gjnockie

I have been trying to figure out which 2012 model to buy?

Last Vette I owned was in 1973, bought it new for $5700 and kept it for 9 years.

I have been trying to decide between a Z06 or Grand Sport. No automatic for me... I am old school. Not going to track the car either. I am leaning toward the Z06 with Magnetic Ride and my big concern is that maybe the Z06 will be a little too hard core, hot, noisy, harsh riding etc compared to the GS. Am I wrong?

Sure would like to own a "427" while they are still available!

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Garret

Get a GS and in my opinion you are wasting your money with magnetic ride. Get a 3 LT and call it a day. Not mention saving a ton of cash.

keyplyr

Define "Old Guy"

coryvte

The Monogram model or even the Revell model would be good for the old guy.

BSheppard

The best answer would be to drive both and see what you like best. The Magnetic Ride control is cool and feels great in action. The Z06 is a little more noisy but none of them are hot inside. The 427 in the Z06 is of course the star of the show but don't discount the aluminum frame and carbon bodywork which lowers the weight of the car making it faster and stop/handle better. Drive them and see what you like best. I went with the Z06 but everyone is different and the LS3 is no slouch.

MKenM

From one old guy to another, the ZO6 is awesome but save your money. A GS is the way to go. I just ordered mine. I drove C6's with and without the F55. Get it with it for those time when you want that firmer feel of the road. Also 10K + for a ZO6, if you're not going to track it don't bother.

ncvette_1FUNRIDE

Not true at all!

I will bet that you never owned one with magnetic ride suspension.

Yes, it's no good, that's why the have it in the ZR1.

I have the F55 suspension and I wouldn't have ordered it without it. A great riding car and you have some control over the stiffness of the suspension. Well worth the money, IMO.

As a matter of fact I have not read of anyone who has had the F55 and regretted having it.

To the OP, if your not going to track it I would suggest the Grand Sport with the F55 suspension, unless you just need to have that '427'.

peter pan

You only live once get the 427

Rocketmanwpb

Unless you have the bucks for a ZR1 the Z06 is one of the great cars built by GM. Can be a daily driver.

If you don't want all that grunt then the base version or the GS are great values.

Garret

You are correct, I never had it because like I said, a waste of money. This is a sports car, if you want a Cadillac ride, buy a caddy...that is an old man car.

KX

I am in my 7th decade and will go with a Z06 before I would go GS. For me it is a matter of the 427 with less bling! A Buddy just got a GS, and yes, it is nice, but just not a 427. I never take the top off my C6 so that is not an issue for me. BTW, the day he got his GS we had both our cars parked side by side. He was very disappointed with both the look and sound of his factory NPP exhaust in comparison with my Magnaflow! Just not befitting what a GS costs with the NPP. Just someones comment.

C3-PO

being old is not just about buying a new car ... it's an adventure! i too have seen alot of good deals on Z06's but i have chosen to order a 2012 Grand Sport Convertible with F55 and NPP. bigger maybe better, but topless is the "Cat's Me-ow" (olds guys know ... youngin's, you keep scratchin'). if your not into trackin' ... 150 with the top down is still a thrill. i like to think of the GS as ZR1 Lite.

mpuzach

As I fantasize about replacing my 2005 coupe (which doesn't actually need replacing at all), I find myself torn among GS coupe, GS convertible, or Z06. There are so very many things to consider; I've considered them all and still can't come up with an answer. Like you, I'll never track but there's something very alluring about having a brand new 427 Corvette (even though we all know that the only thing today's LS7 has in common with the "legendary" 427s of the 60s is displacement). I guess in the end only you can decide what you'll be happiest with. Maybe you should get a GS convertible - that way you can remind yourself that it's OK to not have the 427 since it's not offered in a vert. BTW, have you driven an LS3-powered C6 yet? If not, that should be your first step. It'll walk away from any of the '66 - '69 427s. Good luck with your decision.

Raazor

you know what? Bite the bullet and just get the Z. The last 427 for GM

Enjoy it brutha!!

CQRT

To the OI'd say go for the Grand Sport . . but definitely put your butt in butt in both and then decide.

I just sold my Precision Red 05 - absolutely a great car - - and bought a cherry 73 coupe from the owner of 31 years in S CA - - old school I guess, but looking forward to going backwards!

Wish I could have had both .

To the OP- - good luck !

gjnockie

Hey Guys... thanks for the quick replies.

I have not been able to find a Z06 to drive in my area. I drove a ZR1... loved it but I can't justify buying it for just a weekend car. IMHO the Magnetic Ride option is terrific. I can't believe how nice Corvettes ride with that option.

Can anyone tell me if the clutch pedal is much heavier in the Z06 compared to the GS? The clutch pedal effort in the ZR1 was a pleasant surprise.

Is there less sound insulation in the Z06 3LZ compared to the GS?

If the Z06 doesn't ride firmer and isn't noisier overall than the ZR1 I think I would like it.

Raazor

the clutch is easy on all corvettes

ncvette_1FUNRIDE

Yea, like I said..........a ZR1......and old man car.

MachAll 2005

IF you are not considering a ZR1, then DEFINITELY do the Z06 and never look back (from one old guy to another ... been there, done that now with a ZR1 ... what is next)

Luster

If being over 60 is "old", I qualify...

I bought a '10 GS because I wanted a vert. (Also wanted A6 trans... ) BTW I'm "New School" = No Chrome!