c5z or c6
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 456
Likes: 81
From: columbus ohio
c5z or c6
going to get a vette in the spring
the car will be driven in good weather mostly sunday driver.
it will never see a track.
so I am looking at 2004 z 60k-75k miles or 06-08 coupe 35k-50k miles
there seams to be about a 5-7k difference
is the c6 worth the extra cash
it will get alot of twisties in southeast ohio.
thanks for any help choosing the right car
the car will be driven in good weather mostly sunday driver.
it will never see a track.
so I am looking at 2004 z 60k-75k miles or 06-08 coupe 35k-50k miles
there seams to be about a 5-7k difference
is the c6 worth the extra cash
it will get alot of twisties in southeast ohio.
thanks for any help choosing the right car
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,067
Likes: 4,150
From: Bergen county NJ
Having put over 60k miles on both a c5 z06 and 2008 c6 z51 m6..
I'd say if you dig driving with the roof off buy the c6 z51 m6 with npp...
If your not into roof off driving....than save the coin and get the c5 z06....as I enjoyed the more raw race car like driving experience of the z06
Good luck..
I'd say if you dig driving with the roof off buy the c6 z51 m6 with npp...
If your not into roof off driving....than save the coin and get the c5 z06....as I enjoyed the more raw race car like driving experience of the z06
Good luck..
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: Murrysville PA
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,468
Likes: 1,149
From: Wayne Township WI
C5 Z power is same with LS2 with improved chassis/brakes etc.
A newer generation is where you'll get more bang for your buck. YMMV
That said the most important thing to keep in mind is if you're seriously in the market NOW is the time to find & secure a Corvette.
Once Spring officially arrives (~March 1st) there'll be a lot more demand and pricing will reflect it. G/L
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 44
From: If you wanna live life on your own terms, you gotta be willing to crash and burn Florida
C5Z's are nice, the acceleration is the same in my opinion, if not a little bit better with the LS2, I tried out a low low mile 03 Z that was about 6K less than my low mile C6. I chose the C6 because the C5 look and they were right next to each other is BEYOND dated and the interior. The interior and seats of the C5Z or horrible. The C6 style is now, C5 is then. I'd still like a C5Z one day, but I'd never choose one over a C6. The LS2 gets no love here because of the LS3 is a little better, but the LS2 is still a great power plant with LOTS of potential.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 495
From: Southern California
The C5 and C6 share a great deal of technology and hardware so they have a lot of similarities but the C6 will have the edge in refinement, cargo space, torque (more apparent in the LS3) interior appointments and a host of other areas. The C5Z is much admired for its track capable chassis setup, the downside is its reputation for a harsh ride in every day use. The C6 has all the advantages but if the C5Z is the the one that speaks to you get it. Just because a newer Corvette is available doesn't make it the right choice for everyone. Lots of folks passed on the C7 and got a C6 even though the C7 is technologically more advanced.
Although it may currently be out of your price range the C6 Grand Sport might be a good choice with its wide body, big brakes & wheels & tires, 430-436 HP, choice of convertible or targa top and the availability of manual (including a hand built engine and dry sump oiling) or automatic transmission.
Although it may currently be out of your price range the C6 Grand Sport might be a good choice with its wide body, big brakes & wheels & tires, 430-436 HP, choice of convertible or targa top and the availability of manual (including a hand built engine and dry sump oiling) or automatic transmission.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 836
Likes: 43
From: Killeen Texas
The C5 and C6 share a great deal of technology and hardware so they have a lot of similarities but the C6 will have the edge in refinement, cargo space, torque (more apparent in the LS3) interior appointments and a host of other areas. The C5Z is much admired for its track capable chassis setup, the downside is its reputation for a harsh ride in every day use. The C6 has all the advantages but if the C5Z is the the one that speaks to you get it. Just because a newer Corvette is available doesn't make it the right choice for everyone. Lots of folks passed on the C7 and got a C6 even though the C7 is technologically more advanced.
Although it may currently be out of your price range the C6 Grand Sport might be a good choice with its wide body, big brakes & wheels & tires, 430-436 HP, choice of convertible or targa top and the availability of manual (including a hand built engine and dry sump oiling) or automatic transmission.
Although it may currently be out of your price range the C6 Grand Sport might be a good choice with its wide body, big brakes & wheels & tires, 430-436 HP, choice of convertible or targa top and the availability of manual (including a hand built engine and dry sump oiling) or automatic transmission.
MNZ Grand Sport is a C6Z w/out the Zo6 price tag...but there's still a hefty 'price tag'
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
Likes: 164
From: queensbury ny
Get the newest one you can afford.Although the C5Z is a good car..it's older tech and "inferior" to everything C6. I wouldn't turn it down it IF I got one for free,but c6 all the way for me. Roof off,more power,better tech then any c5 anywhere,anytime. YES,IT'S WORTH THE EXTRA LOOT for a c6. ALL DAY,EVERY DAY.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Aurora Colorado
I recently went from a C5 Z to a C6 LS2. Like Jerrivette said the raw power of the Z was great. The looks, interior and the creature comforts of the C6 have been a huge plus so far, we'll see how it handles the winding mountain roads this spring. Now is the time to pull the trigger if you're going to do it, I paid substantially less for my C6 last October than I saw them listed for last summer. Good luck
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From: Navarre Florida
going to get a vette in the spring
the car will be driven in good weather mostly sunday driver.
it will never see a track.
so I am looking at 2004 z 60k-75k miles or 06-08 coupe 35k-50k miles
there seams to be about a 5-7k difference
is the c6 worth the extra cash
it will get alot of twisties in southeast ohio.
thanks for any help choosing the right car
the car will be driven in good weather mostly sunday driver.
it will never see a track.
so I am looking at 2004 z 60k-75k miles or 06-08 coupe 35k-50k miles
there seams to be about a 5-7k difference
is the c6 worth the extra cash
it will get alot of twisties in southeast ohio.
thanks for any help choosing the right car
LS3 has more modding potential than LS6
Last edited by ignatkor; Jan 26, 2015 at 01:04 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,667
Likes: 159
I was in the same situation a few years ago, and I went with a 2009 LS3 6 speed C6 with the Z51 option package. On paper, that was the 1st C6 "base" vette that would outperform the C5 Z06's.
You should be able to get an '08 with the Z51 option package for a good price now too.
The LS3 has WAY more aftermarket things available for it too, if you do decide to mod it later.
BUT, either choice will be a good vette for you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,598
Likes: 961
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
The truth is, when GM released the C6 with the LS2, it was rated as 400 hp, but in true number it was more like 408. Gm knew this, but decided to rated it at 400, so as not to upset the C5 Z06 owners when they heard that the base Corvette was actually rated higher then their performance minded Z06. Now that is not to say that the C6 base would out preform the Z06, but as you know and it is always a talking point on the forum as to how much HP you have.
Also unless you plan to really track the car , you will not notice the difference in an LS2 and the LS3. Trust me I have driven them both and I have an LS2 and it is more then sufficient for street driving and what you plan to do with it.
So with that said. I suggest that you start looking now and find the best car as far as options and low mileage before the spring gets here.
Also unless you plan to really track the car , you will not notice the difference in an LS2 and the LS3. Trust me I have driven them both and I have an LS2 and it is more then sufficient for street driving and what you plan to do with it.
So with that said. I suggest that you start looking now and find the best car as far as options and low mileage before the spring gets here.
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 9
From: Indian Orchard Ma
Yup!!
C5Z's are nice, the acceleration is the same in my opinion, if not a little bit better with the LS2, I tried out a low low mile 03 Z that was about 6K less than my low mile C6. I chose the C6 because the C5 look and they were right next to each other is BEYOND dated and the interior. The interior and seats of the C5Z or horrible. The C6 style is now, C5 is then. I'd still like a C5Z one day, but I'd never choose one over a C6. The LS2 gets no love here because of the LS3 is a little better, but the LS2 is still a great power plant with LOTS of potential.
I would rather a car with a much better interior and nicer car as a whole!!! Now speed wise, the C5 Z06 is slightly faster because of the way the LS2 is tuned stock!!! Also the LS2 has run flat tires, the C5 ZO6 doesn't. The ZO6 is a raw race track car and the C6 is more refined, smoother and better daily driver as far as I was concerned!!! After reading reviews like this, I went with the newer car!! If speed is your kick, a simple CAI intake and dyno tune will put you OVER the C5 Z06. Some guy's that own C5 Z06's think there unbeatable!! But the fact is you get more bells and whistles as far as a lot more options with the C6.I LOVE my 2005 C6 Z51. Check out the Z51 package it has better gearing,better brakes and ect. Read about it! The LS2 is VERY fast , with TONS of torque right out of the box in any gear! You will not be disappointed!!!Looks was close, but the big rear end on the C5, didn't look as nice as the more carved rear end like the C6. Plus the LED headlights are 100% better as functioning goes!!!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 11,048
Likes: 3,390
I was in the same boat as you.
Sold my toy (93 mazda rx7) and i had the urge for another 2 seater. I knew a corvette would be it because my friend had a 2006 412 stroker 6spd and i was in love. I wanted a C6.
Saw a ton of C5Z's, saw a ton of C6's, both LS2 and LS3's. Saw a couple of C6Z's.
Ended up with a 2012 grand sport coupe 6spd. Very happy with the choice. Funny thing is the grand sport cost more than all of the above i was looking at lol. I didn't want to spend much but i had to go for the best bang for buck. Didn't want a modified car, didn't want high mileage, didn't want anything i thought was beaten on.
I was looking for stock, low mileage, and with warranty.
My GS had all of that. 6k on the odo and warranty until 2020. Can't beat it.
Sold my toy (93 mazda rx7) and i had the urge for another 2 seater. I knew a corvette would be it because my friend had a 2006 412 stroker 6spd and i was in love. I wanted a C6.
Saw a ton of C5Z's, saw a ton of C6's, both LS2 and LS3's. Saw a couple of C6Z's.
Ended up with a 2012 grand sport coupe 6spd. Very happy with the choice. Funny thing is the grand sport cost more than all of the above i was looking at lol. I didn't want to spend much but i had to go for the best bang for buck. Didn't want a modified car, didn't want high mileage, didn't want anything i thought was beaten on.
I was looking for stock, low mileage, and with warranty.
My GS had all of that. 6k on the odo and warranty until 2020. Can't beat it.
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 9
From: Indian Orchard Ma
Hey!!
I recently went from a C5 Z to a C6 LS2. Like Jerrivette said the raw power of the Z was great. The looks, interior and the creature comforts of the C6 have been a huge plus so far, we'll see how it handles the winding mountain roads this spring. Now is the time to pull the trigger if you're going to do it, I paid substantially less for my C6 last October than I saw them listed for last summer. Good luck
Last edited by jarin12ga; Jan 26, 2015 at 06:55 PM.
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 9
From: Indian Orchard Ma
No problems here???
I have a 2005, NEVER had a issue??? Just saying bud! I also know many others on here like dennis50 that also had No problems with the 2005?? I no they had a few weaknesses but all cars do!!! Your newer LS3 MAY blow up tomorrow??, First year cars all have bugs but GM worked some recalls out, plus I have a 3 year bumper to bumper warranty on my Z51!