2004C5vert

Ok did some searching never found exactly what I was looking for.

im a happy 2008 c6 z51 owner but during this covid 19 outbreak found two really good deals that seem to good to pass up.

1) 2015 z06 z07 3lz 18k miles (had front and rear bumper covers replaced due to car hauler incident)

or 2) 2017 grand sport 2lt 16k miles and factory warranty still no issues

z is only 5k more. Local corvette tech I use recommended doing the GS, more reliable cheaper to insure and to do maintenance. Said it’s 7/10ths the z but easier long term where the z isn’t exactly the long trip road car or daily driver, either would be my second car replacing the c6.

but the z is a dream car, I can afford either... unless insurance is outrageous on the z, thoughts, do I swing the bat for the fence or go for the double? The fiancé says gs, because not as extreme and better daily for our long weekends away. She likes comfort and lazy driving, me I am an adrenaline junky but had an m5 previously that was a dream car and it was a nightmare maintenance wise, she keeps reminding me of that

woukd the z be the same?

opinions from current owners most appreciated.

Mixedup

Seems to me you've answered your own question, to "settle" or get your "dream car." ….. seems to me you want a Z06, so if you don't buy it now, you'll still deep down want one someday?

I bought the Z06 and couldn't be happier with it … civil when around town or can be as fun as your foot wants to push... Love all Vette's, but I wanted the factory supercharged engine - thus the Z

Good Luck to you no matter what you decide, they are all fun to drive!

64drvr

Find a fiance that appreciates power and get the z06. There is a massive difference in power between the cars if you plan to use it.

My wife and I owned C5’s and a C6Z06 with heads, cam, superchargers, etc. prior to buying a C7Z06. We also have a common interest in track days. When getting ready to order the car, she expressed that she wanted to buy a GS and save the extra money as it should have plenty of power. Short story, I convinced her otherwise and we ordered a Z06. After her first session of the day on track with the C7Z06, she fully agreed that she would have been fully disappointed in a GS. If she wants a boring lethargic car, she can drive or ride in hers. I think you would be miserable.

Would you be happier in a 535i or an M5?

There’s no reason to believe the Z06 would be less reliable unless it’s an automatic and you plan to do track days; the GS would also be unreliable as the A8 is junk for track use minus possibly the ZR1.

Elk

Easy. The Z.

KM1959

Does your tech actually own a Corvette? The Z06 is every bit as comfortable as a GS and maybe even more so as it doesn't need to downshift when passing. Both are absolutely daily drivers and road trip cars.

Drive both and decide for yourself though, just make sure to nail it though!

lostsoul

If you have the flow I would go for the Z or If your going to save money get a z51.

TXshaggy

Except for the engine they are essentially the same car. So same comfort, maintenance costs, consumables, etc... in other words previous anecdotal comments from your “mechanic” and gf don’t compute.

Check insurance costs, some members report high costs for Z/ZR...that hasn’t been my experience.

Easy choice...get the Z.

C5 Z16

GS.......Under warranty, and you can buy a GM extended warranty while it is still under warranty. I worry about Z's that may have been run very hard (Why wouldn't you run it hard!)

Mayor111

Id say get A Z06 - not THAT Z06... That Z06 may be affordable because of its accident history. Remember, you should be paying 15% to 20% less due to accident history - but dont forget, a few years down the road - when you sell it - someone is going to bang you over the head for 15% to 20% less than its worth at that time because of the accident history.

If you want a Z06 - get a Z06. The GS is pretty much the same car minus the awesome extra HP (but others may argue that). If the extra HP is a "must have" then you have your answer.

There are SOOO many C7s for sale right now - why even think of one that has past damage. If a clean Z06 makes it too expensive, then it's not the car for you...if not, then pick one without the bad history.

Basil2000

I have had my 15 z06 since 2015 and no issues. If you get the gs you will always be thinking of the z06. In the long run it will cost you less. If you get the gs you will need to modify it for more power and then it will be less reliable and cost you more in the long run. Your welcome

Prime Target

You’re coming in to this new car from a C6 Z51. So a GS might fill your needs. The C7Z is a big step up from where you're at now. I went from C6 Z06 to C7 Z06 and it was a big difference. So it’’l be a huge, albeit enjoyable upgrade for you. Go with a Z. Just find a better deal than the one you're looking at now.

2004C5vert

Got my answer thanks guys! A Z it is:-)

TJC333

If you track the 2015 Z06 you may have over heating problems. Problem was greater on auto trans than manuals. Problem was not fixed until 2017 model year. If you don't track it no issue. Get the Z.

joemessman

As far as insurance my 2019 Z06 is $40 a year less expensive than my 2016 Stingray. I didn't ask why. The Z06 and the GS have significant differences besides the motor. I'll just list two of them. Forged pistons and carbon torque tube on the Z. Not on the GS. But who cares? Not me but some owners do. There are other ones minor to me so I'm not going to list them. The suspension, wheels and tires are shared with the Grand Sport.
Based on what you stated in your post. You gotta get the Z06.
We are all different though. I want power, power and more power. Not necessarily in that order. But that is what snaps my strap.
I would have bought a ZR1, but after looking for several weeks I couldn't find one for sale with the equipment that I had to have on it.

SilverGhost

Me too. most of the time the less sturm und drang to move from point a to point b is fine with me. the torque omg the torque makes the Z06 a bigger loafer than Homer Simpson.


Over 400 ft lbs of torque at 1000 rpm, feeling is believing!

so it runs like an obedient puppy dog at low speed, NOT like an unpredictable rotweiler; ole puppy just padding along on four oversize paws. Your spouse want a Malibu, the Z06 can drive like a Malibu.

My wife did NOT like my 2017 c7 Z51 vert. Said she was NOT going to ride in it all the way to Florida (908 miles one-way)

TOTAL change when I got the Z06/Z07 vert, she loves it!, One of the first things she asked me "when are we taking this (Z06) to Florida" !!!????

Chevy has been hanging a supercharger off the small block v8 since 2010. Reliability like a rock. Oil capacity the same as GS, tires the same. Brakes the same either for the GS or GS Z07 or Z06 or Z06/Z07 ok, somewhere down the line, one more belt has to be bought for the supercharger. meh. (Hint, get them lovely lasts llifetime for street use CCB brakes, GS Z07or Z06/Z07, or just J57 option (CCB only) Stops like a ****, NO BRAKE DUST, EVER!

call bs. our first Z06 trip: 700 miles from dealer to home, lovely. Super quiet at speed (a vert) and warp speed passing on demand. I thunk that is safer (fast passing) myself. Since then 3500 miles daily driver. no bad manners even in winter driving (with proper all season tires of course.) I remember the muscle cars of the sixties, loud, loping exhausts, kluck kluck kluck, quiet for a second like it is going to shut off, then stumble cluck cluck again. power that was full on or off. a light switch for an accelerator. The Z06 is not your daddies C2 big block, it is a refined supercar of the 21st century. Below is from the GM mouthpiece (substitute z06 for ZR1), for fiance assurance:

It took Chevy 7 generations to perfect the C7 Z06. Now they've thrown all those perfected plans in the circular file. You may never see it's equivalent again in your lifetime. And damn sure not for the little extra money compared to a GS!

23/C8Z

I disagree speaking from the view of an 08 owner that went RIGHT to a 16Z06 then ordered a late 19 (because the C8 did nothing for me and i could NEVER go backwards now i'm spoiled)....

My C6 was quick. low 11's mid 120's I drove a bunch of C7 Z51's auto and manual... they were not as fast as my tuned with long tube headers LS3.

get a Z06. but if you can afford A Z06? get the newest model you can. the build quality and materials etc on my late 19 vs my 16 even was big.

If you get an older 15/16 Z06? make sure it had the mag ride update and if not? set aside another $350 for it.. world of a difference to me.

good luck. don't rush it.

To me? if you were going to settle for an LT1? i would go even newer non widebody over a GS... because getting the GS is like having a Z06 without the manly power...

and don't drive a new Z06 if you buy the GS.. you'll set the GS on fire...