C5 Coupe vs C5 Z06 and real difference?
08-30-2013, 01:50 AM
#21
Le Mans Master
I have owned both. When I took a road test in a Z, it immediately felt different than the coupe I owned at the time. I made plans to trade UP immediately. It just feels like more of a hot rod. And I like the looks better, the Z06 is nastier looking. If you don't own a Z when people ask about your Vette it's like their thinking ho-hum. Add in that it's a Z06 and suddenly they're much more interested and impressed, if that matters. :-)
08-30-2013, 05:46 AM
#22
Putting performance aside, one is great looking, (the coupe), the other, (ZO6), not so much. And that is all most common folks who are not Corvette enthusiasts notice.
Last edited by Leo23; 08-30-2013 at 05:49 AM.
08-30-2013, 08:59 AM
#24
Instructor
I thought this was a difference thing like better heads, lighter weight, better suspension, etc...
Not a pissing match between the two.
I own a coupe and love it. It is however my first vette. I am just curious what makes the Z06 better/faster.
I do agree that the Z looks better(meaner).
Not a pissing match between the two.
I own a coupe and love it. It is however my first vette. I am just curious what makes the Z06 better/faster.
I do agree that the Z looks better(meaner).
08-30-2013, 09:12 AM
#25
Racer
Member Since: Mar 2013
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
With 530 rwhp, redline in 4th comes fast. I have not hit redline in 5th yet, but should take another mile. I have not had the opportunity or track to test maximum speed yet. Others that have about the same hp as I have say around 200 mph. There are many higher hp and faster cars than mine here on this forum. Maybe some of them could tell you. I know some have hit over 200 mph from a standing start, but I think they have near 1000 hp.
With only 530 rwhp, it might take me two miles from a roll to hit 200 mph.
Being able to reach 200 mph was a factor in my buying a Coupe instead of a Z06. I agree with everyone that the Z06 is much better at road racing than the Coupe, and that most people would prefer that venue, but for me, top speed is the issue.
With only 530 rwhp, it might take me two miles from a roll to hit 200 mph.
Being able to reach 200 mph was a factor in my buying a Coupe instead of a Z06. I agree with everyone that the Z06 is much better at road racing than the Coupe, and that most people would prefer that venue, but for me, top speed is the issue.
08-30-2013, 09:27 AM
#26
I have owned both. Now this is stock to stock comparison. 1/4 mile is about a second different. 13.2 (coupe) to 12.2 (Z06) I didnt track my coupe but multiple seconds per lap in favor of the Z. Anyone with a coupe that doesnt think there is much of a difference must not have owned a Z yet. The only thing a Z doesnt have that a coupe does is a targa top. Only thing I miss. And yes the Z is better looking.
08-30-2013, 09:35 AM
#27
Melting Slicks
I thought this was a difference thing like better heads, lighter weight, better suspension, etc...
Not a pissing match between the two.
I own a coupe and love it. It is however my first vette. I am just curious what makes the Z06 better/faster.
I do agree that the Z looks better(meaner).
Not a pissing match between the two.
I own a coupe and love it. It is however my first vette. I am just curious what makes the Z06 better/faster.
I do agree that the Z looks better(meaner).
To answer your question; different motor (actually a slightly different block not just heads and cam, although it is those too). lighter due in part to leaving things like sound deadner out, no power in pass seat, etc, Different suspension and better brakes, brake vents, different transmission and rear end ratio and titanium exhaust. I think those are all the major ones, Im sure there are a few other little differences here and there as well.
08-30-2013, 09:41 AM
#28
Instructor
To answer your question; different motor (actually a slightly different block not just heads and cam, although it is those too). lighter due in part to leaving things like sound deadner out, no power in pass seat, etc, Different suspension and better brakes, brake vents, different transmission and rear end ratio and titanium exhaust. I think those are all the major ones, Im sure there are a few other little differences here and there as well.
08-30-2013, 09:52 AM
#29
Tech Contributor
...they always turn into a pissing match
To answer your question; different motor (actually a slightly different block not just heads and cam, although it is those too). lighter due in part to leaving things like sound deadner out, no power in pass seat, etc, Different suspension and better brakes, brake vents, different transmission and rear end ratio and titanium exhaust. I think those are all the major ones, Im sure there are a few other little differences here and there as well.
To answer your question; different motor (actually a slightly different block not just heads and cam, although it is those too). lighter due in part to leaving things like sound deadner out, no power in pass seat, etc, Different suspension and better brakes, brake vents, different transmission and rear end ratio and titanium exhaust. I think those are all the major ones, Im sure there are a few other little differences here and there as well.
More aggressive brake pads (calipers are the same).
Frame structure is more rigid than the coupe/vert.
Wider tires (wider 1" on front and rear)
Seats were just the standard seats (lighter than the adjustable sport seats in coupe/vert)
There has not been a Corvette as light as the C5Z06 since it came out (~3100lbs).
Toque
08-30-2013, 10:29 AM
#30
Racer
Thread Starter
Member Since: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks guys for the good discussion. It has really helped me understand the differences. All and all seems like a good driver can make more of a difference anyway.
I bought the Coupe because I don't care for convertibles (let's not go there) but like the option to take the top off for things like Club Parades.
I bought the Coupe because I don't care for convertibles (let's not go there) but like the option to take the top off for things like Club Parades.
08-30-2013, 11:22 AM
#31
I own a coupe. It has never ever crossed my mind that my car could hang with a Z. However, I don't understand how it would take that much to hang with a Z if I had to. Z wheels are cheap, upgrading the suspension is cheap, brakes are cheap, and it's not too hard to wring another 75hp out of an LS1.....now if the guy in the Z upgrades their wheels, suspension and engine the same way, tail lights again! 
The coupe is definitely not 1K away from hanging with a Z but it sure wouldn't break the bank to make one that can.
The coupe is definitely not 1K away from hanging with a Z but it sure wouldn't break the bank to make one that can.
08-30-2013, 11:22 AM
#32
150 mph?? That was reached very early in 5th gear. The straight limited me to 174 mph. When I go for 200 mph it will be on a legal road course, like the Silver State Challenge, of which I have run twice with a different car.
08-30-2013, 11:28 AM
#33
Coupe... better better aero..
z06 lighter weight. more HP geared for low end/ mid range accelleration.
I bought a coupe i like the looks better...
this is me.. nothing that a C5 had hasn't been done BETTER by someone else including C6 take off parts or aftermarket..
so now my c5 has had a full c6z suspsion. heads cam, intake headers exhaust.. decided the cam was too big for the stock gears it has 4:11's in it. put the rear cooling ducts on... SS pistons in the brakes bettor rotors ss lines. better brake fluid... show me any C5z06 that's stock that i can't beat anywhere anytime and i'll buy you a beer.
z06 lighter weight. more HP geared for low end/ mid range accelleration.
I bought a coupe i like the looks better...
this is me.. nothing that a C5 had hasn't been done BETTER by someone else including C6 take off parts or aftermarket..
so now my c5 has had a full c6z suspsion. heads cam, intake headers exhaust.. decided the cam was too big for the stock gears it has 4:11's in it. put the rear cooling ducts on... SS pistons in the brakes bettor rotors ss lines. better brake fluid... show me any C5z06 that's stock that i can't beat anywhere anytime and i'll buy you a beer.
08-30-2013, 11:49 AM
#35
Race Director
...they always turn into a pissing match
To answer your question; different motor (actually a slightly different block not just heads and cam, although it is those too). lighter due in part to leaving things like sound deadner out, no power in pass seat, etc, Different suspension and better brakes, brake vents, different transmission and rear end ratio and titanium exhaust. I think those are all the major ones, Im sure there are a few other little differences here and there as well.
To answer your question; different motor (actually a slightly different block not just heads and cam, although it is those too). lighter due in part to leaving things like sound deadner out, no power in pass seat, etc, Different suspension and better brakes, brake vents, different transmission and rear end ratio and titanium exhaust. I think those are all the major ones, Im sure there are a few other little differences here and there as well.
08-30-2013, 12:01 PM
#36
I own a coupe. It has never ever crossed my mind that my car could hang with a Z. However, I don't understand how it would take that much to hang with a Z if I had to. Z wheels are cheap, upgrading the suspension is cheap, brakes are cheap, and it's not too hard to wring another 75hp out of an LS1.....now if the guy in the Z upgrades their wheels, suspension and engine the same way, tail lights again!
The coupe is definitely not 1K away from hanging with a Z but it sure wouldn't break the bank to make one that can.
The coupe is definitely not 1K away from hanging with a Z but it sure wouldn't break the bank to make one that can.
08-30-2013, 12:03 PM
#37
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Dec 2007
Location: Mission Viejo, CA
Posts: 3,371
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
4 Posts
St. Jude Donor '10, '15-'16
I own a coupe. It has never ever crossed my mind that my car could hang with a Z. However, I don't understand how it would take that much to hang with a Z if I had to. Z wheels are cheap, upgrading the suspension is cheap, brakes are cheap, and it's not too hard to wring another 75hp out of an LS1.....now if the guy in the Z upgrades their wheels, suspension and engine the same way, tail lights again!
The coupe is definitely not 1K away from hanging with a Z but it sure wouldn't break the bank to make one that can.
The coupe is definitely not 1K away from hanging with a Z but it sure wouldn't break the bank to make one that can.
To be honest, the biggest day to day difference in feel for me is the M12 vs MN6 transmission ratios. MN6 feels positively lazy compared to the M12. Upgrading sways on a coupe gets you similar cornering feel.
If you pull 100 lbs out of the car, do the wheels, springs, shocks, and sways, transmission, and add 75 hp while also increasing the redline by 500 rpm, and add the extra cooling then yes you've got yourself a good Z06 clone. Both cars have garbage tires and seats and neither car's pads are that suitable for track use.
If all one talks about is power, then yes you can get the straight line performance from a regular coupe easily. But you'd also be missing the whole point of the Z06.
08-30-2013, 12:04 PM
#38
Team Owner
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: Somewhere in Mo
Posts: 73,434
Likes: 0
Received 31 Likes
on
27 Posts
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
Ok, now everyone go out to the street and tell us which one is better and faster. Here's the kicker.
You have to obey the rules of the road.
Then go to the track and do the same.
Come back and tell us which one is better/faster.
On the street for 98% of everyone here, they are pretty much the same except in looks.
On the track, with good drivers, the Z wins every time.
I always love these conversations when we try to compare a car that was built to go straight to the track, versus one which was not. And then when we compare them to leisure driving obeying the rules of the road.
Heck my STS can hang with a vette on the street when we obey the rules.
You have to obey the rules of the road.
Then go to the track and do the same.
Come back and tell us which one is better/faster.
On the street for 98% of everyone here, they are pretty much the same except in looks.
On the track, with good drivers, the Z wins every time.
I always love these conversations when we try to compare a car that was built to go straight to the track, versus one which was not. And then when we compare them to leisure driving obeying the rules of the road.
Heck my STS can hang with a vette on the street when we obey the rules.
08-30-2013, 12:08 PM
#39
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Aug 2009
Location: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
Posts: 5,213
Received 184 Likes
on
133 Posts
Couldn't agree more...this thread has become bastardized...
"if I had an f14 and you had a Z you would be me in the corner but I'd still beat you in a straight line...my uncle has a submarine that can corner, he can probably beat you except he's blind in one eye and, yadda, yadda, yadda"
Just having a little fun people relax
"if I had an f14 and you had a Z you would be me in the corner but I'd still beat you in a straight line...my uncle has a submarine that can corner, he can probably beat you except he's blind in one eye and, yadda, yadda, yadda"
Just having a little fun people relax
08-30-2013, 12:16 PM
#40
Melting Slicks
Just buy a Coupe and call A&A. Thats what I did! I got my Coupe with 32k on it, Supercharger, Coilovers, and some other things all for under 32k (including car.) The Z06 I was looking at was 30k with 55k on the odo.