LS3 C6 coupe vs Grand Sport vs C6 z06
03-16-2013, 07:12 PM
#22
Racer
i have a '12 GS vert. but for you because you perfer an A6, then the Z06 is not for you (M6 only). if you do want power only the Z06 coupe will do because you can't track a vert without a cage (= more $$$). any car you get ... wide body and wide tires to boot!
03-16-2013, 07:22 PM
#23
The things to ponder....
The Z06 & GS share one expensive trait, rear 325/30 19 tires. Very limited selection out there for this tire size and it is expensive everytime you need a new set (2), figure $1,100.00 on the cheap side and expect 10k miles of use.
As they share same rear tire size I would go with the Z06 over the GS if you want top of food chain power. If you want to enjoy the sun with the top off in a C6 that looks just like a Z06, go with the GS.
As they share same rear tire size I would go with the Z06 over the GS if you want top of food chain power. If you want to enjoy the sun with the top off in a C6 that looks just like a Z06, go with the GS.
03-16-2013, 07:35 PM
#24
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I'm in your boat, have a C5 that is hopefully sold next weekend(fingers crossed)..I'm going for a 1LT GS since its more affordable and a weekend cruiser like my C5 is..I try, but just don't like the base C6 so I'd rather have a 1LT GS for $47.5 with loyalty...
03-16-2013, 07:51 PM
#26
03-16-2013, 08:16 PM
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The "base" coupe and convertible offer the lowest ownership costs and most compliant suspension. 2009 and earlier models were available with a optional Z51 "performance' suspension recommended for auto crossing, or the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension, with larger cross-drilled brake rotors (like the Z51) for superior ride, braking and road ability.
The Grand Sport had a suspension similar to the Z51, was also recommended for auto crossing, but frankly its main attraction was its "wide bodied" styling similar to the Z06 and ZR1, but at a much lower price. It has a lower power to weight ratio and is less aerodynamic than the "narrow" bodied base vehicle, but has outanding brakes.
The Z06 was the "top dog" Corvette before the introduction of the ZR1, is suitable for track use, has an excellent power to weight ratio, but was only available in a standard transmission fixed roof coupe model, which many Corvette owners weren't enamored with, and couldn't afford anyway.
The ZR1 model introduced in 2009 is the ultimate Corvette, but once again is only available with a manual transmission and fixed roof, which disqualifies two-thirds of Corvette owners from ownership. It come standard with the F55 suspension. Current models can cost $125,000.00.
The 427 Convertible finally offered near Z06 performance in a convertible, was equipped with the F55 suspension as standard, but once again only came with the manual transmission. It is the ultimate Corvette Convertible, but once again, doesn't appeal to those who haven't mastered driving a standard transmission, or who really can't afford a superior performance Corvette.
The Grand Sport had a suspension similar to the Z51, was also recommended for auto crossing, but frankly its main attraction was its "wide bodied" styling similar to the Z06 and ZR1, but at a much lower price. It has a lower power to weight ratio and is less aerodynamic than the "narrow" bodied base vehicle, but has outanding brakes.
The Z06 was the "top dog" Corvette before the introduction of the ZR1, is suitable for track use, has an excellent power to weight ratio, but was only available in a standard transmission fixed roof coupe model, which many Corvette owners weren't enamored with, and couldn't afford anyway.
The ZR1 model introduced in 2009 is the ultimate Corvette, but once again is only available with a manual transmission and fixed roof, which disqualifies two-thirds of Corvette owners from ownership. It come standard with the F55 suspension. Current models can cost $125,000.00.
The 427 Convertible finally offered near Z06 performance in a convertible, was equipped with the F55 suspension as standard, but once again only came with the manual transmission. It is the ultimate Corvette Convertible, but once again, doesn't appeal to those who haven't mastered driving a standard transmission, or who really can't afford a superior performance Corvette.
Last edited by laconiajack; 03-16-2013 at 09:06 PM.
03-16-2013, 08:21 PM
#29
03-16-2013, 08:30 PM
#31
Le Mans Master
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The "base" coupe and convertible offer the lowest ownership costs and most compliant suspension. 2009 and earlier models were available with a optional Z51 "performance' suspension recommended for auto crossing, or the F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension, with larger cross-drilled brake rotors (like the Z51) for superior ride, braking and road ability.
The Grand Sport had a suspension similar to the Z51, was also recommended for auto crossing, but frankly its main attraction was its "wide bodied" styling similar to the Z06 and ZR1, but at a much lower price. It has a lower power to weight ratio and is less aerodynamic than the "narrow" bodied base vehicle, but has outanding brakes.
The Z06 was the "top dog" Corvette before the introduction of the ZR1, is suitable for track use, has an excellent power to weight ratio, but was only available in a standard transmission fixed roof coupe model, which many Corvette owners weren't enamored with, and couldn't afford anyway.
The ZR1 model introduced in 2009 is the ultimate Corvette, but once again is only available with a manual transmission, which disqualifies two-thirds of Corvette owners from ownership. It come standard with the F55 suspension. Current models can cost $125,000.00.
The 427 Convertible finally offered near Z06 performance in a convertible, was equipped with the F55 suspension as standard, but once again only came with the manual transmission. It is the ultimate Corvette Convertible, but once again, doesn't appeal to those who haven't mastered driving a standard transmission, or who really can't afford a superior performance Corvette.
The Grand Sport had a suspension similar to the Z51, was also recommended for auto crossing, but frankly its main attraction was its "wide bodied" styling similar to the Z06 and ZR1, but at a much lower price. It has a lower power to weight ratio and is less aerodynamic than the "narrow" bodied base vehicle, but has outanding brakes.
The Z06 was the "top dog" Corvette before the introduction of the ZR1, is suitable for track use, has an excellent power to weight ratio, but was only available in a standard transmission fixed roof coupe model, which many Corvette owners weren't enamored with, and couldn't afford anyway.
The ZR1 model introduced in 2009 is the ultimate Corvette, but once again is only available with a manual transmission, which disqualifies two-thirds of Corvette owners from ownership. It come standard with the F55 suspension. Current models can cost $125,000.00.
The 427 Convertible finally offered near Z06 performance in a convertible, was equipped with the F55 suspension as standard, but once again only came with the manual transmission. It is the ultimate Corvette Convertible, but once again, doesn't appeal to those who haven't mastered driving a standard transmission, or who really can't afford a superior performance Corvette.
Minus a few barley disguised prejudices, that is a well presented synopsis LJ. Nice Done !!
03-17-2013, 02:58 PM
#32
Safety Car
You can also go to corvetteactioncenter and compare specs. I was surprised that since the Grand Sport was brought back, it is almost half of all new corvette sales.I bought one because it was what I wanted, the OP should be comfortable with what he picks too. All are good picks
03-17-2013, 03:23 PM
#33
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Good stuff everyone and some gorgeous cars. Red or black are the only colors on the menu for me.
The feedback helped. Random string of luck, the hotel I stayed at last night was right next to a Chevy dealership. They had a zo6, GS, c5 z06, and c6 a few feet apart. All of them very sharp, especially the zo6.
Any Zo6 daily drivers out there?
The feedback helped. Random string of luck, the hotel I stayed at last night was right next to a Chevy dealership. They had a zo6, GS, c5 z06, and c6 a few feet apart. All of them very sharp, especially the zo6.
Any Zo6 daily drivers out there?
03-17-2013, 05:07 PM
#34
Drifting
Keep in mind you get to pop the top in a C6. and GS, and your stuck with the lid on with the Z06. You can get your A6 with either the C6 or GS, and it doesn't take much to an LS3 to bring it up to, and past, the power of an LS7. All good options. My ride is kind of a hybrid of the three, incorporating aspects of each that I love. Love the lines of the C6 without the fender flare look of the GS & Z06 and had to have a removeable top - so I went narrow body, wide body rear with narrow body lines allowing 275/345 tires, and N/A 531/486 rwp. Great thing about these Vettes, you can turn them into whatever you want.
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Last edited by Fly'n Family; 03-17-2013 at 05:56 PM.
03-17-2013, 05:36 PM
#35
Le Mans Master
I'm rather bias, but I would still have the C3 if it wasn't for the Z06. Of course, I would have more money in the bank if it wasn't for the Z06.
03-17-2013, 06:15 PM
#36
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If you want a real head-turner get the base Coupe (with transparent roof) or Convertible and add a Z06 style front end splitter and side skirts (Curb-Alert highly recommended), with syder wheels. Will absolutely, definately put all the wide-bodied cars with their afterthought fender bulges and Mustang like air-scoops to shame. 
03-17-2013, 06:49 PM
#38
Burning Brakes
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I have bought 3 'Vetts, new, and the last 2 were the best by a long shot. Both C6 base coupes. I DRIVE them, to the tune of 10K+ miles per year. OK, the, sold, '05 6 spd man was a bear to launch properly .... I am not a real racer. The '12 coupe is my 1st sporty car automatic, and I love it. (Flame suit is on.) Launch is a no-brainer and the paddle shifters are a breeze to use and provide a nice firm shift in "S" mode. The base has a softer ride, for sure, but I'm old now and enjoy a softer ride to Starbucks. Decide what you REALLY want, get it, and don't look back. BTW, I'm sure that this auto is gonna be faster in the 1/4 than my poorly launched manual was.
Don
Don
03-17-2013, 07:25 PM
#39
Le Mans Master
The base Coupe is the best Corvette buy! It is the cheapest to buy, gets the best gas mileage, rides the best and tires will last twice as long and cost half as much when replaced, vs, other models. The performance difference between the Coupe and GS Coupe is almost negligible. The Coupe actually has a higher top speed because of it's lower drag. The GS is no doubt a better looking Corvette, (IMO) but as a Daily Driver....you cant beat the Coupe or Convertible.
