I have been a Corvette lover since I discovered cars but am only now ready to take the leap. The '67 big blocks are too rich for my blood, so my attention has turned to the big boys of C4 and C5 fame, the ZR1 and ZO6. I am interested in the input that can be had in this forum as to each (note -- I will post this in the C4 thread as well).

My first distinct memories of reading car mags as a teenager (at least after discovering that Ferraris were sex on four wheels) were the rumors then introduction of the ZR1. It was awesome but unattainable for most Corvette buyers, given that Corvette's mission has always been exotic performance on a reasonable budget. My blood still races when I look at the LT-5 engine, tall with the beautiful details. The ZR1 offers more exclusivity, but, I suspect, loses out in the true performance arena.

The ZO6 is a modern performance enthusiast's dream. The C5 platform has distict advantages over the C4, and the motor in the ZO6 performs to standards similar to the ZR1. I also suspect and have read that the C5 suspension is a big step up from the C4.

Nobody can resolve my internal struggle here, but I would appreciate input from people who have owned and enjoyed either or especially both of these significant automobiles. ZR1 seems to hold a bit more history. ZO6 seems to offer more objective performance. Either can be had in the same price range. Give me the benefit of your stories and help me decide!!

If I can figure out this technology, I also intend to put this up for a vote -- the King of the Hill vs. King of the current.

 

If I had to only have 1, I'd opt for the Z06......but if all goes well, I plan on having a ZR-1 to keep my Z06 company in the next year or so. I love the ZR-1. Always have.

 

I am in the same boat....can't decide which one...or both . The ZR1 is the King of the Hill and a very unique animal but the Z06 is amazing also and can be modded much cheaper. Very hard decision to make. Good luck finding the right answer!!

 

I love the ZR-1's
If you look at the Texas Mile thread, these guys are king!!
Put them on a road course against a stock Z and they would get stomped!
They are the pinnacle of their individual series and unlike a 67 427/435 still affordable to the middle class!!

We need more ZR-1's on the street mingling with us commoners!!
Ken

 

Guess I have the only ZR-1 vote....Don't have a Z06 but would love to have one to go with my ZR-1s..but I do also have an 04 C5 coupe and I think both Vettes have ther own place in Corvette history If I could have only one it would be a ZR-1 just pop the hood and

 

You need to post this in C4! Might get a different result!

 

I hate to sound like everyone else, but as long as I have only one Vette, it is a Z06. I have been thinking about another one, for my GF... and a C-4 would be perfect. There is a 96 GS here and I would love to have it parked next to my Z... She does not drive a 6 speed well so I need an auto!!!
Dave

 

It's a tough decision! Somebody had to keep the 67' "427" they bought as a kid!

ZR-1 is awsome but is a garage queen. Too low a mileage to drive much now.

ZO-6 is the best driver of the three, and way the most sophisticated.

 

The Z06 is a much better drivers car. It has a better build quality, better brakes, better suspension, better steering, more structurally sound, better interior, better gauges, quicker acceleration.

The ZR-1 is more unique and you will feel really special when you hang out in the ZR-1 section of the forum. The LT-5 looks better than the LS6 when you pop the hood. Some people think that the look of the motor is important, I don't. My L98 looked better than my LS6 and I do not miss the L98 at all. ZR-1 owners claim that the Z06 has "no soul", that is a bunch of B.S.

If you plan on driving the car then get the Z06. If you just want to armchair debate about the cars on the Web forums then get the ZR-1.

 

The Z06 is a much better drivers car. It has a better build quality, better brakes, better suspension, better steering, more structurally sound, better interior, better gauges, quicker acceleration.

The ZR-1 is more unique and you will feel really special when you hang out in the ZR-1 section of the forum. The LT-5 looks better than the LS6 when you pop the hood. Some people think that the look of the motor is important, I don't. My L98 looked better than my LS6 and I do not miss the L98 at all. ZR-1 owners claim that the Z06 has "no soul", that is a bunch of B.S.

If you plan on driving the car then get the Z06. If you just want to debate about the cars on the forums then get the ZR-1.

 

RBART - Right on the money.



Unlike looks performance can be measured by anyone - and is arguably the key measure of a performance car. For me it's: 0-60 times, 1/4 Mile Performance, Braking, etc... etc...

I'll take the better performer.

This discussion reminds of my previous life as a mustang enthusiast.... listening to the so-called mustang Fox Chassis purists who only thought their 79-85 Headlight/carb Mustangs were real mustangs versus the later model areo headlight/fuelie motors - even though the later model cars performed better and had less reliability issues.

 

Hi 12's in the 1/4, >3600+lbs, <.98G's, >4.4 0-60

I've seen enough

 

I did and am about to check. Take a look at the poll results. I project a completely different result!

 

I've driven the hell out of both cars and Im still picking the ZR-1.

 

I wonder what a ZR1 engine would be like in a C5?

I have to go with a Z06 all the way because I have one, even though I did drool over the ZR1's when they first came out.

X

 

Big surprise. Still waiting for you to show at an East Coast Corvette Challenge event.

 

He did post it in the zr1 forum and yes there is a different take on this I think either way you go you will be a winner z06 or zr1 they both are amazing cars. But in 5 years from now i am sure the zr1 will be alot harder to find. I rember when i was a teen i could buy a 69 camaro, 1970 cuda, or any other musle car for about $1,000 now adays they are asking $15,000 for the same thing. You get the point

 

I picked up my Z06 at the NCM on Jun 1, 2001. That weekend was National Corvette Homecomming. As part of the festivities, the dragstrip was open so you make runs with your car.

We (my wife, Karla, and I) got to see a run between a stock ZR1 and a stock '01 Z06. Both cars got a great start. The Z06 missed the shift to second, kicked the clutch back in, slapped the shifter into gear and charged forward. By the end of the traps, the Z06 totally spanked the ZR1 by more than a car length. It was an awesome run to watch.

From that first-hand experience, I believe Dave Hill was absolutely correct in his description of the '01 Z06 as "The Quickest Vette Yet."

In '02, the Z06 gained more horsepower and other performance enhancements, making it even faster than the '01.

Even though the Z06 is faster, brakes harder, handles more lateral g's in a turn, the ZR2 is still a fabulous performance car. It took a lot of years to come up with a more fierce competitor. However, the new champion finally arrived, the Z06 brings the legend to a new generation of Corvettes. Now, our taste for performance piqued, we wait in electric anticipation, for the birth of the next generation supercar... the next chapter in the legend.

In the end, there can be only one... and the one is Corvette Z06. The legend lives!

dave

 

Performance wise, Z06 is superior mainly because it demonstrates the evolution of technology.
The ZR1 is more desireable from a uniqueness standpoint.

Both cars will be shamed, performance-wise, by the C6 Z06.

 

The ZR-1s stirs passion but owning one I would worry about finding someone capable of dealing with the 32 valve DOHC engine. I would think the GM gurus are better at handling the pushrod motors.

The ZR-1 engine does sound exotic running to redline. But the Z06 is THE car for me. I think I'll keep it.

Next year when we have "C5 Z06 vs. C6 Z06" it will be interesting to see the results.