Palmer

Apologies if this debate has already achieved beaten dead horse status, but one of our CorvetteForum writers put together a fun op-ed this week about the C7 ZR1 and C8 Z06 that I thought some of you might like to read -- https://www.corvetteforum.com/articl...he-better-buy/ -- to be clear, this op-ed isn't pro or against either generation. They're both stunning in different ways...

But, in a world where market forces have pushed (or will soon push) the prices of these two future collector cars into a similar mid-six-figure space, is one of them a better buy?

Naturally, this remains more of a thought experiment because no one on this forum has experienced driving a Z06, but if you had to pick one, which one would you prefer to own short or long-term?

EvanZR1

The problem is that C7 ZR1 prices are overinflated by the crazy used car market right now. If they were priced where they were pre-covid price spike, the C7 ZR1 would be a great choice, but at the same price (or higher) than a new C8 Z06, I'd go C8 Z06. Of course, I've already got a C6 ZR1, so that helps with the choice as I have what I feel is one of the last great front-engine Corvettes with a manual transmission. I'm on the list for a C8 Z06, but honestly, if I were to look at alternatives, it wouldn't be a C7 ZR1, it would be some other (rear) mid-engine car, probably an exotic (Ferrari, Lambo, Mclaren, etc), and I'd be willing to look at older models to find a manual transmission (360 Modena, F430, Gallardo, 1st gen R8, etc). The attraction of the C8 Z06 is that it's a modern take on the Ferrari 458 idea, with a warranty and modern amenities made by a volume manufacturer (so designed for long term reliability and service).

international blue

vin 1608 2019 ZR1 Black/Red, 11 miles sold Jan 6 2022 Estimate $200,000.00 Sold $297,000.00

vin 0007 2019 ZR1 Orange Black 1174 miles sold Jan 6 2022 Sold $176,000.00

vin 1818 2019 ZR1 White Red 3520 miles sold July 8 2022 Sold $220,000.00

Last two prices I heard were up in the high twos... Good Buy? These are way higher than most Z06's....even C8 Z06's, but not 1963 Z06's....

And they are rare. 250 some convertibles. Thats it.

Is it a good buy at these prices? Time will tell.

MattMD

C7 ZR1 is a better buy to admire it, keep it in your garage and rarely drive it to preserve the value.
C8 Z06 is a better buy to drive it and put miles on it, they will just build way more of them and the model will be surpassed by future variants.

I don't know who is paying $250k for ZR1s but I think you can find higher mileage ones in the $150k range which is a pretty good deal. Even at that price I'd think new loaded Z06 is the better buy.

Zjoe6

Apples and oranges to me. One is a used car that only 3000 were made. The other a new car that will be made in much larger volume that no consumers have driven. If I had to chose probably the C8 Z just because I've been driving C7's for 4 years and would want a change of series. The C7 ZR1 is one badass vette for sure.

international blue

Biggest problem with the article and the "idea" is that the term "better buy" means a different thing to everyone.

A perfect ZR1 convertible "in the wrapper" may continue to appreciate but to keep it in the wrapper means it has no utility.

A Z06 bought for enjoyment can make some memories, and may be a really neat car to see the country in, as well as to sample the country's racetracks. What would that memory be worth to a person considering that its not transferrable?

-ZEEOHSIX-

I know this is going to be a really unpopular opinion on this page but, I didn't find the C7 ZR1 to be all that impressive for the cost. Sure, was great to modify in the aftermarket but, I'd rather have a 2019 C7 Z06 with a couple of small mods than that car. Hell, I'd take a C7 GS w/ a HCI setup over both. I'm just not a badge ***** and I think the ZR1 was a bit disappointing for what it was. To that end, I think the C8 Z06 is more of an impressive feat. Not only bringing a mid-engine architecture to the market from Corvette but, also a rather impressive flat plane crank V8 making some pretty good power. Now, this will also depend on how well it does on the track, however. If it can only match the C7 ZR1's times, I think I'd be a little disappointed but, not terribly so. I'd still pick the C8 Z06 if it were my money.

oaktreebc

I didn't read the article but that's a no, no, no for me. The only reason I'm interested in the C8 Z06 is the flat plane crank motor. I don't want any other Corvette, its that simple.

ArmchairArchitect

C7 ZR1 will always be collectible as the last and best manual transmission and front-mid-engine Corvette.

C8 Z06 will always be collectible as the last and best NA Corvette, with a FPC.

VetteVinnie

Yeah, I'm still kicking myself for selling my 2010 ZR1 at the beginning of last year. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20.

shiumai

If they were the same price I'd pick the C8 Z06. I prefer the looks, mid-engine, and FPC engine. Similar reasons why the C8 is my first Corvette and the C7 wasn't.

AustinVetter

If the C7 ZR1 was under $100K then *maybe* its a better buy for someone? Even then I would still rather spend another $20K for a mid engine 8600 rpm, 670 hp screamer...

DaveFerrari458

Both are amazing IMO. The C7 ZR1 is an Epic Super Car that is already a collectible and should keep going up in value. I am very interested to see where their values might be heading to in 10-15 years, especially the manuals. The C8 Z06 might be a collectible as well. It all depends on how many GM produces.

SouthernSon

Can't imagine the C8 FPC satisfying the senses any more than the rumble of the 755hp crossplane crank of the ZR1. The sound is iconic Chevy V8. The ZR1 exhaust opens up with the roar of a hundred Lions when floored and the horses plant you solidly into the back of the seat. Until I can drive a C8 Z06 I'll have to say I am completely content to turn heads and scoot on down the highway in my ZR1. The BAW is pure elegance in execution. To make a choice between the two demands both be driven and tested.

blackvetterzo6

tell me about it , we both missed that ship

range96

If I had to pick one, ZR1. However, shooting for both! Long term ZR1, short term Z06.

c5arlen

Seldom dose one last beyond 95 years... How much time do you have before that majestic stop driving age? How many hours is that? Which one is the Better Buy?... Who gives a ****, you are old and.... you should Not! be smokin the tires at your age... Will you even remember how?😊

GOLD72

Sold my 2011 ZR1 a year ago last August at 55k miles but still have the 2019 Z06 vert!!