C5 to C6
Lifetime Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,702
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From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
Well to be perfectly frank, I suggest the answer is whether or not you're ready to give up that big and beautiful C5 butt for an open tooth front end C6? 
Seriously, the C6 is a great car with improvements over the 5, but you are the final decision maker and have to like the feel and attitude of the car. Go back, drive her again for a longer period and then decide. More power in and of itself doesn't mean it's a better car. Good luck and let us know where you come out.
Seriously, the C6 is a great car with improvements over the 5, but you are the final decision maker and have to like the feel and attitude of the car. Go back, drive her again for a longer period and then decide. More power in and of itself doesn't mean it's a better car. Good luck and let us know where you come out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 15
St. Jude Donor '06
LS3 08's have 430-436
LS2 06-07 have 400
For the extra money you would be paying out on the C6, you could simply "mod" the C5...this is especially nice if you really like the C5 body style....
Anyone can build a monster engine and stick it in a car. The suspensions can be modified as well and handle just as well, and there are plenty of interior places that can wrap anything in leather...
Plus its easy to mod the stereo system in the C5...you dont have to deal with steering wheel controls, OEM XM, onstar....
LS2 06-07 have 400
For the extra money you would be paying out on the C6, you could simply "mod" the C5...this is especially nice if you really like the C5 body style....
Anyone can build a monster engine and stick it in a car. The suspensions can be modified as well and handle just as well, and there are plenty of interior places that can wrap anything in leather...
Plus its easy to mod the stereo system in the C5...you dont have to deal with steering wheel controls, OEM XM, onstar....
Last edited by Stealthy4; Aug 3, 2008 at 03:47 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Happiness is Busch in Victory Lane!
St. Jude Donor '09 & '12, '14
I'll bet you change your mind when you drive it finally.
Comparing C5 to C6 (not your monster C5 either) and you will lose the 1/2 thing.
C5 is great
C6 is better
In this example I would do it because its a convertible upgrade also.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad via L.A. CA
I test drove 5 C6's before I fell in love with my C5Z06.
My impression of them was that they were very nice, but just didnt do it for me. To me, the hard line body style and small rear make the C6's look downright ugly when sitting next to a C5. It's like the C6 is a slim waif compared to the sexy curves of a C5.
The interior on them is pretty nice (love the way the doors open on the outside and inside) and the lt package that includes the Navigation is a kickass touch, as is the magnetic selective ride control that lets you switch from a soft ride to the harsher Z51 ride for courses. The push button start/shutoff is cool too.
Overall, there's NO WAY i'd trade my beautiful Z06 for a C6. I'll just wait until the C7 comes out and make my decision on that model at that point.
The choice, of course, is yours-If you truly love your C5, i'd say keep it and spend the extra money you'd be throwing down on a different kind of toy like a boat, quad, dirtbike, or a game room with full bar and pool table complete with hot tub and hottie. 
Good Luck.
My impression of them was that they were very nice, but just didnt do it for me. To me, the hard line body style and small rear make the C6's look downright ugly when sitting next to a C5. It's like the C6 is a slim waif compared to the sexy curves of a C5.
The interior on them is pretty nice (love the way the doors open on the outside and inside) and the lt package that includes the Navigation is a kickass touch, as is the magnetic selective ride control that lets you switch from a soft ride to the harsher Z51 ride for courses. The push button start/shutoff is cool too.
Overall, there's NO WAY i'd trade my beautiful Z06 for a C6. I'll just wait until the C7 comes out and make my decision on that model at that point.
The choice, of course, is yours-If you truly love your C5, i'd say keep it and spend the extra money you'd be throwing down on a different kind of toy like a boat, quad, dirtbike, or a game room with full bar and pool table complete with hot tub and hottie.
Good Luck.
Last edited by LAVetteLover; Aug 3, 2008 at 04:17 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,096
Likes: 153
From: "Atlanta" Ga.
To me it comes down to the wow factor. In order for me to go from one Vette to another there it would have to blow me away.
It took until the FRC to get me to look at the C5. Because I really liked the lines, and it stood out, to me. Throw in an 04 Zo6 Z16 package, and I sold of the C4. Took me until the last year, but then I tend to like to last year of production Vettes for some odd reason.
I did consider going to a C6, but then decided to add back a 96 C4 LT4 CE vert. I just love that car and it can't hold a candle to the C6. It does wow me everytime I drive it
It took until the FRC to get me to look at the C5. Because I really liked the lines, and it stood out, to me. Throw in an 04 Zo6 Z16 package, and I sold of the C4. Took me until the last year, but then I tend to like to last year of production Vettes for some odd reason.
I did consider going to a C6, but then decided to add back a 96 C4 LT4 CE vert. I just love that car
and it can't hold a candle to the C6. It does wow me everytime I drive it
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
Let me say that I called the dealer who is a friend of mine and told him that I had not drove a C6 and he said come on down and do it. I drove a 2008 convertible with the 3lt package,auto white.Drove real nice and road noise was less the my 2000 coupe,the weather was raining so we did not go for a long drive.Different looking panel,not sure if its better or not.I am not sure if i want to bite off a bigger note for a 2008,maybe 2005 with the new body style would be the way to go....
I think I will sleep on it and see what he comes up with.
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Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 149
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From: Twain Harte CA
Throwing in my $0.02, only you are going to be able to make the decision - - our comments are simply that - - comments.
The C6 (2008 on) has 86 more HP, runs on regular (87 octane) gas, has a slightly stiffer chassis, and improved handling (stock) over the C5. If money is not a factor in making your decision, make an appointment to drive a C6 and "wring it out" as thoroughly as the dealer (or owner) will allow. Good luck on your decision!
The C6 (2008 on) has 86 more HP, runs on regular (87 octane) gas, has a slightly stiffer chassis, and improved handling (stock) over the C5. If money is not a factor in making your decision, make an appointment to drive a C6 and "wring it out" as thoroughly as the dealer (or owner) will allow. Good luck on your decision!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
The C6 (2008 on) has 86 more HP, runs on regular (87 octane) gas, has a slightly stiffer chassis, and improved handling (stock) over the C5. If money is not a factor in making your decision, make an appointment to drive a C6 and "wring it out" as thoroughly as the dealer (or owner) will allow. Good luck on your decision!
Improved handling is a very generic term... it all depends on which suspension package you are comparin.
The car can run on 87 octane, but so can C5s. The cars knock sensors will pull timing thus reducing power. The standard LS3 makes 430 HP and the NPP optional exhaust system raises it to 436. Both are rated on premium fuel.
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Twain Harte CA
You are wrong on a few points. The C6s chasis is no stiffer, its almost exactly the same as the C5. The front and rear cradle mounting points are slightly different as the C6 has a marginally longer wheelbase. The front frame raisl are a tad different to support a different radiator/AC setup. In the end the standard steel C6 chassis has the same stiffness as the C5. The C6Z chassis is aluminum and has similar stiffness.
Improved handling is a very generic term... it all depends on which suspension package you are comparin.
The car can run on 87 octane, but so can C5s. The cars knock sensors will pull timing thus reducing power. The standard LS3 makes 430 HP and the NPP optional exhaust system raises it to 436. Both are rated on premium fuel.
Improved handling is a very generic term... it all depends on which suspension package you are comparin.
The car can run on 87 octane, but so can C5s. The cars knock sensors will pull timing thus reducing power. The standard LS3 makes 430 HP and the NPP optional exhaust system raises it to 436. Both are rated on premium fuel.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
^ The chassis is not stiffer, the ride may be, but then youve got 3 different suspension packages which really transform the personality of the car. Theyre 100% wrong on the fuel.
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Twain Harte CA
As for handling, I am extremely impressed with the handling on my bone stock C5. Though it is our first Vette, I've driven enough other vehicles to really appreciate its neutral and predictable handling. GREAT CAR!!!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 8
If you like the look of a C6 (exterior) more than the C5, there’s your quick answer. It's how you want to see yourself or (maybe) how you want others to see you; in an older model corvette (C5) or in newer model (C6). You can always make modifications for increase HP, interior looks and handling in your C5 over a C6.
Now for me, if I were to switch to a C6… it would only be for a C6 Z06 model. That’s because I like everything about that car.
But for now… I could still live with my C5 over the standard looking C6. I don’t think it is worth the trouble or the extra $$$. Either way, you're still driving a corvette
Now for me, if I were to switch to a C6… it would only be for a C6 Z06 model. That’s because I like everything about that car.
But for now… I could still live with my C5 over the standard looking C6. I don’t think it is worth the trouble or the extra $$$. Either way, you're still driving a corvette
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
But they are both still Corvettes. It all comes down to money. Do you want to spend the coin for the "latest and greatest"? Or are you satisfied with the C5 you already have? No matter what anyone on this board tells you, the decision is yours. Which car would make you happier?
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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The C6 offers some items you can't get (factory wise) in the C5 like nav, heated seats, and a 400 or 430 hp engine. Plus I'd say the car was a little bit more refined.
It just comes down to do you think the upgrades are worth the price you will have to pay difference.
It just comes down to do you think the upgrades are worth the price you will have to pay difference.