As the subject says, I currently drive a 2004 S2000. I do track events about once a month, and use it as a daily driver. Love the car, and planning on keeping it.

However, I've always loved Corvettes, and lately I've been looking at a C5 Z06 to augment the S2000.

What follows is a post that I wrote for another forum. I didn't get many responses, so I figured, why not get opinions from Z06 owners? Note that what follows is not intended to be a troll--it's just my honest opinion.

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Call me crazy, but I've gotten a craving for a C5 Z06. I really would like a hardtop car for the increasing amount of trackdays that I'm doing. I've been looking at them for a while now, and read everything that I can find. I've read the good and the bad, about the bulletproof drivetrain and the "crappy" interior.

I finally drove one today. It was an 01, with 82K miles (!). I'd really like an 02+, with no oil issues, better engine, etc. etc., but I figured a few more miles on this one wouldn't matter, at least to get a feel of the car. I've sat in a bunch of Corvettes, and driven a 72 LT-1, but I've never driven a C5.

The good:

Acceleration. Wow. Just like I had read. Pins you back in the seat. Boy, does real torque feel good after driving Miatas and S2000s! And, it just pulled right up to the redline.

Handling. I didn't do many turns, but it still felt mostly solid, and like a much smaller car than it really is. Not like a Miata/S2K, but still nimble.

The exterior. The paint was in really good shape, compared to the Japanese cars that I've owned with this kind of mileage.

The bad:

The interior. As expected. This one was even worse, though, probably as expected after 80K miles... the temperature display for the A/C didn't display anything, the radio ***** had fallen off, the parking brake button was cracked, there were various trim pieces missing... it was a mess. Either the car had an extremely hard life, or this is what happens to Corvettes when they get old. Probably a combination of both.

The shifter. Again, as expected, it was like rowing a boat. Vague engagement, too. I didn't notice the 1-4 skip shift--it was probably disabled.

An overall "loose" feel. Dead spot in the steering, jiggles, shakes, etc. Again, probably a sign of age, but Japanese cars just don't do this at this mileage.

So, do I still want one? Honestly, I don't know. Obviously, I'd buy a low-mileage, well-taken-care of example if I ever got serious, and there seem to be plenty of them out there. The performance IS exhilarating, and considering that I'd be using it on the track, the interior doesn't matter that much.

On the other hand, I _do_ want basic interior items to work, such as temperature displays on the A/C and volume ***** on the radio. I guess these are things that can be fixed, though.

I've always loved Corvettes since I was a little kid (what American boy hasn't?), and I may just have to get one just to get it out of my system...

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Flame suit on...

--michael

 

Well as a Z06 owner and having a couple of friends with S2000's hopefully I can help you out a bit. The condition of the Z06 you test drove sounds like someone didnt maintain it very well at all, the things you mentioned sounded more like mis treatment than wear. Now Im not gonna argue the fact that the S2000 is better built (fit/finish) than the Z but its still an apples to orange comparison, the Z06 rivals some of the finest supercars in terms of performance and that is what is was made for, not the most refined car but a serious performer. So with all this being said..... if you are looking for true performance machine but can give up a bit of refinement (and of course the ability to drop the top) then I think you will absolutely love the Z06.

 

I'm sorry the '01 you drive wasn't maintained.

My '01 has 53,000 miles and still looks/feels new. Yes it has rock chips from track duty, but when detailed it looks as good as new.

As for interior it's all about care. Mine looks new with only minor wear on the steering wheel (shinier than a new one) and seats (normal leater creases)

My only squeek is from where my seat hits the interior B pillar trim because I have the seat all the way back. Other than that it's solid and much much better than my old mustang convertible (squeek/rattle monster).

The shifter can be swapped for a far better one and the steering feel can be enhanced with a good semi-track allignment. Plus in the condition that Z was in the hubs and tie-rod ends could have been a bit worn out.

Go drive a good one before you make up your mind.

 

yeah...that doesn't sound like a z06 that was taken care of. w/a short shifter setup- the throws become shorter then those on an s2k and with better tires the handling surpasses that of the s2k. hate to plug it but i'm selling my '02 in the for sale section and the car is immaculate (save for the usual small chips on the front bumper).

meek

 

My situation is a bit like yours. I have owned two E46 M3s during the past four years, and currently own an '05 model. After installing a Koni adjustable suspension and getting the car to handle the way I want..... I bought an '02 ZO6 with 13K miles. I do 6 or 7 track events a year, and I didn't want to get involved with additional mods (mostly safety) with the new M3. Adding a roll bar, seat, harness, etc. really compromises both the car's utility on the street, and resale value. I'm not sure yet that I will go that far with the Vette either, but I would feel better about it; guess that's my rationalization for buying it anyway. As with the S2000, when comparing overall fit and finish, interior materials, etc, the ZO6 doesn't score very well. But, what else offers similar, out-of-the-box performance for $30K? And honestly, mine is almost 4 years old, and it has no squeaks and rattles. The steering feel you described is, I think, unusual. Mine doesn't have the feel of the BMW steering, but it is solid.

The shifter. My M3 has an AutoSolutions shifter, and it is great. The Vette's stock shifter has much longer travel, and not as precise. It's a personal thing, but I don't find it to be a problem; even though I switch driving both cars. If you are a drag racer, maybe it's a problem. But on the track, you simply don't shift much, with third and fourth gears handling virtually everything. And while the BMW feels comfortable with very fast shifts, the ZO6 feels better at a bit less frenetic pace. And if you shorten it up much, the effort is going to be very high.

The ZO6 is not as forgiving in its demands of the driver as the M3, or, I suspect the S2000. With the additional hp and low-end torque, you have to exercise a different level of throttle control. But, the car is beautifully balanced. And a well-driven ZO6, even totally stock, is a very impressive car on the track.

My guess is, if you buy the ZO6, you will drive it a lot more than you now imagine. It is both a very fun car, and a very serious car; a ball to drive, but demands some respect near the limit. I recommend you find a well-maintained '02-'04 and give it a test drive.

 

All that down low torque really got to you, admit it. And the sound of a V-8. Not like your S2000, which you have to rev over 6K to produce power and which does not sound exactly musical. These were my main impressions when I was shopping two years ago; I went with my 2004 ZO6 instead of the Honda, nice car though it was.

The ZO6 won't be as nimble as your S2000 in the corners, but it does have a great personality. Find one in better shape, and go for it.

 

I will have to agree with the others and say that the Z you drove was not only not maintained but abused. Although the '02 and up Z06's have more horsepower, If you can find a good 01 as a track car I'd say do it. The car is truly amazing! I've had mine for 2-1/2 years and I fall in love with it every time I drive it.

As far as how the car handles on the track compared to your S2000....Yes it is larger and heavier, but it will still perform excellent. After all, that's what it was built for. I did a HPDE at VIR shortly after I got mine. One of my instructors was a 911 driver with a great deal of experience. He couldn't believe how well the car handled bone stock!! And yes those brake ducts do work! I had zero fade after 20 minute sessions. Enjoy and good luck finding your car.

 

yea my 01 doesnt have any of those symptoms. Find a nice low mileage one and you wont be disapointed. The car is really nimble for its size. I also was lookin at a s2000 at one point. It was just a tad too small for my liking. The power in the z06s is addicting. and they sound soooo sweet at idle adn even better under WOT. WOT is the most addicting part. Test drive a better treated one and you wont be disappointed. Also things like the radio ac lights can be repaired very cheap by a forum member here. Does super work from what i hear. better than factory.Good luck in your venture and decision

 

I have to disagree with this... the rear ducts are really for looks and not even needed. Most will put the heat exchangers for trans/dif coolers in there. Plus if you want to run an 18x12 wheel you'll pull them out anyway.

When truly braking hard you'll want to add DRM front extenders to the factory "tire" coolers in the front wheel well to cool the rotors better. Also, you'll want to carry a spare set of rotors at all track days because they're prone to cracking. No worreis though because you can get them at NAPA for $25 each.

First get a better ride in a Z06, then buy one, then come on over to the road racing and auto-cross forum to learn everything you need to know.

 

I came from a Highly modded Integra GSR, The Acura was alot of fun, but theres really NO COMPARISON. Drive a nice one and then judge

 

I have been for a ride in an 02 s2000, and I currently own an 02 Electron Blue Z06. After dealing with Japanese cars and switching over to the z06, I think my opinion is unbiased.

Both cars are fun cars...Admittingly I enjoyed the s2k. I love small high revving cars - theyre fun to throw around corners and just a blast with the top down. By far the s2k has a better interior and will arguably last longer, but I doubt your going to keep either car for over 100 thousand miles. Both cars are very nimble in the corners, but the z06 really shines on longer courses. You cant argue with a 5.7 Liter in block cam engine that can make 5-600whp reliably on stock internals. Performance wise the z06 just destroys the s2k in all aspects.

Overall I found the s2k to be a fun car, but the z06 was even "funner"(is that a word??).... Its a whole new driving experience, and everyone around ya will turn their heads when you pull up. I love the corvette community how they all waive to each other - really makes me feel like I picked the right one. Anyways good luck on your decision. I dont know too many people who have gotten into an 02 z06 and have come out dissapointed.

 

^ That's another thing most fail to mention... when you buy a Corvette you become part of something special, there's a great community that goes along with the car, something that cannot be said for any other single car. Many cars have owners groups and rabid fans, but not like Corvette.

 

Hi weneversleep -

That is not typical of a well maintained C5.

They are no more or less resistant to neglect or abuse as any other car.

I would add, that having owned several Japanese designed cars, they are just as likely to have broken plastic bits, missing *****, and front end /wheel balance problems as would be any other car "at that mileage".

best regards -

mqqn

 

I read you mentioned the shifting of the Z06 compared to the S2000. Hard to compare the two as I have heard awesome things about the shifting of the S2000. I heard a few people talk about how smooth it is and there is no room for error. Cool little cars!

As for the Z06 clutch and shifting....yea I would have to say the Z06 clutch is a POS. I'm on my second one and it's no better then the first. They cannot handle any power above the stock HP. Not that I have much more then stock either.

Curious, what did he want for that 01 with 80K miles??

 

 

hey man i had a 05 s2k with a good amoutn done, i drove a 01 and a 02, i took the 02, im 6'3 adn hte s2000 was a little to small for me and the car was a little to slow going form a 600 hp civic lol, ill tell you though the s2000 stearing and gear box is WAY better then the vette, the s2000 has the best gear box in the world, and the vette is very sloppy and the steering wheels is big and not responsive like the electric power steering of the s2000, it really all depends in what you want but im really happy with my vette and you get a big head driving it cuz alot of stuff cant touch u lol Pm me if u wanan ask me some more questions cuz i had the same s2k as you since they were the same models

 

It was a dealer. Bill Heard in Houston. We never got talking about price on the 01. I originally went to look at an 03 that they also had, but it (the 03) had a dead battery, so he asked if I wanted to drive the 01.

 

I like the flame suit remark

I have to start off and say that the C5 ZO6 is a +1.00g car. Only a handful of cars in the world can claim that. The handling will allow you to take large radius curves well above 160mph without drama. The hardest thing for alot of people that have never pushed a C5 Z to its limits, or close to in most cases, is to get those tires up on their sidewalls and feel how well the Z can stay planted at those speeds. Like I said, no drama. The Z is so stable at those speeds, it's like you always think you are going alot slower, because the stability is excellent.

The stock LS6 has an excellent powerband. Just to give you an idea at WOT, a stock Z will do 49mph in first, 72mph in second, 105mph in third, 145mph in fourth, 171mph in fifth, 171mph in 6th. Most Z's are not stock though, and have a raised rev. limiter. Fifth gear will end up as much as 20mph more. The availability for performance parts is only a click away for anything you want. You can supercharge it, do 10's in the quarter and drive it back home averaging 30mpg.

I know that the S2000 came with 240hp. How about a 3075lb. car with more than twice the horsepower? Yes, you can stop the daydreaming and buy a Z06 and let the mods. begin. You will find out real quick what owning a Corvette is all about, however, it does come with some baggage. You will not be able to relax on the highway unless you resign yourself to the low speed lane and stay there. In the high speed lane you will be challanged by mini-vans, pick-ups, and every other production vehicle made, usually starting by riding 5ft off your rear bumper. The have no clue that if you had to make an emergency stop, they would not be able to stop and be in your back seat. The ZO6 held the breaking record for a long time with 103ft. from 60mph. Only a handful of cars again in the world....... A thought of some throttle, and the Z can make them disappear in the rearview on a whim, because the Z is in a league so far beyond what they are driving they just do not have any real clue. Most want to see how their Nissan 350Z compares, which is not even close, in fact, it is so one sided, it gets old real fast.

Good luck with your decision. I hope that I didn't talk you out of buying a ZO6.

 

well my bro has a S2000 with a comptech supercharger, intake, exhaust, test pipe on it and lowered and i have to admit it feel really good. I was looking into getting one also but i always like the Z06 and wanted to get one. Yes the S2k has it plus' but i still think the Z06 is better to me. yes in the interior department the s2k is way better all day and the motor is really good specially supercharged, and yes the gear box is the best i have felt. The car handles like a champ and gives you the feel of you being in cntrol of the car the whole time your are driving it. But her comes the Z06 in stock trim still faster then my frine d S/C s2k. i enede up getting the 01 Z06 and i love it. the car is faster then the S/C S2k and the car seems to handle really good and the power and torque is just amazing. Over all both cars are really good cars it all depends on what you like. I reallly believe the Z06 has more potential since it has a bigger motor and can take more than the more than the S2k can. But all in all both cars are great car it all deoends wether you want to be driving the all american dream lol or the japanese super car.

 

reading the thread I agree with what almost everyone said, drive a better car than an 82k beater before you make any judgement.

as for the choice between the two cars, I drive an 03 Z06 when the weather is better. A good friend was looking for a second car. Knowing the guy I pointed him at a Boxster, rather than the Z because I knew he would enjoy the car, and would like the more refined feel (I think it's a girly car, but didn't tell him that). He loves it, moved up to a boxster S.

Moral of the story - what are you looking for? If you have the money to try it, go for the Z - if you don't like it you can sell it. If your funds are more limited, think hard, because the S2000 and the Z are completely different cars even if both are considered sports cars. My guess is if you were attracted to the S2000, and love/like what you have, you may be disappointed in the Z - just as I know that if I had to swap my Z for an S2000, that I would never be satisfied.

just another opinion....