Big Bad Vette Problem..... Help!!!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
Hahahaha!!!! I actually was thinking about doing that but didn't mention it. When I was considering that option I got to thinking while yes I have plenty of garage space I just have a feeling that if I had a Z-06 or ZR-1 I'd never drive my Grand Sport ever again and it'd be a waste.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 6,140
Likes: 2,745
From: Northeast
Get the Z06... nearly 200 more HP is definitely noticable, or get the ZR1, which will be noticeably different than the the Z06... or wait for the C8... or just keep what you have and continue to stare at it 
It’s good to have choices
It’s good to have choices
CORVETTE TODAY Show Host
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 26,024
Likes: 7,882
From: Kansas City, Missouri
CORVETTE TODAY Host
St. Jude Donor'15
I vote for keeping the Collector's Edition (I love the Tension Blue interior too) and adding a ZR1 or ZO6 to the stable of cars.
Instructor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 126
Likes: 32
I drove both before I bought my ZO6 even though I knew I was buying the Z. I just wanted to see the difference. You can absolutely tell the difference. There is no way not to see it with an extra 200hp. However, I liked the idle exhaust note of the base over the Z. I’m sure there will be a difference with the ZR1 but probably not as big a difference between the base and the ZO6. Wait and drive all 3 and see which one you want.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
I went through the same mind games when the GS came out, but soon after the medications took affect and I snapped out of it. I may be a "Debbie Downer" here, but you say you love your GS CE. And, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Good luck on your decision.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 343
I have driven both, I still can't figure out if I want a GS or a Z, but for me its 2 things, I think the ZO6 is a slightly better long term hold $$, but not by much, I think the Z is slightly better looking but again not by much, and I can get a loaded GS for about 10k less, maybe a little better, and as far as driving..... the GS was MUCH better suited for blasting around town, even driving with modest enthusiasm I was getting regular wheel slip under throttle. The only place the ZO6 was "better" was in brute force in a straight line. I am sure it has higher handling limits, but where on a public road are you going to reach those limits in EITHER car..... the ZR1 IMHO is a track car, and while you can certainly drive it on the street, not sure why you would. If you have that kind of money, buy a ZR1 to track and keep a GS for Starbucks and commutes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 384
First, if you are looking for others to effectively make the decision for you - that is a big mistake. I had a C6 Z06 and loved it. I upgraded to a 2016 Z06 A8. Since I reside in the Northeast, with its lack of wide open spaces, mediocre roads, and a decent amount of stop and go traffic, that seemed to be the best choice - for me. I upped the hp to 710 for less than $1K, with no impact on the warranty. I bought extended warranty, and I won't be tracking the car, so I'm covered.
As I'm originally from Europe and drive on the autobahn frequently, I'd buy the new ZR1 if I lived there - or in the western USA. Additionally, I can't even use the hp I now have except in very limited scenarios. Of course, from an ego perspective for almost all buyers of the new ZR1, you can't beat it - many of whom won't be able to handle the hp or have any place to really use it.
That's my perspective - which of course only applies to me.
As I'm originally from Europe and drive on the autobahn frequently, I'd buy the new ZR1 if I lived there - or in the western USA. Additionally, I can't even use the hp I now have except in very limited scenarios. Of course, from an ego perspective for almost all buyers of the new ZR1, you can't beat it - many of whom won't be able to handle the hp or have any place to really use it.
That's my perspective - which of course only applies to me.
Last edited by tobaccokid; Mar 3, 2018 at 02:53 PM. Reason: spelling
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 384
[QUOTE=tobaccokid;1596710455]First, if you are looking for others to effectively make the decision for you - that is a big mistake. I had a C6 Z06 and loved it. I upgraded to a 2016 Z06 A8. Since I reside in the Northeast, with its lack of wide open spaces, mediocre roads, and a decent amount of stop and go traffic, that seemed to be the best choice - for me. I upped the hp to 710 for less than $1K, with no impact on the warranty. I bought extended warranty, and I won't be tracking the car, so I'm covered.
As I'm originally from Europe and drive on the autobahn frequently, I'd buy the new ZR1 if I lived there - or in the western USA. Additionally, I can't even use the hp I now have except in very limited scenarios. Of course, from an ego perspective for almost all buyers of the new ZR1, you can't beat it - many of whom won't be able to handle the hp or have any place to really use it.
From a bang for the buck perspective there is absolutely no comparable car. I bought a new leftover in exactly the configuration I wanted - at a very substantial discount. Roughly speaking, if hypothetically I had in my pocket what I spent for my car, I would now have to add that full amount to buy the ZR1 - for essentially 45 more hp. The additional cooling, wider front tires, etc. are of no value when I don't track the car and where I live, except as I said, if you don't factor in the ego factor - which is entirely up to you. I must say, though, that I always get compliments on the car no matter where I travel.
That's my perspective - which of course only applies to me. Hope it helps you.
As I'm originally from Europe and drive on the autobahn frequently, I'd buy the new ZR1 if I lived there - or in the western USA. Additionally, I can't even use the hp I now have except in very limited scenarios. Of course, from an ego perspective for almost all buyers of the new ZR1, you can't beat it - many of whom won't be able to handle the hp or have any place to really use it.
From a bang for the buck perspective there is absolutely no comparable car. I bought a new leftover in exactly the configuration I wanted - at a very substantial discount. Roughly speaking, if hypothetically I had in my pocket what I spent for my car, I would now have to add that full amount to buy the ZR1 - for essentially 45 more hp. The additional cooling, wider front tires, etc. are of no value when I don't track the car and where I live, except as I said, if you don't factor in the ego factor - which is entirely up to you. I must say, though, that I always get compliments on the car no matter where I travel.
That's my perspective - which of course only applies to me. Hope it helps you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,096
Likes: 153
From: "Atlanta" Ga.
Pretty much every C7 variant, but especially the Z06 and ZR1, have more power than anyone can use frequently anywhere but the track. Coming from a GS you will feel a big difference in acceleration with either variant and the supercharged engines have a very different torque curve that will be very noticeable on takeoff.
But if you like the feeling of burying the throttle and holding it there either of the supercharged variants will get into felony level speed VERY quickly so unless you are good at exercising reasonable restraint you could be one of those drivers who gets an impounded car and a free ride to jail. I have a Z06 and I love it but it is the only car that I have ever owned that intimidates me at times and that is a good thing. It is extremely easy to get one of these high power variants out of shape and the "nannies" are very helpful but they can't completely protect against poor owner choices.
If you plan to seriously track it the ZR1 should be the clear choice now. For street driving either one is akin to using a fragmentation grenade to kill a mouse-It will work well but it is serious overkill. But it is fun overkill
If you have a really good friend with a Z06 he/she may let you drive it but just riding as a passenger will quickly illustrate the difference between the various powerplants.
But I will end with how much fun is it for you to be able to plant the throttle and leave it there because you won't be doing that very often in either of the forced induction variants. I still find that my lowly daily driver 321 HP Cadillac ATS is a lot of fun and it is nearly as much fun to drive on roads like the Tail of the Dragon as the Z06 because you have to work to make it go fast while even if you come out of a corner too slow with the Z06 you don't have any concerns about being able to go in too fast by the next corner because velocity increase is really quick.
Ultimately just like color, coupe vs convertible, wheel style, etc. the only perfect C7 is the one you find to be perfect. When you find the perfect choice for you there won't be any doubts and if you find that you are tying hard to convince yourself and get others to convince you then probably it is time to forget about what is the latest/greatest/fastest/most expensive and choose the one that makes you want to hang out in the garage with it
But if you like the feeling of burying the throttle and holding it there either of the supercharged variants will get into felony level speed VERY quickly so unless you are good at exercising reasonable restraint you could be one of those drivers who gets an impounded car and a free ride to jail. I have a Z06 and I love it but it is the only car that I have ever owned that intimidates me at times and that is a good thing. It is extremely easy to get one of these high power variants out of shape and the "nannies" are very helpful but they can't completely protect against poor owner choices.
If you plan to seriously track it the ZR1 should be the clear choice now. For street driving either one is akin to using a fragmentation grenade to kill a mouse-It will work well but it is serious overkill. But it is fun overkill
If you have a really good friend with a Z06 he/she may let you drive it but just riding as a passenger will quickly illustrate the difference between the various powerplants.
But I will end with how much fun is it for you to be able to plant the throttle and leave it there because you won't be doing that very often in either of the forced induction variants. I still find that my lowly daily driver 321 HP Cadillac ATS is a lot of fun and it is nearly as much fun to drive on roads like the Tail of the Dragon as the Z06 because you have to work to make it go fast while even if you come out of a corner too slow with the Z06 you don't have any concerns about being able to go in too fast by the next corner because velocity increase is really quick.
Ultimately just like color, coupe vs convertible, wheel style, etc. the only perfect C7 is the one you find to be perfect. When you find the perfect choice for you there won't be any doubts and if you find that you are tying hard to convince yourself and get others to convince you then probably it is time to forget about what is the latest/greatest/fastest/most expensive and choose the one that makes you want to hang out in the garage with it
I opted for the ZO6, and it is indeed a bit much. I however found the exact one I wanted and got a deal that made me decide to drop the extra $$$........I am happy with my decision, I like the idea of it, having the power that is, and I respect it.
I'd be happy with the GS as well........ but this one reminds me I'm in over my head, and I also can just stare at it
Bottom line, the ZR1 and mid engine choices will not put me in your situation. Wondering if I should "upgrade" this scratched the itch just right. I never had anything this nice before, it took a long time to get here, and I feel pretty lucky to have it, grateful. I picked my girl, and now we're married!! I don't have the need to look at other girls
