SLOWRYDE

If we are talking public roads, the Grand sport (which I own) is overkill for what you can use it for. At least where I live. I’ve been able to stretch my GS out a few times and it just flat out roars into triple digit speeds. I know the Z06 is faster, but as fast as this car is, I really don’t know how usable the Z06’s insane power would be? The new ZR1... come on.. long straight roads out West maybe?

CT Grand Sport CE

I have a GS and did Spring Mountain in August. I went back to Spring Mountain in Dec. and used a Z06 since the cost was the same for a GS or Z06. I was worried that I’d be coming home wanting a Z06. That is not the case. I was in the fast group both times and I did not notice much of a difference. And on the street, you can’t use 465hp let alone 650hp. I am happy with the GS.

cwatson6

I am happy with 460 horses.

woodsguy

I had the 16 Z51 but fell in love with the wide body of the GS. Got a 17 with M7. In reality it's all I can use, BUT in back of my mind I'm always wondering what if? lol. Doubt I'll ever buy another Vette at this point in life but if I do it'll be a Z06.

Corgidog1

I am willing to bet that more people who bought the GS wished they had the Z06 than people having the Z06 and wishing they had the GS. It is all about your feelings regarding the 15K or so difference in price.

oldC5

I am willing to bet you most people who bought Z06 can't use or handle 650 hp .

iTom

I agree with you Corgidog. But I would add that it is also the perceived value that you get for the $15,000 that helped me make up my mind to order a 2019 GS rather than the Z06.

woodsguy

Or really the 460 in the GS on the street.

BaconWrappedSushi

If you are not a seasoned track rat, you will never come close to the limits of the Z06. Even the base car is insanely fast. Just be happy with your decision. Your car is better than 90% of what is out there.

OP if you look around here these questions are a dime a dozen, where an owner wants a confirmation of their decision.

I'll help: You did good. Now go beat the snot out of it.

Mike Campbell

Interesting thread. It would be nice to have a ZO6 but 95% of people I know with them, or with Callaways or even base C7's that are supercharged only have them for "bragging rights" and never even get close to using their potential. The LT1 is an excellent engine and I had to smile at the one post where the "inferior pushrod engine is lazy". Actually it pulls way more torque at lower RPM's than the "wunder "machines revved up to 1 1/2 times. But this is caused by the throttle response "nannies" that are added by corporate lawyers for safety and fuel use reasons. I've never experienced this on my car but there are devices one can purchase if that's a problem with you.

Comebackid

Funny you mention that, because I can't get over the incredible throttle response I get from the Vitesse throttle controller. It doesn't add to the numbers and yet I feel like I just added another 100 HP.

2017C7

Same as others have said, I'm extremely happy with my GS. I did Spring Mtn in Sept in a Z51 and was also in the fast group, two Z51's and two Z06's. I sold my Stingray and bought a GS, and headed back May 29-30.

I could have got a 1LT (*maybe* even a 2LT Z06) for what I paid for my 3LT Convertible GS, and decided I didn't need the extra HP. I do not regret the GS at all. I can tell the difference between the GS and Stingray, and I'm sure I could tell the difference in a GS and Z06.... but I've had a speeding ticket for 30 over already and don't need more. When I start tracking my own car and can push a GS to the limits, I'll consider more (I honestly don't think I'll ever be able to push the GS to it's limits).

silvertc6

Indeed, I did the same calculations where there was hardly if any cost difference. I also decided to go with the GS for the same reason being GS had enough horsepower for me. I also wondered about the additional insurance and maintenance cost although not knowing for sure how much more it costs on the Z6 over the GS.

djnice

Like I said in previous post, I have had both GS and Z06. In either car I can use all the power/potential anytime I want. I go WOT every time I drive on street or track. The difference is how quickly you go to WOT and how long you hold it at WOT. It is not true to say you cannot use the power/potential because you can. It is about what you want to use the power for. In any car you don't hold the throttle at WOT all the time. I can guarantee the Z06 will get out of a corner faster than a GS or get to 120 quicker, but what does it really matter. It only matters for what you want to do with the power.

silvertc6

Thanks djnice. Would be very interested to know if the ownership cost such as insurance and maintenance is much higher for the Z06 than GS ? Thanks

bankers1

I'm with VXPLT, the GS 460HP is a bit slow/sluggish 15-40 MPH compared to my BMW's or Audi, just doesn't JUMP, more of a gradual Locomotive as said, but makes up for it in many more ways (Road gripping, Sound, Looks). It's all the power I want at 59 Years in suburbia, no place to USE all the power here, and the others here are right, I can always add power for $ 900-2,500. if I wanted with aftermarket
stuff.

djnice

The added costs are pretty minor. I suppose depending on how you use the car it could change. Say you go the track often, and run as hard as possible. The Z06 will burn through more fuel and brakes, but if you are a skilled driver you will be going faster. With occasional track days and normal street driving there isn't much maintenance difference. I suppose at some point there could be supercharger maintenance.

My 6 months insurance went from $431 to $496 (Minor coverage changes may have added ~ $5 - $10 to this rate). The Z06 gets the same mpg on the highway as my GS. Highway mpg depends on speed, but cruising around 80ish they both got 22 mpg. For daily driving my average went down from 19 to 17, but that is because I get on it all the time. However, if I try to get good mileage on my normal commute both cars came in at 26 mpg. One plus with the GS is you can use 87 if you have to.

vxplt

That was a great way to put it!... “gradual locomotive” is right on.

silvertc6

The additional cost of owning a Z06 over a GS is indeed insignificant. Given the actual cost of the two models are actually not that far apart for example. HUD and Mag ride is included with 1LT with the Z06. Therefore the fuel cost in terms of octane requirement may be significant for long distance travel. All in all having the extra power is not that much more expensive overall. Makes considering a Z06 over a GS very worth considering for a value for cost point of view. Many Thanks.

djnice

That's basically why I went ahead and moved from GS to Z06. It is really not that much more money. I do think the GS is nice balanced package. If I started over with what I know now, it would still be a tough decision which one I want.