C5 verse C6, question?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,505
Likes: 3,631
Short version, the C6 will handles better, and has more power than any C5.
In regards to a C5 Z06, Base C6 with Z-51 option package (yes, even the 2005 z51 option C6) spanks it across the board (handling and power).
Bluntly when it comes to the vets starting with around the C-4 gens, buy the latest gen that you can afford.
From Gen 4 upwards, each gen will have more power and handle better. As for Gen 3's, started with good power in the early years, but when the fuel crises kicked in, all bets where off when GM started to just drop 350 truck motors in them later models isntead (running theme from late Gm 3 models, up to around the later Gen 5 models).
In regards to a C5 Z06, Base C6 with Z-51 option package (yes, even the 2005 z51 option C6) spanks it across the board (handling and power).
Bluntly when it comes to the vets starting with around the C-4 gens, buy the latest gen that you can afford.
From Gen 4 upwards, each gen will have more power and handle better. As for Gen 3's, started with good power in the early years, but when the fuel crises kicked in, all bets where off when GM started to just drop 350 truck motors in them later models isntead (running theme from late Gm 3 models, up to around the later Gen 5 models).
Last edited by Dano523; Mar 19, 2016 at 07:56 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,937
Likes: 336
Gotta love the 05 haters. I drove just about every year and style C6 out there other than a 427. I'm so glad I test drove the 05 I now own. Compared to what was out there, it was an incredible value. A vert with all the bells and whistles with only 14k miles. The only car I would even consider selling my 05 for would be a McLaren 650S. When they come down 200k, I'm gonna get one
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 98
From: York PA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
I had a 2000 coupe, 2010 GS coupe and now a 2013 427 Vert. I found the headlights to be a huge improvement from the C5 to the C6. I also liked the considerable power increase from the C5 to the 2010 LS3. Both C5s and C6s are good cars, but I prefer the C6, and unlike some others, I'd not be afraid of an 05 C6.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 413
From: WV
Pacecar , to respond without a quote go to the bottom of the page left side and click on "New Reply" then type your message...If you respond by clicking on reply in the original post you will get a quote...WW
Last edited by WW7; Mar 19, 2016 at 09:32 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 11,048
Likes: 3,390
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
But it would be safe to say that at least 90% of those beholders would agree with me lol.
The sad part is that there are closet 05 owners that agree with me too. But i know 05 guys stick together.
It's all good though, if you can deal with that wheel, more power to you.
If i have gotten an 05, one of the first non performance mods would be to get rid of that, even if i have to sacrifice my airbag
Last edited by Z0HS1CK; Mar 19, 2016 at 09:38 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 413
From: WV
I had a 2000 coupe, 2010 GS coupe and now a 2013 427 Vert. I found the headlights to be a huge improvement from the C5 to the C6. I also liked the considerable power increase from the C5 to the 2010 LS3. Both C5s and C6s are good cars, but I prefer the C6, and unlike some others, I'd not be afraid of an 05 C6.
..It seems the only people that "Bad Mouth" the 2005 Corvette, are people that have never owned one....
...WW
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
Get the C6. I had a '99, replaced it with an '01 Z, then an '05 z51, now an '08 Z51. I agree with the consensus in this thread. Some '05s are prone to balky 1st gear engagement. I had that problem crop up. Very expensive to fix so I just got in the habit of double clutching.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 98
From: York PA
Yup....I bought a brand new 2005 C6 in April of 2005! I was in heaven...a NEW Corvette, NEW generation, so much more "refined" and "powerful" feeling over my previous 99 C5.....I owned it for 2yrs before financial considerations required me to sell....but it never caused me any concerns and, at the time, was the greatest car I had ever owned!
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,996
Likes: 77
From: Louisville KY
I had a 03 C5 for 10 years and 52K. I ordered my 13 C6 to avoid the C7. The LS1 is a great engine, but the LS3 pulls so much harder. The C5 got better gas milage. My C6 has heated seats and that helps me with my bad back. Both have 6 sp manual. The C6 has more options and extras that were not offered in the C5's. I now have 21K on my C6. I was basically trouble free for the 73K miles between the cars.
I like my C6 more than the C5, but it is a personal thing, just like I do not like the looks of the C7. You will be happy with either car!!!!!
I like my C6 more than the C5, but it is a personal thing, just like I do not like the looks of the C7. You will be happy with either car!!!!!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 258
From: Shawnee, OK
My '03Z was serious badazz fun. It did have an LS6 making 490 at the wheels, though. Naturally aspirated. A beast.
I posted here previously stating that I could not believe how much more I enjoyed my C5Z over my 2 C6 predecessors. Both C6's were making 490+ at the wheels (one with a transplanted LS7). I absolutely loved my C5Z ! It was raw. It felt like a race car. At ALL times.
After a while, I missed the targa top of a non-Z car. So, now I'm back in a C6 with 620+ supercharged crazy fun hp. With a removable top.
Race car = Z. Balance = non Z.
C5 vs C6? Well - my money is on the Corvette. Take your pick.
I posted here previously stating that I could not believe how much more I enjoyed my C5Z over my 2 C6 predecessors. Both C6's were making 490+ at the wheels (one with a transplanted LS7). I absolutely loved my C5Z ! It was raw. It felt like a race car. At ALL times.
After a while, I missed the targa top of a non-Z car. So, now I'm back in a C6 with 620+ supercharged crazy fun hp. With a removable top.
Race car = Z. Balance = non Z.
C5 vs C6? Well - my money is on the Corvette. Take your pick.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 136
Likes: 24
From: Chico CA
Thanks to all who responded to my inquiry: 2004, C5 -- verse -- 2005, C6. Thanks for are the comments, pictures & video. You have brought to my attention, just about everything that should be considered and kicked around, on this subject. After all the smoke and dust settles ? ------ C5 or C6 ? ----- it doesn't matter much. I can't go wrong! "THEY ARE BOTH GREATS CORVETTES"! It will be a pleasure to own either one.
Bill
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,913
Likes: 5,374
From: T-Town WA
2016 C6 of Year Finalist
If it is a driver, not a track car, buy the newest, lowest mileage car you can afford.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 888
Likes: 57
From: Upstate Nj
I agree. We all have our opinions.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
But it would be safe to say that at least 90% of those beholders would agree with me lol.
The sad part is that there are closet 05 owners that agree with me too. But i know 05 guys stick together.
It's all good though, if you can deal with that wheel, more power to you.
If i have gotten an 05, one of the first non performance mods would be to get rid of that, even if i have to sacrifice my airbag
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
But it would be safe to say that at least 90% of those beholders would agree with me lol.
The sad part is that there are closet 05 owners that agree with me too. But i know 05 guys stick together.
It's all good though, if you can deal with that wheel, more power to you.
If i have gotten an 05, one of the first non performance mods would be to get rid of that, even if i have to sacrifice my airbag
