c5-c6 comparison
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 423
Likes: 48
From: winchester Virginia
c5-c6 comparison
Hi All, I'm looking to move up from a c4 vert to a c5 z06 or c6. Budget constraints limit me to less than 30K. I have driven a c5Z and I thought it was great! I would appreciate any opinions on the c5z versus nonZ c6.
Thanks--E-fish
Thanks--E-fish
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Thats a tuff question, I like them both, The C5 is a great car, Run good, Looks good, The C6 is also a great car, A lot of people have trouble getting past the headlights, They don't bother me at all, I didn't like the looks of the C6 at first, But I like the looks now. It really boils down what car does it for you. You can't go wrong with the C5 or the C6.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 244
Likes: 1
From: I'll Keep My Guns , Freedom And Money. You Keep The Change. FL
C5 ZO6 is gorgeous from any angle. C6(non ZO6) has a butter face and a flat ***. On the other hand, a C6 ZO6 follows a close second on looks compared to a C5 ZO6. Just my opinion, I'm partial to the C5 ZO6. The few little upgrades to the interior of the C6 mean nothing to me as I think the C5 interior is just fine. Don't care for Sat Nav, steering wheel controls and push button start. I prefer a key to start the vehicle and its not that hard to reach for the radio. And the fact there is no Mod Red interior in a C6. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Tough call,,,both have their own charm. I have a personal preference for the look of the C5Z(I have an 00 FRC),,but with the 430 horses in the C6,,performance should be pretty close!! Open air option is a personal thing,,many targa owners never(or hardly ever) take the top off,,some have them off all the time,,,so that is a point to ponder,and for you to decide!! Don't mind the C6 look,,but not a clear winner over the C5!!!
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2010
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You should not have any trouble finding a car for 30k (except for a C6Z06)...they both had more than enough performance for me...I just like the look of the C5 Coupe (FRC or Z06) and they offered the best value...bang for the buck...but if newer or resale is important to you...then...C6..in the end the decision to buy a toy boils down to what you like.. kinda like girls....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
Unless you were getting an '08 or newer C6 with the LS3, and other mid model improvements, I would consider the C5Z as the equal if not better performer than an early C6 with the LS2. If you want an open air option, than either the C5 or C6 coupe with the targa top would be the choice. The limitation of the fixed roof on the C5Z was the reason that I ultimately sold mine. The open air was more important to me than the extra performance.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 423
Likes: 48
From: winchester Virginia
Thanks for all the input--Since I live and drive mostly at or above 8500 feet I feel the need for a little more punch than my LT1 offers. And the vert has NO cargo space so road trips are not very feasible. As far as resale goes--I'm 66--so the next one may be the last one and I'll let the kids worry about resale! I need to drive the C6 and see how it compares to the C5Z. A dealer offered me 10,500 for my C4 in trade for a 3 owner 03Z with 40,000 miles priced at 26K. My C4 is really nice but I was surprised at the 10.5K offer and it makes me suspect that the dealer got the Z really really cheap. The paint on the Z looked pretty nicked up (black car with lots of little white spots) so maybe hail damage? I guess I need to look closer because I do like the car t look good as well as perform.--E-fish
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Depends on how you drive and what you're preference is.
The C6s are a bit more refined than the C5Zs. They don't ride as rough and their interior is a little nicer. They're also quite a bit heavier giving them a smoother feel.
However, the C5Z is faster, more aggressive and louder on the inside. They handle better and they ride a bit more rough. Most people describe the C5Z as "raw". I've had 2 C5Zs and I will not be moving up to a C6 unless it's a C6Z because I love the raw feeling of the road.
Personally, I think C5Zs look much better than base C6s.
The C6s are a bit more refined than the C5Zs. They don't ride as rough and their interior is a little nicer. They're also quite a bit heavier giving them a smoother feel.
However, the C5Z is faster, more aggressive and louder on the inside. They handle better and they ride a bit more rough. Most people describe the C5Z as "raw". I've had 2 C5Zs and I will not be moving up to a C6 unless it's a C6Z because I love the raw feeling of the road.
Personally, I think C5Zs look much better than base C6s.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Reston Manitoba
Thanks for all the input--Since I live and drive mostly at or above 8500 feet I feel the need for a little more punch than my LT1 offers. And the vert has NO cargo space so road trips are not very feasible. As far as resale goes--I'm 66--so the next one may be the last one and I'll let the kids worry about resale! I need to drive the C6 and see how it compares to the C5Z. A dealer offered me 10,500 for my C4 in trade for a 3 owner 03Z with 40,000 miles priced at 26K. My C4 is really nice but I was surprised at the 10.5K offer and it makes me suspect that the dealer got the Z really really cheap. The paint on the Z looked pretty nicked up (black car with lots of little white spots) so maybe hail damage? I guess I need to look closer because I do like the car t look good as well as perform.--E-fish
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 180
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From: Vallejo CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,197
Likes: 190
From: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
With 30K to spend, you can get yourself a low miles C6. If you can, shoot for an 08. Nothing wrong with a C5Z, but lets face it, it's getting long in the tooth for all C5's. With a new corvette gen around the corner a C5 will be 2 gen's down, AND prices are falling from the sky...I suppose if you want to save cash, and it'll be a daily driver you can EASILY get a c5z for a steal.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not shooting down the C5 gen, hell I have one...but newer is better for sure.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not shooting down the C5 gen, hell I have one...but newer is better for sure.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,877
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From: cincinnati ohio
Cruise-In V Veteran
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Check out this comparison... Some parts are lame but there are a few nuggets.
Either way, the C5Z is a fantastic performer. Especially for an easily daily driveable car.