[Z06] New C7 Stingray 1LT or 2006 C6 Z06?
#21
I have been going through this dilemma, too.
I took the Ron Fellows Spring Mountain course twice. Level 1 we drove the C6 Z06, towards the end of the C6 era. Level 2 was right after the first deliveries of the C7 and I think but am not sure that it was the base C7. (Definitely not a C7 Z06, it wasn't out yet, but I'm not sure if the cars we drove were Z51-equipped.) The C7 handled nicely, but from minute 1 it was obvious that the power-to-weight was nowhere near as good as the C6 Z06. In that regard the C7 was disappointing.
Having never driven either car on the street, I have no idea if I would prefer the C6 Z06 vs the C7 as an ownership experience. But the memory of the sprightliness of the C6 Z06 and relative sluggishness of the base C7 remains.
I kind of wish the C7 lineup was more like the C6 lineup, with the Z06 being a normally-aspirated 427 and with a lighter body, then a supercharged ZR-1 version for those who prefer it.
Since that isn't how it came to pass, I have no idea whether to buy a C6 Z06 or a C7 base.
The biggest factors, thus far are:
1) C6 valve issue
2) C6 Z06 prices are ridiculously high. I mean, seriously, the 2013s are as expensive as a new C7 1LT base considering dealer discounts.
3) Hard to find the C6 Z06 car of my dreams re colors. (been looking for a while and I do admit to being overly picky)
4) Being a Nevada resident, I'd sure prefer to buy used from a private party (no sales tas) but I haven't found a private-party C7 that I particularly like the colors/configuration of either. (And for the record, I think there are lots of great-looking ones, but not that I want to live with. Strongly prefer white paint and can't live with black, for instance. Including a black interior. But I like looking at just about all the color combinations. I just don't want to live with most of them.)
5) I prefer the look of the C7 to the C6.
6) Haven't found a new C7 already on a dealer lot that I like the configuration of.
7) This is leading me to maybe just custom-order a C7 base and live with the lower power. (Don't want a C7 Z06. It just seems too over the top.)
I took the Ron Fellows Spring Mountain course twice. Level 1 we drove the C6 Z06, towards the end of the C6 era. Level 2 was right after the first deliveries of the C7 and I think but am not sure that it was the base C7. (Definitely not a C7 Z06, it wasn't out yet, but I'm not sure if the cars we drove were Z51-equipped.) The C7 handled nicely, but from minute 1 it was obvious that the power-to-weight was nowhere near as good as the C6 Z06. In that regard the C7 was disappointing.
Having never driven either car on the street, I have no idea if I would prefer the C6 Z06 vs the C7 as an ownership experience. But the memory of the sprightliness of the C6 Z06 and relative sluggishness of the base C7 remains.
I kind of wish the C7 lineup was more like the C6 lineup, with the Z06 being a normally-aspirated 427 and with a lighter body, then a supercharged ZR-1 version for those who prefer it.
Since that isn't how it came to pass, I have no idea whether to buy a C6 Z06 or a C7 base.
The biggest factors, thus far are:
1) C6 valve issue
2) C6 Z06 prices are ridiculously high. I mean, seriously, the 2013s are as expensive as a new C7 1LT base considering dealer discounts.
3) Hard to find the C6 Z06 car of my dreams re colors. (been looking for a while and I do admit to being overly picky)
4) Being a Nevada resident, I'd sure prefer to buy used from a private party (no sales tas) but I haven't found a private-party C7 that I particularly like the colors/configuration of either. (And for the record, I think there are lots of great-looking ones, but not that I want to live with. Strongly prefer white paint and can't live with black, for instance. Including a black interior. But I like looking at just about all the color combinations. I just don't want to live with most of them.)
5) I prefer the look of the C7 to the C6.
6) Haven't found a new C7 already on a dealer lot that I like the configuration of.
7) This is leading me to maybe just custom-order a C7 base and live with the lower power. (Don't want a C7 Z06. It just seems too over the top.)
#22
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The C7 is a better car overall. The performance is on a par with the C6Z. HP and Torque Curves are identical through 4K rpm so other than the extra 200 lbs of weight in the C7 you really won't see much difference in the stop light gran prix. If you get more than the Z51 and Mag Ride then you will have a car that will probably out corner the C6Z which means it becomes a real horse race between the two on a road course. As somebody pointed out the C6Z is a 10 year old car. One of the problems with cars older than 10 years (some times less than that) is the manufacturer stops providing parts support. If demand is low for certain parts or the supplier obsoletes them you can have a tough time keeping a car running.
Bill
Bill
Not sure it would be a driver's race on a road course either, especially after reading your post the other day where you weren't sure whether your C7 Z06 was faster than your old C6 Z06 around the track. You also stated the old Z06 was faster on the straights than the new one. How then could the C7 Z51 be faster? If my reading comprehension is poor you can correct me
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Landru (04-12-2016)
#23
That's odd. The C6 ZR-1's would destroy the C6 Z06's on the big straightaway on the Ron Fellows Spring Mountain track. I have been under the impression the C7 Z06 could be thought of as the power of the C6 ZR-1 with the weight distribution of the C6 Z06.
#24
Burning Brakes
Now that I've had a Z, I think I'm forever desensitized. I will never want a base car. I think Z cars trump the base cars regardless of generation. Obviously I'm not talking performance alone. There is resale value, rarity, styling, etc. So this is what I would drive:
C4 ZR1 over base C5
C5Z over base C6
C6Z over C7
C7Z over C8?
C4 ZR1 over base C5
C5Z over base C6
C6Z over C7
C7Z over C8?
#25
This is why I initially mentioned that the buyer needs to decide if this car will be stock or modded at some point.
Stock C6 Z vs. Stock C7 in terms of speed, acceleration, handling, braking etc.. It seems to be in the eye of the beholder. One of these days I'm going to find out first hand when I can find a C7 owner brave enough in my area.
A H/C C6Z with upgrades brakes, tires, suspension, etc etc vs stock C7....
-------------------
I consider what the car could/will be when I own it. Not what it is off the show room floor. That LS7 is sand-baggin' from the factory. 505hp was a joke for that engine. You can put headers, intake and tune on the car and pick up 40-50wtq across the entire RPM range almost.
It's worth mentioning because you can buy a heavily modded early year model Z for LESS than a completely stock 2012-2013 model Z.
Stock C6 Z vs. Stock C7 in terms of speed, acceleration, handling, braking etc.. It seems to be in the eye of the beholder. One of these days I'm going to find out first hand when I can find a C7 owner brave enough in my area.
A H/C C6Z with upgrades brakes, tires, suspension, etc etc vs stock C7....
-------------------
I consider what the car could/will be when I own it. Not what it is off the show room floor. That LS7 is sand-baggin' from the factory. 505hp was a joke for that engine. You can put headers, intake and tune on the car and pick up 40-50wtq across the entire RPM range almost.
It's worth mentioning because you can buy a heavily modded early year model Z for LESS than a completely stock 2012-2013 model Z.
Last edited by fueledpassion; 04-12-2016 at 02:50 PM.
#27
Le Mans Master
I have been going through this dilemma, too.
I took the Ron Fellows Spring Mountain course twice. Level 1 we drove the C6 Z06, towards the end of the C6 era. Level 2 was right after the first deliveries of the C7 and I think but am not sure that it was the base C7. (Definitely not a C7 Z06, it wasn't out yet, but I'm not sure if the cars we drove were Z51-equipped.) The C7 handled nicely, but from minute 1 it was obvious that the power-to-weight was nowhere near as good as the C6 Z06. In that regard the C7 was disappointing.
Having never driven either car on the street, I have no idea if I would prefer the C6 Z06 vs the C7 as an ownership experience. But the memory of the sprightliness of the C6 Z06 and relative sluggishness of the base C7 remains.
I kind of wish the C7 lineup was more like the C6 lineup, with the Z06 being a normally-aspirated 427 and with a lighter body, then a supercharged ZR-1 version for those who prefer it.
Since that isn't how it came to pass, I have no idea whether to buy a C6 Z06 or a C7 base.
The biggest factors, thus far are:
1) C6 valve issue
2) C6 Z06 prices are ridiculously high. I mean, seriously, the 2013s are as expensive as a new C7 1LT base considering dealer discounts.
3) Hard to find the C6 Z06 car of my dreams re colors. (been looking for a while and I do admit to being overly picky)
4) Being a Nevada resident, I'd sure prefer to buy used from a private party (no sales tas) but I haven't found a private-party C7 that I particularly like the colors/configuration of either. (And for the record, I think there are lots of great-looking ones, but not that I want to live with. Strongly prefer white paint and can't live with black, for instance. Including a black interior. But I like looking at just about all the color combinations. I just don't want to live with most of them.)
5) I prefer the look of the C7 to the C6.
6) Haven't found a new C7 already on a dealer lot that I like the configuration of.
7) This is leading me to maybe just custom-order a C7 base and live with the lower power. (Don't want a C7 Z06. It just seems too over the top.)
I took the Ron Fellows Spring Mountain course twice. Level 1 we drove the C6 Z06, towards the end of the C6 era. Level 2 was right after the first deliveries of the C7 and I think but am not sure that it was the base C7. (Definitely not a C7 Z06, it wasn't out yet, but I'm not sure if the cars we drove were Z51-equipped.) The C7 handled nicely, but from minute 1 it was obvious that the power-to-weight was nowhere near as good as the C6 Z06. In that regard the C7 was disappointing.
Having never driven either car on the street, I have no idea if I would prefer the C6 Z06 vs the C7 as an ownership experience. But the memory of the sprightliness of the C6 Z06 and relative sluggishness of the base C7 remains.
I kind of wish the C7 lineup was more like the C6 lineup, with the Z06 being a normally-aspirated 427 and with a lighter body, then a supercharged ZR-1 version for those who prefer it.
Since that isn't how it came to pass, I have no idea whether to buy a C6 Z06 or a C7 base.
The biggest factors, thus far are:
1) C6 valve issue
2) C6 Z06 prices are ridiculously high. I mean, seriously, the 2013s are as expensive as a new C7 1LT base considering dealer discounts.
3) Hard to find the C6 Z06 car of my dreams re colors. (been looking for a while and I do admit to being overly picky)
4) Being a Nevada resident, I'd sure prefer to buy used from a private party (no sales tas) but I haven't found a private-party C7 that I particularly like the colors/configuration of either. (And for the record, I think there are lots of great-looking ones, but not that I want to live with. Strongly prefer white paint and can't live with black, for instance. Including a black interior. But I like looking at just about all the color combinations. I just don't want to live with most of them.)
5) I prefer the look of the C7 to the C6.
6) Haven't found a new C7 already on a dealer lot that I like the configuration of.
7) This is leading me to maybe just custom-order a C7 base and live with the lower power. (Don't want a C7 Z06. It just seems too over the top.)
#28
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The Aero on the new Z06 does not lend well to high speeds. The drag factor actually slows it down. It's very well planted and handles the corners better than the C6 Z.
#29
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I would like to get everyone's opinion on which they would buy and why.
I have the opportunity to get an 06 Z06 with <5000 miles on it now or wait a year (roughly) and get a base C7 stingray. What would you guys do? Has anyone driven both or owned both? I really like the exterior of the C6 more than the C7 but I like the C7 interior more. I haven't driven a C7 yet but I absolutely loved the Engine sound in the Z06. Does the the C7 have that same sound or is it more muted?
I tried searching the forum and multiple places online but haven't found much in the way comparing these two particular cars.
Thanks for any and all answers that I can get.
I have also posted this same question in the C7 area. So far they all say C7.
I have the opportunity to get an 06 Z06 with <5000 miles on it now or wait a year (roughly) and get a base C7 stingray. What would you guys do? Has anyone driven both or owned both? I really like the exterior of the C6 more than the C7 but I like the C7 interior more. I haven't driven a C7 yet but I absolutely loved the Engine sound in the Z06. Does the the C7 have that same sound or is it more muted?
I tried searching the forum and multiple places online but haven't found much in the way comparing these two particular cars.
Thanks for any and all answers that I can get.
I have also posted this same question in the C7 area. So far they all say C7.
I have driven/owned both. I guess it depends on what you want to with/to it. For those wanting a quick/light/easy to work on car...the C6Z is a darn good way to go. If you are going to do HPDE events I would still suggest the C6Z
If it is a daily driver back and forth to work...the C7 does have a much better interior and electronics package. They are quick...but not like a C6Z stock for stock.
No car is 100% perfect and both will require parts to dial it in as you want it.
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3 Z06ZR1 (04-16-2016)
#30
Melting Slicks
#31
Been looking for quite a while. Covering the entire US with AutoTrader, Cars.com and Ebay, plus some Craigslist, but CL is such a mess it's hard to be methodical.
I'll go anywhere for the right car, but I've been burned before buying cars at a distance. There are a lot of pressures when you do it. Like you travel to see it and you've already got an investment so you (meaning me I guess) tend to feel pressure to close the deal. It's the same buying airplanes, which almost always involve travel to find what you want.
#32
Thanks for clarifying that. But this applies only to the C7 Z06? Meaning the C7 seems to have issues regarding not enough downforce at high speed? As in, be extra careful in a C7 base at triple-digit speeds?
#34
Melting Slicks
I love my driveability and no one races hardcore here. Fast cars here.. lots of them (name it its here just about except $500,000++).. posers... except the 5.0 guys always wanna **** on the gas pedal with their obnoxious sounding catbacks... that hasn't changed since the 90's.
Last edited by REDZED2; 04-12-2016 at 10:59 PM.
#35
Le Mans Master
Hey, I have seen many H/C c6Z's race 1/4 or roll with a H/C C7 LT1. I don't know the specs of either... never seen a C6Z lose yet... Our 427 ci engines just can't be underestimated since they seem to do do things with more radical H/C cars that you would think. MPH and car lengths with boosted cars with 200 hp more... its all out there if you look. I will never want or need to have a Z that fast....
I love my driveability and no one races hardcore here. Fast cars here.. lots of them (name it its here just about except $500,000++).. posers... except the 5.0 guys always wanna **** on the gas pedal with their obnoxious sounding catbacks... that hasn't changed since the 90's.
I love my driveability and no one races hardcore here. Fast cars here.. lots of them (name it its here just about except $500,000++).. posers... except the 5.0 guys always wanna **** on the gas pedal with their obnoxious sounding catbacks... that hasn't changed since the 90's.
#36
Melting Slicks
Agree
I have driven/owned both. I guess it depends on what you want to with/to it. For those wanting a quick/light/easy to work on car...the C6Z is a darn good way to go. If you are going to do HPDE events I would still suggest the C6Z
If it is a daily driver back and forth to work...the C7 does have a much better interior and electronics package. They are quick...but not like a C6Z stock for stock.
No car is 100% perfect and both will require parts to dial it in as you want it.
If it is a daily driver back and forth to work...the C7 does have a much better interior and electronics package. They are quick...but not like a C6Z stock for stock.
No car is 100% perfect and both will require parts to dial it in as you want it.
#37
Intermediate
I was in your situation a little bit ago and I chose the c6z. The c7 was fun to drive, but didn't have the fun factor that the c6z had. However the c7 interior is miles and miles ahead of the c6.
I daily drive my c6z and nothing really beats how much joy it brings me on a daily basis. I plan on driving it for a year or two before I think about moving up to a c7, but after only a few months I can't see me doing that, the c6z is just so much fun.
You can't go wrong with either choice, both are amazing cars. I just wanted a Z06 more than a base model.
I daily drive my c6z and nothing really beats how much joy it brings me on a daily basis. I plan on driving it for a year or two before I think about moving up to a c7, but after only a few months I can't see me doing that, the c6z is just so much fun.
You can't go wrong with either choice, both are amazing cars. I just wanted a Z06 more than a base model.
#38
I thought there were fewer than that. The car doesn't seem to be budging much in value, which is why I used it as an example in the first place.
The whole point was not around that actual rarity of the car but around the depreciation rate of the car. While I see your point, the heart of my message doesn't change. There are very few examples where it is a financial investment to buy a new car. Even the rare ones need to be bought a few years later.
The whole point was not around that actual rarity of the car but around the depreciation rate of the car. While I see your point, the heart of my message doesn't change. There are very few examples where it is a financial investment to buy a new car. Even the rare ones need to be bought a few years later.
So not a lot of them and really few of the 60TH Ann package with the roof stripes.
#39
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Now that I've had a Z, I think I'm forever desensitized. I will never want a base car. I think Z cars trump the base cars regardless of generation. Obviously I'm not talking performance alone. There is resale value, rarity, styling, etc. So this is what I would drive:
C4 ZR1 over base C5
C5Z over base C6
C6Z over C7
C7Z over C8?
C4 ZR1 over base C5
C5Z over base C6
C6Z over C7
C7Z over C8?
#40
Team Owner
501 rwhp 479 rwtq rev to 7k. 3100 pounds
Last edited by 3 Z06ZR1; 04-16-2016 at 12:34 AM.