Z06 Corvettes

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by Steven79

Not to start a war or anything, but can someone please explain to me why a Corvette?

For the price of a Z06, you have quite a few options. I know they are fassst, but to me, they lack in refinement, balance, interior quality, guzzle gas, bad service at local chevy dealerships, very common, etc..

lol, please don't yell at me.. i drive a boring ass VW and Dodge Ram so im certainly not here to bash Vettes or anything. And I have no problems with Domestic cars..


I plan of buying my first true sports car in about 3-4 more years and I never considered a Vette before, I'm a huge fan of the new Porsche 911 and BMW M5. Am I missing something?

Steven, check the latest 2 issues of Road & Track as only a START. The Corvette excels in both fuel economy (for a sports car) AND amazing drivability, both day-to-day and on the track!
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=6939
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=6947
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=6878

[moby33]

Originally Posted by Steven79

Not to start a war or anything, but can someone please explain to me why a Corvette?

For the price of a Z06, you have quite a few options. I know they are fassst, but to me, they lack in refinement, balance, interior quality, guzzle gas, bad service at local chevy dealerships, very common, etc..

lol, please don't yell at me.. i drive a boring ass VW and Dodge Ram so im certainly not here to bash Vettes or anything. And I have no problems with Domestic cars..


I plan of buying my first true sports car in about 3-4 more years and I never considered a Vette before, I'm a huge fan of the new Porsche 911 and BMW M5. Am I missing something?

Yikes, I don't even know where to begin w/ this. If you want to critique an American $80K+ 'supercar' for lack of refinement, unbalanced, interior quality & a gas guzzler, you shouldn't be talking about the new Z06, but instead direct that at the Viper (and I'm an ex Viper & Vette owner...so I believe I can speak to both).

If you want more 'unbiased' opinions, pick up any Motor Trend, Automobile, R&T, ect. mag from the last few years and you'll see they mention time & again how the C6 Vette (and Z06) address all these issues and how it comes out on top...all while delivering the most bang for your buck.

And now the new ZR1 (which is essentially a C6 Z06 w/ a supercharger, tweaked chassis/suspension & some more carbon fiber pieces) just set a new production-car record at Germany's famed Nurburgring road coarse completing it in 7:26.4. Yes, that beats EVERYTHING including the Nissan GTR, M-B SLR McLaren and Bugatti Veyron, not to mention every Porsche & Ferrari to every attack that historic track. How's that for 'Common'???

Sorry Steven, the C6 Vette is doing almost everything correct these days and I would say most of your critique points are forged in Vettes made 15-20 years ago...yet all too often I find people are stuck in those years and not willing to give the new Vette a look. It's unfortunate IMO, because these are great cars. I'll give it to you that they are pretty common, but the same can be said for any 911 or M5. Here in SoCal I run across all three types of cars on a daily basis...if you think buying a 911 or M5 will get you out of the 'common' territory associated w/ Vette ownership, I think you'll only be foolin' yourself. Cheers.

[Flash Gordon]

When heavy discounts are offered like the Corvette, you will take a BIG Hit also when it's time for you sell/trade it. I was considering it almost a year ago but I dropped the idea when heavy discounts started to appear late last year. I ended up getting a loaded Cayman S. If you don't mind the huge depreciation or worse, no takers when you're ready to sell it, then buy the Corvette at the end of the year. I would suggest to consider another make. A nice "P" would cost more and more to maintain, but you don't take a big hit later. My 2 cents.

[Kevinm]

Bustelo - the GTRs that went early went in the 99K range. Dealers are marking these cars way up! Take a look in th Dupont registry!

As a side note, Corvette continue to win it's class in the ALMS!

[ratmotortom]

Originally Posted by Flash Gordon

When heavy discounts are offered like the Corvette, you will take a BIG Hit also when it's time for you sell/trade it. I was considering it almost a year ago but I dropped the idea when heavy discounts started to appear late last year. I ended up getting a loaded Cayman S. If you don't mind the huge depreciation or worse, no takers when you're ready to sell it, then buy the Corvette at the end of the year. I would suggest to consider another make. A nice "P" would cost more and more to maintain, but you don't take a big hit later. My 2 cents.

I don't think you'll find an American car that holds a better resale than the Corvette. As far as takers for used ones.................... I sell about 200 pre owned Corvettes a year. Believe me, there are takers. JMO and I'm a die hard Corvette fan who has owned and sold Corvettes for over 20 years, so keep that in mind !!

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by Flash Gordon

When heavy discounts are offered like the Corvette, you will take a BIG Hit also when it's time for you sell/trade it. I was considering it almost a year ago but I dropped the idea when heavy discounts started to appear late last year. I ended up getting a loaded Cayman S. If you don't mind the huge depreciation or worse, no takers when you're ready to sell it, then buy the Corvette at the end of the year. I would suggest to consider another make. A nice "P" would cost more and more to maintain, but you don't take a big hit later. My 2 cents.

You either like 'em or you don't.

[buz-lh]

I'm glad Bubba cleared up that P car thing. I was afraid he was driving a Peugeot.

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by buz-lh

I'm glad Bubba cleared up that P car thing. I was afraid he was driving a Peugeot.

.

Hey, after 20 foreign Beers called Bud; how does this forum work again. Geez, double posts that go downhill three times as fast. If you look below I quoted myself without posting. Maybe I should run for president.

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

Hey, I once had a 505 sti. So take that you dawg fan. Sic 'em.

.

[Steven79]

Hmmm very interesting points everyone! Thanks for the information, I will certainly check out the links and give the Vette consideration when Im "mature enough to own one of these amazing machines.

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by buz-lh

I'm glad Bubba cleared up that P car thing. I was afraid he was driving a Peugeot.

See and I was thinking AMC Pacer.

[ratmotortom]

Originally Posted by Steven79

Hmmm very interesting points everyone! Thanks for the information, I will certainly check out the links and give the Vette consideration when Im "mature enough to own one of these amazing machines.

Let me know when you are ready !!

[tphan]

Yep...~$50K and C6 Z06 can be in your garage...

While the 2006 Porsche Cayman S still cost the same.

Seen a Cayman S destroyed a C6 Vette on George Bush Tollway...go figure.

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by ratmotortom

Let me know when you are ready !!

I'll be letting you know when I'm ready, although I haven't decided on a new one or a 1965 327/365 (dad has his '64 he bought new).

A rant: The C6 should be the C5. It's all messed up - here's my reasoning -
C1: 1953-1962 Several different body styles, but the same basic chassis.
C2: 1963-1982 Again, exact same chassis, you could even change body parts, so calling the 1968-1982 a C3 is incorrect
C3: 1984 (1983)-1996
C4: 1997-2004
C5: 2005-Present

I can't tell you how annoying I find it that they have made this decision to break-up the Sting Ray/Stingray series when they did no differentiation for others. If they decided to break up the 1963-1982 series because of significant change of body, then it should be

C1: 1953-1955
C2: 1956-1957
C3: 1958-1960
C4: 1961-1962
C5: 1963-1967
C6: 1968-1982
C7: 1984-1996
C8: 1997-2004
C9: 2005-Present

[moby33]

Originally Posted by tphan

Seen a Cayman S destroyed a C6 Vette on George Bush Tollway...go figure.

"Destroyed"??? While it would be close (if both really wanted to play), the only way a Cayman S "destroyed" a C6 would be to driver error (or lack of interest) - not because of the machine.

[ratmotortom]

Originally Posted by DSJ

I'll be letting you know when I'm ready, although I haven't decided on a new one or a 1965 327/365 (dad has his '64 he bought new).

A rant: The C6 should be the C5. It's all messed up - here's my reasoning -
C1: 1953-1962 Several different body styles, but the same basic chassis.
C2: 1963-1982 Again, exact same chassis, you could even change body parts, so calling the 1968-1982 a C3 is incorrect
C3: 1984 (1983)-1996
C4: 1997-2004
C5: 2005-Present

Good points all around. I see your point as well as GM's. I might break the 53 to 55 cars apart from the 56 to 62's. I'd have to break the 67 from the 68 just because of the radical new style. I don't think you'll find any body parts from a 63 to 67 that will interchange with 68 to 82. Chassis parts, yes.

I'd agree with your pick of the 65 365 HP car. I owned one for 15 years and it was a great machine. For driving, a new Corvette is hard to beat. For just plain pleasure of ownership, it's hard to beat the classics !!

Corvettes are kind of like women................ They are all cool, just some cooler than others !!

[GMTII Owner]

The Corvette plant is located in Bowling Green, KY. Word is if you buy one, you can get a free tour of the facility, if interested.

John

[ratmotortom]

Originally Posted by GMTII Owner

The Corvette plant is located in Bowling Green, KY. Word is if you buy one, you can get a free tour of the facility, if interested.

John

Almost true.................... Plant tours are now 5 bucks. I believe 9:00 and 1:00 daily. Very worthwhile. Done it a dozen times.

[betrezra]

I had an 01 Z06. It was an amazing value.
12sec Quarter Miles times (bone stock)...some enthusiasts got these cars down to high 11's bone stock with practice.!!!
Good mileage..... 30mpg @ the speed limit.
And low cost.... you can get an 01 z06 for 25K +/-.

A few things that bothered me about the 01 z.... windows would lock up.... dealer told me to slam the door as a fix. And guess what.... it worked ;) LOL. Traction control light would go on then off... for no reason. And it used some oil.... the 01's had the oil useage issue. (got worked out later).
Oh yeah.. the rear trunk area leaked water when you washed it.... seems the body seems were not glued together properly..... I never bothered to fix it.... I just washed it quickly :)


Dash had a few odd fitment issues..... but I didn't care too much as I only paid 30K for it used in 03 ;)..... and did I mention it was FAST and handled and braked awesome.

Regarding GM service...... I'd say it's on par with Merc Benz here in Houston. I've had scratched rims, greasy interiors, and overlooked repairs at the benz place..... and none of that at GM. Of course the GM service dept didn't have the snazzy jazz muzac, the poca-robone wearing sales people, and the big-boobied hostesss :)

P-car - Took a test drive in a 996 turbo....and it was changed my view of dreamcar :)...... I will have a turbo. I've been patiently watching the 996 turbo drop from mid 70's to low 50's over the past 2 years....... hoping to find the one-owner 996 turbo with no over-rev codes and low mileage for $48K next spring :)..... now that's a car (IMHO).

New Z06 would walk all over it..... but I can't get that 996 turbo out of my mind..... (sort of like the first time you ever kissed a girl)... :)

[Kevinm]

The 2001 Z06 bone stock was a 13.1 1/4 mile car 4.8 0-60 same as a base Carrera.

[rpryan55]

Originally Posted by Kevinm

The 2001 Z06 bone stock was a 13.1 1/4 mile car 4.8 0-60 same as a base Carrera.

...but nowhere near as elegant, cool and graceful in the corners......

[betrezra]

Kev - maybe in the wrong hands.

You can't go by car-driver mag times.

It's this guy.... here's a vid of his stock 02 z running 11's...... I don't think a stock carrera will come close. Too heavy, not enough tq. :)..... now the turbo version should break 12's :)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...2&q=z06+ranger AT 1200' altitude to boot :)....

I'll post up the vid of the 01 z when I find it. Granted this guy is a maestro with a 6spd Z. I could only muster a high 12 in my 01.

[Some Pair]

We have quite a few Vettes in our Corvette/GM challenge crew. We run at the local Strip (tho under a massive redo thru Oct. this year). But the cars run different depending on whose hand they're in. Some will leave the TCS(traction control system) on to "drive it" out of the hole then stand on it, while just speedshifting the gears. 12.90-13.1's with the '01 385 HP version.
Same car with an aftermarket shifter and a pair of DR's (Drag Radials) on the stock rims, and Power rowin' thru gears wil get these into the 12.55-12.70 range more or less stock.

The 405 HP 2002 and up model versions will pick up about 1.5 tenths. Either way they like to be launched at 3-4 grand for the better time. Not much higher an RPM or breakage begins due to the sticky DOT, DR tires out back. (Btw, stock factory shifter setup doesn't like the 3rd to 4th powershift and can overshoot the gear and cause breakage/missed gear).
Now Z06 505 HP cars are just plain nuts for an inexperienced driver. Someone who has more or less grown up and into faster and faster rides, can finesse these things with Street Tires to 11's.
If someone hasn't had a car this bad ever, a class on how not to hurt yourself should be included for all as part of the purchase. But with the traction control on, you'll never get the feel of what it's all about.... Driving it like you hate it and clickin' off gears at the edge of reason. Car changing lanes with the pump of each gear!
Now to get an idea, Has anyone ever driven a '67-'69 427 L88 or L72 model with a stick shift? Hey, those babies came standard from the factory with 6", then 8" wide 775 x15 - G70 x 15 tires! Kickin' those to the limit was scary and not for the faint of heart, but oh the rush if you could hang on!
Anyway, tho clearly not as fast as this newer Z06 model & by many accounts best bang for the buck Sports car bar none (Z06), The point is to drive one of these is stunning when doing it in Old School fashion! Best times will occur with the TCS off and a sticky tire.
Good driver = 11.70-80 on street tires at over 120mph in the 1/4. 11.30-50 w/ DR tires & better exhaust.

Road course? Again they have one at our track. These things still kick butt. (Z06)

To sum it up, a Z06 Corvette may not be a Ferrari or Porsche to those discerning eyes. But it will SPANK YOU more often then not, and you'll have money left form the lower purchase price for another Classic. The ROLEX! or two...... Go Faster, albeit safely in a Z06!

[rpryan55]

Originally Posted by Some Pair

We have quite a few Vettes in our Corvette/GM challenge crew.....

To sum it up, a Z06 Corvette may not be a Ferrari or Porsche to those discerning eyes. But it will SPANK YOU more often then not, and you'll have money left form the lower purchase price for another Classic. The ROLEX! or two...... Go Faster, albeit safely in a Z06!

Well said.

[Some Pair]

Originally Posted by rpryan55

Well said.

Well received, and I thank you...... "
Go Faster, and wear your Rolex while doing so"

[Kevinm]

Take a look at this! Watch the entire video! Pretty amazing! The end of the video is side by side 3x!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb4xJRMrAwA

[explodingtaco]

Originally Posted by Kevinm

Take a look at this! Watch the entire video! Pretty amazing! The end of the video is side by side 3x!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb4xJRMrAwA

These guys didn't know how to drive a corvette, or maybe they just felt out of place in a leftside drive. Here is a look at a review of the same cars plus a viper and GT-R: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tnUlxANbWs

The Porsche still beat the vett on all of its numbers but not by as much as the previous video. I LOVE the porsche, it has to one of the best cars ever made, but as it is just a little faster/better at 3x the price . . . I'll stick with the vett.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by explodingtaco

These guys didn't know how to drive a corvette, or maybe they just felt out of place in a leftside drive. Here is a look at a review of the same cars plus a viper and GT-R: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tnUlxANbWs

The Porsche still beat the vett on all of its numbers but not by as much as the previous video. I LOVE the porsche, it has to one of the best cars ever made, but as it is just a little faster/better at 3x the price . . . I'll stick with the vett.

IMO that review was lame. The GT-R was slower & heavier than the others, the only one that took over 4s to reach 60, continuously kicked out the rear & drove it in the dirt and they even stated, "It's not what you'd call pretty, but it does generate a lot of attention..." WOW, rave review...I can see why it came in 1st Place??? I swear, 90% of these car reviews probably have so much 'behind closed doors' politics going on you have to take everything w/ a grain of salt.

I had to laugh, 'cause I think if you consider the whole package (which includes price), my order of finish would probably have been exactly opposite of C&Ds order. Oh well...I guess that shows why I don't write for the mag.

[barstoolman]

I've always been a 'Vette man myself (have had 6 of them including '90 ZR-1), but I recently purchased an '08 Shelby Gt500 for under sticker. 500hp, stick..........this car rocks and its in the mid 40's OTD. Drive one...you just might like it

[moby33]

Originally Posted by barstoolman

I've always been a 'Vette man myself (have had 6 of them including '90 ZR-1), but I recently purchased an '08 Shelby Gt500 for under sticker. 500hp, stick..........this car rocks and its in the mid 40's OTD. Drive one...you just might like it

I hear ya...I was originally a Mustang man as my first car at age 16 was a '65 coupe...which was followed by a '65 Fastback in college. Loved them both as they provided years of fun.

But, after I owned a few Vipers & Vettes, I just couldn't go back to Mustangs. But, the new GT500 has definitely gotten my attention...and the 500KR even more so. The idea of having that kind of performance at such a reasonable price AND being able to put a few more people in the back seat if need be has always been an attractive idea to me.

My only complaint - Why can't Ford drop an IRS in this amazing platform? Dodge and Chevy (Challenger & Camaro) have no problem putting one in w/o breaking the bank. I just can't get over why Ford makes such an amazing machine and then refuses to upgrade its rear end?