Posting in this group rather than Z06 as my take isn't what most others typically write and I'm sort of recommending against the move to a Z if you're in a similar situation to me.

After a bit over 4 years, I replaced my 2022 Stingray HTC with a 2024 Z06/Z07 HTC. I used to daily an NSX which I sold after my 2nd child was born. Once my 2nd child was driving, I decided to try to find the closest thing to a modern day NSX which was the stingray. Shortly after, we learned what the Z06 was all about and I've been lusting after the LT6 ever since. My C8 is essentially a daily driver other than in winter.

While I don't regret the upgrade, there are a few observations I wanted to share.

First is that apart from the absolutely glorious sound, to reach performance levels beyond those of the stingray, you essentially have to be breaking numerous laws. I am also frequently unable to break those laws even if I wanted because I live in an area with way too much traffic on the roads unless it's after midnight when I'm asleep. So I sit in traffic for an hour to and from work every day while getting 12-14mpg.

I don't have any issues DD with the suspension on our potholed crappy roads but I see myself dropping 500-600/month in gas. I never really cared about gas costs or mileage but mathematically, it now makes more sense to buy another car to daily and i'd probably come out ahead.

I don't regret the purchase, but it was a 70K upgrade (I bought used with 1700 miles on it - 170K MSRP vs 89K for my SR) and amazing as it is, in no way is the Z06 $70K better. Not including $8500 in sales tax.

I may track the car, but I have a Miata for that because the tracks here have almost no run off and I'd prefer not to risk an expensive car.

I have seen many say the Stingray and E-Ray are better as a daily driver and now I understand why. Regardless, I wanted this sound and will enjoy it for a while. Maybe I will move to a GSX at some point, but for now, I'm content.

 

It is good that you have been able to sort out what makes sense for you when it comes to a DD.
I think this is a good example of why there isn’t just one “best” C8 for everyone. People have different needs and wants, we are lucky to have all the various models and options to choose from.

 

I agree with this.

I traded a ‘26 SR for a ‘26 Z06. Could’ve saved some $ if I’d have bought it first but at the time they were on Stop Sale and I was impatient so I settled.

I’m crazy about the Z but in no sense is it a DD for me. A lot of guys do it and that’s great but it’s a good idea to make sure that’s a good fit for one’s particular situation. Truth be told I’m not sure any true performance sports car are the best choice for a DD.

 

Thanks for your review. You make some good points on the differences.

 

Makes sense to me, especially when you consider the power bands of the two motors. For DD, mostly under 5k RPM, I’d think the SR would even feel better.

 

At 3000, the Z is giving up 120 ft. lbs. of torque to the SR. Once the new 6.7 liter comes out, that spread is going to be even bigger.

The SR may very well SMOKE the Z up to 100MPH or so. The Z only "feels" faster due to uber short gearing. Meanwhile, that SR just keeps rolling along...ahead.

 

I've owned both and would be miserable daily driving a Z. Part of me prefers the smoother, more refined engine/exhaust note of the SR. At lower RPMs or neighborhood cruising speeds, the Z sounds a bit rougher like a jet ski or 4-cyl Civic w/ loud aftermarket exhaust. But it's also like a racecar (the C8.R) that shakes the interior in an emotionally intoxicating way. I can see the novelty of that wearing off if driven daily. Sensory overload done too frequently can train your mind to be numb to or irritated by it. Same happened when I daily drove a Celica GT-S that revved to 7800rpm with a super lightweight flywheel or supercharged BRZ with a super stiff, tight friction zone racing clutch. They got so jarring to drive that I became desensitized to their charm. But if I were to drive one of them again one time I bet I'd fall back in love.

As for the torque difference, I'm satisfied with the tradeoff for the FPC sound. If I compare both as weekend cars: Once I got used to the SR's healthy low end torque, it started to feel clinical like my brother's Tesla. Whereas conjuring the LT6's dramatic racecar noises from a stab of sustained throttle never fails to make me giddy.

Daily driving the Z06 would be like eating the same Michelin star ramen every day. It's an explosion of flavor but the saltiness would eventually overwhelm the novelty it once had. Whereas the SR is more palatable for daily use. A daily dose will tickle your senses just enough without beating them to death.

 

Glad you're happy with the car.
New or used...Stingray or Z06 (or E-Ray, XR1, etc) we are all pretty lucky to have what we have.
Sometimes I think we lose sight of that.

But it I were you,instead of paying $600 a month for fuel, I'd shop around to lease a new or late model Corrola! The commute may not be as much fun, but even after the lease payment, you'd probably still come out ahead and save a lot of wear and tear on the Corvette

 

The Z feels faster because it is faster. It has considerably more horsepower than the Stingray.

 

I would love to own a Z, that engine is pure racecar.
But: An additional 40K upfront, higher insurance cost, a new set of tires right away, wheels and everything else costs more.

I'm sticking with my Stingray because it is the only thing I can afford.

 

Only above 5,500 rpm.
I think that may be part of the issue that some buyers experience, needing to keep the car above 5,500 to feel that extra hp increase.
Below 5,500 and down to 2,000 rpm, the SR makes more low end torque.
Others have made similar comments.
I can understand what the OP is talking about on all points.
The Z is a nice car but it isn't the perfect fit for everyone.
Like the OP, I wouldn't buy one for pretty much all of his reasons, particularly fuel usage because I like to rack up the miles.
I'd do a GS/GSX for my type of driving.

 

Very valid points the op lists, I guess that the old saying applies here "The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the hill"

 

In this age of sports cars it is pretty phenomenal to have a choice of engines and different models that we all can choose from. Both the 6.2 and 5.5 are incredible motors. Now GM is giving us a 6.7. What an amazing time we are all living in.

 

Thank you for your prospective. I have also been contemplating upgrading to a new Z06 from my 2023 Stingray. I wanted to purchase the Z06 originally but the wait times and double cost changed my mind originally. The wide body and Ferrari-like engine still grab my attention, but the low torque, fuel mileage, and higher insurance make me realize the Stingray is the more sensible choice. The police presence where I drive is also a huge concern and having an engine that makes glorious horsepower at high revs would be a serious problem for me. No way would I be happy going through this huge change and not be able to enjoy the engine. I am older and won’t be tracking an expensive vehicle any longer. I look at the Grand Sport as a wannabe Z06 and the electric variants are a hard no. Sometimes the best decision is staring at you in your own garage.

 

Track the Miata!

All it takes is one mistake which I did years ago in my C5 Z06 - and I had just paid it off. My takeaway was to have a dedicated track-car for the track, no streeters.

 

I owned a ‘21 Stingray HTC for about a year and a half when the Z06 was introduced, and I’ll admit I was extremely envious of it. The wide-body styling, flat-plane-crank V8, 8,600-rpm redline, and absolutely glorious exhaust note had me convinced I wanted to replace my Stingray with a Z06.

Fortunately, the initial scarcity of the car and the dealer markups forced me to slow down and do some research. About six months after the Z06 hit the streets, I began to realize it might not be the right car for me. The lower torque output at low rpm compared to the Stingray raised a red flag. Since the car would be driven 100% on the street, and knowing that I’m a torque junkie, I started to question whether I would enjoy the Z06 enough to justify the significant increase in price.

The final nail in the coffin was a post on this forum from an owner who traded his Stingray for a Z06 and then went back to a Stingray. His reasoning was simple: to really enjoy the Z06, he found himself driving well above the speed limit on a regular basis. That resonated with me. For street driving, the Stingray’s abundant low-end torque is available almost all the time, while much of what makes the Z06 special lives in the upper reaches of the tachometer.

 

I could risk a traffic ticket if that was all that was at stake, but to push near the limits of the SR on any of the fun roads near me I would be risking death due to dogs, deer, traffic, and potential road conditions. The Z06 is a dream car, but to justify it I would need to track it.

 

Your points are well taken, at least by me. I've raced at Bonneville for 30-years and find I have no reason for a 200+ mph car on the streets. I left high school 60-years ago and have long left such games far, far behind. Thank you for your opinion piece.

 

and this is why I’m getting the “wannabe z06” grand sport, because I wanna be enjoying every drive in a torque monster wide body without spending a fortune.

 

I would agree with many of the previous comments. While the Z06 is a great car, it's just the not right fit for me and how I use my current Stingray. Mainly because, my wife and I do more touring and actively seek out twisty (sports car) roads. The additional NVH that the Z06 has would get old on longer drives.
While nobody including myself buys a Corvette for fuel mileage, the reduced fuel range in the Z06 is a factor on longer trips. On average the Stingray gets about an additional 100 miles per tank, which allows for more flexibility regarding fuel stops when travelling in remote areas.