I really, really, didn't want to start this thread, but after wasting a ton of time reading threads that just got completely off topic with people yelling at each other about each car, I just got sick of reading it all.

I'm going to be getting a C6 somewhere between the end of this year, and the middle of next. It's going to be used about 50-60% on the track doing HPDE's, weekend drives, and an occasional commute (once a week max, 70 miles easy driving).

I'm thinking about either a brand new/left over Grand Sport F55, or a used 08-10 Z06 with low miles.

I'm not really interested in discussing the advantages/disadvantages of going from a removable top to a fixed roof, I can figure that out on my own. I don't care about not being able to buy the car with an automatic transmission. I don't care about how many luxury items/gadgets the car has (other than the HUD and homelink, which I could do after the fact).

Obviously the biggest differences are the LS3 VS LS7, more HP and a better power curve. As well as the aluminum frame vs steel frame saving ~130 pounds. The idea of MORE power is always great, and regardless of the car I get, I'm sure that sooner or later I'll at least do some breather mods.

My question is basically, what are the other differences, if any between the two, specifically with regards to it's performance and handling qualities?

I know the LS7 sits a bit lower (and farther back?) than the LS3, but is it noticeable?

What major differences (on the track) will the Z06 suspension have versus the F55 equipped GS?

Any differences between clutches/transmissions?

Any other mechanical differences?


Hopefully this won't get heated like the other threads in the past have gotten. I don't think it will, since I think most of those threads were started when the GS was first announced or released, so people were getting all hot and bothered about it. If possible, I'd like to keep peoples opinions about the "worth" of each car out of the discussion, since as most opinions are, they will vary from person to person, and I can come to my own conclusion about that.

Thanks guys, I know this is a topic that has been discussed to death in the past, it just seems like there is way too much arguing going on in previous threads to filter out the useful info.

 

Hey, basically the GS is the same car except the Z06 is 100 Lbs lighter and has 75 more HP.

Kind of like the difference between a 62 Chevy Impala with the 283 engine vs a 62 Chevy Impala with the 327.


Both have the same shocks, springs, sway bars, brakes and tires

.

 

You can tell the difference on a spririted test drive... go drive it...

 

So, since the GS and the Z06 behave differently on a "spirited test drive" ... that must mean the suspension is different.

When did they change the suspension between these 2 cars?

 

There are your major differences and reasons to go with the ZO6 right there!

 

Or possibly means that the chassis is different

 

Yup ... 100-130 lbs and 75 HP

 

Lighter weight doesn't have anything to do with a better handling car?

 

The LS7 sits in the same position in the Z06's engine compartment as the LS3 sits in the Grand Sport's engine compartment.

You really need to drive both cars. I have a Z06 and have driven a base C6/rode in a GS. Two different animals. Kinda like comparing a Poodle to a Pit Bull. No offense meant to GS owners as they are great cars, but are not a Z06.

My DD Mercedes is factory supercharged and when you go WOT it steadily pushes you back into the seat. Very refined. Kinda like what you feel with the LS3.

My Z06, when you go WOT, SLAMS you back into the seat. Very raw, very powerful.

 

Your right ... You have 75 more HP and weigh a little over 100 lbs less than the GS.

But were talking about cornering, overall handling and suspension here too ... Anyone want to tell me the big differences between a GS and a Z06 as far as suspension, brakes and tires ... There just aren't any that I know.

 

A lot of guys on here act like they know how to handle a beast like the Z06 on the track, but in reality they are mostly braggarts who would get passed by Miata's at HPDE with their driving ability. Anyone who tells you that you can make a judgement on the GS's and Z06's track worthiness by test driving both of them is an utter fool and should be disregarded.

Do some research, the Z06, especially the older 06-07 ones, is not favorably reviewed by your average enthusiast press journalist at the track. They find it difficult to drive fast and easy to spin. Sure it has higher limits and can set faster times, but you need to ask yourself if you can handle a car at its limits that is that punishing.

Do you have experience in motorsports? Have you driven other, slower cars at HPDE events? Can you control cars at their limts and correct them when they exceed them?

 

I sure hope this thread doesn't tank. This is an interesting topic and I sure would like to learn from people who KNOW.

 

So you feel all the other threads/debates/arguements over the subject were a waste of time (which I would tend to agree some are) so you decided to start another thread on the SAME topic?

I'll make it simple, the BEST way to figure out the answer to your question is to test drive both cars a few times and see what you like.

They are both great cars and have some different benefits/features to them.

 

The GS's suspension is very close to the old Z51 option. While the GS and the Z06 share some suspension components, the GS has the FE3 suspension and the Z06 has the FE4 suspension. There are differences between the two, thus GM specs the two different models with two different suspensions. Brakes are the same between the two.

Some info I found...

C6 Z51(FE3).....Spring rates 526 lbs front/645 lbs rear. Stab 31mm front/25.6mm rear

C6 Z06(FE4).....Spring rates 531 lbs front/782 lbs rear. Stab 31 mm front/27.9mm rear.

 

*sigh*, was it too much to hope for? Can't we just have a civil discussion?

Also, please let me know what dealer will let me do a test drive on a closed course track. Thanks!

I really just wanted to know if there were any other mechanical differences besides the engine and the frame.

 

Get the Z06 unless you want the Caddy, and all those other hopped up ricer sedans taking you off the red lights.

 

they didn't, it's weight and engine..makes a big difference. best thing for you to do is research some more, go look at the cars, go drive both to make your decision. that's what i did...

 

You want the Z06..

You've already stated 50-60% of your driving will be HPDE's, don't care about a removable roof or auto trans.

Reminds me of certain GS drivers as well.

Don't listen to someone who doesn't own a Z06 and instead relies on someone's remark in a magazine.

However, the limits are very high on the Z06, which means when you pass that limit the consequences are going to be more severe. But, the GS has basically the same suspension, just tweaked a little differently, but don't think you're any safer if you chose that model. If you are a poor driver, or just a newbie, either car will get you killed if you out drive your skill level. You'll just be slower in the GS. Probably the most forgiving C6 ever made was the Z51 model.

The bottom line is, if you can afford either car for track use, why handicap yourself by not getting the Z06?

 

I know it's ashame so many of the threads get uncivil. I would shop around at some dealers and also, maybe you know some people here on the forum local to you that would hook you up.

Most of the differences are already pointed out here. Engine, Weight, Frame, suspension is slightly different than the GS, the Z06 is a bit stiffer and some even say *Harsh* but that was not my experience at all.

Brakes and tires are the same on both cars.

 

Kinda early in the morning to be posting drunk ... don't ya think