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I’m in a dilemma, of my own making, and would appreciate some owner input. Hoping for a broad response I’ve posted this query in the C6/Z06, C6/ZR1, and C7/Z06 Threads.
At 68 years of age, I’ve decided to replace my wonderful 06 Z06 with either a C6 Z06/Z07 (2011?), a 2012-2013 ZR1, or a C7 Z06. To my mind, each of these vehicles represents the finest Corvette engineering for that particular model run, and taken in total, I believe these three models represent the best Corvettes made; at least for the masses. My problem? I’ve done all the quarter mile, roundy-round, and HPDE I want to do, and I’ve now concluded for my last Corvette I’m searching for that superb “driver” that provides both an emotional and performance solution to my search. Clearly, any of the cars I’m considering have the necessary performance DNA built in, but which one?
We know the C7 Z06 and the C6 ZR1 are so close in real-world capabilities that the performance winner depends upon a myriad of factors that seldom present themselves in normal driving experiences. Question: any owners feel an emotional tug when you drive these two beasts? My guess, probably not, but I’d be interested in your responses. And ear-to-ear grins don’t count!
We also know newer is generally better and yes, the C7 Z06 is no-doubt Corvette’s pinnacle model, but why then do we still lust for the C2 67 427/435? Is it just an old guy thing? To me, if the 67 427/435 doesn’t represent the marque, then nothing epitomizes Corvette except … maybe … the C6 Z06, in Z07 trim. To my thinking, these two models are everything you need to know about Corvettes. No disrespect meant nor saying ZR1s and C7 Z06s aren’t super cars … they are.
But my question to you … which performance Corvette tugs at your emotional strings, and why?
While I loved the 2 C6 Z's that I owned they simply do not compare in any way to my C7Z. Imo i do not feel that a newer C6 will really feel that diferent to you (even if you went with a ZR1).... while there were certainly improvements in the later years of the run, its still essentially the same car. If you can financially swing it i would vote C7Z 100%
I'm 73, no longer interested in anything but sanely running errands on the street and taking fun weekend trips on scenic roads. I've had a C7Z manual for more than a year and think it is head and shoulders better for that purpose than any Corvette I've owned or driven. If you can afford it, get a 3LZ and combine the very pinnacle of Corvette comfort and luxury (a term that really only applies to the C7) with outstanding performance.
At WOT a C6Z is an entertaining car. But if you're driving, cruising back roads, and taking road trips, the C7 is a completely different and better car.
I say this, however, never having owned a magnetic ride C6. The MR is only one component of what makes the C7 better, but it could be a lot of it.
The interior is better, the driving dynamics are better, the ride is SO much better for comfort in Tour, there's just really no comparison. The exhaust note on a C7Z, particularly in the convertible, cannot be achieved in the C6 (without exotic exhaust materials).
If you want to race, a C6 can be modified to be as fast as a C7. But the C6 will never be the car the C7 is.
Proof? I had my 2007 for 8 years, in which I put on 5000 miles. I put that much on my C7 in the first 8 months, simply because I drive it every sunny day. I didn't drive the C6 unless I was ready for some performance motoring, because that's where it excelled, just not as a driver.
And before some Chicken Little dissuades you with overheating nonsense, remember they're fine unless it's hot lapped at 85F with the AC on by a skilled driver with the automatic trans. Turn the AC off if you must do that, or upshift yourself, you'll be fine.
I’m in a dilemma, of my own making, and would appreciate some owner input. Hoping for a broad response I’ve posted this query in the C6/Z06, C6/ZR1, and C7/Z06 Threads.
At 68 years of age, I’ve decided to replace my wonderful 06 Z06 with either a C6 Z06/Z07 (2011?), a 2012-2013 ZR1, or a C7 Z06. To my mind, each of these vehicles represents the finest Corvette engineering for that particular model run, and taken in total, I believe these three models represent the best Corvettes made; at least for the masses. My problem? I’ve done all the quarter mile, roundy-round, and HPDE I want to do, and I’ve now concluded for my last Corvette I’m searching for that superb “driver” that provides both an emotional and performance solution to my search. Clearly, any of the cars I’m considering have the necessary performance DNA built in, but which one?
We know the C7 Z06 and the C6 ZR1 are so close in real-world capabilities that the performance winner depends upon a myriad of factors that seldom present themselves in normal driving experiences. Question: any owners feel an emotional tug when you drive these two beasts? My guess, probably not, but I’d be interested in your responses. And ear-to-ear grins don’t count!
We also know newer is generally better and yes, the C7 Z06 is no-doubt Corvette’s pinnacle model, but why then do we still lust for the C2 67 427/435? Is it just an old guy thing? To me, if the 67 427/435 doesn’t represent the marque, then nothing epitomizes Corvette except … maybe … the C6 Z06, in Z07 trim. To my thinking, these two models are everything you need to know about Corvettes. No disrespect meant nor saying ZR1s and C7 Z06s aren’t super cars … they are.
But my question to you … which performance Corvette tugs at your emotional strings, and why?
Thanks, Jeff / cruzr6
You are definitely part of the Corvette family and your descriptions of the cars you mention are right on. I can only say that for me the magic Numbers "427" have been tugging at me for a long, long time. But if you want all the "bells and whistles" The C7 Z06 is the car for you. From what Ive seen you need a pilot's license to understand everything it can do . good luck in your Quest
I'm 73. Last January I traded my beautiful silver C6 Grand Sport in on a new Z06/Z07 because I wanted a Z06 for the track, I wanted it now, and I wanted to be one of the first owners. A Corvette Club friend of mine did the same thing, same reasons. Our joint opinion is, do it now, you can't take it with you, and if we croak tomorrow we can always say "We did it!"
You really need to find a way to test drive a Z06, and if that's not possible a C7 Z51 and then make up your mind. I've owned a C5 and driven the C7. It's a way better ride and quality car. GM answered the previous versions criticisms. I'd imagine that the supercharged Z06 would remind you a lot of the big block C2 and you'd be pleased. Havent seen a thread where a C6 Z06 owner regretted the switch to a C7 Z06 yet.
The C7 Z06 is simply on a different level than any previous car. I have 11k miles on mine now and it's the most amazing car I've ever owned. Performance wise if you need more power you are lying. It's improved over the C6 is almost every single way (the seat heater sux).
I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend the C7. I drove 50k miles in a 2009 Z06, 50k miles in my 2005 C6 couple and 50k miles in my 2000 C5. Get the C7.
I've owned a 2008 Z06 and now own a 2016 Z06. The C7 Z06 is by far a better car IMHO. I love the low end torque and the handling. You won't be disappointed with the new C7 Z06.
Any opportunity to keep what you have an add a C7 Z? I think the styling of the C7 is outstanding and the performance is the best yet. Thinking since you indicate you love the C6 keep it, trade back and forth and you can always sell the C6 in the future.
I think the poster ahead of me who has had a number of the cars you ask about is right on.
The C7 is simply different. C5 and C6s not so much.
I had an 05 Vert with magnetic ride 6spd and loved it. I had a 14 2LZ coupe and loved it. I traded BOTH of them in in a hot second when I got my allocation for my 15 Z Vert. I haven't looked back. Overall, to me , there is no comparison. If you don't plan on tracking,etc, go with the stage 1 and go with the upgraded interior. You won't regret it.
BTW, as another point of reference, I was very scared to trade my C6Z in on it, since as I had it only had 5K and I had babied and looked after it. In the days leading up to and after I was actually having "trader's remorse" on the old car.
The only downside to any C7 is the switch to electric steering IMHO. There just isn't any steering feel thru the wheel and you can't feel the slip angles in the tires, meaning it's harder to tell you've approached the limits in a corner. The upside is the steering is much more precise.
I have not sat in a C6 Z06 buy I have had people who own one ask to sit in mine and the usual response is, "Oh my, they finally fixed the interior." You need to sit in both. That experience alone should give you the answer. I am 66. I drove my '16 Z06 home to Oregon after taking delivery in Bowling Green. I also took my '14 Stingray on a 7000 mile road trip. I am the only driver in my household. Was never uncomfortable and even after doing 900 miles in one shot, I did not feel tired at all. Actually went and did tourist stuff. Besides the C7 Z06 is beautiful-with an attitude. Need I say more?
I've been wrestling with that question for months now. I sold my 08Z when I got married in 2013. Now I have the itch for another vette. I am down to three choices you mentioned. Although, I pretty much ruled out the Zr1. I track the car 12 times a year and if I'm going to put a supercharged vette on the track it might as well be the new z06.
Only things holding me back are 1)the fact I can get a c6z with CCB for half the cost of a well optioned C7z and 2) some overheating issues. If I wasn't tracking the car I'd be in a C7z hands down.
02-17-2016, 05:38 PM
Your thoughts on my dilemma -- a short read
