DaveFerrari458

Love the R8 Spyder, not so much the Coupe! A buddy has a Coupe and he didn't get every option in the interior dept. and I tell you it is a very bland and average looking interior. I say the 3LZ optioned Corvette is a much nicer environment than his car!

Owned many German cars and their supposed "refinement" is way over-rated and the C7's supposed "lack of refinement" is a fallacy as well. While it may not be perfect, there's almost no car that is.

I think the R8 is a step or two above the 911 and a step below a Ferrari and overall a very nice package and I agree with the OP that the 911 is not a very attractive car or a sexy car in a way a Z06, R8 Spyder, Ferrari's are.

davepl

I don't have an R8, but I have an S8 V10 (same basic motor). I also have an M3, a Range Rover Autobiography, a CL65, and have had a number of Euro cars.

The interior quality on the Audi is much better. The overall build quality is a fair bit higher. The electronics stack is more advanced. It's a better overall car in general.

And each day when it's nice out and I head to the key rack to pick my car, I pick the Z06 because it's just way more fun to drive.

In the C6 days you'd have to make excuses for how bad the interior and build quality were, but it's improved so much with the C7 that I don't think excuses are needed; it's just not quite as nice as the Audi (and the Audi isn't quite as nice inside as an Aston).

The R8 is a lot easier to get performance out of because of the AWD, but the Z is just in another league when you have traction. The sound is incomparable (and the V10 sounds quite nice), the Z wins hands down.

Put it this way: I already have a V10 Audi and when I had to make the choice, I chose the Z06 and never thought twice about it.

If you can only afford to have one cool car and need to drive it in the rain and snow, the R8 would be a better choice, again, due to the AWD. But for sunny day cars, the Z wins.

taxdr1965

Good conversation. What makes it fun to drive compared to the v10? I don't think I would get the z07 package. Might track it once in a while but not often.

Dylan Bigg

I have an R8, and will be getting rid of it shortly when I move OS. I am not interested in the new one (they look horrible), or most other cars in the sub-200k price bracket. I am currently weighing up a 2012 R8 GT, the Z06 and the new NSX. All very different cars, but all cars I think I want to own!

Tmill

I have owned many German cars Porsche, bmw, Audi, sorry guys this is my 4th corvette and I will put my 2016 Z06/Z07 against any of the German cars fit, finish, and for performance it blows the German cars away. I get more compliments on my Z06 than any of the German cars I have owned, never any issues with this car....

Dellrose

I'm waiting on my ZO6 after selling a 2010 BMW M6. My top of the line Bimmer leaked oil from day one, had a fender emblem fall off, required leather repair under warranty, had countless electrical issues with cheap led lights and had several rattles I learned to live with.

It cost $121k and I loved it and all its faults. I owned other M models and an Audi RS 7. The German car reputation is good marketing, but in my experience, just that. All cars will have annoying things wrong with them.

taxdr1965

Don't you think the German cars have a different feel in the way they drive?

ZoratZ06

I owned a 2009 M5...Loved the V10 scream...and what a wild 4-door sedan...wasn't a huge fan of the SMG tranny. I know it's apples and oranges but the Z06 is in another league when it comes to performance. I think the BMW's, Audi's and Benz tend to get expensive, esp. with electrical issues after the warranty period is over, 3-4yrs or so...at least that's been my experience. Having said that, the M5 was a lot of fun. I had headers, no cats, full exhaust and a tune on my mine...and it was a riot! But fun factor still has to go to the Z06.

ZoratZ06

Every car has a different 'feel'...I suggest taking one out for a rest drive...I doubt you'll be disappointed. NO car is perfect and neither is the Z06...but it's hard to find fault with the car. It's a true joy to drive...

Dellrose

It's difficult for me to say at this point. I got into M cars 15 years ago which had me go German throughout the entire time. I bought the wife German cars as well. So, I have not driven anything consistently but German to compare ride to. When the Vette arrives, after a few months, I'll have enough seat time to weigh in.

OnPoint

Nice to see a broader customer demographic considering the Z06.

MikeLsx

I own a 2013 M3 and C7 z51.

the C7 more raw, more fun, still easy to daily drive. I am sure the Z06 would be the same thing as the Z51 just a lot faster.

the M3 and other german cars i have driven feel more premium. a 911 "feels" worlds better than the corvettes, but its not as fun to drive. if that makes sense.

mi650

Right. Which is why I traded in a C2S, and passed on a GTS4.

05dsom

I have a 991 GT3 and a 740 HP ZR1
Keep the Audi and get a discounted 2015 Zo6 if you can.....

SpudMuffin

German cars definitely feel more "solid" (especially Audi and Mercedes). I've ridden in a 2013 R8 and really liked it. I just sold a 2016 Audi S6 after just a few months of ownership because it was too bland for me. Staggeringly well built with electronics second to none, but still bland. The new R8 will be very close to the Z06 in track performance since it's basically a Huracan in Audi clothing. Your's isn't even in the same time zone. BTW, I've driven the 2016 Huracan and it's an amazing car. I'd buy one in a second if it wasn't so expensive.

The Z06 (I have the 2016 Z07 version) is a much more "brutal" car than your R8. (Brutal is a complement to me, BTW.) It will feel much, much different from your R8 especially when the tires are warm. The torque is intoxicating. The R8 derives its quickness from the amazing Quattro system but it's too "smooth" for me and doesn't really have the soul of the Vette (or the Huracan which in Corsa mode shifts brutally and sounds amazing.) I suspect the new R8 will be a perfect compromise of the two. If you can afford one, I'd drive that as well.

Bottom line: The fit and finish issue is really not that big a deal. Audis are more buttoned down, but the Vette is no longer an embarrassment, and the competition seats are easily on par with the seats in the R8. You won't be disappointed in that area. Exhaust note? I love both for different reasons. The V10 wins this by a nose and has one of the most amazing exhaust notes ever (almost LFA-like) after 4,000 RPM. You'll love the Z06 too.

Enjoy the test drive!

2014C7

Z all day. I have a 996 cab for my driver/beater/ with 140k miles on it and it is still very solid.

The Z is so much more insane. I love it.

Neighbor has an R8 The interiors are cool outside not so much to me.

I'd get a 911 variant before an Audi. Just me.

I would take my Z over all of them.

Or my 6:71 blown 56.

emericr

Other than a few "drink the C7Z cool aid" posts, I am happy to see that we are keeping a civilized discussion and great points were made. Well done CF members
I am kinda in the same spot as you are as I am debating jumping onto a 2016Z. I have owned 2 vettes, 2 benzes (C63 and CLS63), 1 E46M3, 1 Audi S4, 1 997 911S. I was lucky enough to have get some real seat time in a new Z.
As others have said, the quality has improved A LOT but it is not on par with the german competition. No ifs or buts about it IMHO.
Here's what I will add that has not been covered: It really comes down to how this new purchase will be used. If it is a week end car and you can have a german daily driver, then I think you will be thrilled with the Z and you can overlook the average interior and design. The fun factor and raw performance will make you smile while you drive it. Nothing like 650hp/650tq and you obviously agree it looks awesome.
However if it's going to be more than a week end car and potentially a daily driver, then I will venture to say you could regret it. Your R8 performance wise is very close to the Z and it all depends if bragging rights are that important to you compared to the overall picture. The vette will never have the high prestige status of the R8 because it looks so close to the $60K run of the mill stingray.
As a final note, have you driven an AMG-GTS? The interior really rivals the best out there and the performance is really close to the Z. Within a tenth for 1/4 mile of a 7 speed and and a couple of tenths of A8 based on mags. Not saying that it's as quick but past 120mph, the GTS will start catching the Z due to aero. It also does not have the heating or engine issues the Z seems to have.
It is about $40K more but it looks like you can afford it. Personally my new ride will be a daily driver, the GTS is calling my name and I am awaiting on the base car as I will get it tuned to make my choice. Maybe I just made your choice a bit more difficult and I apologize.
Please post pic of whatever car you end up getting

taxdr1965

Funny I almost bought an S6, I think the guy who said the German cars are more buttoned down and smooth where the vette might be more raw. Guess it depends on what u like. I had a 35th Anniversay vette back in 1988 or so. Car had so many problems, left a bad taste in my mouth for years. I realize they are totally different cars now.

05dsom

:agree: x1000...that car is really beautiful inside

taxdr1965

My r8