Runs11s

I know this is a Vette forum but if you are considering the C7Z like I am, you may also be considering something else.

Sure, there are the Porsches for those who have deeper pockets than me. Or, an Audi R8? How about the GTR?

But what if you want to 'Buy American?' A Viper...?

My other serious contender to replace my C7 later this year is either the C7Z or the nasty Gen V Viper.

Would you buy the gut crushing Viper or the tear off your face C7Z?

They are oh so similar in some ways; oh so different in others. I loved my Gen IV Viper (that I traded for my C7) for a lot of reasons (especially the 600 naturally aspirated Horses) and love my C7 for many different/better ones.

What gets your heart racing? The less refined yet fierce exclusivity and 'No doubt about it, THAT is a Viper!' or, the finesse and brutality along with 'Oh, another Corvette?' C7Z?

The C7Z has so much more refinement and will make a great driver out of an average one. The Viper is raw, edgy, and not an easy car to get 10/10ths out of. And the Viper will kill an average driver who makes the mistake of thinking he can drive a car that violent on the edge.

What delicious choices we have these days.

Which one would you buy?

capevettes

C7 Z06 all the way . It is the complete package. Vipers are nice but for me it's an easy decision.

MeHeartCorvettes

Both! Wouldn't kick either one outta bed!

PeteZ06

Vipers are not offered with automatic transmissions so most of the guys here cant buy one

Runs11s

Funny!

Z06 RB

^ This ^

OnPoint

Do they still make Vipers?

CDNZR

What's the msrp for the new Viper - $130K? With the different of $30k to spend on the Z, I can transform a beast into a 1000hp super-beast.

autodesign21

Z no brainer

SlayerRX8

I drove the new viper, and I was very impressed how composed the car was during normal driving and how nasty it was when you push it. Much better manners than my '03 Viper had.

The Gen V Viper is a better looking car (I prefer curves), but I'd bet on the C7Z being the better performer.

EdwardETraylorIII

I've owned 11 new corvettes (base models, Z06s and a ZR1) in the last 14 years (heavily modified every single one of them). Suffice it to say, I am the quintessential Corvette enthusiast. With that being said, I just bought a Gen V viper.

I love the Viper. It's pure sex. Everyone asks me what kind of Ferrari it is.. It's truly a world class exotic sports car!

However, I'll probably end up buying a C7 Z06/7 next year (and keep the Viper!). I am somehwat underwhelmed about the new Z06 but in darker colors it looks pretty sexy. However, I believe they've wrung just about every bit of RWHP out of it from the factory.. It won't be easy to mod as the last ZR1 was!!!

Pluses and minuses to consider regarding the two cars you mention:
Minuses:
Most Viper owners are real jack asses (seriously..)
The Viper is HELL to drive if you are 6'2 or over.. (I'm 6'3)
Very limited tuning options..

Pluses:
Viper is exotic as hell. You will have people asking you about it all the time (stop lights, gas stations, et cetera).
you can throw a 200 shot of Nitrous and headers on the car and run 9's all day...
It's very very fast.
Did I mention it's very very fast?

Z06 minuses:
Everyone will have one...
Not going to wring much more power out of the platform without spending a LOT of money.

Z06 pluses:
It's cheap
It's fast..

Buy the Gen 5 - You will love it. Then, if you can swing it, pick up a Z06 if you still feel so inclined next year.

Runs11s

You are dead right about the Viper. I couldn't drive my Gen IV ANYWHERE that it did not draw attention and the raw nearly uncontrollable power was intoxicating. So, I must say I'm really interested in the Gen V.

But man... That C7Z is sick.

mirage2991

Gen v are really nice! I'd probably buy that over the new z06 because it is more unique and exotic....look at both then decide but, you can bet at bellow 100k fully optioned it's going to be the next honda lol per say....can't beat that bang for buck... Hence I would go viper...either way they both are stupid fast!

NytmereZ

the viper will always be the better looking car, look at the TA in orange or black , it looks wicked, its the price, lack of modding, and virtually the same performance as the gen 4(except 60 up where the gen 5 walks by it) that killed it, the car should have been priced where the previous gen was and it would have been ok, it also would have left room for a more expensive kick *** ACR.
The way it's priced now the car is going to die, no sales and no chance for an ACR, and ACR would be 180k and sit with the rest of the 130k gen 5's

When the fire sale happens on these cars and they drop to 85k I'll consider it instead of the Z06, regardless of performance ( as I already have a mint gen 2 ACR at a down tuned 850 rwhp, and a 400rwhp turbo busa (500 on c16) to quench my speed needs(I'm a 1/4 guy) I have over 1 year to decide

Runs11s

If Viper I too will go the TA route. G5 prices are falling but still $100k+.

Ouch.

EdwardETraylorIII

NytmereZ,

You got a Velocity kit or NLR turbo kit on your 'busa?

I had a 600 RHWP customized (by me) Velocity kit for many years. I'm thinking about buying/building a 2014 turbo 'busa. Very very tempting.

G352C6

C7Z looks so much better than the new viper.

uxojerry

I am finishing up a custom 65 C2 Coupe and used the C6 Z06 as a performance target. I was planning on doing a 68 Coupe next but have decided to get a new or newer car instead.

The C7 Z06 has some great numbers and I should consider it for purchase. The new Z06 is heavy, 3500lbs+-, and the new car is FI with a baby blower.

Im now leaning towards buying a late model C6 Z06 or a new Z28, and spending some money on mods. The curb weight of the new Z28 is 3728lbs, but the down side is $75k for a Camaro, lol.

TacDoc

Look at my Sig,

I am going Z07.

Roidz

I agree. I know a lot of people say the viper is a better looking car but I don't think so at all.