[Z06] C5 Z06 or C6
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
C5 Z06 or C6
So I'm finally nearing the end of a long school career and I'm wanting to treat myself to a new (to me) car. But I'm having trouble deciding on whether to go with a C5 Z06 or a newer C6. The stats seem roughly the same, but I'm having a little trouble finding suspension specs and more of the minor details between the 2. So I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction or if anyone has any comments on the 2 cars. Thanks for the input!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,538
Likes: 9
From: Pasadena, CA
So I'm finally nearing the end of a long school career and I'm wanting to treat myself to a new (to me) car. But I'm having trouble deciding on whether to go with a C5 Z06 or a newer C6. The stats seem roughly the same, but I'm having a little trouble finding suspension specs and more of the minor details between the 2. So I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction or if anyone has any comments on the 2 cars. Thanks for the input!
Edit: I'm not being biased because I cureently own a c5 z06, it's the honest truth.
Last edited by 03 Z-oh-6; Jun 23, 2009 at 09:17 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7,683
Likes: 3
From: La La land cali
St. Jude Donor '09
I had the choice also between 2002 Z06 or a late model C6. Having been a previous owner of a C5 I really had no desire for a C6.
Nevertheless; I test drove many.
I don't like the C6 at all compared to the C5's. I bought the 2002 Z06 with only 20K on it.
The appearance difference is huge. I had been driving my black C5 vert to work for 5 years or so. When I pulled up in a black 2006 C6 the decision was unanimous: "The C6 is ugly"
Ive had my Z since last October and I love everything about it. It is my DD and that means EVERYWHERE.
Get the C5 Z.
Now, the C6 Z06 is a completely different topic. If I could have afforded it at the time, I would have bought the black C6 Z06 that was sitting right next to my C5Z.
Nevertheless; I test drove many.
I don't like the C6 at all compared to the C5's. I bought the 2002 Z06 with only 20K on it.
The appearance difference is huge. I had been driving my black C5 vert to work for 5 years or so. When I pulled up in a black 2006 C6 the decision was unanimous: "The C6 is ugly"
Ive had my Z since last October and I love everything about it. It is my DD and that means EVERYWHERE.
Get the C5 Z.
Now, the C6 Z06 is a completely different topic. If I could have afforded it at the time, I would have bought the black C6 Z06 that was sitting right next to my C5Z.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 404
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
I gotta agree with the others on this one.
My dad has a C6 vert loaded and man is it a nice car. Rides good, hauls and looks great but it is just to refined for me. You can definetly feel the cadillac influence in the C6.
My wife loves the C6 and has begged me to trade for a C6 but I just can't do it. The Z06 just fits me so much better. The C5Z is raw and all business, wouldn't change a thing.
Now a C6Z, the devil has yet to offer me fair market value on my soul so I am still without.
My dad has a C6 vert loaded and man is it a nice car. Rides good, hauls and looks great but it is just to refined for me. You can definetly feel the cadillac influence in the C6.
My wife loves the C6 and has begged me to trade for a C6 but I just can't do it. The Z06 just fits me so much better. The C5Z is raw and all business, wouldn't change a thing.
Now a C6Z, the devil has yet to offer me fair market value on my soul so I am still without.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
This should be helpful
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
Which car you pick really depends on your preferences. The C6 is more refined and has a lot of niceties that the C5 Z06 does not.
The C5 Z06 is a race proven car that you can drive on the street.
I highly recommend you test drive models of both cars to see what you like.
If you decide to get a C5 Z06 look for one that is close to stock and has only had a few owners and has not been beat on. You will probably pay more for a car like this but I can tell you from hard experience you will save yourself a fortune in $$$, time, and emotions.
I would also read this before making a decision.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html
FYI - the Z06s/FRC are prone to water leaks. 2 of the 3 I have owned leaked water and quite badly. The fix is neither simple or cheap. Hope you like working on cars because if you don't you will be miserable.
BTW - I don't like working on cars, but I do love to drive them. Luckily for me, I have a great brother who is extremely mechanically adept and more than willing to help me out. (And God knows I need it!).
You are probably wondering given what I said above why I have a C5 Z06. The simple answer is that I want to some road racing (High Performance Driver Education) and the C5 Z06 is the superior platform for accomplishing that goal.
Good luck with your search.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/
Which car you pick really depends on your preferences. The C6 is more refined and has a lot of niceties that the C5 Z06 does not.
The C5 Z06 is a race proven car that you can drive on the street.
I highly recommend you test drive models of both cars to see what you like.
If you decide to get a C5 Z06 look for one that is close to stock and has only had a few owners and has not been beat on. You will probably pay more for a car like this but I can tell you from hard experience you will save yourself a fortune in $$$, time, and emotions.
I would also read this before making a decision.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html
FYI - the Z06s/FRC are prone to water leaks. 2 of the 3 I have owned leaked water and quite badly. The fix is neither simple or cheap. Hope you like working on cars because if you don't you will be miserable.
BTW - I don't like working on cars, but I do love to drive them. Luckily for me, I have a great brother who is extremely mechanically adept and more than willing to help me out. (And God knows I need it!).
You are probably wondering given what I said above why I have a C5 Z06. The simple answer is that I want to some road racing (High Performance Driver Education) and the C5 Z06 is the superior platform for accomplishing that goal.
Good luck with your search.
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,538
Likes: 9
From: Pasadena, CA
remember, if you posted this same question in the c6 section, everyone will say get the c6. Like you said, test drive both and make your own decision.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
This is by far the most asked question on this forum...a question I was asking myself nearly a year ago. Coming from an 04 coupe (base car, automatic) it seemed like upgrading to a C6 would make sense. I went to a dealer who specializes in selling both new and use corvettes. I was dead set on finding an 06-07 model with low miles (less then 10k) for a decent price. The dealer, who I had done business with before said "I have something you might be interested in more then a C6" he then brought out a black on black 2004 C5Z with 450 miles on the odo, my jaws dropped, the car was stunning. I took a quick test drive in both that car and a low milage 07. There was no comparsion, in terms of pure sports car performance and feel the C5Z won hands down. Now the C6 was a really nice car, but it just lacked the x factor im looking for in a car I only drive on weekends. The sound, speed ,and rawness of the C5z Z06 is what really sold me.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 15,678
Likes: 1,097
From: birmingham Alabama
St. Jude Donor '09 and '13
Better? No way. A nicer interior-YES. The C6 lacks the raw sports car feel. It is a great grand touring car. I have owned 2 Z06's, and have NOT had ONE problem with either. My C6 was reliable also, but neither was better in regards to reliablity.
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 210
Likes: 5
From: Fenton,MI
C6 or C5 ZO6?
I have had a 90,92,98 modded,and C6 08 paddle shift vettes. I do open road racing and some occasional tracks. I just traded in my 08 for a 03 ZO6 2 weeks ago. I could not be happier. What a car-my best vette yet. The 08 was very nice and easy to drive/cruise. I missed shifting and the ZO6 is just a different beast. If you are going to do any racing or tracking--get the ZO6. The prices are reasonable for what you are getting. But like the others said, drive both. In the end it is your decision. Have fun!
