Mikels3gs

Hey guys, I’m currently in the market for z06 however I’ve come across a couple nice stingrays around the same price I’m looking for. Now I can’t quiet decide whether to buy a 06-09 z06 or a 14-15 stingray. Any help? Suggestions?
Performance matters.

Anthony F

Welcome to the forum. If performance matters then get the Z06. If you want more creature comforts and a better interior get the Stingray.

Vetteman Jack

I'm going to move this to the C7 General section as many there have come from C6 ownership and can share their thoughts.

4thC4at60

I came from a C6 and a CTS-V Cadillac to my C7 --- C7 hands down!

patentcad

I came out of a 2007 C6 coupe (LT3, M6, non-Z51) and traded it on my current 2017 C7 coupe (LT 2, M7, Z51) The older generation Z06 may have a slight performance edge, but the C7 is SO much more sophisticated in every respect. Relative Nurburgrung lap times: C7 Z51: 7:33, C6 Z06/Z07 pkge: 7:22. So yes the C6/Z06 is somewhat faster. But 11 seconds over a 7.5 minute course is not a huge gap, and the driving experience of the C7 is FAR superior to my old C6, not even close. Better ride, handling, WAY better interior, looks, etc. Just better in too many ways to list here.

I think if you get to drive the two cars you'll buy a C7.

Zjoe6

Performance, C6 Z06. All other, C7. If you could scrape up a few more grand, the C7 Grand Sport would be awesome.

GARYFINN

I have owned 4 C6's and just took possession of my New C7 on Jan. 31st.The C7 undoubtedly a better car in EVERY aspect.If you get a C7 make sure it has the Z51 option.

dvilin

A 10 year old Z06 versus a 5 year old C7 easy decision C7.

Zjoe6

It was for me. Even though I tend to side more with performance than interior, the C6 interior is outdated compared to the C7. Exterior as well. But the C6 Z was a very well setup performance package. The LS7 was a beast.

Range_Rat

My thinking is that the C7 base wins hands down over the C6 Z06 on a direct head to head comparison of almost any aspect that you would care to look at. Electronics, suspension, interior quality and features, ride comfort and dash layout, fit and finish, appearance --- there is just no comparison to be made --- all are taken by the C7 base.

If it is power that you want to focus on, it is worth noting that mild mods can be easily be made to a C7 base will quickly transform that car into a monster. The base engine in a C7 is that good --- 100 hp is there for the taking with no problems or concerns regarding valve guide alignment or with block wall thickness between cylinder walls or anything else. The C7 base is an excellent platform to begin with and it just gets better from there as you move to Z51, GS, and so on.

sTz

I’m not sure the performance difference of the C6 Z06 vs. C7 is that noteworthy. While there are other measurables, the C6 Z06, with its 7.0 liter LS7, runs 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds while the C7 Stingray is purportedly 3.7...

I don’t think you’ll being missing that much performance by going with the C7, which is by far the better overall car. The C6 ZR1 is a difference story with regards to “overall” performance advantages, but not the Z06 IMO.

Edit: The C6 Z06 is still a great platfrom, but the C7 is so much more refined.

DebRedZR1

Two completely different cars. LS7s are known to have engine issues (valve drop) , C6 technology interior handling are inferior to the C7. C67 will outrun the C7 base. Are you looking for performance or style?

2FastCorvette4U

I was a huge C6Z fan and I loved mine for the years I had it but when I test drove my C7 Stingray, it was impossible for me to deny the massive improvements of the interior and technology compared to my C6Z. The performance between the two honestly is nothing. The C7 is just so balanced from power to build quality. Drive both but the C7 to me is the clear choice.

speed4tu

I haven't ever had a C6Z, but have a C7 Z51. If I were in your situation I'd check them both out and deciede from there. IMO the C6Z is far better looking bodystyle than the c7 on the outside. Interior the C7 is the clear winner.

v.vet's Z06

Base C7 - no. I owned a 2008 C6Z. It took a 2019 Grand Sport to pry me out of that LS7 beast. My C6Z was a wonderful performance Corvette. That was yesterday. I love my new Grand Sport!

Billy346

I bought my C7 in 2017. I too was considering a C6 Z06 as an alternative. I drove both but ended up going with the C7. For me, the only real selling point of the C6 Z06 was the LS7. It's a beast of an engine and just has tons of torque. I never really liked the looks of the C6 though, and when the C7 came out, it just looked dated. The C7 offered the total package. Sure, it is slightly down on power, but it looks better, has the LED dash display, and with the Z51 has the electronic limited slip diff. Finally, I just couldn't see spending $40-$45K on a 4-7 year old car when I could buy a new comparable car **with factory warranty** for $53K.

John01SS

I had a C6Z and traded it in for a C7 Grand Sport. Never would have considered trading for anything less than a GS.

The C6Z doesn’t have the creature comforts of the C7, but the LS7 is such a tremendous motor. Cubic inches and torque everywhere!

village idiot

I'd rather a C6Z06 than a Stingray. Stingrray (and I had one) kinda sucks on the performance side. Tires are too narrow, springs are too soft.

If it's a non-z51 Stingray it's a no brainer- C6Z06 all the way. I wouldn't even contemplate a non-z51 Stingray.

Oh Boy

So the thread is specifically about a C6ZO6 vs a C7 base and performance matters. Yet 3/4 of the replies are people that NEVER owned a Z car and are justifying their C7 over C6Z especially in the performance part when they never owned a Z car to compare. Then the even funnier thing is the guy who said a 11 second difference in the Ring is no big deal. Your joking right?

Billy346

He never said that he only wanted feedback from people who have owned both. I think most of the responses are in line with what he asked.

Most previous owners of C6 Z's who I have talked to say their "slower" C7 is the better car.