It is safe to say that we all applaud GM for taking the C7 to the next level with the current generation ZR1. This is the king of the hill at the current time. What I have a tough time with is the fact that at current Z06 pricing it is possible to buy 95% of the performance of the ZR1 for approximately half the cost with a new Z06. Does anyone else see this as a logical comparison? I understand that thee ZR1 bitch slaps many of the much more expensive snob mobiles and can be considered somewhat of a bargain at that point by some enthusiast.

There is no question that the ZR1 is the top of the performance pecking order. I just never felt compelled to get one with the C8 on the horizon. I felt the same way with the C6 generation. I kept my C6 Z, then bought the C7 Z. I will do the same when the higher performance variant of the mid engine comes out.
I agree that the relative performance of the current Z06 and ZR1 are close enough that it's hard to justify the price difference. Putting more power into this platform just seems to be a recipe for even more traction problems.

Yep, at a certain point increased performance begins to hit a wall in terms of bang for the buck. The Z06 maintains good bang for the buck over a Stingray or Grand Sport. 15k more gets you into a Z06 with nearly 200 more hp and torque. A ZR1 costs 30-40k over a Z06 and you get only around 100hp and 60-70 torque increase. Hurts the bang for the buck.

Don't get me wrong a ZR1 vs the European competition is still a good value, its just not as good as a Z06.

New Z06s have been purchased for around 70 grand in the last 12 months while The ZR1 is going to run you around 140K.

70k for a new car with 650 horse and the Vette pedigree is insane!

You hit the nail on the head. I looked at the ZR1. Then looked at what I can get with a Z06. Then looked at what I can get with a Z06 and a few very simple, very inexpensive mods, which would get it to near ZR1 power levels. That coupled with my dislike for the ZR1 wheels and front bumper design (I hate the wheels and front bumper on the ZR1 - but that is just my personal taste), and it was an easy decision for me. 2019 Z was ordered a couple of weeks ago. No offense meant to any ZR1 owner's, the numbers just didnt work for me.

Tough time? How can you have a tough time with it if you don't own either one? Your correct though.You can get an *** kicking Z06 for 80 grand but why stop there. My buddy just picked up a 2LZ vert Z06 with 2000 miles on it for 62k. 99.5% of the performance of a 2019 Z.

I have owned a 2016 Corvette so I am very familiar with them if it really matters that much to you.

I have owned a 2016 Z06 and am very familiar with them if it means that much to you.

double post

How does it hurt the bang for buck?

The ZR1 makes all of it's 755hp in 100 degree heat. GM wasn't going to make the same mistake twice like they did with the Z06.

The Z06 on a hot day is lucky to make 550rwhp. Meaning on a cool day, the ZR1 probably makes even more power.

You're also forgetting about warranty. Obviously you save money buying a z06 and modifying it. You're also forgetting how expensive the engine itself is. Someone said 20k just for an LT4 crate engine? So you save money buying the z06 which is good because you'll need that saved money to pay for an engine if god forbid you blow up your modified z06.

There's a reason why the ZR1 costs that much, because it has been made to perfection (aside from the A8 ) with a full warranty that's supercar fast. You don't even need to modify it to make it faster. It's pretty much perfect the way it is. You have supercar looks and supercar performance for a fraction of the cost.

I'm sorry but the Z06 isn't a supercar. And neither is the ZR1 but it's close. The car itself warrants the price.

I would upgrade but i'm waiting on the C8. If it turns out to be a dud, you damn right i'm upgrading to a ZR1.

Point being, G.M. gives us so many options with the corvette almost anyone can get what they want or can afford giving us an "easy time" picking what's right for you.

Exactly what then defines "super car" status. Holy crap, a Z06 does 0-60 in 3 seconds and traps over 130 MPH with insane cornering. How much better does it need to be?

Because the corvette is a mass produced car, with multiple models/trims, plastic exterior and interior pieces, a flawed auto (hopefully the DCT in the C8 will at least bring that level of status up) and most importantly, it's a CHEVY. Because if you classify a car as a supercar given the 0-60 and trap speed, then the hellcat is a supercar too.

All of that is the perfect recipe for it NOT to be a supercar lol

Sorry to break the news but that's what it is. Now if you wanna believe it is, that's great. Just don't mention it to owners of REAL supercars, because your feelings will get hurt quick and bad.

-wiki

There is just no question that Z06 is better bang for the buck, perhaps GS even more so. The math is very simple straightforward as stated by others. Arguing it is a bit perplexing. Now if you have quite a bit of disposable income, and want the best possible (acknowledging diminishing returns), by all means, more power to you! I do it all the time by going tot steakhouses more expensive than I should, or by going with vendors that I know charge a bit more but provide less headache; I just can't do it to the extend of buying a ZR1, but won't shun those who can : ) That said, stating ZR1 is more bang for the buck is a bit laughable; please don't!