2006 versus 2008
 

I have looked at a lot of cars and near the finish line. I am curious which car I'd be better off with in the long run?

A 2006 Convertible with 15,000 miles. It has the 3LT package, Z51 package, and Navigation.

Or

A 2008 Convertible with same miles it has 3LT, no Nav, no Z51, but does have LS3 engine & other 08 improvements.

The 08 with less options is a few thousand dollars more than the 06 with more options.

I have driven both cars & they are in excellent condition.

Pros & Cons of one versus other I'm not sure.

Thanks Anne

General rule is to get the newest Vette you can afford. The navi looks good in the dash and that's about the extent of its goodness. I wouldn't lose any sleep over giving up the OEM Nav. The Z51 is nice but the 08 had a lot of updates.
I'd go with the '08

Go with the 08 you will be so much happier.

08 LS3 introduced, Tremec TR6060 transmission, new steering system, NPP exhaust, improved interior on all models, All leather interior added (4LT, 3LZ)


I would say it depends on which car you like better and what the difference in price is. I could have bought newer as well but I wanted all the options and the Z51 package and wanted to stay under $30K for a local car I would not be driving all that much so the year was not important. I put 600 miles in two months on mine.,(Motorcycle weather)

I think you should jump on the blue one you were looking at at $33K with 8K and all the options. That was a great deal. I would have stepped up $3500 for that car over mine in a heartbeat.

Good morning Anne,
Your search is soon coming to an end. You have learned a great deal through this experience. I bought a 2006 3LT vert last August with 22,8xx miles. A 2008 will give you 430 HP vs 400 for the 2006. There are a few other improvements also for 2008. How much is 30 HP worth to you? Not much to me. You didn't say how much more the 2008 is. As it's two years newer it is worth more. I was unwilling to pay the difference to go to the 2008 and I have not regretted that decision. Would I rather have a 2008, of course, but I was, and am, unwilling to pay the premium for the 2008. In summary, the 2006 is a great car and will provide a wonderful experience for you. Best regards, Ray

The 08 with less options is a few thousand dollars more than the 06 with more options.

Thanks Anne

I had a similar issue when I was looking, I bought an 08 and am very happy.:cheers:

True...BUT: it is more than what you can afford, it is what you want to pay...BUT (once again)...when you sit in the cars does one of them just feel better than the other? Or, more accurately, does one of them make you feel better?
Sure, the '08 has quite a few updates but, everything being equal, they are each as reliable as the other.
Go with your gut...they are both fine cars. :thumbs:

This really depends on what you value. HP is nice but I would go with more options for less money. The C6 base at any age is under powered and outdated compared to the newer C7s, Z06, 427 and the upcoming hellcat. I don't think there is a point to chasing HP unless you are going to track it, race around town or are willing pay a ton of money to MOD the engine.

Having the LS2 with 400+ HP is more then I will ever use so there is no need for a heavy duty transmissions/differential etc.... There was no way I was going without HUD, heated seats, upgraded stereo, Mem seats but I was not going to pay more than I wanted to get them.

It's comes down to what is important to you. A low mileage 05-07 is not so much older than an 08 to really make much of a difference and the exterior is the same from 05 to 13.

:iagree:
I paid more for my '09 than I would have paid for the '07 that I was considering. I hated parting with the extra money, but after driving both, the '09 felt like it should be my car. The car really spoke to me, especially when I used the remote switch for the dual mode exhaust. I am 60 years old and I feel like I am 25 when I drive it in the "LOUD" mode :woohoo:

I've driven many of both examples - the differences in the driving experience is very minimal. To me a non Z51 car would be a non-starter, and manual trans would also be on my must-have list. Beyond that I do prefer the 3LT package especially for the heated seats and HUD, but I could probably live without those options if I found the right car otherwise. If trying to stay within a certain budget, I would pick the lower miles Z51/3LT equipped LS2 car over a 2008. In fact, I recently did just that and picked up a very nice garage queen 21K mile 06 in one of my favorite colors. To me it wasn't worth paying on the order of $4K more for the equivalent equipped '08 with more miles - at least based on the cars I was finding at the time. To me it really comes down to the specific car - condition, history, miles, color, equipment and price more than which year it is within the base C6 models.

You will probably be buying the best car you have ever had either way. Pick the car with the color and options that suit you best. You cannot lose and will not be disappointed no matter what you choose.

I have an LS2 and I love it, but for a few grand more I'd go with the LS3. Higher resale and more power.

To me all it sounds like is everybody is just trying to justify their purchase. The slop that was called a steering system in the 05-07 and was taken care of in the 08 and ups would be enough for me to buy a 08 ( among the vast amount of other improvements )
New for 2008

All-new LS3 6.2L V-8 engine for Coupe and Convertible:
430 hp (321 kW)*
424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)*
436 hp / 428 lb.-ft. (325 kW / 580 Nm)* with new, optional dual-mode exhaust system
High-flow cylinder heads
Enhanced valvetrain
High-flow intake manifold
Larger-bore block with structural enhancements
Improved manual transmission shift effort
Quicker shift times on paddle-shift six-speed automatic
2.73 performance axle ratio available with six-speed paddle shift; included with Z51 package
Improved steering feel
Standard split-spoke cast aluminum wheel design for Coupe and Convertible (Competition Gray finish optional)
Available polished forged aluminum wheel design
New Keyless Access remote key fob with integrated key
Interior trim enhancements for all models, including wrapped center trim plate with Cyber pattern and new, brushed aluminum accents
Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package available for all models in exclusive, new Linen and Sienna colors
New sill plates
iPod/MP3 jack included on all sound systems except navigation
OnStar and XM Satellite Radio standard on all models
Auto-dimming mirrors with compass standard on all models
Two new premium exterior colors: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat
Model Lineup



2008 CORVETTE: ICONIC SPORTS CAR RECEIVES LARGER, MORE POWERFUL LS3 6.2L V-8 AND HOST OF DRIVING, INTERIOR REFINEMENTS

Get comfortable. There's so much new and exciting with the 2008 Corvette that you'll want to grab a hot drink, sidle up to your computer screen and absorb all the details.

The changes involve everything from an all-new, larger and more powerful V-8 engine to refinements in driving characteristics that solidify the Corvette's position as the preeminent American sports car – and further the argument that it is one of the world's best. There are also a host of exterior and interior refinements that raise the Corvette's luxury status and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.

“Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners with impeccable performance and great comfort,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvette reflect continual improvements that speak to Chevrolet's unflagging commitment to building the best sports car – and with nearly 55 years of experience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better.”

Also back again for '08 is the 505-horsepower Corvette Z06, an American super car that has won over enthusiasts, journalists and racers around the world for its balance of racetrack-bred performance, daily-driving civility and value.

Here's a look at the new and enhanced features for '08 Corvette models:

Engine – A new, 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in Coupe and Convertible models. It is rated at 430 horsepower (321kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (586 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system; with the new, optional two-mode exhaust system, power ratings increase to 436 horses / 325 kW and 428 lb.-ft. / 592 Nm. As a result, the standard Corvette is true supercar, capable of 190 mph. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds.

This new iteration of the storied small-block family features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block – 4.06-inch / 103.25 mm vs. the previous 6.0L's 4.00-inch / 101.62 mm bores – high-flow, LS7/L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; revised camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; high-flow fuel injectors from the Z06's LS7 engine; and a new engine beauty cover.

The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. In addition to its larger bores, which help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement, the block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads that enhance its strength and improved bay to bay breathing. But while the bore of the 6.2L engine is increased when compared with the previous 6.0L engine, the engine's stroke remains at 3.62 inches (92 mm). The pistons for the larger 6.2L engine also are new and are designed for its high-rpm performance capability.

Breathing for the new 6.2L engine is accomplished via new, high-flow cylinder heads. They're based on the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L92 engines, with larger-capacity, straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for better flow.

Complementing the larger-port design of the heads are commensurately sized valves. The intake valve size alone increases from 2.00 inches (50.8 mm) to 2.16 inches (55 mm) – an increase of nearly 9 percent. The intake valves feature lightweight hollow stems, which enable the engine's 6,600-rpm capability. The exhaust valves also are large, measuring 1.60 inches (40.4 mm) in diameter.

To accommodate the engine's large valves and enable more direct intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valve tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, with intake-side lobes providing more than a 5-percent percent in increase in lift, from 0.521-inch to 0.551-inch (13.25 mm to 14 mm). Exhaust-valve lift remains unchanged from the LS2. The camshaft timing was revised to optimize performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile.

Ensuring the cylinder heads receive all the air they can handles falls to a new, acoustically tuned intake manifold. The composite design is manufactured with a “lost core” process that improves runner to runner variation and reduces airflow losses. An acoustic foam material is used to reduce radiated engine noise; it is sandwiched between the outer top of the manifold and an additional “skull cap” acoustic shell. Also new beauty covers atop the engine shield the rocker covers and also feature a noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refined engine sound.

Exhaust system – Optional on '08 Coupe and Convertible models is a new, two-mode performance exhaust system. Similar in design and function to the system used on the Z06, the dual-mode exhaust uses vacuum-actuated outlet valves, which control engine noise during low-load operation, but open for maximum performance during high-load operation. It is not identical to the Z06 system; the Coupe/Convertible uses a 2.5-inch-diameter exhaust, while the Z06 uses a three-inch system.
With the new, dual-mode performance exhaust, power output for Coupe/Convertible rises from 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm) to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm). This system gives the Corvette a more aggressive exhaust sound character that will appeal to performance enthusiasts.

Transmissions and axle ratios – The shifting efforts for both the six-speed manual transmission and paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmissions have been improved in '08 Corvette models. The manual transmission shifting improvements include a more positive and direct feel during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location.

The six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission on Coupe and Convertible is improved with new hardware and a new controller calibration that deliver quicker shifts. This change bolsters the feeling of performance and driver control when using the shifting paddles.

Also new for '08 models is the availability of the 2.73 performance axle ratio with the automatic transmission. It is included with the Z51 package.

Steering system – The Corvette's precise rack-and-pinion steering system is revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system's internal components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes.

Wheels – Corvette Coupe and Convertible models come with a new split-spoke wheel design for '08. The design was introduced on the limited-edition '07 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replicas with a Sterling Silver finish. The standard 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels feature a Sparkle Silver finish, with a Competition Gray version optional.

Also new is a distinctive, performance-oriented forged aluminum wheel for Coupe and Convertible. It comes in a polished finish.

Exterior colors – There are two new premium exterior colors available with 2008 Corvette models: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat; they replace Le Mans Blue Metallic and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat.



Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package – Available on Coupe, Convertible and Z06 models, the new Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package offers a stylish, two-tone leather-appointed cabin with details that enhance the feeling of Corvette's craftsmanship. Details include:

Two-tone, leather-wrapped upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats
Choice of new, exclusive colors: Linen or Sienna, with unique color breakup
Padded door panel armrests
“Corvette” embroidered on passenger-side dash pad
Embroidered crossed flags logo on headrests
Unique center trim plate with Bias pattern.


Interior enhancements – All models feature a new wrapped instrument panel center trim plate, with bright surrounds for the shifter and cupholder. There are also new metal-finish door sill plates that greet passengers as they step into the vehicle, as well as a new lighted control knob for the available Magnetic Selective Ride Control.
Feature changes and enhancements – All Corvette models now come standard with features that were previously optional or part of equipment packages. They include:

OnStar with available Turn-By-Turn Navigation
XM Satellite Radio
Auto-dimming rearview mirrors (with compass)
Audio input jack on all radio systems except navigation; Personal Audio Link is available as a dealer-installed item with the navigation system.
The '08 Corvettes also come with a new Keyless Access fob, which features the key and remote-function controls integrated in a single unit.

Corvette design and interior details
Dramatic fender forms and exposed headlamps combine with the grille to create a strong visual identity for the Corvette, while the tapered rear deck and fascia improve high-speed performance. The lean rear design sports round taillamps and center-exit exhaust. The fixed Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps provide superior lighting performance. With a 0.286 coefficient of drag, the Coupe models are the most aerodynamic Corvettes ever.

The 2008 Corvette Convertible features a power-operated soft top with the 3LT package; an easy-to-operate manual top is standard. Both configurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car's excellent aerodynamics and reduces road noise.

Corvette's interior is inspired by the car's dual-cockpit heritage. High-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver premium quality meant to enhance performance driving. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim that looks like a leather-wrapped, padded panel. It is warm and inviting and has double the life of conventional trim materials.

An AM/FM/XM radio with CD player and audio input jack is standard. An optional Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer adds to the choices available to the audiophile owner. Steering-wheel mounted audio controls – introduced in '07 – are included with the Bose premium system.

A full-function OnStar system is standard and an onboard navigation system with voice recognition is available. Using a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touch-screen display, the DVD-based system contains all the map data for the 48 contiguous states and most of Canada on one disc.

Driving dynamics

Corvette Coupe and Convertible have a hydroformed steel rail backbone structure, which features cored composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure. Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and steering gear have all been redesigned. New Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) take advantage of the latest sidewall design and compound technology for run-flat capabilities.

Three suspension choices allow drivers to choose the setup that best suits their driving style. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and precise handling. Corvette is now more poised at even higher handling levels, yet easier to drive.

The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. Cross-dilled brake rotors are included when this feature is selected, allowing customers to combine the larger brakes from the Z51 performance package with the comfort of Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

The Z51 Performance Package brings Coupe and Convertible performance very close to the widely admired previous generation Z06. The Z51 offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT tires, enhanced cooling and larger cross-drilled brake rotors (13.4 inches / 340 mm in front and 13 inches / 330 mm in rear) for optimum track performance while still providing a comfortable ride.

With each suspension, three standard dynamic chassis control systems – anti-lock braking, traction control and Active Handling – operate in concert. In all, the dynamic chassis control systems are smarter, less intrusive and more adept at making the total driving experience precisely what drivers have come to expect from their Corvette.

The 08 does have 3LT
 

08 has 3LT , polished chrome, Bose, not a stripped car by any means.

Odds are you'll be happy with either one - if you're going to leave it stock, just get the one you like more - it could be the color, the engine, etc.

[QUOTE=red2012;1587428141]To me all it sounds like is everybody is just trying to justify their purchase. The slop that was called a steering system in the 05-07 and was taken care of in the 08 and ups would be enough for me to buy a 08 ( among the vast amount of other improvements )
New for 2008

Really? Your GM advertised list of improvements amounts to HP and Tracking which is again by today's standards "old news". I test drove every year and model for sale including Z06s/GS. I saw no substantial difference other than the Z06 power and wide body.

If you can buy an 08 with miles and options that were equal to an 05 to 07 for the same price, I would say buy the 08 but depending on budget, the 05-07s are a great value.

Anne, I have a '07 with the Nav. I will say don't let that option sway your decision, it's not the best unit in the industry and quite difficult to master. The Z51 package is a sports suspension, and probably wouldn't make a big difference to you unless you plan on some serious spirited driving. If it were my choice, and the dollars are there I would go with the '08. Ultimately it sounds like there is no wrong decision with either car. So, if one makes you smile a little more than the other, that's the one to get. Sounds as if you have found two nice Vettes, and I suggest you try not to over-think the choice. Can't wait to hear which one you pick.

:iagree:
I have an 06 with Nav and 3LT.

I'm seriously thinking about replacing the Nav unit with an aftermarket one so I get a better user interface and built in bluetooth.

Mine doesn't have the Z51 package and I doubt I'll ever out drive the base suspension.

Given your choice, unless the Z51 is a must have for you, I'd go with the newer 08.

[QUOTE=1rusty1;1587428544]I agree - driven many of the narrow bodied C6's from almost all years and did not notice much difference. If the 08+ steering is improved, it doesn't make much of a difference to me, and it's simply nothing like the BMW's that I also drive.