hydrasport

Looking to upgrade from my C5 Z06. Would like a better ride for long distance trips and I've had one C6 already, I want another one. I have a short list of C6's and I need some ideas from current C6 drivers. First car is my favorite color but it is an 06 with the LS2 (original owner). Second choice is a 2009 with LS3. Both cars are automatics. 36K miles on the '06 and 45K on the '09. The '09 is about $3K more but with newer tires and nav. Both cars are LT3 trim package. Neither have been modified. I know a mail order tune will help both, but does the '09 have enough factory improvements and resale value to make it worth giving up a car of my favorite color (DSOM)? All of my previous corvettes have been sticks, this will be my first automatic. I understand that with improvments to the shift and torque managment via mail order tune, performance will be better.

MikeyTX

Had both the LS2 in my '07 and, the LS3 in the '12. The LS3 has more power to start with and, will generate more with a tune. Also, the LS3 air bridge flows better than the LS2. In addition, the air bridge from the Z06 LS7 will snap right into place on the LS3. I'm sure others will chime in as well.

RicK T

The A6 software was upgraded in '08.

The steering rack machining tolerances were tightened in '08.

Added variable ratio to the steering in '09.

Steering wheel audio controls in '08; bluetooth in '09.

The LS3 will feel more like your C5 Z than the LS2 would.

LinxuSx

If it were me and I had to choose between those two cars, I would go with the 09. $3k for a 3 years is nothing, regardless of the changes between the years. Something to think about is that the 06 is a 7-8 year old car and the 09 is a 4-5 year old car.

I personally wouldn't really factor in the LS3 vs LS2 into consideration. I was looking for an 08+, but found an 07 that I couldn't pass up since it met all my criteria except for the engine.

Truthfully, it sounds like you're not sold on either car. I would keep looking until you find the perfect one. It will be well worth the wait

hawkgfr

ls3....I've had both. the 2 is fine but the 3 is better.

1rusty1

I passed up several newer models in my area because of the colors. I wanted either Orange or Red with low miles. If I had gone with the newer one, in a different color, I would have been disappointed. Keep looking until you find just the right one. There's plenty out there for sale.

dennis50nj

it seems the LS2 is faster once modded check the performance list

hydrasport

I found the car that I really want but do not need to spend that much money on a car. It's just another toy.
I had a new 2012 and that LS3 could do nothing with the C5 Z06. Must have had lot to do with the gearing and minor mods, but the Z is much more fun and responsive. At highway speeds, the LS3 was fine.
RICK, thanks for that info. I didn't realize that they had made changes in the steering and A6 programing. Do you think I would see any more inprovement to the engine and trans on the '09 with a mail order tune? I here that it helps the transmission as much as the engine.

SGT_G

i just bought a 2008 z51 that had the NPP exhaust. I would highly recommend that over the LS2. I test drove both in the same day and the LS3 was so much more violent on start up and acceleration.

But that was probably due to that awesome exhaust!!

traderfjp

Take your time there are so many cars for sale that you will find the car that is right for you. If I had to buy my Vette again I would buy an 08 or higher, 3lt or higher, NPP and F55. I think the F55 option would be worthwhile if you want to use the car as a D.D. I use my as a D.D. I went one step further and bought 18" rims. This allowed me to run a taller tire on the back and keep the stock tire size on the front. The car floats on air. I love it.

Raazor

this might be the stupidest question in the history of C6Gen

Second only to: "How do I install my Floor Mats?"

Knob Jockey

Go for the newer car w/LS3 and other improvements and get the F55 suspension regardless.

$.02.

Torch Ace

I've got both - an 05 A4 and a 12 A6. Both are good engines and both have enough power for me since I don't race or track either of them. The LS2 idles smoother than the LS3 but doesn't have quite as much power. Unless you plan on driving it over 140 mph or getting from 0 to 60 mph a few tenths of second faster I don't think you will go wrong with either. Worry more about color and inside amenities.

need-for-speed

OP, are you buying an auto because that is what you want, or because that is the 2 cars you have it narrowed down to ?

REDC4CORVETTE

Why worrie about color its a different car and why have the same color all the time.
Go for power and the newer version.I love my LS3 my buddy bought the o7 and I have the 08 his had 10k less in miles and he paid 6k more ,I blow his doors off on the drag strip by 1.1/2 seconds and 9 mph

jon6.0

One of the reasons for 08+ would be the 6060 manual trans. Since you are looking at an auto, it doesn't really matter. That being said, I still would get the newer car.

dev1360

You're comical with this garbage.


OP, the 09 will have better interior, better steering, the LS3 and better resale. I would go with the 09.

MikeyTX

You left out the head rest covers ..................

Tonylmiller

You can't go wrong either way. I love my LS2, and those that have the LS3 say they are even a little better. You will love either one.

JKbride

There is no black or white answer on this question. Nothing wrong with either, BUT, all things equal (options, color, condition, miles) ALWAYS, buy the newest car within your budget.