[Z06] z06=user friendly?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 210
Likes: 2
From: Ca
z06=user friendly?
I have searched a bit but all I found was "they are fast or can be fast in the right hands".
currently own a evo, and love the car. It is very rewarding to drive aggressively and extreamly driver friendly. I am considering selling it in order to get a c5 Z06, but the idea of rwd with all that power kinda scares me. I would be doing some track days and autox in it but thats not what worries me. It spirited back roads driving. I have driven one before but obviously wasnt able to push it towards its limits. Is it something thats going to bite me in the **** and should I look somewhere else like towards a e46 m3, or 911, or are they fairly forgiving?
currently own a evo, and love the car. It is very rewarding to drive aggressively and extreamly driver friendly. I am considering selling it in order to get a c5 Z06, but the idea of rwd with all that power kinda scares me. I would be doing some track days and autox in it but thats not what worries me. It spirited back roads driving. I have driven one before but obviously wasnt able to push it towards its limits. Is it something thats going to bite me in the **** and should I look somewhere else like towards a e46 m3, or 911, or are they fairly forgiving?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 240
From: Coconut Creek FL
I have searched a bit but all I found was "they are fast or can be fast in the right hands".
currently own a evo, and love the car. It is very rewarding to drive aggressively and extreamly driver friendly. I am considering selling it in order to get a c5 Z06, but the idea of rwd with all that power kinda scares me. I would be doing some track days and autox in it but thats not what worries me. It spirited back roads driving. I have driven one before but obviously wasnt able to push it towards its limits. Is it something thats going to bite me in the **** and should I look somewhere else like towards a e46 m3, or 911, or are they fairly forgiving?
currently own a evo, and love the car. It is very rewarding to drive aggressively and extreamly driver friendly. I am considering selling it in order to get a c5 Z06, but the idea of rwd with all that power kinda scares me. I would be doing some track days and autox in it but thats not what worries me. It spirited back roads driving. I have driven one before but obviously wasnt able to push it towards its limits. Is it something thats going to bite me in the **** and should I look somewhere else like towards a e46 m3, or 911, or are they fairly forgiving?
get the Z06- you won't regret it...it is both tame and aggressive all in one...normal driving is, just normal driving but you know the power is there...when you get on it, it becomes an entirely different animal...the handling and power characteristics of the car are quite impressive...it is a great car for HPDE's and twisty roads- can it become a bear, sure, most high power cars can- but the Z is a bread of it's own when it comes to raw performace and sheer handling. Sure an experienced driver will get the full benefit from the car- but don't let that make your decision not to buy one...they are bar none the best ride for the $$ (in anyones hands)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 6
From: Madison WI
don't be afraid of the car but you must respect it. you will have to go through the same learning curve as the rest of us. the handling capabilities of this car are amazing. with time you will get to know them. the active handling system is also a great tool to help keep you on the right track when you screw up.
the M3 and 911 are both great cars but in my opinion, after having driven both stock and modified versions of those, the Z06 is just a better performer hands down.
the M3 is the one i would feel least comfortable with flying around on back roads. it seemed to me that due to it's suspension set up, bumps and irregularities in the road really upset it at speed. it was a handful to keep the rear end under control. while there is still bumpsteer, i don't have nearly the same level of problems with it in my Z.
the best thing for you to do is go out and drive one for yourself. i promise you, you'll have a huge smile on your face the whole time. then decide for yourself if it's the car for you.
the M3 and 911 are both great cars but in my opinion, after having driven both stock and modified versions of those, the Z06 is just a better performer hands down.
the M3 is the one i would feel least comfortable with flying around on back roads. it seemed to me that due to it's suspension set up, bumps and irregularities in the road really upset it at speed. it was a handful to keep the rear end under control. while there is still bumpsteer, i don't have nearly the same level of problems with it in my Z.
the best thing for you to do is go out and drive one for yourself. i promise you, you'll have a huge smile on your face the whole time. then decide for yourself if it's the car for you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 210
Likes: 2
From: Ca
I have driven one, and it was enjoyable, but I didnt get to push it as hard as I would have liked. I have driven a few m3's and granted the stock suspension isnt that great but the car reacts very well to a few aftermarket things paticularly at higher speeds. I still have a lot of thinking to do before I buy anything and to be honest with you I am kinda leaning towards buying a mkiv supra tt and possibly hanging on to the evo.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 30,897
Likes: 45
From: Picking on the weakest kid in the yard.
The active handling will save you pretty much every time unless you do something REALLY stupid. The car is fast enouph that pushing it's limits on canyon roads is very illegal. Modded TT supras are much faster in a striaght line after they have boost, but stock ones are slower than the stock Z06 and the Z06 has low end torque and much better handling. For road courses, the Z06 is the superior car. For Supra is for the drag strip. Search the forum, a Supra owner test drove a Z and made a lengthy comparo. Maybe that will help you.
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland/Tampa FL
What are you looking for in a car? if you want to track the car... going from an EVO to a mk4 would be a downgrade in handling and throwing the car around the twisties. If you have a buyer for your EVO and/or cash in hand..I would get a Z06 in a heartbeat! The supra is rwd too.. have you test driven one? If you want a 1000000 HP sports car out of minimal mods (compared to most sports cars) that runs 13's 
and 140+ mph traps 
and like going fast in a straight line.. get the supra. I don't have to tell you about the Z06. I'm exaggerating/joking a little about the supra, but if your in the import scene and spend time on those forums, then you just know..
I spent two years stationed in Japan.. i drove a GTO twin turbo (3000GT VR4), one buddy had an EVO 4, the rest of the guys drove rx7's, skylines, supras (mk3 and mk4's)...ect.. we went out racing all the time in the mountains, the highways, the track.. you name it. I was very impressed with the EVO! It's a great car man.. but IMO, if your ready for something new.. get the Z06!
and 140+ mph traps and like going fast in a straight line.. get the supra. I don't have to tell you about the Z06. I'm exaggerating/joking a little about the supra, but if your in the import scene and spend time on those forums, then you just know..I spent two years stationed in Japan.. i drove a GTO twin turbo (3000GT VR4), one buddy had an EVO 4, the rest of the guys drove rx7's, skylines, supras (mk3 and mk4's)...ect.. we went out racing all the time in the mountains, the highways, the track.. you name it. I was very impressed with the EVO! It's a great car man.. but IMO, if your ready for something new.. get the Z06!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,087
Likes: 17
From: GTA Ontario
All cars you mention are great and will react differently depending on what you want them to do. The Z06 is definitely a beast that will bite your a$$ if you get crazy with it. As far as rewarding goes, the fact that it hands down will kick the M3's and Porsche's a$$ stock for stock speaks for itself. 
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,742
Likes: 43
From: Color my life with the chaos of trouble.
If you want pure performance don't buy an M3. My friend has one and constantly talked s**t about how awesome the performance was until he drove the Z06. Now he's looking for a C5 Z to trade his M3 for. I drive my Z06 every day rain or shine and it has seemed extremely "user friendly" to me. It drives a million times more controlled at high speed than the M3 or GTO. Consider in active handling to save your butt should you screw up a little and it's even better. You won't regret buying one.
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
Well I can tell ya from driving EVO's to M3's to Z06's here is my opinon.
EVO:
Fun street car...pretty quick stock and can hang with the best at the Autox or HPDE...can run high 12's stock.
Over all nice car but styling and "classy" are a little lacking.
M3:
Awesome car, great interior, exterior, handles on rails. Has the "NICE" car status....Need about 50 more HP to be competitive with EVO and Z06.
Z06:
Exterior styling is great, interior isn't TOO bad...definantly stylish but nothing compared to the M3.
Also has the "NICE" car status.
Handling and power/power delivery is the best you will find for the money.
These cars are amazing straight from the factory and the performance can't be match by anything else for the price. Also has great Daily Driver characteristics. I daily drive '03 which also ran 11.96 @ 118 last night w/ a K&N filter and BFG drag radials. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1608023
I've driven all 3 and my roomate has owned 1 evo, 3 Z06's, and 1 E46 M3....he can atest too all my comments too
Also another good friend of mine who currently owns a 689whp EVO asked me to take him for a drive the other day b/c he is thinking about getting back into a Z06 (he's owned 2 in the past, along with Vipers, Cobra's, ect) now his EVO is for sale and he will be looking a Z soon....good luck with your choice!
EVO:
Fun street car...pretty quick stock and can hang with the best at the Autox or HPDE...can run high 12's stock.
Over all nice car but styling and "classy" are a little lacking.
M3:
Awesome car, great interior, exterior, handles on rails. Has the "NICE" car status....Need about 50 more HP to be competitive with EVO and Z06.
Z06:
Exterior styling is great, interior isn't TOO bad...definantly stylish but nothing compared to the M3.
Also has the "NICE" car status.
Handling and power/power delivery is the best you will find for the money.
These cars are amazing straight from the factory and the performance can't be match by anything else for the price. Also has great Daily Driver characteristics. I daily drive '03 which also ran 11.96 @ 118 last night w/ a K&N filter and BFG drag radials. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1608023
I've driven all 3 and my roomate has owned 1 evo, 3 Z06's, and 1 E46 M3....he can atest too all my comments too
Also another good friend of mine who currently owns a 689whp EVO asked me to take him for a drive the other day b/c he is thinking about getting back into a Z06 (he's owned 2 in the past, along with Vipers, Cobra's, ect) now his EVO is for sale and he will be looking a Z soon....good luck with your choice!
Last edited by TransAmGT; Jan 26, 2007 at 02:10 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Works at GT PRO Performance Tuning Modifying C5/6 Z06's in Fullerton CA, WWW.SOCALCORVETTE.COM
Having experience in both worlds, I would have to say if you go Z06 you will not regret it. The EVO is a great car and lends itself to mods very well, but it is more of a rally car by heritage, whereas the Vette's have a long sports lineage. I feel you can't go wrong with the Z06.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 210
Likes: 2
From: Ca
hopefully these pics work. My friend has a tt supra and I really like it but if i was going to get one I would keep the evo. If I get a z06 I would most likely just buy a truck for my daily. What I really want is a m3 that has low end like a z, top end like a supra, and awd like a evo, that can tow a 4000+lbs boat, and is reliable.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...carpics004.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...carpics037.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...carpics038.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...carpics031.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...carpics004.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...carpics037.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...carpics038.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i4...carpics031.jpg
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 826
Likes: 69
From: Seoul Korea
Having a 4G63 myself, and almost getting the EVO IX before I got my Z, I do not regret one bit getting the Z over the EVO. Alot of the reasons have been mentioned over and over, but one overlooked was WARRANTY!!! Having delt with many Mitsu dealers, and lots of friends the same thing, if you MOD the EVO ANY! look out if something goes wrong!!! I would assume that you would be, cause if you aren't, then why would you even compare the 2? With the 'vette most dealers live by the law, unless what you did to it broke it, they'll fix it. Also, the internals of the Z are made more for what the car is made for, not weak crap that'll break in the 4G63.
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland/Tampa FL
well.. in that case.. with the Z06 you get your low end and high end.. bullet proof engine (same thing with a supra)... and excellent handling. Having owned the VR4 and driven/raced my buddys EVO.. I know how u feel about AWD but I don't think your going to miss it.. both supra and Z are rwd (as should be) and you want rwd! 
You said you'd buy a truck.. well, theres your 4000 lb towing vehicle right there... problem solved
You said you'd buy a truck.. well, theres your 4000 lb towing vehicle right there... problem solved
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Works at GT PRO Performance Tuning Modifying C5/6 Z06's in Fullerton CA, WWW.SOCALCORVETTE.COM
Having a 4G63 myself, and almost getting the EVO IX before I got my Z, I do not regret one bit getting the Z over the EVO. Alot of the reasons have been mentioned over and over, but one overlooked was WARRANTY!!! Having delt with many Mitsu dealers, and lots of friends the same thing, if you MOD the EVO ANY! look out if something goes wrong!!! I would assume that you would be, cause if you aren't, then why would you even compare the 2? With the 'vette most dealers live by the law, unless what you did to it broke it, they'll fix it. Also, the internals of the Z are made more for what the car is made for, not weak crap that'll break in the 4G63.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: VIR (Danville) Va
If you want sheer driving pleasure in a vehicle that will make you get goosebumps everytime you turn the key. Get a Z06.
These Z06's are raw beast with class. A Z06 will make you realize what POWER really is.
I rarely drive mine because I truly respect its performance but when I doing.........
These Z06's are raw beast with class. A Z06 will make you realize what POWER really is.
I rarely drive mine because I truly respect its performance but when I doing.........
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 210
Likes: 2
From: Ca
YES!! I have to agree! I have had heard and experienced so many people with shady dealerships denying warranty at mitsubishi, and their business practices have been unsavory to say the least. Run don't walk to buy your Z06!! and RUN away from the Mitsubishi dealerships no wonder all the mitsu dealerships are dropping like flies..
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Works at GT PRO Performance Tuning Modifying C5/6 Z06's in Fullerton CA, WWW.SOCALCORVETTE.COM
Ok, understood. Hopefully by checking around and asking questions, it will give you come sort of insight and direction, which I think is very valuable. Take your time and think it through.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
The power to the rear tires is a bit much at first. Run with the traction nanny on at first until you learn the car. It will keep you from swapping ends but will provide you with a ride that will make you smile form ear to ear.
After you begin to learn the car you will probably prefer to run in Competition mode or completely swith the system off.
The feeling you will get as the other cars motion you to pass is terrific. You're gonna love it.
After you begin to learn the car you will probably prefer to run in Competition mode or completely swith the system off.
The feeling you will get as the other cars motion you to pass is terrific. You're gonna love it.