So I'm in the market for a new car. Imy having trouble deciding on to get a C5z or a c6 base model 08+. My last car was a 05 ctsv with a small cam and a nitrous outlet plate kit on a 100 shot. If I get a corvette it'll be a weekend track/street car and I'll drive it to work on occasion. My daily driver is a 2009 dodge 2500. What are the pros and cons for a C5z and a c6 base model? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

C5Z =

+ structural rigidity due to the fixed-roof-coupe body style, good suspension, quicker gear ratios, getting a lot cheaper to get into one = have money for more mods, market is well saturated with various cars at various prices to suit various wants/needs
- Zs have a lot of "Z specific" issues that you'll want to make sure is worked out (read the Z06 stickies), older car than C6, less initial HP than the LS3 used in 2008+ C6s

C6 2008+

+ Beefier rear end than C5, LS3 will produce more HP out of the box than C5Z, car is newer and prices are still going down
- Still more expensive initial entry price than most C5Zs, car will still be a bit heavier in base trim than C5Z as C6s had more standard options by 2008 (also things like electrically controlled doors, etc)


My advice is pretty much the same with any model specific purchase; buy the newest car at the most affordable price that suits your needs that you can afford. If you can find a good deal on a 2008+ C6 I would go for it.

One thing you'll find out - and this spoken of to a large degree in the C6 section - is that the 2008 model is likely the best C6 to get into in terms of money spent to what you receive. You will notice that production numbers following 2008 fall dramatically; resultant of the economy crash which saw Corvette production get into the 10,000s for 2009 onwards. As 2008 models are still rather plentiful they're typically cheaper than the 2009-2013 cars, but still slightly more expensive than 2005-2007 cars. They're in a very good sweet spot which make them very good buys.

 

C5 LS6 6speed only with all potental issues that face the C5 line.

C6 LS2 or LS3 auto or 6 speed with all the potental issues facing the C6.

C6 is more refined, has a faster top speed, is quicker in the quarter. But don't like the look of the base model and tires are more expensive. Lol

 

C 5 zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

I was where you are a few months ago and decided on a low mile C5 Z. I was really leaning towards a C6 until I drove the C5Z.

 

What made you choose the c5? Just liked how it felt better?

 

A good friend has a 13 Z0-6 $92,000 worth list I drive his get in my 04 Z and not 2cents difference in the two yes my 04 has some mods the seats have been reworked and sound proofed and a little more HP 505 same as the 2013 Z .The c-5 to me not lot difference in the way the C-6 drives compared to my C-5 and I have out ran him on the track more that once the C-6 is heavy ..Don't get me wrong super nice ride but I might have $25,000 in mine he has $100,000-+ in his ,Just saying.. The C-5 out of the box hot rod. And he has problems with his also so not just the C-5 got problems I think they all do ..He has a warranty I don't well that nice but he can't do anything to it .. Just saying ..

 

Depending on how much time you'll want to track the car, a C5Z would be my choice. Especially an 04. The LS6 is as bulletproof as it gets. The C6 will have a higher top speed, but if you run HPDEs, you'll never get close to that. Good luck

 

It IS the C5 forum so my vote for sure would be the Z06... with some modding you can run with anybody...

 

asd..............it was a combination of the pricing and overall feeling of the C5Z. To me the C5Z felt a little more rigid and more race inspired. The C6 was awesome I was really enjoying the targa top and comfortable ride but something just pulled me more towards the C5Z.

 

If you're a young guy, I think you'd enjoy the C5Z more. They are comparatively unrefined, easy to mod, and cheaper. If you're an older gentleman, I would go with the C6.

 

Whichever I get it'll mostly be a weekend street car, and the track would be a 1/4 mile since there isn't really anything else around me. I'm a young guy, just turned 26 have a wife and no kids.

 

Have you driven both? If not I'd do that and please let us know which route you decide to go. Is that your Hummer is your sig pic?

 

I've actually only driven and been in c6s or c3s. I plan on going to test drive both c6 and a c5 the same day so I can. Really compare. And yes it's my work Truck stuck in mud

 

That's what we did... you can see the end results...

 

OMG I didn't know that I am 68 and have 505 HP 04 Z and is a hot rod for sure I guess I got to sell it go get the old people C-6 NOT ,Hot Rodders are Hot Rodders 9-to 90 ..NUTS

 

Congrats on your good health. My '02Z's 643/532 RW, and the ride is painful, as are the seats. It does go fast, there's that.

 

When I decided to get back into vettes after selling my 911, I looked at them all and I am lucky enough to be able to drive what I want, within reason. Looked at all the gens, C5 and later. I'm looking for the best bang for the buck I can get. In my opinion its very hard to beat a C5 Z06, especially when you factor in the modest cost to purchase a very nice example. It may be just me, but I just can't justify the extra dollars to jump to the next gen or two. Y'all have a good one!

 

 

I was in the same boat as you a few months ago when I bought my C5Z. I had friends trying to talk me into a base C6 because of the little extra horsepower, and newer interior, etc. I just really liked the C5 body style and the small accents that set it apart from the Base C5.
Plus all of my research just showed that GM just "got it right" with the C5 Z06. Weight, power, handling. Everything. I had an autocross this last weekend, first in the car... and while I didn't do as well as I wanted to I learned that I can start to push this car a little more than I anticipated. I just wanted to relax at first and see how it took it.

I had a guy with a new C7 come talk to me about the C5, and said he's had a C5Z and a C6Z and he's looking to purchase another C5Z strictly as an autocrosser/toy and said he loved it before it got wrecked.
I could of gone newer and with a Base C6 but I really wanted a Z. I don't regret it.