mikejfl

C6 or C5Z06, which one would you choose and why?

SLO VETTE

C5 Z for looks alone. The visceral nature of it is like icing on the cake: this car is FAST and handles unreal (I have an '04)!

C6 if you're looking for more plush setting but still very quick, plus all the benefits of it being a new car (warranty, NAV, etc). I read somewhere the new C6 will have 430-something HP. That's sure to be fun.

Personally, I'm still not warm to the C6 styling. Nothing there interests me enough to pull the trigger to get one, and I'm keeping my C5Z for life. In the C6 stable, I like the 'vert styling a lot more, but not the coupe. That new 'vert price.... It's up there, to the point of getting within reasonable spitting distance of a used C6 Z06. Tough call on that one...

Either way, your choices are both great Vettes. Can't go wrong. Wanna learn more about C6 development? Check out Discovery channel for their DVD, "Corvette: Rebuilding an Icon." I picked it up a couple of months ago, and it really made me appreciate the work that went into the C6 development. I wish I had something similar for the C5 to round out the collection. Enjoy!

z06Bigbird

Find the color you want, the transmission, and the miles. Buy it, and live happily ever after.

Don't forget to pay "Corvette tax" as you drive the car.

v03z06

I prefer the c5z styling over the regular c6. Cant go wrong either way, though!!!!

torchvette10

I would go with the C5Z! Not because I have a C5 but because I love the way it looks! Plus you'll have money left so you can mod it: mods are fun and make your car stupid fast.
That's if I had to choose between a C5Z to C6. But if you said C6 ZO6, then I would have said C6 ZO6! I love that car

427CPE

Forget styling for a moment. Its simple mathematics:

LS7 > LS6 > LS3 > LS2 > LS1

Until something faster comes along, the C5Z is still the better choice for power and performance. Its impossible to step in to a slower car and pay more. That would take the enjoyment factor away.
Until the LS3 proves itself, it stays #3 on my list. I don't trust GM at this point.

Mr. Azrael

You are going to get a biased opinion, since a lot of us had the chance to buy a C6 and ended up in our C5 Z06s.

The thing that really surprised me was the actual dyno results though. A friend with a Z51 C6 with intake and exhaust dynoed at 348/344, whereas my C5 Z06 bone stock (with a Tex clutch) dynoed at 355/349. It is funny the comparision made me think of it, but I am really surprised the LS6 had more torque than the LS2 overall, just a little higher in the powerband.

For me it was sheer preference for the C5 body style, knowing that mods are never far away for what I want power and handling-wise.

jclarksnakes

Mike,
..A couple months ago I was exactly where you are now. I was having trouble deciding between a Z51 C6 and a C5Z. I chose the C5Z because it is a more performance oriented car and I got mine for about 10K less than I would have had to pay for a C6 with similar options and mileage.
Jeff

StuzVette

Cant make up my mind

dieseldave56

I have to say that I can not get around the front end styling. Not for me, sorry.
My sister-in-law has a 2005 C6 coupe (weighs 3179) 400hp LS2/ 4L65-E automatic , Z51 so I can compare hesr's against my slightly enhanced '01 ZO6.
Very similar in performance , acceleration and handling, average MPG. The C6 is a little more quiet ( just less transmission noise).
I suppose I'm just biased but I really like my C5 ZO6.

1slo6

well if had the cash i would go for a new one...but since i cant afford the 80,000 grand I will settle for a C5 Z06. either way both cars a fast and will settle for what i got for now....

DT

Well, it looks like the new 6.2L LS3 powered Coupes (and Verts) are going to be 430 HP / 424 TQ or with the optional dual mode exhaust: 436 / 428.

Should have excellent power under the curve with the extra displacement.

I guess we'll have to see the pricing - I'm sure with a "new" model introduction, they'll be back at MSRP for a year or two. So a loaded Coupe closer to $50K vs. a clean Z06 for $35K, I still believe the Z is still the better "performance value"!

Of course this doesn't factor in the subject preference! (I still love my Z).

Just interesting, that GM is closing the gap on the new Z06 - kind if surprised there wasn't a small bump for the Z to 520-525HP.

IMXCITD

C5Z....love the styling and the value.

gunnerja

You know I love the exterior C6 style (who figures) and test drove one three weeks ago to decide the same thing your going through. Was left wanting. The car interior to me seamed cheap and the car seamed sluggish in handling and power compared. I was quite content to walk away and stick with what I have.

Go drive it and decide.

White_Lightning

Im in a similar boat.. and although IMO the C6 interior is nicer then the C5... I just cant get around the styling. hell i even like the c5 coupe exterior styling more then the c6. For me it boils down to bang for the back. a good condition 05 c6 coupe is high 30s.. a good condition 02 z0 can be had for 26-30k depending on how lucky you get. Thats alot of money to do heads/cam or hell even a ls2 stroker, Wheels, suspension and a fancy head unit in the Z06.. comming from a 98 Supra.. i think the FRC style is just HOT.. although the coupe is sexy and i could be happy driving one... FRC style all the way.

Bill Curlee

I have BOTH a C5 Z06 and a C6 06 Z51. (Well actually, the C6 is the wifes ) The C6 is a Cadillac corvette. It has all the nice com-fee feel things but still flys! Its got gobs of torque and lots of potential! Its a VERY nice car. The wife LOVES IT! It soaks up all the road bumps better than a C5 but still handles like a Vette

The C5 Z06 is more of a brutal but road connected car. It's very fun to drive and I feel more at home in it. I can play HARD with the C5 and it seems to speak to me.

I can work on and fix the C5 with out a problem. The C6 is a LOT less user friendly with the engine and body electronics! You can NO LONGER pull up your own DTC's and trouble shoot! That for me is a MAJOR pit fall. Now i have to purchase another scanner to do my own repairs!

I have been on the C6 TECH site only a few times! I just cant get in to the C6 stuff like I can with the C5.

I prefer my C5 and the wife prefers her C6. I guess if all the C5 Z06's in the world vanished tomorrow, I would drive the C6 more and get connected with it like I do the Z. Right now I have the Z to play hard with and I LOVE IT! Heads and CAM install very sooooooon!

Bill C

DerekT

GM does have an LS4 now you know, and it is NOT better than the LS1/2/3... so your simple math does not seem to work in this situation.

bernrex

LS3 advertized at 0-60 in 4.3 seconds, Top Speed 190 ... from 436/428 HP/TQ.

Will the C5Z still be King in the short sprints? What's the Z's 0-60 time?

VicCaerter

in '02 it was stated at 3.9 by GM. However, I am skeptical about that number since I havent heard of anyone getting that or better except on the strip. Either way its gonna come down to the driver so anything in the low 4s is gonna be neck and neck.

bernrex

I found it. GM advertized the LS2/C6 as 0-60 in 4.2 !

So .... whats the deal ? The LS3 with 35 more ponies is SLOWER ???