C6 Z06 or C7 Z51
 

OK Guys looking for a little insight here.... On a whim I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life by selling my 2009 C6 Z06 last spring. It's a long story about a father's love for his daughter and it did not end pretty (for me)....

In any case I have got to get back into the Corvette game here and I am wrestling between getting another late year C6 Z06 or should I jump up to a C7?

I figured many of you here on the C7 side drove C6 Z06's previously and can give me some real-world experience and advice.

C7 Z51 hands down no question about it. My 2014 Z51 coupe feels just as capable or more so than my 2008 ZO6. C7 is an awesome car!!!

Well if you are into the whole DI coking problem I'd say go for the C6 Z06.

What is the price of the C6 and is it new? If not how many miles?

Was in the same boat, love the 427 and cost of a late model Z06 compared to the C7. The performance of the Z is what kept pulling me in that direction, but the body style of the C7 won me over! Yes I can say it I have my flame suit on, was just blown away how much better the C7 looked especially after I sold my C6. With that said if I owned a C6 Zo6 my decision would have been to keep the Z06. (FYI I'm a driver not a cruiser). If you are going to track your corvette often then I would go with the Z06 C6.

I don't think you'd go wrong with either choice. Obviously the C6 Z would be a cheaper cost with plenty of performance on tap, but the C7 would be the newest technology with a totally new look. Tough decision to make.

427 in the C7, problem solved.

The C6 z06 is a better platform IMO, also better engine. But the C7 is just so sexy.

Time to move on so it would be the C7 for me. It is a way better platform than the C6.

i always love how the c6 looked and always been a fan of corvettes since i was young, however i never thought i would buy one...till the c7. The look alone won me over and it is seriously one the most amazing cars ever. c7=the american dream car

I had 3 Z06's. 01, 06, and 07. I now have a 16 Z51. I like it way better :thumbs:

Had a C6Z for seven years. Biggest difference is how much more stable my Z51C7 is at higher speeds than the twitchy Z.

I had a 06 Z06. Just got a 14 Z51. NO REGRETS!!! The C7 is so much better in almost every aspect! I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

I had an 07 Zo6 and then the 13 427 Convertible. Loved both cars. After owning the 427 Vert for about 18 months I decided to go test drive the 15 C7 Z51 automatic. I wanted to see how well the Paddles worked and how responsive it was. Well after being overwhelmed by the looks and the new technology I took it for a test drive and was convinced that I needed to make the jump. So I did and I have never looked back or regreted it even though I took a pretty good hit financially.

I had an '06 Z. I liked it a lot. The C7 Z51 is a significantly better sports car, however. The Z51's handling is a lot more refined and stable, and traction is much improved. In touring and sport modes, the ride is plenty comfortable. Put the car in track mode and the MAG ride makes the car feel buttoned down and all-business, it feels like a different car (reminds me of my old 997 GT3). The new car's chassis feels more rigid, too.

Power wise...truthfully, there's not a whole lot in it. What the C7 Z51 looses out to the C6Z in terms of all-out power, it makes up for in throttle response, low-mid range torque and its shorter gearing. The car is plenty fast. Steering...I don't love either car's steering feel, but the C7's rack is quicker/sharper. Shifter...similar, but the C7 is probably a little better (my '06Z had the older trans). Brakes...both are powerful and have a similar feel.

While no car is perfect, the C7 Z51's performance and handling will not disappoint.

For the difference in price, the C6Z is the better buy, but you can't go wrong with either choice. The one thing that struck me is the tighter cockpit of the C7 compared to my C6Z.

You should try one on for fit, before you get too involved the C7 is smaller inside.

Great feedback guys, I knew I could count on you. Sounds like I should look towards getting a C7 this time around. I don't track my cars but rather just have fun doing some aggressive driving around town. I have sat in some C7s and the cockpit has plenty of room for me. I was just curious if there was anyone who made the jump and then were disappointed due to the loss of power, etc... but there doesn't seem to be any regret out there.

The one thing I LOVED about my Z06 was that it did not have a removable roof and therefore it had no creaks or rattles. How is the C7's removable top? Have the GM engineers figured out how to make one that doesn't make noise?

There is apparently an 'official' fix for the creaky roof. Prior to that, I did the silicon grease (temporary), bushings and latch tightening. The latter two completely resolved the issue. Not a squeak now!

FWIW - I agree with the C7 move. Not a lateral move from the C6 Z06, but a bump up.

My 2016's top, which came with the new parts, is quiet. I've taken it out a couple of times too, still no problem. I do have some dash creaks, however. Due to the additional chassis flex when driving with the top removed, they become a little worse untill the top is put back. Overall it's a pretty solid interior, but any unwanted noises are always a pita.