[Z06] C5 Z06 vs C6
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake Beach MD
I have never drove a C6 but have read plenty of reveiews on here. Most people will agree the cars are very evenly matched with the edge going to the C5Z. The C5 is more of a raw car compared to the C6. The C6 is a bit more luxurious and smoother compared to the C5Z. Like I said though I have never driven a C6 before but I drive my C5 daily and its an amazing machine!!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Lutz Fl
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 632
Likes: 2
From: Columbus Ohio
My dad has an 08 LS3 coupe and I have an 03 Z06 and I have driven both.
His is faster. With its 6.2L engine it has much more low end torque and it doesn't drop off either. We ran on the freeway on the way to a cruise from 80-110 and while it was close he had about 3/4 car length on me before we let off- his is paddle shift if it was a stick car it would probably have been worse.
His has MUCH better seats, while not as comfortable, definitely more supportive for hard cornering with the electric side bolsters
His HUD has more functionality than mine but thats not a big deal to me as I turn a lot of mine off anyhow.
Mine feels more responsive, connected, and fun to drive and not only because it is a six speed versus automatic.
I think mine handles better but I didn't push it in his- he did get into active handling on a turn we did on a cruise and I was right behind him and my car was unphased.
Both radios blow donkeys- apparently the non-nav radio is better in the c6s
I LOVE the FRC body though and only like the hatch.
Both are awesome cars and neither of us would trade for the other. FWIW for demographic we are both married, I am 29 tuesday and he is 66.
I will be glad to provide any more insight you may desire.
Oh yeah- my father-in-law also has an 05 c6 coupe six speed that my wife has driven, she didn't like the clutch at all or the detached feel of the car and she loves our z06.
My mom also admitted she prefers to drive mine over my dad's but don't tell him that ;-)
His is faster. With its 6.2L engine it has much more low end torque and it doesn't drop off either. We ran on the freeway on the way to a cruise from 80-110 and while it was close he had about 3/4 car length on me before we let off- his is paddle shift if it was a stick car it would probably have been worse.
His has MUCH better seats, while not as comfortable, definitely more supportive for hard cornering with the electric side bolsters
His HUD has more functionality than mine but thats not a big deal to me as I turn a lot of mine off anyhow.
Mine feels more responsive, connected, and fun to drive and not only because it is a six speed versus automatic.
I think mine handles better but I didn't push it in his- he did get into active handling on a turn we did on a cruise and I was right behind him and my car was unphased.
Both radios blow donkeys- apparently the non-nav radio is better in the c6s
I LOVE the FRC body though and only like the hatch.
Both are awesome cars and neither of us would trade for the other. FWIW for demographic we are both married, I am 29 tuesday and he is 66.
I will be glad to provide any more insight you may desire.
Oh yeah- my father-in-law also has an 05 c6 coupe six speed that my wife has driven, she didn't like the clutch at all or the detached feel of the car and she loves our z06.
My mom also admitted she prefers to drive mine over my dad's but don't tell him that ;-)
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,533
Likes: 3
From: New fairfield Connecticut
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
Likes: 105
From: Pensacola FL
This topic comes up a lot, so without being a jerk, I suggest you use the "search" fuction.
I'll give my brief synopsis as well...
Last year I was in the market for another Corvette. After looking at a bunch, I had all but signed my name on the contract for a black 2006 M6 Z51. Being a "checklist-oriented" person, the last car to look at was a C5Z. It fit me much better both literally and figuratively, so I bought a 2004 Z16.
Don't get me wrong, I like the C6 and may buy a C6Z in a few years, but the C5Z just has the looks and raw visceral feel...
I'll give my brief synopsis as well...
Last year I was in the market for another Corvette. After looking at a bunch, I had all but signed my name on the contract for a black 2006 M6 Z51. Being a "checklist-oriented" person, the last car to look at was a C5Z. It fit me much better both literally and figuratively, so I bought a 2004 Z16.
Don't get me wrong, I like the C6 and may buy a C6Z in a few years, but the C5Z just has the looks and raw visceral feel...
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 632
Likes: 2
From: Columbus Ohio
Other than the LS3 08 it is not really a question and even then I wouldn't trade mine for it- maybe a c6 z06 but I would have to drive one- if it has the same detached feeling that the non-z06 c6 has I will pass.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 15,678
Likes: 1,097
From: birmingham Alabama
St. Jude Donor '09 and '13
Let me weigh in on this topic. I JUST sold my C6. 2005 auto with performance axle. I had a 02 Z06 before the C6, and now I am buying ANOTHER 02 Z06. First off, the C6's are very nice. The interior is head and shoulders above the C5. The car is much more quiet, like a Lexus. The Z06 will simply run circles around a base 05-06 six speed or automatic C6. The Z06 is more fun to drive, it has a more raw and connected to the road feeling. The Z06 handles much better, and is faster. Dave Hill himself said the Z51 C6 was a SECOND slower than the Z06 around a road course. Both are fine cars, however, I do like to drive the car hard at times, not abuse, but hard. And the Z06 will take hard driving in spades. And I also miss the backfiring exhaust of the Z06. I am going back to a Z06, so I guess you can figure out which car I like best. Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 56
From: Escondido CA
i'm 62 love my 01 z.have test driven an 09 6spd & paddle shift..both are great vettes , and just as quick as my 60k mi. z....but i just love the feel thru the canyons of so cal..and having a "trunk"..in the ol' z 
