Sup everyone, I don't post too much on here because I don't yet have a Vette. But I've visited this board a lot and got a lot of good info. I want to get an 02+ C5 this summer (I was supposed to get one last year but couldn't pull the trigger, so needless to say, I'm very trigger happy now!)

Well my dilemma is the following: for about 1.5 years, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted an 02 Z06. Now I'm thinking I might regret buying a Vette with no "Targa" roof or a convertible.

I've made a quick list of pros and cons in *my* personal order of importance - perhaps you can add some items to help me make this decision!

Z06 pros:
1. exotic supercar performance (accel/brake/handling)
2. "warp-speed" feeling under acceleration

Z06 cons:
1. I really like driving with "no top" - the removable roof on the Coupe is very appealing, and so is the Convertible
2. IMO, uglier than the Coupe (I prefer the long sweeping window & the stock chrome rims)

Coupe pros:
1. Removable roof / available as Convertible
2. Better looking body shape & rims

Coupe cons:
1. Not-so-exotic performance (V8 f-body equiv. acceleration, weaker brakes, weaker handling)

Essentially guys (and gals), I'm not 100% what appeals to me the most. I'm a drag racer at heart, and I am a big fan of the feeling of being pushed back into my seat upon acceleration. It's something the Z06 does, that the C5 does not. Also, having owned an LS1 f-body, I know I want something faster, in stock form.

It's just the damn lack of a removable roof in the Z06 that is killing me. I really love cruising around with either the sunroof open, T-tops out, roof removed or in a 'vert.

Perhaps here's a more relevant question: have any of you wanted a Z06, but gotten a C5 instead... and then regretted it due to its weaker performance?

I know that there's nothing a few mods can't fix, but I'm about to blow 30G's on a sports car... I want it right from the get-go, with no regrets.

 

I was in the same dilemma but the choice is an easy one, go with the Z06, look at my avitar.

Bob

 

It sounds to me that you would be more disappointed with the lack of performance than the ability to ride with the top down. I would say go with the Z06. But you did hit the nail on the head that a few mods will bring the coupe to a Z06 power level. Keep in mind however, that the Z06 is lighter and has a much better suspension to boot. This means more mods and more money to keep the handling on par. The Z06 was an easy choice for me- I wanted the best and was willing to sacrifice the removable roof to get it.

 

Oh and I forgot... an MY Z06 is better looking that any other non-MY vette, regardless of trim, hehe!

I think so too...

 

Get the Z06. I have a convertible and a coupe and I can tell you that I have the tops off less than 10% of the time. Get the power, you will you it everytime you drive the car!! Just my .02

Slik

 

I have to ask, have you driven one of each?

I say this because, I find that my Coupe does set me back into the seat. I honestly haven't driven a Z06, so I don't know what the extra 55HP really feels like.

If you truly want the Z06, you can do a conversion down the road to add the targa or make it a vert. These guys have done one, and I've seen one on the forum before.

As for myself, I went with the coupe, because I really wanted to have the open-air experience. I rarely use the full power of the base engine, so I don't really miss not having the extra power the Z06 has.

Also, I have my top out 50% of the time and love it.

JMHO.

 

On my GS the top might have been out three times in the three years I owned it. I don't miss the removable top on the Z06 and I've got a trunk to hid things in if needed. If I want the top down I just take the wifes truck! It sounds like you would be disappointed if you did not go with the Z06, and contrary to other colors belief's Blue is

 

Nope, never driven either. I've owned a 98 Z28 so I know what the LS1 feels like. I've ridden in a Z06 and it felt like an LS1 on steroids. Mind you, cars always seem faster as a passenger!

I don't see myself doing a conversion down the road. Down the road, I see myself trading in an 02 Z for an 06 Z!

Sounds like you bought the right car for yourself! However for me, I know I'll be using the full power of the engine (whichever one I buy), so in my case, I would miss out on the power of the Z. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't even consider the Z. Main reason I want it is its performance!

 

I had the same dilemna. I went with the Coupe and modded it. Now, I'm faster than a stock Z. Best of both worlds.

 

I didn't used to think that blue was that great until I saw a few in person. They looked great.

 

Well I was having the same thoughts when I was in the market. It really depends on you. But I went for the Vert and am very happy. No Vette has more sex appeal then a convertable.

If I were you I would go with the vert. enough power. Unless you gonna race the thing go with the vert

 

That is the reason I went with the convertible.

For you, it seems the Z06 is the correct choice.

If you go with a vert, you will have to install a roll bar for drag racing, if you ever think you will be running in the 12 second range.

As far as drag racing, I suggest getting a 99 FRC. You are going to be bored with the Z06 performance after a few runs and end up modding the crap out of the car anyway. At least then, you will have more money to work with.

As far as SOP feel, and making those WS6's and Cobra's cry, my convertible has what it needs, and it only has a Blackwing and Varam CF air bridge.

 

IMO, buy the coupe and mod it. You can take the extra money you save with the coupe and buy better performance parts for the car.

 

Good point that I completely forgot about the roll-bar requirement for dragging in a 'vert.

No way I'd ever get a 99 FRC. I'm looking at 2002+ only. I don't want a 7 year old car.

Well as far as I know, Coupes cost pretty much the same, don't they? For comparable mileage/year. They're only a couple of grand cheaper, if anything. And that's only enough for an intake, exhaust and a tune. That surely won't make up the performance difference between a Coupe and a Z.

 

I think you just answered your own question. It sounds like a Z06 will end up in your driveway when you pull the trigger. Best of luck in your search.

 

i was in the same dilema last year, i used to havve a c4 and i loved taking the top off, my car only comes out in nice weather with that top OFF.... if you want to feel that sunshine you need to get a targa

 

I was in the same dilemma as you, but I went with the Vert, nothing like topless driving. especially in the evening, when the sun starts to go down. I love it!

 

The Z does have better acceleration, handling, etc than the coupe and if that is what you are really looking for, the Z is the way to go. I faced the same choice when I got mine, but I wanted the extra storage space and the ability to take the targa panel off. Either car will give you great performance though.

 

Even when I sold my moded 1999 Z28 (cam, exhaust, intake) I bought my stock COUPE and let me tell you, there was a difference in the performance, regardless of what you think, I pulled better 1/4 mile times than my moded Z28 and the car was so much mroe refined.

I love the ZO6, but a removeable top is the PLUS that can't be beat.

Micah

 

Hey man -- I understand what you're going through. It's actually an easy choice for me.

I've owned :

87 Coupe -- top off twice
76 T-Tops -- tops NEVER off
2000 - Coupe -- top NEVER off

I currently have:

85 Coupe -- top's never been off
1998 Convertible.. the top is RARELY ON.

If you truly like the feeling of driving with the top off... get a convertible. The top is SOOOO easy to take down on these cars.

oh -- and my car is a lot faster than a stock z06. It's dynoed at 536 at the rear wheels. Superchargers are cool. My point is, it's much easier to make a convertible faster than to make a z06 a convertible.

just my .02