[Z06] Need some help: C5Z Vs. Z51 C6
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: DFW Texas
Need some help: C5Z Vs. Z51 C6
I FINALLY sold my 05 Stage 2 Sti and now I'm on the hunt for a Vette. I drove both the C5 ZO6 and an 08' Base model Manual C6. I like both cars and that's the trouble. 
I am going to use this car as my DD, but coming from an STi (still a very serious car) I am use to cars that have a lot of tuning potential...and will mod this next one. 
The issue here and I guess my question is if a new Z51 C6 is worth the addition cost vs. a good used C5Z. There is a dealer in town with a base C6 with the Z51 package and its going for $42,900. I like it but I drove a really nice, low mile, lightly moded ZO6 2 months ago for $29K.
I know techology marches on, but I thinking the older ZO6 still have a few tricks up its sleeve...BUT again new is new.
BTW: I have read a lot on this forum...its great This will be my first Vette. Oh the drama...
Thanks.
NeoTrunks
I am going to use this car as my DD, but coming from an STi (still a very serious car) I am use to cars that have a lot of tuning potential...and will mod this next one. The issue here and I guess my question is if a new Z51 C6 is worth the addition cost vs. a good used C5Z. There is a dealer in town with a base C6 with the Z51 package and its going for $42,900. I like it but I drove a really nice, low mile, lightly moded ZO6 2 months ago for $29K.
I know techology marches on, but I thinking the older ZO6 still have a few tricks up its sleeve...BUT again new is new.
BTW: I have read a lot on this forum...its great
This will be my first Vette. Oh the drama... Thanks.
NeoTrunks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,359
Likes: 163
From: Concord NC
If it weren't for the C6 Z06,I'd be driving a C5 Z06 today......I went thru 4 C6 coupes looking for the same thrill I got from my 02 Z06,never got it until I got my C6 Z06.....I do still miss my 02 sometimes though
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: DFW Texas
I know what you mean. I still have my WRX for work...but I miss my STi. There is something to be said for the overall feel of a car. Please, I want to hear more from other C5Z owners.
There is something to be said for the overall feel of a car. Please, I want to hear more from other C5Z owners.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Riverside Ca
I FINALLY sold my 05 Stage 2 Sti and now I'm on the hunt for a Vette. I drove both the C5 ZO6 and an 08' Base model Manual C6. I like both cars and that's the trouble. I am going to use this car as my DD, but coming from an STi (still a very serious car) I am use to cars that have a lot of tuning potential...and will mod this next one.
The issue here and I guess my question is if a new Z51 C6 is worth the addition cost vs. a good used C5Z. There is a dealer in town with a base C6 with the Z51 package and its going for $42,900. I like it but I drove a really nice, low mile, lightly moded ZO6 2 months ago for $29K.
I know techology marches on, but I thinking the older ZO6 still have a few tricks up its sleeve...BUT again new is new.
BTW: I have read a lot on this forum...its great This will be my first Vette. Oh the drama...
Thanks.
NeoTrunks
I am going to use this car as my DD, but coming from an STi (still a very serious car) I am use to cars that have a lot of tuning potential...and will mod this next one. The issue here and I guess my question is if a new Z51 C6 is worth the addition cost vs. a good used C5Z. There is a dealer in town with a base C6 with the Z51 package and its going for $42,900. I like it but I drove a really nice, low mile, lightly moded ZO6 2 months ago for $29K.
I know techology marches on, but I thinking the older ZO6 still have a few tricks up its sleeve...BUT again new is new.
BTW: I have read a lot on this forum...its great
This will be my first Vette. Oh the drama... Thanks.
NeoTrunks
But in the same way, there is nothing like a Vette. The performance between the LS3-LS6 is virtually the same. With just a tune and Bolton's, they both perform excellent, but I think that the 08 benefits more from a tune IIRC.
I think for a daily though, The 08 I think that would be the way to go. Its not as rugged of a car, doesn't ride as rough, isn't as loud, so it would make a more comfy daily
But for the price, c5z ftw. I love the rough ride, and I love the loudness, and I love the ultra responsive feeling of the steering, And just personal preference, I could never own a Non-Z06
Last edited by Savior1974; May 6, 2008 at 04:08 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Perris SoCal
I FINALLY sold my 05 Stage 2 Sti and now I'm on the hunt for a Vette. I drove both the C5 ZO6 and an 08' Base model Manual C6. I like both cars and that's the trouble. I am going to use this car as my DD, but coming from an STi (still a very serious car) I am use to cars that have a lot of tuning potential...and will mod this next one.
The issue here and I guess my question is if a new Z51 C6 is worth the addition cost vs. a good used C5Z. There is a dealer in town with a base C6 with the Z51 package and its going for $42,900. I like it but I drove a really nice, low mile, lightly moded ZO6 2 months ago for $29K.
I know techology marches on, but I thinking the older ZO6 still have a few tricks up its sleeve...BUT again new is new.
BTW: I have read a lot on this forum...its great This will be my first Vette. Oh the drama...
Thanks.
NeoTrunks
I am going to use this car as my DD, but coming from an STi (still a very serious car) I am use to cars that have a lot of tuning potential...and will mod this next one. The issue here and I guess my question is if a new Z51 C6 is worth the addition cost vs. a good used C5Z. There is a dealer in town with a base C6 with the Z51 package and its going for $42,900. I like it but I drove a really nice, low mile, lightly moded ZO6 2 months ago for $29K.
I know techology marches on, but I thinking the older ZO6 still have a few tricks up its sleeve...BUT again new is new.
BTW: I have read a lot on this forum...its great
This will be my first Vette. Oh the drama... Thanks.
NeoTrunks
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Riverside Ca
Honestly I loved it for what it had to offer, felt like a refined version on my c5z, It felt a little slower, but had much nicer creature comforts, and ride.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 676
Likes: 1
From: EL Paso Texas
you can get a procharged C5 Z06 for THE price of a C6 
but it all comes down to what U want..
i personally love my Z06...
i wouldn't own a Vette if it wasnt for the fixed roof coupe STYLE ..
eddie QS Z06
but it all comes down to what U want..
i personally love my Z06...
i wouldn't own a Vette if it wasnt for the fixed roof coupe STYLE ..
eddie QS Z06
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Marana AZ
I just traded my 04 vette auto coupe in for an 04 Z06... even tho the coupe had way more creature comforts, i will never own another vette unless its a Z06. get the Z, you wont regret it. I cant provide you with comparison to a C6 besides theyre not as fast unelss its a Z51. even then, its close. for as rough as everyone says the Z is, its really not. its pretty darn refined if you ask me. now my mustang with a 4inch drop, stock shocks and sway bars big enough to turn a dump truck, that was rough. the z is a dream come true, truly a masterpiece.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,434
Likes: 18
From: Braselton GA
The C5Z is going to be a bit more of a better track machine. That being said, the best thing going for the C6 is going to be those 4" LS2 bores, which allow for the cheap GM LS3 style heads/intake, etc which make a lot of power for not a lot of $$.
I'd still probably lean towards the C5 Z06. You'll be doing well to pick either though.
STi is a great car btw, I've spent some time behind the wheel of one.
I'd still probably lean towards the C5 Z06. You'll be doing well to pick either though.
STi is a great car btw, I've spent some time behind the wheel of one.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,533
Likes: 3
From: New fairfield Connecticut
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,197
Likes: 2,130
From: Right Corner Pocket of Illinois
No-IL Events Coordinator
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
2019 C6 of Year Winner (appearance mods)
2018 C6 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '26
I'd still probably lean towards the C5 Z06. You'll be doing well to pick either though.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 12
From: allentown nj
ck out the post on guys that traded there zzz for a c6 many are not happy and go back to the c5z imo the c5zzz are one mean machine and are one of the best looking vettes ever made street legal race car
happy hunting
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Florida
Consider the "different" look of the Z06 with its fixed roof design. Lower it on the stock bolts and tune to your liking. I prefer the fold-down headlight over the exposed headlights of the C6.
Since I have Supercharged my '04 Z she is making 606 RWHP through the stock exhaust. Drives like stock when you want to and screams like a BAT when you want that. Highway mileage is 27-28 MPG. I have installed electric exhaust cut-outs (no dyno numbers with them open) and cruise to where I'm going with the cutouts closed. When I get near where I'm heading, I open up the cutouts (partially) and dial in the amount of rumble I want. The cutouts really help the daily driver since the exhaust sound with them closed is just like stock (since it is stock).
Sounds like you may be like minded and want a little badness with your ride.
Everyone has there preferrences so get what you like and live life to the fullest.
Later ... Larry S.
Since I have Supercharged my '04 Z she is making 606 RWHP through the stock exhaust. Drives like stock when you want to and screams like a BAT when you want that. Highway mileage is 27-28 MPG. I have installed electric exhaust cut-outs (no dyno numbers with them open) and cruise to where I'm going with the cutouts closed. When I get near where I'm heading, I open up the cutouts (partially) and dial in the amount of rumble I want. The cutouts really help the daily driver since the exhaust sound with them closed is just like stock (since it is stock).
Sounds like you may be like minded and want a little badness with your ride.
Everyone has there preferrences so get what you like and live life to the fullest.
Later ... Larry S.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 761
Likes: 335
From: Charlotte NC
I somewhat debated the same thing and ended up with the Z06 - I couldn't be happier. Another thing to consider is the C5 Z's are much farther down the depreciation hump, whereas the C6's have a long way to go..
As a side note, I love turbo AWD - that's why I still own one.
As a side note, I love turbo AWD - that's why I still own one.
Last edited by AHP; May 6, 2008 at 10:05 PM. Reason: spleling
