I'm debating on whether I should sell my '04 coupe and get a ZO6. My car has 41K miles on it and its been pretty dependable while I've owned it. The Z is a year older, has fewer miles and would cost a little more but I'd like to hear back from those that may have done the same thing. Is it really that much of a difference from a base C5 to the ZO6?

 

I suggest you test drive one before making up your mind. I the end, only you can make that choice.

 

I thought about doing something about like that and almost had my 04 sold but I changed my mind.

 

If you just want more power mod your engine.
If you like the body style better get the Z06.
If you like the way the Z06 drives better then get one.
Do what you prefer. We cannot tell you what is better for you.

 

Ultimately it's up to you as the guys before me have said but let me tell you that I have owned both and here's what I noticed.

The C5 good:

I can take the top off or get a clear top
It was the cheaper of the two
It was still fast as hell
It had all the bells and whistles
It's a Corvette no matter what

The C5 bad:

I don't like the way the back glass on a coupe looks
I always saw Z06's and wished I had one
It had all the bells and whistles (more **** to go wrong)
I didn't care for the wheels and buying new ones was out of my budget
The stock exhaust was heavy and too quiet even with headers
Everything I put in the back hatch was visible / smellable from inside the cockpit (stinky gym clothes ewww)
People always wanted to race me
The LS1 is a little bit weaker motor out of the factory (mechanically)

The Z06 good:

It looks sexy
It's faster than hell
It's a Z06
Ricers, maros, and stangs think twice before trying to race me
The trunk is freaking massive and separate from the cockpit
The stock titanium exhaust is lighter and sounds beautiful with headers and a nice cam
The factory wheels are lighter and look pretty good in themselves
None of the fancy pants B.S. It's all business.
The LS6 is a stronger motor out of the factory (mechanically)

The Z06 bad:

It was a bit more expensive for one with the same mileage / condition as my C5
I can't remove the top or get a clear one to see through
It sounds like a freaking sewing machine when it's warmed up (nature of the beast)


Just my 2 cents from owning both.

 

I've thought about the same thing but to a c6z06. Prices are starting to come down on used ones and if you have the expendable income, it'd be an impressive upgrade.

 

ball park, how much will this upgrade cost you?
performance for the dollar, i'll say it not worth it, unless you're a stock car kinda guy.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I decided to go ahead and get the ZO6. It's a year older with only 19K miles. I like the handling and actually miss the manual gearbox. Just hope my knee holds up! My wife likes the millenium yellow but the red/black interior is going to have to grow on her. I like the color combo?

 

Well,,I'm closing in on 64,,and I enjoy the hell out of my 00 FRC!! I've been putting almost 11K a year and about 85% is city driving!! The clutch is NOT very stiff,,,I love the 6speed in these cars!! Unless you are already having serious knee problems,,I would not anticipate problems for you. For older guys,,I think getting in and out of these cars is tougher than the clutch pedal!!

 

That's good to know. Thank you. Back in the 70's my left leg was much larger thanks to the daily workout with my competition clutch. If you didn't pay attention it could push you out the rear window. I was a lot lighter and good looking back then.

 

Thanks for the info. I've only had my 04 coupe 3 months and I'm already thinking of going to a Z06 next year. Wanted the 6spd, but mine had the auto so we'll see what the new year brings...

 

I sympathize with getting in/out a vette. I just turned 63 and I'm not as limber as I used to be! Noticed yesterday my left knee was sore all day but I attibute that to walking 18 holes rather than climbing in/out of my vette. Stay healthy and drive happy...

 

get a Z06.

you will never think of the auto coupe again.

 

Totally different cars for different personalities!

See if you can trade someone for a few days. Maybe one of your friends has a Z06.

TRUST me, they're totally different. My dad doesn't really like driving my Z06 as much as he likes his Vert. But that's because we have different styles of driving and different personalities as far as what we like to drive. (Similar but different)

But again, they're totally different. They feel different in every way.

 

congrats and enjoy!

 

Good luck buying the Z06 and hope it turns out to be the car you hoped for. They are awesome machines.

 

Get the best Vette that you can afford and you'll have no regrets at all.

Must admit I couldn't even tell you if the clutch was heavy or not, I just push it down and drop a gear or two.

 

You need to drive one to make the decision

 

I drove both C5 convertibles and Z06s before I bought my 2002 Z06. I am 67. They are all relatively easy to get in and out of. My 1991 C4 was a bit more difficult, but still easy compared to our 1974 Pantera. It IS difficult to get in and out of.

 

I got the ZO6 for $23900 with 19K miles on it. I did my research, I don't think I overpaid for the Z and I feel the dealer was more than fairI got a real good trade in on my car. when you check out Edmunds, Kelly etc. I do enjoy "driving" the car but the automatic made me feel like I was just driving a really nice car with some power. I think in the long run I'll keep enjoying the manual transmission and I feel it will hold its value as well.