When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I would never chose a GS over a Z06. Yes the car performs well and looks amazing. So does the Z06 and you get an additional 185hp!!! The drivability of the Z06 is identical to that of any other corvette when taking a leisurely drive but when you stomp on that throttle it's truly a surreal amount of power. For an extra few grand I can't think of any reason to get a grand sport over a Z06.
All of the you tube comparison videos have a common thread : That the rear of the Z06 can go sideways very easily and that there is no warning when it does.
So that would be one difference between the Z06 and GS : Driveability
It's kind of a silly question, similar to stripes on a GS or not. It all comes down to personal choice, finances, etc. The nice thing is that the choice now exists (thanks GM!) for those that do have to make decisions like this. The unfortunate thing I think is that not all buyers know they have some choices before they make those decisions.
It's great that you are in that financial situation but not everybody is. I'm looking at placing a GS order this week and it's 77k for a 2LT GS vs. 85k for a 1LZ Z06 (similarly optioned). So it's $8k + all the 2LT features except HUD to get the engine. And that doesn't factor in the smaller discount on Z06s and the substantial increase in insurance here in MA[1]. Since the GS is a bit of a reach anyway for me it's a no brainer to get the GS and not a Z06.
[1] 51 year old male totally clean driving record, insurance on a GS is $1800/yr with 500 deductable, $1300/yr with $1000 deductable. Z06 is several hundred more. Insurance in MA is insane.
WOW!! your insurance is high. I live in MA (Cape Cod) own a 2016 Z51 convertible, 3LT, A8.....under $850/yr (Gieco)
For the vast majority, price IS the answer. Comparably equipped the split is almost $15k. Just like with previous generations, sure you could get a no option Z06 for the same price of a loaded GS, but most are not willing to make these trade offs in equipment for the extra HP.
I was in a similar situation to where I could've easily got a GS CE or a Z06 once I did the routine price check. And while a lot of things came standard if I chose to upgrade, doing so AND getting the added configurations/features from the vehicle forced me to reassess the situation. "Will the additional features warrant the extra cost ON TOP OF what I already increased my budget for?" "Am I willing to sacrifice option 'x' to get feature 'y'?"
That's where the difference lies with everyone. If you want the extra HP, HUD, etc., it would already be configured in your budget and is not an issue. Some things are never considered until you look at the final price after any configuration or add-ons that you were targeting to begin with.
Last edited by Judgment Day; Mar 1, 2017 at 02:50 PM.
I am surprised at the desirability of the Grand Sport. Other than the body work it is the same car as the Stingray. Most if not all of the bodywork is not to my liking.
X2
It's a poser to the ZO6, with the Wicker Bill spoiler to me.
All of the you tube comparison videos have a common thread : That the rear of the Z06 can go sideways very easily and that there is no warning when it does.
So that would be one difference between the Z06 and GS : Driveability
And this is the only reason I chose the GS over the Z06. Driveability...
I'm not an expert driver, nor a novice. There are times, in a dig, wishing I had 185 more HP. There are times cresting an apex glad I didn't have the instant on 185hp...
The ZR1 isn't available yet so that argument is a future one!
I don't hate the GS...it is just a car after all...I'm trying to understand the buyers mindset that after reviewing both the Z06 and GS would decide to get the GS.
When I bought my Z06, I wasn't considering any other Vette model.
Now if the ZR1 was around....I'd have that in my driveway.
In several of the online and print media road tests the drivers say the GS is the better track car. I just sold my 2002 ZO6. I plan to keep my 2017 GS for about as many years. For me money was not an issue. I had more than enough in my mad money account to buy a ZO6 but I chose not to because I am sure I do not want to deal with a 15 year old supercharged engine 15 years from now.
Last edited by jclarksnakes; Mar 1, 2017 at 03:56 PM.
I wanted a Z06 minus the supercharger. that's what I got with the Grand sport. Also wanted the 3LT package with my corvette. a 3LZ Z06 would've been outside of my price range. but even if it wasn't, I personally wanted my engine to be NA, so I'm not bothered by the power difference. It's just a personal preference.
Last edited by Reason222; Mar 1, 2017 at 04:00 PM.
I could've easily bought an in-stock Z06 for what my 3LT GS/Z07 Convertible cost, however like the previous comments I prefer the drivability of the LT1 considering I'll be driving it about 7 months of the year, but i also wanted the increased handling over the stingray. The most "track" it will see is an autocross where that horsepower is negligible, anything more serious would require a roll bar.
It was roughly a +/- $10k MSRP split either way for the stingray or the Z06 in my case. In stock deals need not apply since I ordered R8C.
I'm not sure why so many threads turn into opinions about why what the individual poster would choose should be what everyone else chooses. We've purchased both a '15 Z51 and a '17 GS. Both great cars. In fact, I believe that all C7s are great cars. M7, A8, base, Z51, GS, Z06, colors, stripes, etc. - buyers should get what they want and we should be much more open to different choices and respect what others purchase for the reasons they choose.
The comments about the GS 'being a poser Z06', 'getting bored with it after a short period of time', 'why not get the extra hp', 'I'd never get a GS because it's the same as a Stingray with a few changes', etc. are all fine for the individual that feels that way, but I can assure you that the GS is a much different machine with performance and visual enhancements that fit a niche that is certainly showing popularity.
I'm happy to help other owners enjoy their C7, no matter what model, options, color, etc. They're all great cars!
And for those who just can't quite see why the GS is so popular:
I read those articles.
What stuck with me were not the accolades given to the GS but rather it is like the underachieving child that earned an A being given more attention than the Valedictorian sibling with a straight 4.0 GPA.
For all the GS is, the Z06 is every bit and better so why all of the printed articles on a middle of the road trim level?
I am not trying to be an ***, knock the car or those that buy it...I'm perplexed why car magazines are heralding it as the best Vette when clearly GM didn't make the GS better than the Z06. To even suggest it considering so many of its parts are taken from the Z06 would be comical.
For all the GS is, the Z06 is every bit and better so why all of the printed articles on a middle of the road trim level?
This is your opinion, based on your logic, in what you want in a car. And you're certainly right in your opinion for you.
[/QUOTE]I'm perplexed why car magazines are heralding it as the best Vette when clearly GM didn't make the GS better than the Z06. To even suggest it considering so many of its parts are taken from the Z06 would be comical.[/QUOTE]
Again, your opinion to which you're entitled. However, for many of us who could have easily purchased either the GS or Z06, we chose the GS as a better car for ourselves - extra hp on this car is actually a negative for me on this particular car. And I tend to be a hp junkie. Crewed in Winston Cup. Campaigned drag cars in SS/D and M/P. Have purchased several new cars and modified the heck out them to well over 800 hp. I (and others) don't feel the Z06 is a better car for us. For me to suggest that a GS is a better C7 than any other C7 configuration for any one but myself would be very short sighted. I'm glad you like the Z better, and hope you enjoy the heck out of it!
I had a C6 GS and loved the look, still do. But almost everything on a GS as far as upkeep (tires, brakes, etc) was exponentially more expensive than a base care and since mine are daily drivers I have to figure in maintenance as part of the cost. This time around I went with a C7 Z51 which still has a bit more expense with upkeep but not to the extent of the GS (which I again love the look of).
I'm sure we each have our own reasons for buying a Grand Sport (on order.) Wanting a new C7, it was my "only logical choice!"
Why?
First it's a great value, IMO. A 2LT with $2995 Carbon Flash Painted Carbon Fiber Aeo Package, $1495 Machines Face Aluminum Wheels, etc for ~$68,000 includes all taxes and fees- Not bad! Note our current max sales tax on cars in SC is $300, about to be raised by end year!
Another reason is I have felt my 2014 Z51 tires look a bit anemic! Same width as my prior C6 Z51! My street rod chuckles when pull it in the garage next to it! Still won't match the equivalent of 420 section width tires it has! At a lighter weight and with it's 8.2 Liter BB will also beat it's 0 to 60 time-but how often do I do that!?
460 hp is enough for what I need in a DD and I prefer a naturally aspirated engine! But that's just me.
Street rod chassis during construction. 420 section width tires set in modified frame
Finished TCI chassis same colors as car. 8.2 Liter BB set back for 53% weight on rear.
I read those articles.
What stuck with me were not the accolades given to the GS but rather it is like the underachieving child that earned an A being given more attention than the Valedictorian sibling with a straight 4.0 GPA....
I am not trying to be an ***, knock the car or those that buy it...I'm perplexed why car magazines are heralding it as the best Vette when clearly GM didn't make the GS better...
I read the articles and have a different interpretation: the GS is better balanced. If you equate higher HP as always better, you're ignorant on the value of balance...
Last edited by Steve Garrett; Mar 1, 2017 at 10:38 PM.
Reason: Deleted name calling.
Still won't match the equivalent of 420 section width tires it has! At a lighter weight and with it's 8.2 Liter BB will also beat it's 0 to 60 time-but how often do I do that!?
