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I sure wanted the extra power that comes with a C5Z06 but couldn't hack the looks. Coupe is so sleek. My ideal C5 would be a black coupe with an aluminum frame a la new Z06 and new larger-displacement LS3 base engine. Yeah, I know I'm dreaming.
I have to say that I find the C5 Coupe body much better looking than the C5 Z06. The long sweeping window makes the whole difference. The car looks much smoother and aerodynamic (though it may not be so). The Z06's non-body colored rear brake vents look very tacky (functionality aside).
However the Z06's performance obliterates the Coupe, which is why I chose the Z06 (and buying one this spring).
Am I the only who'se ideal Vette is a Coupe body with an LS6 engine, tranny & suspension?
OK, everyone has an opinion. Unfortunately, they're all wrong except mine.
While I freely admit the coupe is more aerodynamic, the FRC looks WAY meaner. I've heard the FRC profile called, "Coke bottle", I prefer to think of it as J-Lo profile.
Whatever it is, when I was looking it HAD to be a FRC. The fact that you could only get a Z06 in a FRC was just the icing on the cake.
The ZO6 is nice (I'd love to have one) but I don't care for most of the colors (very generic, nothing exotic for such an awesome car, imho) that it was offered in.
IMO, Electron Blue in the sun is far from generic looking.
Now for my two cents in response to a very old post. I love corvette convertibles as I have had 5 of them. I love the corvette coupes, any model as I have had 4 of them. I love the look of the convertibles with the removable hardtop, all but one have had a hardtop. To solve this dilemma, I have an 08 convertible without a OEM hardtop (none were made), and an 02 coupe. To solve the situation of the 08 convertible without a hardtop, I have a FRC Z06. So to have the best of all worlds, own all three versions, then you don't have to decide which looks the best. Unfortunately one can only drive one of the Corvettes at a time. Which is my favorite? Why the one I am driving at the time. My wife thinks that I have 3 so that I can duplicate the poster that shows all three C5 models on the sand on some beach. Nope, it's just because I love them all. I have had the fever for over 50 years and it is still growing at an accelerated rate.
I used to think the coupes looked the best, but i got the frc body for better performance. Now that i own an frc, i like the looks just as much as the coupe.
I personally prefer the rear on the coupe substantially more. The long flat rear deck on the FRC/Z-06 bodies are reminiscent of the early 80s Dodge K-car design which never was too pleasant in my eyes. Add the extra storage/roomy feel and a targa top and hands-down the coupe is a superior looking and functioning design. All personal likings of course so no offense intended/taken.
I have read that the coupe is better aero wise which might be why the C5R took this shape rather than the FRC-Z06 body shape. Rear window allows the air to flow more smoothly of the tail of the car. Couldn't tell you where i read this though. Could be on the forum.
Absolutely, this is why the coupe has a higher top-end speed than both the FRCs and verts.
Sorry guys, IMO, Z06 with (and although not stock) a Caravaggio or ACI spoiler, BLOWS THE COUPE OUT OF DA WATER!!!! I just like being able to see a Z and know exactly what it is! Also another reason I like the C5 Z06 compared to the C6Z (just looks). You can tell from a mile away what it is,with a C6Z, you have a rear light, tiny rear brake ducts and a hole in the hood to work with instead of a completely different roof line.
Hey I'm new to the corvette world. I owned a C4 and now own a C5 coupe. What is an A4 and FRC? I know what the Z06 is but not familiar with the other terminology. Thanks for educating me.
Hey I'm new to the corvette world. I owned a C4 and now own a C5 coupe. What is an A4 and FRC? I know what the Z06 is but not familiar with the other terminology. Thanks for educating me.
A4 is auto tranny. The ones the girls drive. The FRC is Fixed Roof Coupe. Some call it hardtop. Has no targa. Like a vert with a roof. Or like a vert with a removable top, but it's not removable. It was the prelude to the Z06.
Last edited by RetiredSFC 97; Mar 15, 2011 at 07:49 PM.
Here I am replying to an old post and an old discussion.
It is a matter of preference which one you choose. I like the "so called" FRC that came with the ZO6. However I also like being able to remove the top during the summer months. SO I converted the ZO6 body style to a hardtop. I'm surprised how many "Corvette Guys" don't realize I didn't get it from the factory that way. BTW I am 6'-2" and taking the sunvisors off gave me lots of room in the cabin.
The other thing I like about the FRC is that stuff in the trunk is out of sight. It's a real trunk.
Oh, and just to make sure I have choices for top down driving I have two convertibles.
The important thing is that we're all driving Corvette and most of us have modified them to suit us.
America's first and only real sports car.