C5 vs C5 Z06
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
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C5 vs C5 Z06
Sorry if this is a duplicate thread or if it's a topic that has been done to death.
My friend and I were debating about whether or not it's worth buying a base model C5 and upgrading it to the performance specifications of a Z06 rather than spend the higher price difference for the Z06. Despite what KBB says, it seems like there's a $3k difference in price (though I may be totally, totally wrong). If that's the case, wouldn't you be better off buying a base model C5 and modifying that instead? Also, I'm not all too worried about the difference in the respective engines' outputs, since it seems like the LS1 has more options for modifications.
Edit: While we're at it, C5 vs Saturn Sky Redline/Pontiac Solstice GXP (in terms of performance and reliability). From what I've heard, the Redline and GXP can handle better than the C5 and aftermarket parts are cheaper.
My friend and I were debating about whether or not it's worth buying a base model C5 and upgrading it to the performance specifications of a Z06 rather than spend the higher price difference for the Z06. Despite what KBB says, it seems like there's a $3k difference in price (though I may be totally, totally wrong). If that's the case, wouldn't you be better off buying a base model C5 and modifying that instead? Also, I'm not all too worried about the difference in the respective engines' outputs, since it seems like the LS1 has more options for modifications.
Edit: While we're at it, C5 vs Saturn Sky Redline/Pontiac Solstice GXP (in terms of performance and reliability). From what I've heard, the Redline and GXP can handle better than the C5 and aftermarket parts are cheaper.
Last edited by RaDeuX; Feb 8, 2011 at 01:55 AM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Northern CA
St. Jude Donor '10-'12, '25
For me it was the coupe body style that I liked the most, as the Z06 does not come in a coupe body style. Plus, the coupe has the removable top whereas the Z06 doesn't. As you noted, you can add the mods and end up with a Z06. Good luck! 
Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: bowie md
right... if you dont mind the Fixed Roof Coupe (FRC) style roof... its a much more robust platform in which to mod... the Z06 is a beast with a couple bolt on mods. its a race car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
There is a mystique to the name "Z06" that to others is much more threatening than just merely saying you own a Corvette. I've owned both. My targa hardtop was a terrific car and I missed the removable roof, but the emblem Z06 evokes responses from others that intimidates them at notice and I get much less harassing from those who want to race me. A Corvette is a nice fast sports car but a Z06 is a hot rod that will kick other's behinds, and they know it. Even ricers pull up next to me and give a thumb's up!
The Z06 has many features built in that you can duplicate in a C5 such as lighter glass and insulation. You've got a great head start with more power should you feel the need to mod it. Plus, it takes minimal mods to really make the Z06 motor scream.
I love the shape of the roof! It's distinctive and makes it easily identifiable as to what it is. (Though if you're going to do some traveling, the hatchback will hold more stuff. However, in my Z06 I've packed a good week's worth of luggage in the trunk and had room to spare for the things you find yourself taking home.)
C5 is nice, C5Z06 is better, IMO.
The Z06 has many features built in that you can duplicate in a C5 such as lighter glass and insulation. You've got a great head start with more power should you feel the need to mod it. Plus, it takes minimal mods to really make the Z06 motor scream.
I love the shape of the roof! It's distinctive and makes it easily identifiable as to what it is. (Though if you're going to do some traveling, the hatchback will hold more stuff. However, in my Z06 I've packed a good week's worth of luggage in the trunk and had room to spare for the things you find yourself taking home.)
C5 is nice, C5Z06 is better, IMO.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Virginia
Hmmm Insurance rates are cheaper for the non Z06 cars .. A fixed roof coupe car is the way to go for my 2cents less expensive initially stiffer and lighter ...I guess as long as i'm adding my 2cents ..way better looking .. Mod the motor a bit and you have a very inexpensive hot rod ...a sleeper that state farm don't have to know about !!!!!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
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From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
There is a mystique to the name "Z06" that to others is much more threatening than just merely saying you own a Corvette. I've owned both. My targa hardtop was a terrific car and I missed the removable roof, but the emblem Z06 evokes responses from others that intimidates them at notice and I get much less harassing from those who want to race me. A Corvette is a nice fast sports car but a Z06 is a hot rod that will kick other's behinds, and they know it. Even ricers pull up next to me and give a thumb's up!
The Z06 has many features built in that you can duplicate in a C5 such as lighter glass and insulation. You've got a great head start with more power should you feel the need to mod it. Plus, it takes minimal mods to really make the Z06 motor scream.
I love the shape of the roof! It's distinctive and makes it easily identifiable as to what it is. (Though if you're going to do some traveling, the hatchback will hold more stuff. However, in my Z06 I've packed a good week's worth of luggage in the trunk and had room to spare for the things you find yourself taking home.)
C5 is nice, C5Z06 is better, IMO.
The Z06 has many features built in that you can duplicate in a C5 such as lighter glass and insulation. You've got a great head start with more power should you feel the need to mod it. Plus, it takes minimal mods to really make the Z06 motor scream.
I love the shape of the roof! It's distinctive and makes it easily identifiable as to what it is. (Though if you're going to do some traveling, the hatchback will hold more stuff. However, in my Z06 I've packed a good week's worth of luggage in the trunk and had room to spare for the things you find yourself taking home.)
C5 is nice, C5Z06 is better, IMO.
I have had two coupes. One, heavily modified and my 2003 ZO6 with a VARARAM, LTs and a short throw is more of a beast and is just far superior of a car. The ZO6 is just a raw and bada$z car. I think the FRC is the best looking of all of the models.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Virginia
There is a mystique to the name "Z06" that to others is much more threatening than just merely saying you own a Corvette. I've owned both. My targa hardtop was a terrific car and I missed the removable roof, but the emblem Z06 evokes responses from others that intimidates them at notice and I get much less harassing from those who want to race me. A Corvette is a nice fast sports car but a Z06 is a hot rod that will kick other's behinds, and they know it. Even ricers pull up next to me and give a thumb's up!
The Z06 has many features built in that you can duplicate in a C5 such as lighter glass and insulation. You've got a great head start with more power should you feel the need to mod it. Plus, it takes minimal mods to really make the Z06 motor scream.
I love the shape of the roof! It's distinctive and makes it easily identifiable as to what it is. (Though if you're going to do some traveling, the hatchback will hold more stuff. However, in my Z06 I've packed a good week's worth of luggage in the trunk and had room to spare for the things you find yourself taking home.)
C5 is nice, C5Z06 is better, IMO.
The Z06 has many features built in that you can duplicate in a C5 such as lighter glass and insulation. You've got a great head start with more power should you feel the need to mod it. Plus, it takes minimal mods to really make the Z06 motor scream.
I love the shape of the roof! It's distinctive and makes it easily identifiable as to what it is. (Though if you're going to do some traveling, the hatchback will hold more stuff. However, in my Z06 I've packed a good week's worth of luggage in the trunk and had room to spare for the things you find yourself taking home.)
C5 is nice, C5Z06 is better, IMO.
with rain gear 
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Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 7
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Thanks for your input so far guys. Instead of making a new thread, I wanted to ask you guys how the Solstice GXP and Sky Redline compares against the C5s. From what I've read, the aftermarket parts are cheaper and can handle better than the C5s. Thoughts?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 0
From: Alameda CA
Good God, i always see always see a thread like this every other week.
Z06= has more HP
Z06= weight is less
Z06=looks better according to most people and me
Z06= handles better
Coupe=you can take the top off and drive
Coupe=the trunk area had holds a **** load of crap
Saturn Sky Redline/Pontiac Solstice GXP are just that, while a corvette is a corvette, not even in the same level.
A bolt on C5z with a tune will make around 380rwhp and a bolt on c5 coupe will make around 350rwhp.
The Z is always faster even if both made same rwhp because of the weight and gearing.
the Z is a higher performance version of already a high performance car, even by today's standard. Either way its a win win
Z06= has more HP
Z06= weight is less
Z06=looks better according to most people and me
Z06= handles better
Coupe=you can take the top off and drive
Coupe=the trunk area had holds a **** load of crap
Saturn Sky Redline/Pontiac Solstice GXP are just that, while a corvette is a corvette, not even in the same level.
A bolt on C5z with a tune will make around 380rwhp and a bolt on c5 coupe will make around 350rwhp.
The Z is always faster even if both made same rwhp because of the weight and gearing.
the Z is a higher performance version of already a high performance car, even by today's standard. Either way its a win win
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 79
From: pueblo co
when i got my Z i wanted a coupe..but kept coming back to what the Z had to offer.and in the end i got the Z i dont regret it one bit..i love the fact it does say z06 on the fenders and all the people that turn to look at it when you are driving...very impressive car..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
You probably will never get to see it but the coupe is capable of a higher top speed. The rear glass shape causes less turbulence at top speed and allows the car to pick up a few MPH's.
It's a personal thing on which one looks better. I don't like the way the FRC's look and opted to get a MN6 Coupe. Also, I did find that in the used car market the Z06's tend to have been driven harder and/or abused more than the C5 Coupes. Just my experience while shopping for a used C5.
It's a personal thing on which one looks better. I don't like the way the FRC's look and opted to get a MN6 Coupe. Also, I did find that in the used car market the Z06's tend to have been driven harder and/or abused more than the C5 Coupes. Just my experience while shopping for a used C5.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,817
Likes: 21
From: Somerset, NJ
As far as the C5's go I happen to like the looks of the C5 Coupe over the looks of a C5 Z06. The Z06 Fixed Roof reminded me too much of the way my C3 Coupe was made not being able to keep much behind the seats whereas the C5 Coupe reminded more of my C2 Coupe with plenty of room to spare behind the seats. Always like that with my C2 Coupe over a C2 Vert that I owned many years ago and I like it in my C5 Coupe. I guess GM felt that was the only way to go with the C6 Z06.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Get a C5 base coupe and throw on a A&A Supercharge kit and have 500+ RWHP and it will smoke almost every car on the road
Thanks,Matt
Thanks,Matt
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 530
Likes: 67
From: old bridge nj
St. Jude Donor '10
i agree!.
this thread is starting to drift a bit though..
OP, are you doing the work yourself? If you can put on a full exhaust, upgrade to the ls6 intake, and swap out the cam.. you are there from a motor perspective.
Then, swap out your springs and shocks, and change your gear ratio, (if you didn't get yourself a z51 coupe)
You'll still be a bit heavier.
If performance is the ONLY factor you are looking at.. i think its alot of work to do for $3k.
And after you dump the +$3k into the coupe, it's value will still not match that of a stock Z if you resell.
What styling do you prefer? it's tough to put a price tag on that.
this thread is starting to drift a bit though..
OP, are you doing the work yourself? If you can put on a full exhaust, upgrade to the ls6 intake, and swap out the cam.. you are there from a motor perspective.
Then, swap out your springs and shocks, and change your gear ratio, (if you didn't get yourself a z51 coupe)
You'll still be a bit heavier.
If performance is the ONLY factor you are looking at.. i think its alot of work to do for $3k.
And after you dump the +$3k into the coupe, it's value will still not match that of a stock Z if you resell.
What styling do you prefer? it's tough to put a price tag on that.
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Plus you have the removable roof and tons of space for carrying stuff should you need it. Nothing wrong with the Z06, it really just comes down to a personal preference. My suggestion - drive a few of each and see which one YOU like.