Well guys, after teetering for a good while on the C6. I am now considering selling the C5Z and ordering a C6 Z51. I wanted to get some opinions on this site, I would especially value those who have driven/ owned both.

Here is my take from what I have read:
-The c5 is more viceral and 'connected'. Because of CPU programming the C5Z is a good amount faster than the C6 at the track.

-To me styling is a toss up. The c5 is more classic, the C6 is sharper and more refined.

-Basically up to this point I have not been able to justify spending 7K difference between the two.

Well here is the deal. I have owned the C5Z for three years and am ready to start modifying it (tired of stock). I am starting to think the C6 may be the better platform to modify. I only want to do bolt-ons (headers, intake, dyno tune) I figure the C6 will actually make a little more power and has long term potential for things like the L92 head.

The other BIG thing that has almost gotten me off the fence is the new widebody options. I am IN LOVE with caravaggio or Z06 (2nd choice) rear fenders with some slick CCWs.

So throw me your input. Will I regret it? What will I miss and what will I gain?

TIA,
-Nick

 

Well, i own a C5Z06, so this opinion might be a bit slanted. Aside from the C6's looks(I refer to this bodystyle as a C5.5) which I do not like as much as the C5, I don't think the Z51 feels like a sports car the way the C5Z does. The C5Z is quicker in my hands at least. I drove them both at the spring mountain driving school in nevada last month, and I had faster lap times in the C5Z and got more input from the car than the C6Z51. Plus I don't know how you can judge that *** end in the C6 through the rear view mirror. I didn't like the push button start or the door release button. Another thing to condider is that the C5Z's body style is very unique and will not be repeated by chevy again, where as the C6 share the frame and some of the looks as a caddy. Just my humble opinion, but the C5Z06 is a better car in every regard, not as poweful as a C6Z06 obviously, but better looking and definetly feels better than a C5.5

 

I have owned an '01Z and an '02Z previously and used them as mostly stock weekend track cars. I purchased an '06 C6 Z51 a couple of months ago and took it to a couple of HPDE events. Based on lap times (not seat of the pants), the C6 is considerably slower around a road course when compared to the C5Z (7 seconds around Sebring). This was the most surprising and dissapointing part of the car. Other than tracking the car I would say the C6 is a better car in almost every way. Two days after returning from Sebring I sold the C6 and went back to the C5Z. You've pretty much got it figured out. The C6 is more comfortable on the street but too soft for the track (IMHO). Looks are a toss up although I like the C6 better. If you are planning to mod a C6 to get it to be faster on the track I think you're starting in a pretty big hole when compared the old Z. Both cars are fun to drive however and it just depends what you are going to be using it for. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

Well, he just said what I was think as far as appearance goes........

 

I also own a C5Z06 so take this opinion for what it's worth. IMO, the C6 is designed to appeal to a more wide-ranging audience, many of whom have never owned a Corvette before. To accomplish this, I feel they've made it a little more gimmicky, such as keyless entry and ignition. Plus they designed it proportionately smaller for European conditions. First of all, it's an American car for American roads, so they've made it smaller and reduced the trunk size. I've traveled quite a bit in mine and that's important to me. It might be a little quieter which I don't mind, but it seems cushier (is that a word?), and maybe just a little too soft as a result. It doesn't feel as connected as a C5, especially a Z06. When I drive my Z I get a Zen- like feeling of being one with my car. After 3 years and 36000 miles my car never fails to bring a smile to my face and makes any day driving it a better day. You know that Harley saying, "if I haven't to explain, you wouldn't understand". Lastly, the C5 is still as beautiful a car as the first time I've ever seen one, no matter whose C5, not just mine. I'm still not getting used to the C6 style, and though the C6 Z06's 505 hp makes it look a little better, I'm still not fond of it. I'd take the difference monetarily and make the C5 Z06 more personalized and faster. With the mods I've done, I'm content to just look at my car in the garage when I'm not going anywhere.

 

My cousin just got back from Spring Mountain Raceway where he drove the C5 Z06, C6 Z51 and the C6 Z07. He said the C5 Z06 was a much better handling car, faster and just plan drove better.
He also said there was a forum member here who went with him. Think his name is Sachs- owns a orange-ish color Z07. Is he here? He lives in Chicago.

 

You and I must have very similar tastes in vehicles and driving experience. I drove the Z through the back woods of southwest VA again this morning and just keep thinking to myself "how could you get a more connected, more fun car to drive?". It is going to be hard for me to justify the extra cash. I actually went to the dealership yesterday to test drive a C6 Z51, the batt was dead and I ran out of time so I will have to go back another time. I feel like I am setting myself up for dissapointment in drving experience though. The C5Z fits me so well I just dont know the the C6 can fill its shoes. I will say the interior is MUCH nicer, much more refined and 'european' feel. I do think the styling is a bit more updated and 'clean.

Sounds like a great experience, I have thought a LOT about going for a lesson.

 

Sell the TA and the C5Z then get a C6Z.

 

sorry guys--gotta disagree a little here--I own an 04 Z06...bought it after the 05's were out--love C5 looks. Have driven an 05 C6 wth Z51...it does feel totally different...but those with huge lap time differences I suspect are just not used to the car (C6). In 04/05when the 05's first came out..I think it was Corvette Magazine ran a test of both--with a professional driver (O'Connel if I recall correctly) and the editor...eastern road course (Gingerman or some such thing I believe)...while the C5 Z06 pulled better laps times for both drivers--it was damn close.

Although not pubically disclosed--GM works to imporve Vettes ever year...tinker here and there...For the ultimate test it was a 2006 C6 with Z51..I stress a 2006 (direclty from the mouth of Dave Hill)...it ran the Ring in 7" 59"....the 2004 Z06 ran the Ring in 7' 56"...11 miles of the Ring with only 3 seconds difference...again at the hands of a professional driver but in the hands of a true professional it shows just how close the cars really are....

 

I actually let the T/A go last year...Man that was hard. I still love that car. The C6Z is out of my league (price and a much better car than I am a driver ).

I am going to have to drive one and see

 

I've never raced (although I'd like to one day) I'm wondering how many car links 3 seconds comes out to. I know it all depends on your speed through the finish. Are we talking 20-30 car lengths at 3 seconds?

 

Although I respect and understand your opinion, Dave Hill surley isn't going to say that the c6 is less of a car, of course he's going to sell the "new and improved version".

 

I own both right now and just can't stand the seats in the 04'Z. It makes me want to get rid of it. The seating position is WAY better in the C6 which makes up for a whole lot on the street. If you track the car 90% time, go with the 04'Z. If you want a great street car that has WAY MORE high speed stability over 130mph, go with the base C6 coupe and add the Z51 shocks and sway bars. The stiffer springs on the Z51 introduces way to much bump steer on all but the flattest roads. I've driven all 3 cars (04'Z, C6 base, C6Z51) extensively over the last 6 months (about 2000 miles each) and prefer the modded C6 base coupe by far.