Z51/base Corvette difference
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 108
Likes: 28
From: fresno ca
Z51/base Corvette difference
Need help, advice please. Im ready to buy, just can't decide if I should buy a new 2016 base model or hold out for good deal on a 14 or 15 Z51. Not a daily driver, plan on traveling, no tracking only occasional spirited driving. Im afraid if I go with the base I will be disappointed. Is the difference between the 2 models that much.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 246
Likes: 77
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
I really don't think you will be disappointed with the base car. If you're planning on traveling in the car (IMHO) you would need the magnetic ride ($3495) to get a softer ride with the Z51 because of the performance goodies added. I drove a Z51 w/o mag ride, and the ride while not harsh was quite tight. Not a ride I would want for long road trips. I went with the non Z51, and the ride is great. The car has more abilities than I will ever need with my driving style. Good luck on your decision.
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 185
Likes: 14
I really don't think you will be disappointed with the base car. If you're planning on traveling in the car (IMHO) you would need the magnetic ride ($3495) to get a softer ride with the Z51 because of the performance goodies added. I drove a Z51 w/o mag ride, and the ride while not harsh was quite tight. Not a ride I would want for long road trips. I went with the non Z51, and the ride is great. The car has more abilities than I will ever need with my driving style. Good luck on your decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,884
Likes: 2,884
From: Toronto
Need help, advice please. Im ready to buy, just can't decide if I should buy a new 2016 base model or hold out for good deal on a 14 or 15 Z51. Not a daily driver, plan on traveling, no tracking only occasional spirited driving. Im afraid if I go with the base I will be disappointed. Is the difference between the 2 models that much.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
I basically left the C6 in touring mode all the time. That also was a factor in my decision to not have it on my C7. The C7 rides really well without it in my opinion. If you can find a used (or new) one to test drive that would really help you in your decision. Good luck.
Last edited by Rebel Yell; May 26, 2016 at 06:19 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,018
Likes: 3,425
From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
Used loaded optioned Z51 any day over a base new 2017!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 296
Likes: 68
From: Rockville, MD
Based on what you described, why would you be disappointed with the base model if you are not going to the track? Same engine, same hp. You can get NPP exhaust for 5 hp bump and a spoiler as an option to get the look and upgrade the wheels later if it is the appearance that has you worried. I think it will plenty fun and give you what you need and you will love that brand new car smell. :-) I know I did!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15,041
Likes: 1,613
From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
I went with the used 2014 instead of a 1LT base in January of this year. It's a 2LT, Z51, with Mag ride, Nav and NPP. It's an M7 with only 4200 miles and it's certified. I picked it up for exactly the same price as a new 2016 1LT base with no options.
If I had it to do over again, I'd do exactly the same thing, I like my toys with my Vette.
I also found no one, not even other Vette owners care what year it is. Probably because there's very little difference between the C7 years. They do like to talk about the toys.
If buying new is important to you, by all means go for it. But if you have a maximum budget and you want certain options that push a new Vette outside your budget, go for the used Vette especially if you find one that certified giving you extra warranty.
Keep in mind, you can review the warranty repair record on a used Vette to see if its had a significant problem, but not on a new car.
If I had it to do over again, I'd do exactly the same thing, I like my toys with my Vette.
I also found no one, not even other Vette owners care what year it is. Probably because there's very little difference between the C7 years. They do like to talk about the toys.
If buying new is important to you, by all means go for it. But if you have a maximum budget and you want certain options that push a new Vette outside your budget, go for the used Vette especially if you find one that certified giving you extra warranty.
Keep in mind, you can review the warranty repair record on a used Vette to see if its had a significant problem, but not on a new car.
Last edited by roadbike56; May 26, 2016 at 11:32 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,516
Likes: 4,840
From: One Hour From Boston!
No sir. After driving a base without mag ride, I decided it rode fine without spending the extra bucks. Basically a mag ride on a base car gives you a stiffer more performance ride in sport mode, and a better controlled ride in touring ride. At least that was how it was on my C6.
I basically left the C6 in touring mode all the time. That also was a factor in my decision to not have it on my C7. The C7 rides really well without it in my opinion. If you can find a used (or new) one to test drive that would really help you in your decision. Good luck.
I basically left the C6 in touring mode all the time. That also was a factor in my decision to not have it on my C7. The C7 rides really well without it in my opinion. If you can find a used (or new) one to test drive that would really help you in your decision. Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 478
Likes: 104
Interesting to see these "Z51 Versus Non-Z51" debates come up often.
Z51 is a no brainer, with or without MRC. Forged wheels, bigger brakes, better LSD - that alone should make your decision. Forged wheels are HUGE for performance improvement, whether you track your car or not. It's called reduced unsprung weight which is the holy grail in performance motoring. The very first thing race cars and motorcycles go after is reducing unsprung weight.
For everyone who thinks Z51 without MRC handles rough, I don't know what your sports car ownership experience is or how old you are. I have had 3 AMG Mercedes and every one of them rode much harsher than my Z51 without mag ride. Funny to listen to corvette guys who forgo competition seats or insist on plush rides in the name of comfort in their sports cars.
This isn't a floaty old caddy anymore, get with the program!
Z51 is a no brainer, with or without MRC. Forged wheels, bigger brakes, better LSD - that alone should make your decision. Forged wheels are HUGE for performance improvement, whether you track your car or not. It's called reduced unsprung weight which is the holy grail in performance motoring. The very first thing race cars and motorcycles go after is reducing unsprung weight.
For everyone who thinks Z51 without MRC handles rough, I don't know what your sports car ownership experience is or how old you are. I have had 3 AMG Mercedes and every one of them rode much harsher than my Z51 without mag ride. Funny to listen to corvette guys who forgo competition seats or insist on plush rides in the name of comfort in their sports cars.
This isn't a floaty old caddy anymore, get with the program!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 382
From: Williamsburg VA
Need help, advice please. Im ready to buy, just can't decide if I should buy a new 2016 base model or hold out for good deal on a 14 or 15 Z51. Not a daily driver, plan on traveling, no tracking only occasional spirited driving. Im afraid if I go with the base I will be disappointed. Is the difference between the 2 models that much.
I have a base 2LT A8.
I don't think the Z51 is really necessary but don't criticize anyone here for what they buy or what color or tranny they prefer.
In any configuration the C7 is great.
I don't intend to track my car. The 18/19 wheels and tires are fine. I ordered a Z51 rear spoiler and put the Z51 sway bars on it 2 months later. The NPP I believe adds larger 19/20s (?) and the extra 5HP is not needed - bit I do prefer the look of the flared tailpipes and would like those.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 1,197
From: Ft. Myers FL
Far be it from me to say which one will fit your needs better. 
But, in my case I got a "Base 1LT" because I had read in several places that the C7 base out handles the C6 GS. Plus, I live in a area where the roads are mostly flat, wide & excellent so I figured why spend an extra 5K for something I don't need? And the 1LT had everything I wanted except the HUD which I had on my C5 & C6. But the speedo's graphics are much larger then either of them so after 2 years, I don't miss it at all. And finally, the "base" 1LT weighs 100 lbs less than the Z51 & 2LT and since I'm a "straight line" guy, its proven that already.
Plus, I think it looks okay too.
But, in my case I got a "Base 1LT" because I had read in several places that the C7 base out handles the C6 GS. Plus, I live in a area where the roads are mostly flat, wide & excellent so I figured why spend an extra 5K for something I don't need? And the 1LT had everything I wanted except the HUD which I had on my C5 & C6. But the speedo's graphics are much larger then either of them so after 2 years, I don't miss it at all. And finally, the "base" 1LT weighs 100 lbs less than the Z51 & 2LT and since I'm a "straight line" guy, its proven that already. Plus, I think it looks okay too.
Last edited by Mike Campbell; May 27, 2016 at 09:07 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,611
Likes: 89
There may be 5 driving modes but only 3 shock setting modes. And only two are really usable since track is waaay too stiff for any street.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 2,535
From: New Jersey
For occasional spirited driving, I doubt you will notice a difference unless you really start to push the car through turns. Spend the 5K difference on a 2LT if you are planning on getting a 1LT or if getting a 2LT get the competition seats and pocket the difference. Make sure you get NPP regardless of what you decide.
Last edited by Corgidog1; May 27, 2016 at 10:36 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 453
From: Saint Clair Shores Mi
For occasional spirited driving, I doubt you will notice a difference unless you really start to push the car through turns. Spend the 5K difference on a 2LT if you are planning on getting a 1LT or if getting a 2LT get the competition seats and pocket the difference. Make sure you get NPP regardless of what you decide.
