Well it took what seems like forever (actually a year and 3 months) but the time has finally come to pull the trigger and get a C5. We had decided to move to another state, buy a new house, get new job etc.. but all that is taken care of now. My dilemma now is this: I had my heart set on a 01/02 MY M6 coupe but during the wait I have developed a taste for the Z06. I really want the coupe because the top comes off and I could fit my dog in the back but part of me thinks "If yer gonna get a C5 you should probably get a Z06" but to be honest I'll never race the thing and where I live now the highest speed limit is 60mph. Also I doubt I would ever get a kit to put a targa top or whatever it's called in the Z06.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what I should do?

Get the Z06, youll prob wont take the targa off. I got a coupe so that i can take the top off...guess what, i never take the targa off.

The hardtop Z06 is undeniably sexy. But if you're set on taking the top off, just go with the coupe.

Get the Z06 and never look back!!!

Funny this thread came up. I went through the same dilemma in July when I bought my C5. I couldn't decide if I wanted the perks of the Z or the removable roof. Finally I just couldn't get away from the performance, the looks, the stance, and the sound of the Z. I ended up buying the Z and have never looked back once.
Good Luck

I love the look of the Z also.

Take it from a coupe owner, get the Z06. All that extra power and those gorgeous lines

Z06s are the best from a "whats best for a fast car" point,.........better suspension, motor, exhaust and stiffness. And they are fast right out of the box.

But I bought the coupe over the Z for one reason............the removable targa top installed at the factory. It is an absolute awesome feeling to drive with the top out ...........it is essentially a convertible, that is safe because of the B pillar hoop......and a very rare option for any car and any price.

I would say you consider a low mileage 2003 to 2004 Coupe with a 6 speed. The Coupes are not that much slower than a Z06,. even stock. Mine ran a 13 flat quarter mile @ 106.5 MPH...........bone stock. The C5 Z06s the day I was at the track were running 12.6 to 12.8..both stock. There was a slightly modded Z06 C5 that ran a 12.3.........but he only ran that one run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG4zmH18YLw







And one of me going up my driveway,......FYI,...that is my friend's little girlie man laugh.........he has a Porsche 930 that never runs right and costs a fortune to fix. He wasnt used to actual acceleration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4rOcT6X-zk

A lightly modded Coupe ..(ex: intake, header, X pipe, catback)..should dip in the mid to high 12s,....and I believe a few of the stock ones are close now (with good, light, drivers),.............on the other hand if speed is your main priority, there are few stock platforms that respond better to mods than the C5 Z06s.........do a search, ......they are a fast bunch, even in this crowd.

Everyone with a coupe loves their coupe. Not that they are saying anything bad about a Z06. If you don't think you'll race that car at all and want the removable top then go for the coupe. I love the trunk/hatch space in my coupe. I wouldn't put a dog in my car but hey, whatever suits your needs.

Go test drive one of each. See if you like one more then the other.

I couldn't have said it better...

Trunk space is the biggest practical consideration. I've heard several of my Vert and Z owners say they wished they had more trunk space.

I've had both and to be completely honest imho, I'd go with the Z. I currently have a '01 MY coupe and it is nice to take the top off BUT one thing I've noticed is all the creeks and pops the car makes. With the Z/FRC of course, I NEVER heard any of these noises that people complained about. With the coupe I do.

Go with the Z

I will say this,...........if the C5 Z06 had a Targa top, I would have purchased that model...........I mean what is not to like about 400 HP stock ?

Took it for a ride with the top out yesterday,........65 degrees,.......perfect day, soaking in the sushine, wind in the hair......rowing the gears,.....perfection..........I had a fast hardtop (375 HP AWD Twin Turbo Dodge Stealth) with no sunroof..........and I will trade a little fast for a lot of sky. Night rides are even better.

I have a coupe but wanted the FRC. I wish I would have waited and got the FRC because that is what I wanted and now I settled because I got tired of waiting.

Get what you want

If you are not planning on using the extra power or taking it to the track, take the money you will save mod it and go topless.

I think you should go with the Z. They have a better resale value for a reason. They are one of the best bang for your buck cars out there right now. Trust me, when you are behind the wheel of a ZO6, you will not be concerned with the roof. If you were trying to decide between manual and auto, then I would say go for the targa coupe. If you want a manual... get the Z.

It is true, you miss out on some nice factory upgrades,......(brake intakes and motor come to mind).............but the Magnetic Select Ride is absolutely fabulous,......rides on par with my old 2000 BMW 325i..........smooth.

...and I've owned a C5 coupe for 5 years...

I can't believe you folks that never take the targa top off. I never have mine on. It's so quick and easy to put on and off it's ridiculous. I personally don't like the lines of the fixed roof coupes, Z's, and convertables, but that's just a matter of my personal taste. I would never give up being able to open up the top. Even with the top on, I feel "less couped up" in the coupe, ha, ha. (Pun intended.) No squeaks or rattles with my 04 coupe either.

Would I like the extra power? I very rarely use the 350 horses I have now, so I really don't miss the 50 extra. Another thing, I wonder how the Z's compare to the coupes gas mileage-wise? I can't imagine they get better mileage.