Difference between LS2 and LS3
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,929
Likes: 3
From: Republic of Texas
St. Jude Donor '11
Difference between LS2 and LS3
I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on a C6, but there are a couple I'm considering. One is a new '08 and one is a used (less than 3500 miles) '06. The '06 actually has more equipment than the '08 and I can get it for probably $8k less than the '08.
My question is for you guys that have owned both LS2 and LS3 C6 cars. I know there is a 36HP difference, but how much difference do you actually NOTICE. Is there much difference in the "seat of the pants" performance that you would notice in normal use?
I'd like to have a brand new one, but this really clean, low mileage used one is pretty attractive if I can get it for the right price.
My question is for you guys that have owned both LS2 and LS3 C6 cars. I know there is a 36HP difference, but how much difference do you actually NOTICE. Is there much difference in the "seat of the pants" performance that you would notice in normal use?
I'd like to have a brand new one, but this really clean, low mileage used one is pretty attractive if I can get it for the right price.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
This is the same problem I had when buying my first vette. After a few sleepless nights I decided with the 06. I test drove both and didn't notice much of a power difference at normal driving speeds. I do realized that the 08 is a better car (at lease that was what was told to me), but every time I get in and press that start button a smile comes across my face. For me the 06 had everything minus nav plus a cheaper price. I guess what I'm trying to say is you can't go wrong with either one.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,254
Likes: 5
From: Anaheim Hills, Ca
It's your money. The '08 owners will say for sure go with the '08. The '08s are improved in a number areas as they should be, however not a significant difference. Remember that it's 36 HP more with NPP, 30 without. HP will vary from engine as much as 20 HP so the power difference is minor. Resale is one way to look at it too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 9
From: Rochelle Illinois
C6 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
$8K would not justify buying a 2 year older car.Even with more options it would be a tough call,as most option don't add a lot to used car values.I think for that amount of difference I'd have to go with the 08.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
You have to go with the car you want most but in general, you're always better off going with the newest model you can afford.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Without more specific pricing it’s difficult to provide a recommendation. Is the $8000 difference you cite based upon a good competitive 08 price? Some dealers are offering employee pricing to all buyers. Also I expect manufacturer incentives to be offered on the 8000 plus 08 Vettes currently on hand. An 08 will have the advantage of the full 5 year/100,000 mile power train warranty in addition to mechanical improvements. The 06 warranty has at most one year of the regular warranty remaining.
Last edited by VETTE IV; Jun 18, 2008 at 02:47 PM. Reason: Warranty error correction.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 51,040
Likes: 1,159
From: S/W ,Fla-Ohio State Football isn't a matter of life or death,Its Much More serious than that
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,929
Likes: 3
From: Republic of Texas
St. Jude Donor '11
Without more specific pricing it’s difficult to provide a recommendation. Is the $8000 difference you cite based upon a good competitive 08 price? Some dealers are offering employee pricing to all buyers. Also I expect manufacturer incentives to be offered on the 8000 plus 08 Vettes currently on hand. An 08 will have the advantage of the full 5 year/50,000 mile power train warranty in addition to mechanical improvements. The 06 warranty has at most one year of the regular warranty remaining.
The 06 is a 3LT, MN6, Z51, F55, QE3 (or whatever polished aluminum wheel code is), with less than 3500 miles. It is a GM certified car, so it has a 5yr/100K warranty from original in-service date...so probably about 3 more years of warranty. I think I can buy it for about $36K
I think both prices are pretty competetive. I know the '08 price is below invoice, and possibly even below employee price.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: Seguin Texas
It's your money. The '08 owners will say for sure go with the '08. The '08s are improved in a number areas as they should be, however not a significant difference. Remember that it's 36 HP more with NPP, 30 without. HP will vary from engine as much as 20 HP so the power difference is minor. Resale is one way to look at it too.
Some people hate a newer better version Vette. LS3>LS2
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Merritt Island FL
$8,000 doesn't sound like a fair price difference between an 08 and an 06. I bought my '06 a few months ago. Low 4250 miles, 3LT and HRE wheels for 36K. That is at least 14K difference from an '08 most of which seem to be selling at "sale" prices around $50,000+ with the nice 3LT package. If you can't get a better price on the '06, you should go with the '08. Like one of the other members said, you have the new car warranty on the '08 and that's worth a lot.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 873
From: Bay Area CA
I also feel their is a significant difference between the 06 an 08 models: Engine with increased hp and torque, stronger transmission, improved linkage, improved steering feel, stronger rear end (double shot peened ring and pinion gears), improved interior trim, resale value, 5 yr. powertrain warrantee, onstar 1 yr., xm radio, good deals available, etc. I would go for the 08
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Jun 18, 2008 at 01:07 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,413
Likes: 278
From: NC
I was just in your shoes 2 months ago.... bought the 2006 w/ 6k miles. I saved $12,000 (conservative) vs. buying new.
Would I rather have an 08 LS3, absolutely.... but it wasn't worth it to me to pay the premium for a new one.
I will have to agree with the 2nd post in this thread, you can't go wrong either way!
Would I rather have an 08 LS3, absolutely.... but it wasn't worth it to me to pay the premium for a new one.
I will have to agree with the 2nd post in this thread, you can't go wrong either way!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 37
From: Iowa
As new car technology improves they are USUALLY are a better way to go. Given your choices you will not be disappointed with either car. Good Luck and post pics when you get it home.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,254
Likes: 5
From: Anaheim Hills, Ca
The 08 is a 2LT, MN6, Z51, NPP car. I can get it for about $44k
The 06 is a 3LT, MN6, Z51, F55, QE3 (or whatever polished aluminum wheel code is), with less than 3500 miles. It is a GM certified car, so it has a 5yr/100K warranty from original in-service date...so probably about 3 more years of warranty. I think I can buy it for about $36K
I think both prices are pretty competetive. I know the '08 price is below invoice, and possibly even below employee price.
The 06 is a 3LT, MN6, Z51, F55, QE3 (or whatever polished aluminum wheel code is), with less than 3500 miles. It is a GM certified car, so it has a 5yr/100K warranty from original in-service date...so probably about 3 more years of warranty. I think I can buy it for about $36K
I think both prices are pretty competetive. I know the '08 price is below invoice, and possibly even below employee price.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: Seguin Texas
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 29,085
Likes: 14
From: Cary IL and Parrish FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I am very happy with my LS2 2006 model vette, but if I were to buy today, I would buy a new LS3 powered one.
I had to get $3k worth of mods to keep up with the HP of an LS3 power.
I had to get $3k worth of mods to keep up with the HP of an LS3 power.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,254
Likes: 5
From: Anaheim Hills, Ca
Actually, I like the new changes. If I had the choice then, I would have gone with it for sure.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,573
Likes: 34
From: So. California
100K warranty, I had a 06, the 08 is is a tighter feel all the round...The Ls3 rocks! I would not consider a 06, get the 08 from Broadwalk-Forum dealer, you will save big $$$! Call Tim-650-568-5344.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,929
Likes: 3
From: Republic of Texas
St. Jude Donor '11
The car wouldn't have had the 100K warranty when new. But, the GM Certified Used Car program adds onto the warranty, and also makes it elegible for new car financing thru GM. You can check it out on GM's site.