Debating, Targa Top or Z06
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Instructor
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From: Elgin IL
I agree with all of you. My budget will be in the $25,000 range, so i can get a nice coupe, and have some left for insurance and mods.
I'm going to go today and test drive a few so i can get the feeling. I don't know for the exhaust yet though. Still going to look at a bunch of other threads and see what people say. I live in a area that isn't densely packed so i don't have to worry about causing too much noise.
Are there any real differences between the 02 and 04? From a users point of view. It would be awesome if someone on here reading has had both and can share their opinion.
I'm going to go today and test drive a few so i can get the feeling. I don't know for the exhaust yet though. Still going to look at a bunch of other threads and see what people say. I live in a area that isn't densely packed so i don't have to worry about causing too much noise.
Are there any real differences between the 02 and 04? From a users point of view. It would be awesome if someone on here reading has had both and can share their opinion.
Last edited by nickspohn; Nov 17, 2008 at 02:31 PM.
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Drive an example of each. If you can live without the top - then there is your answer. If not, you can always mod the coupe to where it will perform better than the Z06.
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I strongly recommend that you drive both cars and see which you like better. I have owned both. The Z06 has a much different personality than the coupe or vert for that matter. It's basically a coupe on steroids.
If you decide you like the coupe but want more power you can add some bolt-ons or try buying an already modified coupe.
Good luck in your search.
If you decide you like the coupe but want more power you can add some bolt-ons or try buying an already modified coupe.
Good luck in your search.
The Z is more than additional power. It is also the tighter suspension, wider wheels/better selection of tire size, different transmission ratios, lighter windshield and back glass, lighter titanium exhaust, lighter carpet, less sound insulation, etc. The total of these things make the car what it is. You have to spend money on more things than engine mods to equal the performance. Given the superior performance the car is not as pleasant as the C5 non Z. Much more road and tire noise and a somewhat stiffer ride than the Z51 optioned C5.
Bill
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From: Whitby Ontario
I am making the same debate and have a very similar price range, I was also taking into account if I ended up keeping the car a while, the Z06 might appreciate a lot more than the coupe, and going by history, it should. Resulting in a better resale value in the future.
Like the way of C4 coupes vs ZR1's I know its not a fair comparison but something to think about none the less.
Like the way of C4 coupes vs ZR1's I know its not a fair comparison but something to think about none the less.
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I am making the same debate and have a very similar price range, I was also taking into account if I ended up keeping the car a while, the Z06 might appreciate a lot more than the coupe, and going by history, it should. Resulting in a better resale value in the future.
-Alex
Drifting
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From: Minneapolis MN
Amen. As much as I would have liked to look into ZO6's, I wouldn't have been happy if the top didn't come off ... love my Coupe and is plenty fast for me stock coming from an early C4.
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Actually there are no C5 Corvettes that gain value. They are all depreciating and the price difference between a coupe or ZO6 is extremely miniscule. When I was shopping for my own car, I could get either one, and when it comes time to sell, the price would have depreicated so much that the difference of a few hundred dollars will not matter at all.
-Alex
-Alex
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I think the Z51 coupe is a great compromise - top off when you need it and still plenty of power. Even better might be a Z51 convertible! Good luck!
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-Alex
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I still have some time to make my decision, but I want to be set on what i want. Right now I have a 2002 Camaro, so anything corvette will be faster and better. The one thing i love about my Camaro is of course the T-Tops. Now if the C5 Z06 had a Targa top, I would be happy, but it doesn't. I know I'm the one that should be deciding this issue because it's almost a question like "What color is better?". I'm under 25, so insurance won't be friendly, and plus, there will always be time for speed later. 
But if i do get one with a Targa top, I'll probably wish I would of gotten the Z06. So you C5 owners, what are your opinions? Are you fine with having a hard top?
Also, with the same aftermarket (or even stock exhausts), could you tell the difference between the two?
Thanks for the help.
Oh, and my budget is around $25,000
But if i do get one with a Targa top, I'll probably wish I would of gotten the Z06. So you C5 owners, what are your opinions? Are you fine with having a hard top? Also, with the same aftermarket (or even stock exhausts), could you tell the difference between the two?
Thanks for the help.
Oh, and my budget is around $25,000
The hardtops just look better than the coupe's in my opinion.
Last edited by ajg1915; Nov 17, 2008 at 09:40 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: Elgin IL
I went to go look at corvettes tonight for a little bit. I'll admit, It was my first time sitting in a newer one. Loved it compared to my camaro. Couldn't drive em though because they were in the showroom. Going to go to another place tomorrow and see if they have some outside.
The price for this one was $24,500. He said he would sell it to me for $21,000. Red. 20,000 Miles On it. perfect interior. God i wish i had the money now as i would be all over that.
The seat felt much more firmer, i sat up higher because the roof was lower. Feels like im in a sardine compared to the Camaro, but that is exactly what i want.
The price for this one was $24,500. He said he would sell it to me for $21,000. Red. 20,000 Miles On it. perfect interior. God i wish i had the money now as i would be all over that.
The seat felt much more firmer, i sat up higher because the roof was lower. Feels like im in a sardine compared to the Camaro, but that is exactly what i want.
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From: Whitby Ontario
Actually there are no C5 Corvettes that gain value. They are all depreciating and the price difference between a coupe or ZO6 is extremely miniscule. When I was shopping for my own car, I could get either one, and when it comes time to sell, the price would have depreicated so much that the difference of a few hundred dollars will not matter at all.
-Alex
-Alex
It sucks living in the back country in Canada because there is no way to test drive anything. Unless I made a 4 hour road trip.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Elgin IL
I'm starting to get excited now. Really. I wish i had the money atm, the one i saw is an amazing deal for the condition in it's in.
And for the love of me i cannot find a corvette around my area at a dealer that is OUTSIDE. Closest i've found is about 30 miles away... I really wanna test drive one of them.
And for the love of me i cannot find a corvette around my area at a dealer that is OUTSIDE. Closest i've found is about 30 miles away... I really wanna test drive one of them.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 121
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From: Elgin IL
Aye, decisions.. I'll probably know for sure when i test drive. Any corvette will be a huge boost compared to the V6 camaro i'm using now. And then i can still mod the corvette with my budget, as if i were to get a z06 i wouldn't have much money left over.
Pro
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From: Virginia Beach VA...originally Burtonsville, MD
Everybody has their preference on body style. Im a Z06 guy and am partial to the frc body. I also like the fact that its a Z and not just a C5. But on your budget i'd recommend the targa and have some change left over for mods. Putting an exhaust on it will definitely be a plus since stock c5's are virtually silent. Lots of opinions on here about what brand to go with, Ive got B&B Bullets myself. Make the right tweaks and the targa top will be a great ride. Good Luck
Jim
Jim