WA 2 FST

First off... please no bashing of either car. I am the original owner of a highly modded C5Z (LPE twin-turbo car) with 22k miles on it. It's a _great_ car.

But especially for you guys who have owned both cars, here is my simply stated question: assuming power is the same, why would you take a C6 over a C5? From strictly a _performance and driving experience perspective_, why would you prefer a C6 over a C5?

I am not interested in things like "it's newer", or "I prefer the C6 bodystyle." For me personally, I like them both! I'm not into the latest and greatest, or I'd go get a C7... yesterday.

Thanks for your opinions, as I have never owned a C6.

rcallen484

What is the point of "assuming the power is the same"? The C5 has LS1 while the C6 has either an LS2 or LS3 (talking base cars). You do not consider that relevant to the discussion?

WA 2 FST

No, I don't. I have a 650+rwhp C5. If I get a C6, it will be a ZR1 that I will mod to make the same power.

Thus, the reason I said "assuming power is the same." I realize what engines are in the cars, thank you.

phileaglesfan

It is hard because you are talking about modded vs modded since neither the C6 or C5 has 650hp stock (ZR1 is close). My friend has a ZR1 with Pfadt headers and a tune and he makes 711hp. I would still take a C6 over C5 because you have better brakes/tires/suspension to start with. Both are real good. Right now you probably got the most bang for the buck since a ZR1 will cost about $70k to start with (My friend's was $80k at two years old).

Your car sounds sweet but I'm guessing even a stock ZR1 would be quicker.

WA 2 FST

Thank you for the informative response. I would get a ZR1, if I get a C6. Your friends car picked up over 150rwhp with just headers and a tune? His makes 711 RWHP? That is incredible.

you make a good point about brakes and suspension upgrades. I am not _that_ familiar with the differences b/w something like a C5Z and a C6ZR1 in this area. I can _read_ all day about it, but getting some owner feedback is great.

As far as a stock ZR1 being quicker than my current car... I don't know... I don't beat on my car off the line, but I have run a 10.8x @ 139mph with a 2.05 60' time in my car at +1000' DA.

saplumr

He didn't say rwhp he said hp. But back to the reasons. Interior, body looks and technology, plain and simple.

phileaglesfan

To be honest, I don't know if my friends car has 711 RWHP or just 711 HP. I'm guessing 711 at the motor. Phadt and JDP Motorsports might be able to give you clearer info. He did have it dynoed at JDP. His car does sound fantastic. I don't know what his race times are if he ever raced it. We are at 4300 feet anyway so we would be slower.

dbirdhouse1

it comes down to build quality, I owned an '02, an '05, an '07, now an '12 and each has managed to improve on the previous EXCEPT the teething problems I had with the first year '05, but throwing those out each has managed to show quality levels better than the previous......
(secretly I do miss the pop up lights......)

johnodrake

I have owned both. I loved my LPE SC C5 - it was a great, great car. Having said that, when I saw the C6 (my neighbor bought one to share space with his F360 Spyder), I decided right there that I had to have one. It was simply, to me, a more beautiful, refined car. The C6 is still, in my personal, biased opinion, the most beautiful Corvette ever. YMMV

DJackman

What I love about ZR1 is the fact that has Carbon ceramics brakes and still is the only Vette today that has a true 6sp close gear ratios. Even the 7sp C7 still tops out on 5th gear.

WA 2 FST

Great info on the tranny ratios. I just looked them up... yes, that is very close ratio gearing. Love that. Thx for the info.

Mohammed_z

You should post another thread in C5 section : C5>C4...Why ?




Most Vette owners are biased to what they have in the garage !! But I will never judge any car untill I drive it for sometime !!

RamAir972003

Ls6 motor is a great motor I have raced in those cars very track oriented...if driven right...some people just bash on other peoples cars they don't have a clue. C5 is a great car and if in the hands of a good driver can be fast....ls1 motor has so many similarities with the ls6 both motors can be made strong.. My old lt4 would smack down lots of newer vetted at the track. I still would like to find a good c5z for sale race ready I would buy it in a heart beat.....

torquetube

Headlights.

LS3 Monster

c6 looks much better....duh

Don-Vette

I don't like the oval taillights or the front end nostrils.

WA 2 FST

Let's get back to the original point of the post.... I am not trying to compare looks of the two vehicles.

From strictly a _performance and driving experience perspective_, why would you prefer a C6 over a C5? Also, assume that both vehicles for the sake of discussion make the same power.


Thank you for the constructive input.

frankb

I don't get into these pissing matches to much but owening a c5 and sold it with 186,000 miles because things like No more bcm to be had made me move up to a c6. Yes I believe the c6 is a better all around car. Mine is stock and power to me is something I looked at when buying.Best move I made.

NormWild

If you are modifying both vehicles, and taking out the body styles, than the short answer is, "nothing". That's why I always get a chuckle out of threads comparing models as one is superior over the other. C5, C6,C7 all have the same suspension geometry, same motor placement, push rod V8, same basic overall "design". You can fancy things up by talking about chassis stiffness, interior, technology bells & whistles, or intricacies of the differences between LS1, LS2, LS3, LT1, but once you start to work on the motor and go FI none of it means diddly squat. How many crazy fast LS1's are running around on the road? TONS. You can upgrade dampers and breaks in a weekend.

You have to understand this forum is mostly people who don't go beyond exhaust and floor mats when "modifying".

The ZR1 is a special vehicle because it is built for boost from the factory and has some really nice high end upgraded components to support the platform. That's the only Vette worth trading up to IMO.
Personally I like the look of the C6 better, primarily the rear end, but I still admire a really well done C5, black and low those things still look nasty.

WA 2 FST

Thanks NormWild... you nailed it.