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Haven't had a Corvette for about a year and a half and getting the itch again. My previous ones were a 99 base and an 11 grand sport. Really wanting a Z06 this time. My question is, I have seen where people say the ç7's aren't the same as the c5 and c6, different feeling, not raw because of the safety features. Basically not as fun to drive. Thoughts? I know about the c6 head issues, are there known issues with the c7 z06? Any info is appreciated, thanks!
Of course I’m not comparing apples to apples (Z06 / Z06), but owning a C7 base and a C6Z06......I would pick the C6 every time. I personally like the analog gauges and a few less nannies as you suggested. The C7 is a very nice car. It is very refined for sure. I do love it, but I love the C6 that much more.....and it’s not only for the additional power that it has.
Apples to apples the C7 is a better car in every way.
I'm guessing asking this in the C6 section will greatly taint the replies....
Both cars are great fun to drive and that's really what's important. Sometimes if I'm just cruising along I forget if I'm in the C6 or C7 as they are very similar to me. YMMV
Drive a C7 and you will know in short order if it's right for you. I am quite sure C7 is "better" than C6 but is it right for you?
I simply never warmed up to the sharp lines and tail lights on C7; I think C6 GS/Z06/ZR1 is a better looking car. If I was going to trade "up" today it would be C8 over C7. And that won't happen until I am ready (I am not even close; I still love my Centennial GS vert) and until C8 prices come down to earth.
I drove C5/6/7 fairly extensively. Can afford any of them easily.
I own a C5Z
imho C5 is most raw. C6 is more like a C5.5, share the basic structure and many parts are 100% interchangeable. The C6Z is pretty special with the carbon/magnesium bits, LS7 is special though it does have issues....
C7 feels very different, much more refined and just plain 'newer'. I'm an old guy in a young body, dislike 'features' like electric door buttons & e-brake, digital dash etc.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
I had a 2013 GS for almost 5 years, then I daily drove a 2015 Stingray for 2 years before moving back to my C6 ZR1 a year ago.
2013 GS was M6, 4LT, mag ride and NPP. Drove it stock for a year, then put an A&A kit on it to make 600whp, then later upped it to 700whp. Honestly one of the most fun and best cars I've ever owned, really enjoyed it.
The C7 was an M7, 3LT, mag ride, NPP with comp seats. As a daily driver and fun car, the C7 honestly can't be beat by a C6, but it is a little more refined and not as "raw" as the C6. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just all about what you want. The rev match on the manual is a blast, and one of the best features you can get. The LT1 engine actually has the same HP/TQ curve as the LS7 to 5,000rpm and has plenty of power. Even going from a 700whp car to a stock C7, I didn't feel the need to upgrade it. The seats (especially the comp seats) are amazing, and once you've had them, none of the C6 seats will satisfy you anymore (why my '12 ZR1 now has Caravaggio seats). On top of that you've got the extra amenities (BT audio, Pandora integration, vented seats, digital dash, etc), and then you've got better tech items like eLSD and PTM (on Z51) and improved TC (weather mode is awesome). One note on the C7, if I had it to do over, I'd definitely have gone for a 2016+ to get the AndroidAuto/Carplay and the front cameras.
The 2012 ZR1 is a 3LZ (obviously M6 and mag ride). It's modded to 700whp, and I upgraded the seats and the head unit shortly after buying it. I bought it specifically because I wanted something more unique and more raw than the C7. I had been debating between a C7 Z06 and C6 ZR1 and when I got an opportunity to buy 1 of 11 Carlise Blue ZR1s, it was a no-brainer. Personally, I prefer the C6 dash to the "busy" digital dash in the C7, and I like the cleaner looks of the wide-body C6 to the wide-body C7 (actually prefer the narrow-body C7 over the wide body).
Personally, I would only do a C6 ZR1 over a C7 (if looking for a fun weekend car, if I was looking for a daily drive, C7 all the way). I really considered the '13 427 convertible and the C6 Z06, but ultimately I just wasn't comfortable with the LS7 issues (have known too many people personally that had them fail).
C7 too snug and uncomfortable driver seat killed it for me after the C5 and C6.
I have driven a friends C7 Z06, I did not like how cramped the driver seat felt, cabin seems compacted.
So I stayed with the C6 Grand Sport vert, feels much more open.
Better is not an opinion, it's just a fact... apples to apples, head to head, the C7 has the better numbers and numbers don't have an opinion.
C6 Z06 505 hp
C7 Z06 650 hp
We could play this game all day long but I think you get the picture.
In the end results if you personally prefer on car over the other, that would be an opinion.
Ok.....so maybe stock and not modified, but I’ll take my stage 3 — 614whp C6 any day over a C7 and I’ll be happy to watch the C7Z06 overheat on the track after 3 laps every time like they do.....day in and day out at VIR when I’ve been there.
So honestly, your numbers don’t mean much to me if you can’t keep the damn thing from overheating when you push it hard.
Haven't had a Corvette for about a year and a half and getting the itch again. My previous ones were a 99 base and an 11 grand sport. Really wanting a Z06 this time. My question is, I have seen where people say the ç7's aren't the same as the c5 and c6, different feeling, not raw because of the safety features. Basically not as fun to drive. Thoughts? I know about the c6 head issues, are there known issues with the c7 z06? Any info is appreciated, thanks!
You will get a bias opinion on C6 forums. Based on your past experiences with base C5 and C6 Grand I would most definitely go with C7Z. They are simply badass. If you want raw just add a full exhaust to C7Z…. prices are nuts so be prepared to pay. I had C5 and now C6 each generation gets better. I love my C6 and lines but the C7Z is great capable car.
08-02-2021, 10:28 PM
C6 versus C7
