[Z06] Z06 9th out of 10 per MotorTrend Test
04-27-2007, 09:33 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
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Z06 9th out of 10 per MotorTrend Test
June, 2007 issue of MotorTrend.
Compares the handling of the following cars.
These cars are listed in their order of finish, per the "expert" testing of MotorTrend magazine:
1) Porsche 911 GTS - $115,700
2) Porsche Cayman S - $63,300
3) Lotus Exige - $65,100
4) Mitsubishi EVO IXMR - $37,424
5) Mini Cooper S JCWGP - $31,150
6) BMW 335i - $42,675
7) Honda S200 - $34,845
8) MazdaSpeed 3 - $24,550
9) Corvette Z06 - $70,000
10) Honda Civic Si - $21,885
MotorTrend describes the Z06 as: "the car's surplus of power and surfeit of rear grip overwork the stability control, the driver's nervers or both, on public roads. Combine that with imprecise steering and a chassis that easily upset on bumpy curves and pretty soon in a handling test, you're looking at a low ranking. Considering the rest of its impressive performance envelope, it's certainlya bargain supercar, but it turns out that handling isn't its longest suit."
I expected a better result then 9 out 10, but at least we can take solace in knowing that we won't be out-handled by a Honda Civic Si.
Compares the handling of the following cars.
These cars are listed in their order of finish, per the "expert" testing of MotorTrend magazine:
1) Porsche 911 GTS - $115,700
2) Porsche Cayman S - $63,300
3) Lotus Exige - $65,100
4) Mitsubishi EVO IXMR - $37,424
5) Mini Cooper S JCWGP - $31,150
6) BMW 335i - $42,675
7) Honda S200 - $34,845
8) MazdaSpeed 3 - $24,550
9) Corvette Z06 - $70,000
10) Honda Civic Si - $21,885
MotorTrend describes the Z06 as: "the car's surplus of power and surfeit of rear grip overwork the stability control, the driver's nervers or both, on public roads. Combine that with imprecise steering and a chassis that easily upset on bumpy curves and pretty soon in a handling test, you're looking at a low ranking. Considering the rest of its impressive performance envelope, it's certainlya bargain supercar, but it turns out that handling isn't its longest suit."
I expected a better result then 9 out 10, but at least we can take solace in knowing that we won't be out-handled by a Honda Civic Si.
04-27-2007, 09:41 AM
#2
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Their is only one word I can think of that will explain this IDOTS...
June, 2007 issue of MotorTrend.
Compares the handling of the following cars.
These cars are listed in their order of finish, per the "expert" testing of MotorTrend magazine:
1) Porsche 911 GTS - $115,700
2) Porsche Cayman S - $63,300
3) Lotus Exige - $65,100
4) Mitsubishi EVO IXMR - $37,424
5) Mini Cooper S JCWGP - $31,150
6) BMW 335i - $42,675
7) Honda S200 - $34,845
8) MazdaSpeed 3 - $24,550
9) Corvette Z06 - $70,000
10) Honda Civic Si - $21,885
MotorTrend describes the Z06 as: "the car's surplus of power and surfeit of rear grip overwork the stability control, the driver's nervers or both, on public roads. Combine that with imprecise steering and a chassis that easily upset on bumpy curves and pretty soon in a handling test, you're looking at a low ranking. Considering the rest of its impressive performance envelope, it's certainlya bargain supercar, but it turns out that handling isn't its longest suit."
I expected a better result then 9 out 10, but at least we can take solace in knowing that we won't be out-handled by a Honda Civic Si.
Compares the handling of the following cars.
These cars are listed in their order of finish, per the "expert" testing of MotorTrend magazine:
1) Porsche 911 GTS - $115,700
2) Porsche Cayman S - $63,300
3) Lotus Exige - $65,100
4) Mitsubishi EVO IXMR - $37,424
5) Mini Cooper S JCWGP - $31,150
6) BMW 335i - $42,675
7) Honda S200 - $34,845
8) MazdaSpeed 3 - $24,550
9) Corvette Z06 - $70,000
10) Honda Civic Si - $21,885
MotorTrend describes the Z06 as: "the car's surplus of power and surfeit of rear grip overwork the stability control, the driver's nervers or both, on public roads. Combine that with imprecise steering and a chassis that easily upset on bumpy curves and pretty soon in a handling test, you're looking at a low ranking. Considering the rest of its impressive performance envelope, it's certainlya bargain supercar, but it turns out that handling isn't its longest suit."
I expected a better result then 9 out 10, but at least we can take solace in knowing that we won't be out-handled by a Honda Civic Si.
04-27-2007, 10:06 AM
#4
Burning Brakes
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I have to agree, it' sucks that the best the Z06 could do against this competition was a 9th place finish.
Also, Chevrolet spent $$$$ on two (2) seperate advertisements with this rag. One on the back of the front cover, and the other specific to the Corvette inside. You'd think the tester/drivers could have gotten a better performance showing then this.
It makes you wonder if the Z06 provided was in execellent condition or some beaten up, high mileage test mule with worn out brakes, rotors, tires, etc.
Also, Chevrolet spent $$$$ on two (2) seperate advertisements with this rag. One on the back of the front cover, and the other specific to the Corvette inside. You'd think the tester/drivers could have gotten a better performance showing then this.
It makes you wonder if the Z06 provided was in execellent condition or some beaten up, high mileage test mule with worn out brakes, rotors, tires, etc.
Last edited by NOVAVETTE; 04-27-2007 at 10:10 AM.
04-27-2007, 10:10 AM
#6
Team Owner
June, 2007 issue of MotorTrend.
Compares the handling of the following cars.
These cars are listed in their order of finish, per the "expert" testing of MotorTrend magazine:
1) Porsche 911 GTS - $115,700
2) Porsche Cayman S - $63,300
3) Lotus Exige - $65,100
4) Mitsubishi EVO IXMR - $37,424
5) Mini Cooper S JCWGP - $31,150
6) BMW 335i - $42,675
7) Honda S200 - $34,845
8) MazdaSpeed 3 - $24,550
9) Corvette Z06 - $70,000
10) Honda Civic Si - $21,885
MotorTrend describes the Z06 as: "the car's surplus of power and surfeit of rear grip overwork the stability control, the driver's nervers or both, on public roads. Combine that with imprecise steering and a chassis that easily upset on bumpy curves and pretty soon in a handling test, you're looking at a low ranking. Considering the rest of its impressive performance envelope, it's certainlya bargain supercar, but it turns out that handling isn't its longest suit."
I expected a better result then 9 out 10, but at least we can take solace in knowing that we won't be out-handled by a Honda Civic Si.
Compares the handling of the following cars.
These cars are listed in their order of finish, per the "expert" testing of MotorTrend magazine:
1) Porsche 911 GTS - $115,700
2) Porsche Cayman S - $63,300
3) Lotus Exige - $65,100
4) Mitsubishi EVO IXMR - $37,424
5) Mini Cooper S JCWGP - $31,150
6) BMW 335i - $42,675
7) Honda S200 - $34,845
8) MazdaSpeed 3 - $24,550
9) Corvette Z06 - $70,000
10) Honda Civic Si - $21,885
MotorTrend describes the Z06 as: "the car's surplus of power and surfeit of rear grip overwork the stability control, the driver's nervers or both, on public roads. Combine that with imprecise steering and a chassis that easily upset on bumpy curves and pretty soon in a handling test, you're looking at a low ranking. Considering the rest of its impressive performance envelope, it's certainlya bargain supercar, but it turns out that handling isn't its longest suit."
I expected a better result then 9 out 10, but at least we can take solace in knowing that we won't be out-handled by a Honda Civic Si.
A Mazada 3 speed?
Honda S2000?
Who did this Stevie Wonder???
MT would not a decent toilet paper, much less an objective/informative article!!
If you cannot handle the beast then go back to freakin skate boards!!!
But don't knock the car because some bugger eating moron (bem) doesn't know how to drive!!!
04-27-2007, 10:18 AM
#7
Safety Car
So the only car on this list we are capable of beating is a $20k rice burner? Give me a freaking break. 
Some of these magazine reviews and comparisons are a complete joke.
Some of these magazine reviews and comparisons are a complete joke.
04-27-2007, 10:23 AM
#9
Safety Car
#'s 1-4 I can understand as the GT3 is one of the best handling cars there is (in terms of putting all of it's power to the ground), the cayman is almost better, just down on power, the evo's are great with AWD and the lotus's speak for themselves when it comes down to handling (mini coopers are great too and s2000's are awesome auto-x machines ). I think all of them would beat the vette on an Auto-x which is probably what they used to determine the results. I call b.s. on the bmw though, dont know much about the mazda.
I think tires are the biggest factor if anything though because the corvette's performance potential far exceeds the ability of it's tires to the point that handling does suffer. The same has been said with comparisons with the viper that the vettte is so hard to drive at the limit, and most of that is due to the 12inch wide rears on the viper which give better traction.
I think tires are the biggest factor if anything though because the corvette's performance potential far exceeds the ability of it's tires to the point that handling does suffer. The same has been said with comparisons with the viper that the vettte is so hard to drive at the limit, and most of that is due to the 12inch wide rears on the viper which give better traction.
04-27-2007, 11:07 AM
#10
Le Mans Master
04-27-2007, 11:10 AM
#11
Le Mans Master
I think tires are the biggest factor if anything though because the corvette's performance potential far exceeds the ability of it's tires to the point that handling does suffer. The same has been said with comparisons with the viper that the vettte is so hard to drive at the limit, and most of that is due to the 12inch wide rears on the viper which give better traction.
But a lot of these "tests" are done by seat of the pants comparisons. They are driving through a highway ramp at 50 in the MiniCooper and then driving the same ramp at 75 in the Vette and then they wonder why it seems scary and less confidence inspiring.
04-27-2007, 12:00 PM
#14
Safety Car
Your right by the measure of how the cars are tested, but what is the definition of handling???? I think you have to sacrifice hp for some handling characteristics which is why you wont find a car close to 500hp that will do well in this test. I think the GT3 did well because it has a tight turning radius and rear engine so the rear wheels gets lots of traction not to mention MUCH BETTER TIRES.
I think it's worse that the vette was even included in this test than the fact that it ranked so low. Smaller cars with less hp will handle better, and Auto-x is a better by-product of handling than road racing and the corvette is far from the best option for auto-x. So in that aspect this comparo makes sense, other than the fact that the vette is not in any of these cars class, other than the gt3, which does in fact handle better.
I think it's worse that the vette was even included in this test than the fact that it ranked so low. Smaller cars with less hp will handle better, and Auto-x is a better by-product of handling than road racing and the corvette is far from the best option for auto-x. So in that aspect this comparo makes sense, other than the fact that the vette is not in any of these cars class, other than the gt3, which does in fact handle better.
04-27-2007, 12:12 PM
#15
Burning Brakes
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You mean I could have saved 60k and bought a
Civic and had about the same handling?
I guess my decision is clear.................. cancel the Motor Trend sub
This test was
Civic and had about the same handling?
I guess my decision is clear.................. cancel the Motor Trend sub
This test was
04-27-2007, 12:21 PM
#17
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Z over the Speed
My everyday driver is a 2007 Mazdaspeed3. It's a great car...fun to drive. Good power, with substantial torque steer, and a good suspension. However, IMHO, my Z is far superior in its' handling characteristics. I know of several corners/roads that I'd never attempt in the Mazda with the speed that the Vette devours it.
04-27-2007, 12:23 PM
#18
I can't see how this is a fair test. The Z is by far the most powerful car on the list, and I could most definitely see how this would be a "what car I feel most secure in flying down a backroad" test, as opposed to a numbers or handling course test.
That being said, don't let some idiots ruffle your feathers. You have a good car. You know it. Be secure in that. If you want your car to have the same backroads planted feel then get new tires and a patch kit or maybe some struts. Part of this is the ridiculous power to weight, which, on the track, is a strong point.
Point: Don't let it bother you that much.
That being said, don't let some idiots ruffle your feathers. You have a good car. You know it. Be secure in that. If you want your car to have the same backroads planted feel then get new tires and a patch kit or maybe some struts. Part of this is the ridiculous power to weight, which, on the track, is a strong point.
Point: Don't let it bother you that much.
04-27-2007, 01:23 PM
#19
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June, 2007 issue of MotorTrend.
Compares the handling of the following cars.
These cars are listed in their order of finish, per the "expert" testing of MotorTrend magazine:
1) Porsche 911 GTS - $115,700
2) Porsche Cayman S - $63,300
3) Lotus Exige - $65,100
4) Mitsubishi EVO IXMR - $37,424
5) Mini Cooper S JCWGP - $31,150
6) BMW 335i - $42,675
7) Honda S200 - $34,845
8) MazdaSpeed 3 - $24,550
9) Corvette Z06 - $70,000
10) Honda Civic Si - $21,885
MotorTrend describes the Z06 as: "the car's surplus of power and surfeit of rear grip overwork the stability control, the driver's nervers or both, on public roads. Combine that with imprecise steering and a chassis that easily upset on bumpy curves and pretty soon in a handling test, you're looking at a low ranking. Considering the rest of its impressive performance envelope, it's certainlya bargain supercar, but it turns out that handling isn't its longest suit."
I expected a better result then 9 out 10, but at least we can take solace in knowing that we won't be out-handled by a Honda Civic Si.
Compares the handling of the following cars.
These cars are listed in their order of finish, per the "expert" testing of MotorTrend magazine:
1) Porsche 911 GTS - $115,700
2) Porsche Cayman S - $63,300
3) Lotus Exige - $65,100
4) Mitsubishi EVO IXMR - $37,424
5) Mini Cooper S JCWGP - $31,150
6) BMW 335i - $42,675
7) Honda S200 - $34,845
8) MazdaSpeed 3 - $24,550
9) Corvette Z06 - $70,000
10) Honda Civic Si - $21,885
MotorTrend describes the Z06 as: "the car's surplus of power and surfeit of rear grip overwork the stability control, the driver's nervers or both, on public roads. Combine that with imprecise steering and a chassis that easily upset on bumpy curves and pretty soon in a handling test, you're looking at a low ranking. Considering the rest of its impressive performance envelope, it's certainlya bargain supercar, but it turns out that handling isn't its longest suit."
I expected a better result then 9 out 10, but at least we can take solace in knowing that we won't be out-handled by a Honda Civic Si.
I have a fair amount of time in some of the cars. For handling, I probably like the Cayman the best and the Lotus is a crazy good handling car.
Did you notice how awful the GT3 did on the street ride part? It was worst by a long shot so there is a pretty heavy price to pay to come up with the sharp reflexes it has.
I still like the Z and the many things it does well. However, when people ask me how it handles I give a pretty mixed response. It's not all about power which is where the Z shines.
04-27-2007, 01:25 PM
#20
Drifting
I think if any of the test drivers had time in a real race car, they would not have that pucker factor built into their review of the Z06.
Most race cars are much less forgiving and therefor feel more on the edge. The Z06 leans towards this type of handling. Not to say it is a race car, but a little less forgiving than others on the list. This less forgiving setup is what gives it a better overall performance. It the test drivers knew how to extract the performance and were more comfortable at the extreme edge of performance, they would love the car. I know I do
Most race cars are much less forgiving and therefor feel more on the edge. The Z06 leans towards this type of handling. Not to say it is a race car, but a little less forgiving than others on the list. This less forgiving setup is what gives it a better overall performance. It the test drivers knew how to extract the performance and were more comfortable at the extreme edge of performance, they would love the car. I know I do
