C6 Corvette General Discussion General C6 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Feral Industries

C5Z vs. LS2 C6

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 2, 2015 | 09:30 AM
  #1  
mild83's Avatar
mild83
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 7
Default C5Z vs. LS2 C6

Not sure if this is the right place, mods please feel free to move it.

First of all, I love both cars. I am looking to pick one up within the next 12 mos and was just looking for some opinions (guidance) on which would be the better buy. Most importantly, is the C5Z something that will retain it's value considerably more than a similarly priced C6?

Driving impressions of both. It would be used mainly for weekend cruising, an occasional track night, but mostly as a recreational vehicle. Is the C6 a huge advantage over the C5Z in regards to comfort?

Any input is appreciated (particularly from someone who has experience w/ both of them).

Thanks!
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2015 | 09:33 AM
  #2  
J3TVETTE's Avatar
J3TVETTE
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 412
From: Miami FL
Default

A C5Z is an awesome car but so is the LS2. Do you want to be able to take the top off? Then you have to go LS2. Do you plan on tracking it quite a bit? I would probably go for the C5Z. Love them both, hard to decide. I say take both for a spin and see how you feel about it.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2015 | 09:43 AM
  #3  
mild83's Avatar
mild83
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 7
Default

Originally Posted by slowstang305
A C5Z is an awesome car but so is the LS2. Do you want to be able to take the top off? Then you have to go LS2. Do you plan on tracking it quite a bit? I would probably go for the C5Z. Love them both, hard to decide. I say take both for a spin and see how you feel about it.
That is my exact conundrum. When I had my GTO, all I wanted was a sunroof. Bought a V1 CTS-V and I used the sunroof maybe 20 times. The C5Z is such an elegant shape, but I like the C6 as well, different, but I dig it. The performance seems to go to the C5Z, and I would think resale will hold better on the C5Z (I'm not looking at it as an investment, just trying to make the better purchase long-term.)
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2015 | 09:50 AM
  #4  
J3TVETTE's Avatar
J3TVETTE
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 412
From: Miami FL
Default

Honestly, you and I are probably similar in that aspect. Had a convertible, wanted a coupe. Bought a coupe wanted convertible.

Even if you take the top off 5 times a year those 5 times are 100% worth it. There is nothing like driving the C6 with the targa off. I say go with an LS2 Targa Top 6 SP manual 100% and you will have a blast in it. They are very stout performers to be honest. Cam it throw a nice exhaust and its track ready. Hell, its track ready in stock form. I would look for a Z51 package just because of the way it rides vs. the regular suspension. I've had both and prefer the Z51 100%.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2015 | 09:51 AM
  #5  
J3TVETTE's Avatar
J3TVETTE
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 412
From: Miami FL
Default

I just scouted the cheapest C6's in the nation yesterday for another member on here, thought I'd throw the list up here.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/5296116110.html

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/ctd/5293151601.html

http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/ctd/5275739836.html

http://jacksontn.craigslist.org/cto/5283736915.html

http://charlottesville.craigslist.or...295196863.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...264628225.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/d...255427089.html ----CHECK THIS ONE

http://beaumont.craigslist.org/cto/5272451119.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/5272666149.html

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5280630484.html -- AWESOME DEAL

http://dallas.craigslist.org/mdf/ctd/5281180182.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brx/ctd/5291097175.html

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/5234551586.html

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/5269231173.html

http://wausau.craigslist.org/cto/5287392396.html
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2015 | 10:34 AM
  #6  
mild83's Avatar
mild83
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 7
Default

Haha, thanks man.

It will be no sooner than 6-12 mos, but I for a purchase like this, I like to get my research started/finished so I know what to look for exactly.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2015 | 10:41 AM
  #7  
Jrigali4's Avatar
Jrigali4
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
Default

I bought an 07 Base M6. The biggest reason was my wife and I wanted something you could take the top off of. I have had the car about 6 weeks and take the top off every chance I get.

As far as resale??? I see a ton of cheap C5 Z's for sale.

I agree with the above post about trying to get the Z51 handling great - I upgraded my shocks and sways and was a night and day difference.


Either way you go, enjoy the search and enjoy the car!
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2015 | 12:50 PM
  #8  
unclecookie's Avatar
unclecookie
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 231
From: Queen Creek AZ
Default

I have owned both. I traded my 03 C5 Z in on an 08 C6 base last March. The Z was a fun car, and did quite well on road trips. I don't track my cars anymore, as the years have caught up with me, so I really had no real purpose in keeping the Z. I have always liked the looks of the C6. The biggest difference I noticed when I first made the trade is that the C6 feels more refined. In my opinion the seats are more comfortable, and the car feels more solid. It seems to handle rough pavement better too. No matter which you choose, you will come out a winner.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Nov 2, 2015 | 01:47 PM
  #9  
clearwaterms's Avatar
clearwaterms
Drifting
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 165
From: Lombard, IL (Chicago suburbs)
Default

we looked at both when purchasing. The c5 interior felt way more dated, switches, shift ****, radio, etc. all felt very late 90's compared to the c6 interior.

Both cars are way more capable then me. I prefer the look of the c5z with the trunk and short read window, but the quieter ride, newer interior and HID headlights sold me on the c6. When I actually found the car I wanted, i ended up buying a 08 LS3 car.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2015 | 08:23 PM
  #10  
cclive's Avatar
cclive
Team Owner
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 462
From: Southern Utah
Default

I had a friend who had a C5Z...drove it a bit. Biggest difference to me was that C6 was more refined.
Reply
Old Nov 2, 2015 | 08:27 PM
  #11  
KnightmareCS's Avatar
KnightmareCS
Drifting
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 79
From: NYC
Default

Originally Posted by mild83
...is the C5Z something that will retain it's value considerably more than a similarly priced C6?
No

Originally Posted by mild83
Is the C6 a huge advantage over the C5Z in regards to comfort?
Yes
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2015 | 12:48 AM
  #12  
redzone's Avatar
redzone
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,359
Likes: 163
From: Concord NC
Default

Originally Posted by slowstang305
Honestly, you and I are probably similar in that aspect. Had a convertible, wanted a coupe. Bought a coupe wanted convertible.

Even if you take the top off 5 times a year those 5 times are 100% worth it. There is nothing like driving the C6 with the targa off. I say go with an LS2 Targa Top 6 SP manual 100% and you will have a blast in it. They are very stout performers to be honest. Cam it throw a nice exhaust and its track ready. Hell, its track ready in stock form. I would look for a Z51 package just because of the way it rides vs. the regular suspension. I've had both and prefer the Z51 100%.

I too had both and was very excited when my first C6 w/Z51 showed up at the dealership in 2005. But less than a mile from the dealership I was kicking myself for making the move. The C6 just didn't have the same "soul" as the C5Z did IMO. I went on a spending spree(Headers,exhaust,Hurst shifter) trying to get the same thrill out of it I had had with the C5Z. Never got it,but thank goodness by the time all this had passed the C6Z was introduced. I traded the base C6 in on the C6 Z06 and all was well in my world again.
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2015 | 08:49 AM
  #13  
mild83's Avatar
mild83
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 7
Default

Originally Posted by redzone
I too had both and was very excited when my first C6 w/Z51 showed up at the dealership in 2005. But less than a mile from the dealership I was kicking myself for making the move. The C6 just didn't have the same "soul" as the C5Z did IMO. I went on a spending spree(Headers,exhaust,Hurst shifter) trying to get the same thrill out of it I had had with the C5Z. Never got it,but thank goodness by the time all this had passed the C6Z was introduced. I traded the base C6 in on the C6 Z06 and all was well in my world again.
There lies the rub. The C5Z has been a car that I have wanted to own since it came out, essentially for this reason. It was a take no prisoners, big strong engine in a light body, bit tires and go straight for the "big boys" that cost 2-3x as much.

I need to drive both, but I don't know anyone local to me that has one.
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2015 | 09:28 AM
  #14  
J3TVETTE's Avatar
J3TVETTE
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 412
From: Miami FL
Default

Where are you located?
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2015 | 09:46 AM
  #15  
mild83's Avatar
mild83
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 7
Default

Originally Posted by slowstang305
Where are you located?
ST. Louis, MO

The market isn't very appealing here, so I'll likely be looking to travel to purchase and drive back.
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2015 | 10:19 AM
  #16  
J3TVETTE's Avatar
J3TVETTE
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 412
From: Miami FL
Default

I recommend looking for a southern car anyways. They seem to be in better shape with no winter around.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C5Z vs. LS2 C6





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:04 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE