[Z06] C6 Corvertte or C5 Z06
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
C6 Corvertte or C5 Z06
Ive been wanting to purchase for a long time a C5Z06 its absolutly my dream car. The new C6 Vette looks great and has the same about the same HP. I know in some of the vids ive seen that it is a bit slower then the C5Z but it has the removable top a little cleaner interior and a fresh look. I just dont know which one to go with what are the benefits of buying a C5Z over the new C6 Corvette?. On the other hand i would love to purchase a C6Z06 but even used its just soo way out of my budget, im not in a hurry to buy one i can wait 2-3 years even to see what happens with the prices of the C6Z meaning will they come down far enough were i can afford one but who knows.
For now im just curious whats the deciding factor or factors of buying a regular C6 Vette over a C5Z, any help would be appreciated.
For now im just curious whats the deciding factor or factors of buying a regular C6 Vette over a C5Z, any help would be appreciated.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: McKinney TX
I have been pondering the same question for a while. I was considering either a C6 with the Z51 package or a C5 Z06. As far as acceleration, they are within a tent or two of each other so to me that's a wash (LS3 model anyway, LS2 is a hair slower). Same for gas mileage. I think the C6 looks better, has a nicer interior, and it has a lot more cargo space. The C6 is supposed to have slightly better ride quality. As far as handling, the C5 Z06 is considered to be more of a driver's car - better steering feel and feedback, more tossable, and gives you more of that feeling that the car is an extension of your body and mind. The C6 with the Z51 package supposedly has conering limits almost as high the Z but has a more numb, vague feeling when pushed hard that can get you in trouble.
Based on the excellent deals you can get on low mileage C5 Z06s and the fact that they will probably hold their resale value better than a base C6, I decided on the Z06.
Based on the excellent deals you can get on low mileage C5 Z06s and the fact that they will probably hold their resale value better than a base C6, I decided on the Z06.
Last edited by FordDefector; Jun 4, 2008 at 01:07 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 597
Likes: 93
From: MA
I was in the same situation, and I had the choice of a 2004 C5 Z06 or a 2005 C6 with Z51 for the same price.
See sig.
If I had to do it over again, I may choose a 2002 C5 Z06 to save even more money, but I don't regret my decision one bit. Check threads here and you'll see that a lot of people who went from a C5 Z06 to a C6 often have come back to the C5 Z06 for the racy feel - the C6 feel like you're driving a camry, compared to the z06.
One falut is that I find the c5 z's steering and chassis pretty numb (drove a 91 nsx and it opened my eyes), but it is still better than a C6!
Plus.. it's a z06. Can't go wrong with it Join the 7 minute nurb' club!
See sig.
If I had to do it over again, I may choose a 2002 C5 Z06 to save even more money, but I don't regret my decision one bit. Check threads here and you'll see that a lot of people who went from a C5 Z06 to a C6 often have come back to the C5 Z06 for the racy feel - the C6 feel like you're driving a camry, compared to the z06.One falut is that I find the c5 z's steering and chassis pretty numb (drove a 91 nsx and it opened my eyes), but it is still better than a C6!
Plus.. it's a z06. Can't go wrong with it
Join the 7 minute nurb' club!What does a stock '91 NSX run the Nurbergring in?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 0
From: Southwestern OH
St. Jude Donor '08
Here is the article, and the results are below: http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=1
Ferrari 360 Modena - $146,930 - 2 minutes, 7.65 sec
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2001 C5 Z06) - $47,675 - 2 minutes, 8.39 sec
Ferrari 550 Maranello - $224,095 - 2 minutes, 9.25 sec
Porsche 911 Turbo - $118,365 - 2 minutes, 10.73 sec
BMW Z8 Coupe - $135,303 - 2 minutes, 13.30 sec
Acura/Honda NSX - $88,850 - 2 minutes, 14.15 sec
Mercedes-Benz SL500 - $108,662 - 2 minutes, 16.05 sec
Chevrolet Camaro SS - $30,025 - 2 minutes, 16.46 sec
BMW M Roadster - $43,743 - 2 minutes, 17.28 sec
Porsche Boxster S - $54,303 - 2 minutes, 17.46 sec
Honda S2000 - $32,477 - 2 minutes, 17.66 sec
Mercedes-Benz SLK320 - $47,040 - 2 minutes, 20.87 sec
Ferrari 360 Modena - $146,930 - 2 minutes, 7.65 sec
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2001 C5 Z06) - $47,675 - 2 minutes, 8.39 sec
Ferrari 550 Maranello - $224,095 - 2 minutes, 9.25 sec
Porsche 911 Turbo - $118,365 - 2 minutes, 10.73 sec
BMW Z8 Coupe - $135,303 - 2 minutes, 13.30 sec
Acura/Honda NSX - $88,850 - 2 minutes, 14.15 sec
Mercedes-Benz SL500 - $108,662 - 2 minutes, 16.05 sec
Chevrolet Camaro SS - $30,025 - 2 minutes, 16.46 sec
BMW M Roadster - $43,743 - 2 minutes, 17.28 sec
Porsche Boxster S - $54,303 - 2 minutes, 17.46 sec
Honda S2000 - $32,477 - 2 minutes, 17.66 sec
Mercedes-Benz SLK320 - $47,040 - 2 minutes, 20.87 sec
Bang for the buck...the C5 Z06 can't be beat but the runners up are not bad either....................
Chevrolet Camaro SS - $30,025 - 2 minutes, 16.46 sec
Honda S2000 - $32,477 - 2 minutes, 17.66 sec
Last edited by CJR2; Jun 4, 2008 at 08:17 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 33
From: Folsom Ca
I think you answered you own question right here. With that said I dont think you will be dissapointed either way. Personally I would love to have an `08 Vert with the 436hp. That would be as close to the perfect combination for me but thats not in my budget these days.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,533
Likes: 3
From: New fairfield Connecticut
Not fast enough 
Another interesting test is one road and track did called "sibling rivalry". They took all the "sibling" cars (s2000/nsx, camaro/corvette, boxster/911, etc), and pit them against each other on the thunderhill road course.
Here is the article, and the results are below: http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=1
Ferrari 360 Modena - $146,930 - 2 minutes, 7.65 sec
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2001 C5 Z06) - $47,675 - 2 minutes, 8.39 sec
Ferrari 550 Maranello - $224,095 - 2 minutes, 9.25 sec
Porsche 911 Turbo - $118,365 - 2 minutes, 10.73 sec
BMW Z8 Coupe - $135,303 - 2 minutes, 13.30 sec
Acura/Honda NSX - $88,850 - 2 minutes, 14.15 sec
Mercedes-Benz SL500 - $108,662 - 2 minutes, 16.05 sec
Chevrolet Camaro SS - $30,025 - 2 minutes, 16.46 sec
BMW M Roadster - $43,743 - 2 minutes, 17.28 sec
Porsche Boxster S - $54,303 - 2 minutes, 17.46 sec
Honda S2000 - $32,477 - 2 minutes, 17.66 sec
Mercedes-Benz SLK320 - $47,040 - 2 minutes, 20.87 sec
Another interesting test is one road and track did called "sibling rivalry". They took all the "sibling" cars (s2000/nsx, camaro/corvette, boxster/911, etc), and pit them against each other on the thunderhill road course.
Here is the article, and the results are below: http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=1
Ferrari 360 Modena - $146,930 - 2 minutes, 7.65 sec
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2001 C5 Z06) - $47,675 - 2 minutes, 8.39 sec
Ferrari 550 Maranello - $224,095 - 2 minutes, 9.25 sec
Porsche 911 Turbo - $118,365 - 2 minutes, 10.73 sec
BMW Z8 Coupe - $135,303 - 2 minutes, 13.30 sec
Acura/Honda NSX - $88,850 - 2 minutes, 14.15 sec
Mercedes-Benz SL500 - $108,662 - 2 minutes, 16.05 sec
Chevrolet Camaro SS - $30,025 - 2 minutes, 16.46 sec
BMW M Roadster - $43,743 - 2 minutes, 17.28 sec
Porsche Boxster S - $54,303 - 2 minutes, 17.46 sec
Honda S2000 - $32,477 - 2 minutes, 17.66 sec
Mercedes-Benz SLK320 - $47,040 - 2 minutes, 20.87 sec
This is another great thread on the subject.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...erience+switch
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 57
I think you answered you own question right here. With that said I dont think you will be dissapointed either way. Personally I would love to have an `08 Vert with the 436hp. That would be as close to the perfect combination for me but thats not in my budget these days.
im in the same position im way more on the c5 z side than a c6 but i would over all love a ls3 vert, the weather here especially at night when it is nice is perfect for a vert but a c5z will do just fine!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 1
From: Central Florida
In this section, Most guys are going to be z06 bias. I say go to the dealer and test drive a c5 z06 and a c6. Then you can get an actual feel for what it is that you really want.. Both are great cars but I must warn you, the z is not all that of a smooth and comfortable ride.. At least IMO.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Thanks guys for all your info, i was really leaning towards the C5Z. As far as a daily driver im only gonna drive it once a week tops and sometimes maybe once a month. Ive never had a sports car that ive driven as a daily driver, its mostly my work. Ive always loved the C5Z and honestly the only reason why i wont and cant buy a C6Z is money just way to expensive for my budget especially knowing that after i buy one meaning a C6Z the value of the car is gonna drop maybe not as bad as most cars but no doubt it will. So the C5Z is just an awesome car i cant wait.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
Likes: 105
From: Pensacola FL
I know I've posted this before, but I faced this same dilemma last September. I had just about sealed the deal on a black Z51 C6 (the LS3 wasn't out yet, tho) when I drove the last car on my "list"...a C5Z. Needless to say, the C5Z fit me better both literally and figuratively. It is a raw, visceral beast that acts like a go-kart on steroids. The C5Z isn't for everyone and I would certainly recommend the C6 as a daily-driver. However, if you are looking for a bargain "race-car for the street", the C5Z is tough to beat... I ended up with a low-mile Z16.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,733
Likes: 15
From: SC
You can't go wrong with either! Test drive them and see which you like better. For me I was in the same situation and decided to go with the C6. I weighed the choices, I liked the C6 design, prefered the interior, the hp/acceleration can be made up with bolt-on mods, and finally the roof can be removed.