need-for-speed

Funny how no one ever posts these in the Z06 section

OP spend 30 minutes driving each one, in a location where you can let the horses run free. Then decide.

need-for-speed

The OP wants to buy the GS, which is why he posted in this section. The problem with these threads, is that we Z owners can’t refute the silly claims that you “can’t use the additional 190 HP” w/o sounding like we are looking down our noses at people who don’t have a Z06. My C5 and C6 had base HP and I NEVER felt like I settled. I loved those Corvettes. I was also not so foolish as to believe that I couldn’t enjoy the extra HP if I had it.

When I pull out onto a 4 lane from a side road and make a quick blast from 35 to 110 in a matter of seconds, I AM MOST DEFINITELY using AND ENJOYING that HP. When I blast up a freeway ramp, I am using and enjoying that HP. When I’m on a 6 lane interstate, and there’s no one in front of me for 3/4 of a mile, and I rip from 60 to 150 in seconds, I AM MOST DEFINITELY using AND ENJOYING that HP. You don’t have to be on a track or the Bonneville Salt Flats to enjoy the 650 HP/ 650 TQ.

Unless you live in Tokyo, Manhattan, or Honolulu, you WILL enjoy that additional 190 HP.

Don’t kid yourself.

Bill Dearborn

Yes, the torque is great and I run around using 6th gear all the time with my Z06. But, I can do the same thing with a GS. The LT4 has about 440 ft lbs of torque at 1000 rpm. The LT1 still has 300+ ft-lbs of torque at 1000 rpm which is more than most cars have for peak torque.

Where that shows up is in overall gas mileage. Unless you are coasting downhill in neutral the Z06 will never reach 26 mpg. The LT1 powered cars can get 30 mpg on the highway and still perform almost as good as a Z06. That is why so many of them were sold Vs Z06s.

Bill

JDMvette7

I think you summed it up pretty well. That said, many of us don't live in the speed state or have 6 lane highways, so it's all relative to where you can use the performance.

Really can't go wrong with either choice here. Going to come down to what the buyer prefers.

BMF82

As a long time C7 Z51 owner I drove a C7 Z06 today and I gotta say I wouldn’t trade what I have now for a Z06. The power is not usable unless it’s on a track because you will just spin the tires. The car gets so hot the fan doesn’t shut off when you turn the car off. This makes it really hot to drive even with the windows down. I also didn’t think it handled any better. Finally, my Z51 sounds better. I have a catless x-pipe and when compared to the stock Z06 my car is louder. If you are looking for the best of both worlds go with a GS.

fsvoboda

Well, how do you drive? The 460 hp of the GS is already more than many of us can use on the street for more than a few seconds at a time. If you're a fiercer driver than that, get the Z06. If you're looking for a rocket ship that you can launch on rare occasions, get the Z06. Do you want the ultimate C7? Get the Z06.

Do be aware of the wheel issues (out-of-round leading to cracks--see many threads on the forum) on GS and Z06 but not standard C7s. These mean that you sooner or later may have to spring for forged replacement wheels. If either of these cars already has forged wheels, that would be a big plus. .

I don't think that either car will seem like a penalty box on wheels.

BTW, I've got a 1LT 2017 C7 auto, and I don't miss the extra power of Z06 or the bells and whistles of 3LT, so consider my point of view in thinking of my advice.

BMF82

I drove it like it was my own. I didn’t like it. Felt like it has more power then it needs for everyday driving around town. If I was going to track it then maybe that power is needed once you hit 100 mph. But like I said it was running so hot it made it feel like a blast furnace.

Elk

No question; this is precisely what makes it so fun.

I greatly enjoy my Z in town and in the country. One can easily enjoy the extra torque at all times. But yes, floor it indiscriminately and the tires spin. I do not see this as a downside, but rather a signal to listen to what the car is telling you.

BMF82

Something about being able to floor it and bang through the gears really does it for me. Having to worry about pushing the pedal too far to the floor is a distraction. It’s over powered but if you enjoy that good for you. It’s not for me.

Elk

I had not thought of it this way. I enjoy the sense of unlimited power and the finesse it demands. But I can appreciate what you are finding enjoyable.

It also depends what driving opportunities one has.

WPGZ06

Sadly so true. Wife is planning to set us up to retire in Hawaii and that is all I think about when it comes up, Oahu or any island I'm never going to be able to open up the corvette again, I'll probably have to buy a different car

BMF82

have you been to Hawaii??? A corvette would be unbelievable there! Keep it!

bigblock427

I currently own a '19 GS 1LT (my sixth Vette). My last three Vettes have been 1LTs. While I wouldn't mind having a 2LT, personally I would never spend the money for a 3LT. While I love my current GS, if I were deciding between the two Vettes you described, I would choose the Z06. I would rather spend money on performance than the luxury items.

need-for-speed

My wife thinks HI is heaven. If I die first, she’ll definitely be moving there LOL.

You might have a chance to get on it some of you live on Maui I would definitely pick Maui over Oahu.

need-for-speed

Nothing to argue with in your post. Like I said, my first 2 Corvettes were not Z06s and I absolutely loved them. I got plenty of admiration and drooling from others with those cars. The vast majority of the Gen pop doesn’t even know the difference.

need-for-speed

total

I don’t “spin the tires” when making a 30 to 150 blast and it’s fun as hell. What’s even more fun is the look on my passengers face.

My C6 was a Z51. If you don’t think it handled better, it’s because you didn’t push the car. With larger tires and brakes (same for GS) it’s impossible for it to NOT handle better.

need-for-speed

Same here. I ordered my C7 and intentionally ordered the 2L package. I didn’t feel like the 3L was worth the significant price delta. I will say that the 3L interiors are beautiful. If I was rich, I would have went 3L

WPGZ06

LOL my wife thinks alike.

I think the Big Island would be best opportunity to go WOT, the rest I find it very doubtful. Not sure its a good or bad thing I'm thinking about this every time we visit a Hawaiian island lol

WPGZ06

Been to it and the different islands numerous times. Never being able to go WOT, or at least very often would probably make me cry

need-for-speed

I hear ya buddy. You should still keep the Vette. Lots of top down / top off opportunities there