C5 vs. C6
Thread Starter
Suspended by request 16 May 2012
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Louisville Ky
C5 vs. C6
I want everyone opinion on this. Which better to get in performance and handling wise. I'm confuse on the two since im new to vette and im on my road to learn more about these great machine.
Chris
Chris
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,594
Likes: 959
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
I love my C5, but if you are thinking about the purchase of a Corvette, then I would suggest that you drive both a C5 as well as a C6. The C6 is a refined C5. What I mean is the C6 is on the same platform as the C5, except the suspension was refined as well as the engine. The LS2 is rated @ 400 hp and the LS3 (2008 and newer) @ 430 hp. The C6 Z06 is rated @ 505 hp. I have not driven a C6 but I have heard that they are not as comfortable as the C5. The C5 has great lines and still I get people thinking that mine is a new Vette.
So it comes down to two things, which did you enjoy or fell better driving and which is in your budget.
So it comes down to two things, which did you enjoy or fell better driving and which is in your budget.
Thread Starter
Suspended by request 16 May 2012
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Louisville Ky
I love my C5, but if you are thinking about the purchase of a Corvette, then I would suggest that you drive both a C5 as well as a C6. The C6 is a refined C5. What I mean is the C6 is on the same platform as the C5, except the suspension was refined as well as the engine. The LS2 is rated @ 400 hp and the LS3 (2008 and newer) @ 430 hp. The C6 Z06 is rated @ 505 hp. I have not driven a C6 but I have heard that they are not as comfortable as the C5. The C5 has great lines and still I get people thinking that mine is a new Vette.
So it comes down to two things, which did you enjoy or fell better driving and which is in your budget.
So it comes down to two things, which did you enjoy or fell better driving and which is in your budget.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 58,498
Likes: 1,822
From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I think that if you ask this question in C5 General, you can expect us to tell you to get a C5. I don't think you can expect someone else to give you the answer to that question. You and only you can decide what you want, how much you want to spend and the features you like. Get out there and look at the cars, drive them, study them and draw your own conclusions. You and only you can make the right decision for you!
Last edited by jrose7004; Dec 16, 2010 at 09:00 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 5
From: Oldham County Louisville, KY
C5Z over any C6.
C5Z interior is bigger. C5Z is Sexier. And I can put any LS motor in my car or mod the LS6 I have and coil-overs on and performance is no longer a a valid point.
You can't get a better package than a C5Z for performance and value.
Where are you in Louisville? I'm in Oldham. PM me if you want to come out and see what you can do with that Z.
C5Z interior is bigger. C5Z is Sexier. And I can put any LS motor in my car or mod the LS6 I have and coil-overs on and performance is no longer a a valid point.
You can't get a better package than a C5Z for performance and value.
Where are you in Louisville? I'm in Oldham. PM me if you want to come out and see what you can do with that Z.
Thread Starter
Suspended by request 16 May 2012
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Louisville Ky
C5Z over any C6.
C5Z interior is bigger. C5Z is Sexier. And I can put any LS motor in my car or mod the LS6 I have and coil-overs on and performance is no longer a a valid point.
You can't get a better package than a C5Z for performance and value.
Where are you in Louisville? I'm in Oldham. PM me if you want to come out and see what you can do with that Z.
C5Z interior is bigger. C5Z is Sexier. And I can put any LS motor in my car or mod the LS6 I have and coil-overs on and performance is no longer a a valid point.
You can't get a better package than a C5Z for performance and value.
Where are you in Louisville? I'm in Oldham. PM me if you want to come out and see what you can do with that Z.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
I have driven both C5s and C6s....although the C5 looks better, the C6 is better in the other categories...it's up to personal choice. Looks or performance...the LS3 is about as fast as the newer C5 Z06..the LS2 as fast as the 2001 Z06. Indy
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Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 624
Likes: 1
From: Northern NJ
I was in that boat last march. I do like what the C6 has over the C5, however I love the C5 **** better than the C6, I actually like the front of the C6 better than the C5 and newer is almost always better but I could not justify the the incremental $$$ for a toy. Right now, C5 is all the vette I need and can use the road, acceleration, handling, style, fuel efficiency.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,899
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
last year i was considering moving into a new c6, so i decided to go and test drive one, well when i got done with the test drive i got back in my c5 and came home. besides the power difference i was not impressed with the c6 enough to spend $50k for it. still have the c5 and will stay in it for awhile....
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
This is a must - it will help you to decide - the other factor will be money
Thanks,Matt
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Concord California
My 2 cents, I like the looks and size of the C5 over the C6. I'm beginning to like the looks of the C6 but still the C5 has softer curves and a better riding vehicle when driven normal (which will be 70% of the time, depending on your age). Love the lines, and the cost of well kept used C5 makes it more affordable than a new or used C6. Now the C6 is a great vehicle as well, an upgraded C5, more HP on the motors, but a smaller size vette in length. I plan on getting a C6 a little later, but I'm keeping the C5 forever. I purchased the C5 after doing a lot of homework (approx. 3 months of reading and asking the same questions). Dollar for dollar, I came out ahead with the C5 over riding the cost of a new C6. Good luck on your decision, either way you will be happy with either one, but with the C5 your bank account will not be as empty!.. Enjoy the ride, I know I have ever since owning a Vette....
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 18
From: Columbus MS
You should go test drove both and see I would choose a base/Z51 C6 over a base/Z51 C5. But not a base C6 over a C5Z. The C5's look better than a base C6 IMO the base C6's just look incomplete with the body work of the C6Z. If you want a Z though I would definatley get a C6Z over a C5Z.
Before I purchased my C5Z I test drove an 05 Z51 3LT, it was really nice interior wise but it just didn't seem to have the fun factor of the C5Z it felt faster and better handling and just like a smaller more nimble car than the C6. My goal is a C6Z withing the next two years.
If interior is important to you C6 hands down but if your more a performance guy C5Z.
Before I purchased my C5Z I test drove an 05 Z51 3LT, it was really nice interior wise but it just didn't seem to have the fun factor of the C5Z it felt faster and better handling and just like a smaller more nimble car than the C6. My goal is a C6Z withing the next two years.
If interior is important to you C6 hands down but if your more a performance guy C5Z.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,586
Likes: 1,697
From: Converse TX
You need to drive both generations to see what you like best, if you were saying C6Z hands down this is the way to go, however I have owned both generation Coupes and the C6 with the LS3 is very nice platform to start with, C5Z is the best looking model of the C5s and a great platform, you can not go wrong in your choice
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 15
From: Tulsa OK
You should go test drove both and see I would choose a base/Z51 C6 over a base/Z51 C5. But not a base C6 over a C5Z. The C5's look better than a base C6 IMO the base C6's just look incomplete with the body work of the C6Z. If you want a Z though I would definatley get a C6Z over a C5Z.
Before I purchased my C5Z I test drove an 05 Z51 3LT, it was really nice interior wise but it just didn't seem to have the fun factor of the C5Z it felt faster and better handling and just like a smaller more nimble car than the C6. My goal is a C6Z withing the next two years.
If interior is important to you C6 hands down but if your more a performance guy C5Z.
Before I purchased my C5Z I test drove an 05 Z51 3LT, it was really nice interior wise but it just didn't seem to have the fun factor of the C5Z it felt faster and better handling and just like a smaller more nimble car than the C6. My goal is a C6Z withing the next two years.
If interior is important to you C6 hands down but if your more a performance guy C5Z.
To me the c5z has a much more visceral feel to it, like your driving a race car, and the c6's just don't seem to have this same flare and just feel docile.
IMO: c6z > c5z > c6z51
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: Chesterfield MO
To me it's also a function of how much you want to invest.
If your budget is $13-$20k, then IMO a well maintained C5 is hands down the best bang-for-buck performance platform on the planet.
If you are looking to spend $25-$40k, then by all means, treat yourself to the more refined C6.
If money wasn't a factor, we'd all have a ZR1, right?
(But given the tuition bills I'll be paying for three kids well into any foreseeable future, my paid off C5
is my little slice of heaven!)
If your budget is $13-$20k, then IMO a well maintained C5 is hands down the best bang-for-buck performance platform on the planet.
If you are looking to spend $25-$40k, then by all means, treat yourself to the more refined C6.
If money wasn't a factor, we'd all have a ZR1, right?
(But given the tuition bills I'll be paying for three kids well into any foreseeable future, my paid off C5
is my little slice of heaven!)
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I've had three C5s and have driven an '07 C6 for about 1500 miles. I love my C5, but the C6 is a very capable car too. If I could have gotten a C6 for the price I paid for my C5, I would have been in a C6. Your best bet is to test drive a few samples of each generation and see which one not only fits your driving habits and comfort level, but also your budget.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 852
Likes: 3
From: Mobile Alabama
Love my C5 but would rather have a C6 Z06.Only you can decide which is best for you.