[Z06] c5 z06 or base c6
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: California
I also thought of these options when I purchased my Corvette. I ended up choosing the Z06, and it really wasn't a hard decision. I see so many base C6's on the road, and I felt that there wasn't much excitement attached to it. Also, since I only drive it on weekends, I wanted something that really felt like a supercar (Or something like it). Yes, the C6 has a much nicer interior and overall a better feel. But the Z06, to me at least, feels like more of a performance car. After driving it, I knew that I made the right decision. I'd say drive each, weigh out the decision and don't look back. I know that I have absolutely no regrets, and hopefully I will get into a C6 Z06 in the future 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,704
Likes: 4
From: Lone Star State
As others have said. The C5Z in my opinion feels like a sports car. I think the interior and the ride is nice. We know how to handle any issue that would come out of a C5...C6 know a lot, but still learning.
Last comment.....look at how the C6's are depreciating and look at the C5 Z
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: VA
For me the decision was easy but I had a purpose in mind for the car. I am going to track the car on road courses. I just bought a nice 2002 Z with less than 18k miles on it. While searching I found a blue 2003 with 8k miles on it and the guy was going to sell it for 23k. At that price I don't feel nervous about tracking the car. There are plenty of deals in the winter for a nice Z.
BTW: I had a 2003 Mustang Cobra before this car. You will be happy you made the switch!!!
BTW: I had a 2003 Mustang Cobra before this car. You will be happy you made the switch!!!
Last edited by Vette53; Dec 7, 2010 at 08:02 AM. Reason: spelling error
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Being a long time owner of a C5Z, I can't be objective, but now that I've gotten used to the shocking appearance of the C6, at least I don't hate them anymore. 
What saddens me, is the devalueing of all C5s, and the Z being no exception. Now 18 year olds can easily afford the same car I waited until I turned 50 to buy. Yeah, I could have had it sooner, but life has a way of dictating your decisions, but still, a $50,000 car with less than 20,000 miles can be found for less than 20k. This makes the OP's decision pretty easy, IMO.
What saddens me, is the devalueing of all C5s, and the Z being no exception. Now 18 year olds can easily afford the same car I waited until I turned 50 to buy. Yeah, I could have had it sooner, but life has a way of dictating your decisions, but still, a $50,000 car with less than 20,000 miles can be found for less than 20k. This makes the OP's decision pretty easy, IMO.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,355
Likes: 113
From: Los Angeles
To the OP - check out this recent post on LS3 v LS6 if you haven't already http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...s3-or-ls6.html
I didn't contemplate the LS2 (05-07) Vette when I made my purchase a couple months ago. It was between the LS3 (08+) and the LS6 (C5 Z06).
I went with the Z06 because I liked the styling more, and it's less common, and it was significantly cheaper. It's my daily driver in Los Angeles and it's plenty comfortable enough for me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 18
From: Thompsons Station Tennessee
Ah decisions. I bought a new C5 in 98. It was an auto and I missed shifting so I traded for a new 01 Verte. I got a bug and sold the Verte and then bought a 02 Z06. Much more fun to drive but it was black and I missed my red car. Sold the 02 Z06 and while shopping for a C6 I ran across a stunning red C5 Verte at the local dealer. I found out that it was my old car and I bought it back. A few months later I decided that i was looking for a change when I sold the 01 the first time so I then traded for a modded 08 coupe.
To make this long story short, the C6 was fast, it dyno'ed 492 at the rear wheels but it just did not suit me. I then traded it for a 03 Z06 and I love it. The C5 Z06 just has a rough and ready feel that I did not get from the C6 and it was a Z51 car. According to the articles that I have read, the C5 Z06 was not matched until the C6 08 model regarding 0 to 60 times. The C6 Z06 is a great car but out of my price range.
Enjoy your car!
To make this long story short, the C6 was fast, it dyno'ed 492 at the rear wheels but it just did not suit me. I then traded it for a 03 Z06 and I love it. The C5 Z06 just has a rough and ready feel that I did not get from the C6 and it was a Z51 car. According to the articles that I have read, the C5 Z06 was not matched until the C6 08 model regarding 0 to 60 times. The C6 Z06 is a great car but out of my price range.
Enjoy your car!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Ah decisions. I bought a new C5 in 98. It was an auto and I missed shifting so I traded for a new 01 Verte. I got a bug and sold the Verte and then bought a 02 Z06. Much more fun to drive but it was black and I missed my red car. Sold the 02 Z06 and while shopping for a C6 I ran across a stunning red C5 Verte at the local dealer. I found out that it was my old car and I bought it back. A few months later I decided that i was looking for a change when I sold the 01 the first time so I then traded for a modded 08 coupe.
To make this long story short, the C6 was fast, it dyno'ed 492 at the rear wheels but it just did not suit me. I then traded it for a 03 Z06 and I love it. The C5 Z06 just has a rough and ready feel that I did not get from the C6 and it was a Z51 car. According to the articles that I have read, the C5 Z06 was not matched until the C6 08 model regarding 0 to 60 times. The C6 Z06 is a great car but out of my price range.
Enjoy your car!
To make this long story short, the C6 was fast, it dyno'ed 492 at the rear wheels but it just did not suit me. I then traded it for a 03 Z06 and I love it. The C5 Z06 just has a rough and ready feel that I did not get from the C6 and it was a Z51 car. According to the articles that I have read, the C5 Z06 was not matched until the C6 08 model regarding 0 to 60 times. The C6 Z06 is a great car but out of my price range.
Enjoy your car!
That's about the only thing I don't like about my Z, is the black color. I would much prefer a TR. My HHR SS is Victory Red, which is an even better red, IMO.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,289
Likes: 86
From: Kennesaw Jawga
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,375
Likes: 97
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
I went the opposite way. I sold my C5Z and went with a low mile LS3. I loved both cars, but wanted a boosted newer car. I don't do any road racing, but just 1/4 mile and now 1 mile racing. The ride is much better, but my C5Z was much more raw and fun to drive, even though it has 150 less HP.