I wish I had bought a C7. Long story short, I took the money that I would have bought a C7 with and bought a used Lexus RX350 (completely unnecessary) and a C5. It was part of a convoluted negotiation with my wife, who thought that a new Corvette was too great an extravagance.

If I could have bought a C6 for the same money as the C5, I would have taken the C6 even though the C5 is, in my eyes, prettier. The C6 offers better technology, better engine, probably longer part support from GM. But now that I have the C5, I never wish I had a C6. The C7, on the other hand, still beckons. It's not as pretty as the C5, but its still a killer car.

 

I got a kick out of your story because we bought a used RX 350 four months ago.
Following that purchase, I came across a C6 that had all the equipment I wanted, had the same color combination as my C5 and the dealer threw me an excellent deal. I just couldn't bring myself to make the change. The C6 has more power, has a better auto tranny, and is more advanced than the C5. However, I just felt I was buying a nicer C5. I think VetteManJack said it best, it feels like a C5.5 not an entirely new generation. I won't say "never". I may move to a base C6 or a GS, but I can honestly say, that I admire the C6 just like I admire other C5s, but not so much that I want to plunk down an additional $15K to 20K plus the C5 right now. We'll see what the future brings.

 

Honestly, I love my c5. IMO the interior is better and I love my FRC body. I would only switch to the C6Z because I prefer the hardtop along with the wide body.

Things I miss that the c6 has:
Bluetooth
Navi
Keyless ( smart key )
Slightly better seats

 

My C5 has been long gone for 3 years and I have always liked the C5 better, especially because I installed the C5R Headlights 3 years after I bought the car new (bought it n 1998, installed the C5R lights in 2001).

The C6 seemed much less exotic looking, especially from the rear. I remember test driving the C6 at Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet for the hell of it knowing I was not going to buy it. After all, not only did I like the C5 better but I also in 2002 had a LPE Twin Turbo package done. There was just no reason for a C6. But I did nOtice the C6 was a SLIGHT improvement over the C5 handling but nothing significant. With my admiration for the C5 looks and the fact that at that time I was in no way about to give up a LPE Twin turbo, the C6 just wasn't an option. But I never ever refuse a test drive in a new model


Then the C7 came out and by then, the C5 was gone due to the fact that a neurological problem prevented me from driving clutch. The C7 front was a nice design, although it seemed they wanted to copy the Ferrari. Unfortunately the C7 rear was hideous and chevy still does not have DCT technology. Anyway, by then I had by mind set on an R8 with the new DCT Tranny. Havent looked back since.

Believe It or not, as far as looks goes, overall, I would still take the C5 but only because the C7 rear is an abomination and because I am now seeing so many of the C7's, that rear isn't getting any prettier.

Now lets say someone came out with a replacement rear fascia to the C7 (which I am shocked that no one has so far!) that looked nice (anything would look better than the Camaro look) then I would take the C7 over the C5 as far as looks if I was forced to choose a corvette.


I owned 2 C4's before my C5 but I got more out of my C5 then most people I know who had a C5. First, the C5 was why I joined this forum. 2nd, I ended up tracking the car 6-8 times a year on 3 racetracks and learned quite abit on what t means toi drive on a roadcours (not as easy as you think, trust me). I also I met all kinds of car owners. I must say that the C5 changed my life and lifestyle. So whereas now I have moved on to an R8, I must say that there is a special place in my my heart for the C5 and when I see one it brings back good memories

 

We all have a different take on this. My C5 is a bargain, easy to work on, provides me with tons of grins, is paid for, and with the exception of those on this forum, most people don't know the difference between a C5 and C6. I can enjoy this car as much as a guy who plunked down the bucks for a new Z06 and not have to mortgage my house to do so. So that's my take. I'm satisfied with what I've got. It's all a matter of perspective. Zuti

 

There is a lot to like about the C6 base, but I wouldn't trade. My little brother has an '05 Z51 and while I like it, I like mine better. Now the C6Z is another animal all together. He got his '05 for $16,500 with 95k on it, my '01 was $14,250 with 70k on it. He bought his a year before I bought mine, as well.

His now has 120k, mine has 115k

 

I *love* this!

Am just a newb (bought Thanksgiving), but to echo so many here, the car has been amazing! People around me have commented how much happiness have been beaming since got it. Yes, cerebrally, I know C6s are more advanced/refined/better, but like others, I'd only trade mine for a C6Z (or unlikely zr1 at 2x z06 $s) -- even then, I'd miss the frc! Just my $0.02.

 

Although I don't have a C5Z I do have the same body and agree with everything you said there. I have a good amount of seat time in my dad's '08 C6 and even though stock vs stock the LS3 is stronger I just have no desire to get out of my FRC and into a C6.

 

What he said: ^ I love my C-5 for much the same reasons plus I have the title and that makes me smile. I had a C-6 and for various reasons I just didn't like it as much as the (3) C5s I have owned over the years. Sold my 06 Z51 to get back into an 03 Z and love it. The C-5 to me is roomier inside, handles like a slot car, mine has bolt ons, heads, cam shaft, LT headers, cold ram air in-take and a good tune and it runs like a wild ape.

 

'01-'02 C5 Coupe was the clear winner last fall when I was narrowing down the finalists and deciding what to buy. FRC - to me makes absolutely no sense, because removing the targa top is a transformation of my Vette every time I do it. Wothout that, I wouldn't have gotten a Corvette. I would have kept on saving for an Acura NSX (my dream weekend car).

Bottom line is its all very subjective. For my money, the 01-02 coupe was easily the best bang for the buck in today's market. Oh, and I think the C6 is a downgrade in terms of exterior appearance, and I cant inagine why people spend money removing the retractable headlights on C5s. Again, totally subjective.

 

Everyone's different. I'm a performance junkie so the FRC is my choice because its stiffer and lighter so it performs better

 

Two to three year old thread lol

I test drove a C6z after owning my C5z for about a year. Hopped in a stock c6z at carmax and was not impressed. The car felt cramped compared to my C5. The cluth felt the same as my C5 (granted i have the same clutch lol). And the motor felt like it had the same acceleration as my C5z. I passed. C5z is also more comfortable and more raw. Cant beat 30+mpg and enough space in the car to carry two people and ALOT of luggage comfortably.

C7 maybe. But it would have to be to c7z. THe C6z just seemed like i was paying 20k more for a motor with 1.3 more liters and technology that I could add to my car and is already dated in the C6z.

Tire options for the C6z are also expensive and limited. Only thing I did like was the longer gearing. But that can be fixed easily

 

An interesting data point is that while IMO the C5 coupe is the best looking of the late model Vettes, it is also the most aerodynamic. Example: recent R&T C7 Z06 road testing topped it out at 186 mph - with 650 or so bhp. Lingenfelter's twin turbo C5 with "only" 500 bhp hit 202 mph.

Not that any of these speeds are usable. Also apparently the Z16 package of aero aids knocks another 9 mph off the top speed. Brings it down to stock C5 coupe numbers.

If I wanted to lay down money for more performance, I think a supercharger package would be my pick.

And I totally agree with the poster who slammed the C7 rear end styling. Looks like it was done by a different person - and an intern to boot.

 

When the wife finally let me get a Vette after visiting the museum last year her only caveat was that it not be a new one because of the cost, that and we never buy new anymore.

That said I did my homework and was looking for the best technology for a certain price point, and color. At first I thought I wanted a yellow C6 and there are a bunch of those out there, but it had to be in 2008 or later flavor and that narrowed the list down. I chose 2008 because of the LS3 engine. The base coup is as fast as the Z in previous years, but handles better. I am not a fan of popup headlights since they do fail and it alters the lines of the car and looks to me like oops we forgot it might be driven at night so we need to add lights. Personal preference here as I have had 3 other cars with popups and I didn't want the headache again. The car had to have fairly low mileage, been garage kept, non smoker, stick, and clean interior. I started seeing other cars that weren't yellow that fit the bill but didn't do it for me including a C5 Z that I passed on. Then a white one appeared on Carmax...2008, 28k miles and garaged like I wanted. I immediately had the car transferred in to get a test drive. The interior is two tone black and champagne and was like new. Needles to say I took that car home that day after the test drive. Had it just a few days when 2 sensors went out but was all warranty stuff. Car corners like nobody's business and it just looks exotic in the white. Everywhere we take this and I mean everywhere it gets looks and compliments.

I see some posting that the C6 is evolutionary vs revolutionary and I have to disagree. The C6 is a new car. Its drag cd is .01 better over the C5, 5.1 inches shorter and an inch narrower, but the wheel base is now 1.2 inches longer at 106, bigger tires with 18" in the front and 19" in the back. This makes for better cornering. The cockpit is better with not as much plastic. Then in 2008 came the LS3 with a lot more horsepower then it's predecessor and that means 0-60 is about a full second faster. With each generation should come improvement, like the new C7 series.

So C5 vs C6? Well if you find it pleasing to look at then you will chose that one, but for me there is more to it. I also had to have the better performance but not at another 10k for a Z. So we all have cars that for the most part are faster than most cars on the road. BMW's are chip limited and more sedan like. Porsche? Could have had a Cayman but it didn't perform as well as the 08 C6 and repairs are a consideration here. Viper? That car unless it is the new one pretty much requires racing certification if you open it up and get off the gas in a sharp turn it's sideways.

No for all the complaining of other car owners the corvette is a really great value. I mean I paid 30k for a car that can go 190 and was just broken in when I got it. That was a deal to me.

C7? I love the technology in it, but I am struggling with the look especially that back end. They are selling the hell out of it so I am in the minority when it comes to the looks, just like C5 owners love the look of theirs. I am more of a rounded corner guy since I grew up during the 70's when I fell in love with exotic cars like the Lamborghini P400 OH MAN. THAT is why I love the look of the C6 pure and simple, but I DON'T like the C6 with that funny little opening in the bumper added in later years...I prefer the smooth sloping bumper, and that large grill opening? Well these cars can make a lot of heat so you need to get air in there...and as I just stated it reminds of the super cars of years gone by.

My Vette fever started with my dad's white 62 with red interior...here's to you dad.

 

interesting you say that you like the more rounded look of the C6.... I see it the other way around. The C5 is rounded whereas the C6 is very rigid and angular.

 

Just this past weekend I had the opportunity to drive my good friends 2008 vert for a good 45 minutes. The LS3 pulls hard and the lack of creaks in the cockpit was nice. The seats were far better than my c5 and although most comment on the interior upgrades, I would agree that may apply to materials only. The design of the C6 dash is just ugly. The cockpit did feel more cramped in the C6 as well and the stereo interface could not be read in the sunlight......its a better car of course, but for some damn reason it does nothing for me. The front end is just odd looking especially with the top down....If the C5 was just a little smaller on the outside , there would be no discussion I think....some think its just too big, and at times so do I.

 

James, your car is absolutely outstanding. I saw it at the Lone Star Classic last weekend and was most impressed. You've struck a perfect balance between beautiful and mean with your well done custom, and engine modifications.

I attended the Classic with the stock, Torch Red, 2001 Z located in the special Z06 display of first and last year Z's. Mine has 6,000 miles and is like new. I've had at least one or more Corvettes of every generation beginning with a 1971 LT1 and including a 2013 427 Vert. I can't explain exactly why, but I love my current Z better than any of the others I've had. I'd like to have a C7 Z06 but I'll have to buy it outright, cause I'm not giving up my 2001.

 

A practical question for all you FRC/Z06 enthusiasts. How do you haul stuff home from Home Depot or Lowes? Studs, plumbing pipe, etc., will slide down through the hatch into the passenger footwell on a coupe.

Saves getting the truck out except for sheetrock and plywood - and is a whole lot more fun to drive, and even more fun to watch the expressions on the faces of people in the car park as you load up.

My vote? C5 coupe hands down the best looker - or a C5 vert with the top down. The FRC body just looks "chopped off" to me, and the C6 just added angles, and as for the C7 "styling" - really?

 

Do I like the C6? Sure, but I LOVE my C5 coupe. For me, a corvette is pop up lights, some sort of removable roof and the nostalgia of the bubble hatch back window. Now, I do like the suspension and HP upgrades of the Z06 but those can both be modded to a coupe as I am doing now. I can have the looks and targa of the coupe with the suspension and power of the Z. Total win to me!

 

Check this you- tube deal out My C-5 04 Stock Z0-6 out running 7 yes 7 C-6-Z0-6s .Yes the SL 550 AMG-R was super fast .. & C-6-s were behind me ... Nothing else to say.. The C5-Z is a keeper...