you win either way.
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Old Nov 17, 2005 | 06:43 AM
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Good luck and enjoy the one you buy.

Tom
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Old Nov 17, 2005 | 08:25 AM
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Best of luck in making your decision. I would second many of the above comments with regard to the C5Z06 being my choice over the C6

Be sure to let us know which way you decide to go.
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Old Nov 17, 2005 | 09:12 AM
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Thanks to you all.
I'm glad to know that most of you would have the same struggle in making this decision
I saw a beautiful black on black 2002 Z with 4,500 miles on it for $37K.
Thats a bit above my budget but I'll keep looking.
And if my looking takes me to middle of 2006 and C6 is in the same price category then I'll have to see. But for now, Z seems to be a better pick given performance for the price.
Too bad it isn't a targa. What were those guys at GM thinking. They should have atleast offered it as an option (since it isn't a structrual thing).
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Old Nov 17, 2005 | 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by bakhteria
Thanks to you all.
I'm glad to know that most of you would have the same struggle in making this decision
I saw a beautiful black on black 2002 Z with 4,500 miles on it for $37K.
Thats a bit above my budget but I'll keep looking.
And if my looking takes me to middle of 2006 and C6 is in the same price category then I'll have to see. But for now, Z seems to be a better pick given performance for the price.
Too bad it isn't a targa. What were those guys at GM thinking. They should have atleast offered it as an option (since it isn't a structrual thing).
$37K is high for an 02....even with those miles, thats what an 03 with those miles may sell for but even then a bit high. You should be able to get a really nice 02-03 Z with low miles for somewhere in the $32-35K range
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Old Nov 17, 2005 | 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by MVR 155
$37K is high for an 02....even with those miles, thats what an 03 with those miles may sell for but even then a bit high. You should be able to get a really nice 02-03 Z with low miles for somewhere in the $32-35K range


I bought a coupe then modded the heck out of it becuase I wanted the Targa top and fast back window. Thinking about it more it would heve been less money to get a Z06 - I dont take the top out anyway.

And my wife of 6 months had an 04 vert.
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Old Nov 17, 2005 | 12:18 PM
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you can't get a c6 in electron blue, no brainer
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Old Nov 17, 2005 | 01:56 PM
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I just picked up an MY '02 Z06 with 4,900 miles for $30.5k from a private party. The deals are out there, especially this time of year. Keep looking.
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Old Nov 17, 2005 | 03:16 PM
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I just picked up my Silver '02 ZO6 with 16,000 miles for $29.5K from a dealership a couple weeks ago.. I agree keep looking, you'll find a deal.
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Old Nov 17, 2005 | 11:29 PM
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If you want to cruise the C6, If you to race it's the C5 Z. The is not a huge difference, but there is a difference.
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