Big Lebowski

I currently have a DSOM Z51 Vert, which I love. As a former Atomic Orange C6 owner I was REALLY disappointed when they discontinued the color.

This time around the "plan" was to upgrade my Stingray to a DSOM Z06 "some day" down the road. However, now that DSOM has also gone the way of the dodo bird, I'm left contemplating upgrading sooner than planned in hopes of getting one of the few still on dealer lots.

While I can afford to buy a Z06, the money is a factor. It encroaches beyond my comfort zone / tolerance level, so my question to any former Z51 owners, is was it worth the upgrade? Do you have any regrets doing so? I plan on getting a convertible, and will not track the car. This is my daily driver in the warmer months, and for occasional road trips. Thx.

joeybsyc

I'll bet there will be another orange. Don't panic because they drop a color, panic when the colors they add aren't any you like.

RHORTON164

I switched from an auto 2014 Z51 to manual 2016 Z06. Best move I made.

HalfMoon

Going from a 2014 Z51 Coupe to a 2016 Z06/Z07 Coupe that were optioned out the same way other than exterior color and Z51/Z06 (both have Comp Seats + MicroSuede, Carbon Dash, 7 Speed Manual), I can say that they are completely different cars.

It really depends on what you want. I loved my Z51 and smiled every mile I drove it. The Z06 though? I don't just smile, I giggle and laugh like a little kid all the time.

If the cost is going to be tight, hang on to your Z51, there is NOTHING wrong with it and you will get plenty of enjoyment out of it. If you can comfortably swing the Z06 and find one you like, You're going to love it.

Big Lebowski

Not panicking...just observing the departure of a color I really like. You might be right about the Orange replacement in the future, as long as they don't bring that god awful Campbell's Tomato soup Orange / Red back!

Bigdog9586

How can anybody regret upgrading to a Z06?

repo czar

When I got my 2014 Stingray I thought it would be the last Corvette I would buy. I am 70 years old.
Then the 2015 Z06 was introduced. It had two things that were not available in earlier Z06s that had kept me from getting it. The 2015 Z06 had a removable roof and the A8 transmission.
Yesterday is the one year anniversary of trading my 2014 Stingray for the 2015 Z06. I have 19,800 miles on it and I would never go back.

Joy c7

We had a 14 & 15 stingray sold both. Love our Z06!!!!!!!!!!

Bad Dad

Big Lebowski

I do enjoy the manuals, but the lack of a removable top on previous Z06 generation's was a non starter. I would never consider a Vette that couldn't drop the top. Glad to hear you are enjoying it!

NO S8NT

No regrets...I recently traded in my 15 DSOM Z51 7spd for a 16 BLK/BLK ZO6 to go along with my 07Z.

KP

davepl

It's a great car, but I wouldn't stretch financially for horsepower. You'll get to work on time in a Z51, and they'll be building Z06s for a long time. And even if they stopped, there are thousands upon thousands of Zs out there already, many in whatever color you choose, even DSOM.

So when you're ready, it's ready. Until then you've got a spectacular vehicle that 95% of the public cant distinguish from a Z and 98% of time you're driving no different than you would in the Z. So don't pick up sleepless nights in bed for a better 0-60 time.

Just my three cents.

Big Lebowski

Great advice...Its not a financial stretch as much as its a pain tolerance thing. I can afford it and then some, I've just never bought a car that flirted with 6 figures before. That and if I get this, I can expect an offsetting expense for my wife!

VERY good point...but the only distinction I'm interested in is my own. The irony is, one of the reasons I want a DSOM convertible is so that friends and neighbors don't know I got a new car...I have a reputation of trading often. Ha ha.

I know it is not a new video, but I think this review by Jay Leno is the best review of a Z06 convertible that had my heart going pitter patter short of a test drive:

OnPoint

I know you like the color - which I understand, I think it was one of the best - but you might consider a color change to make it different enough to help swallow the cost. I really wanted cyber grey for my Z, but of course they dropped that color. Ended up going NRB and as it turns out, I kinda like the different color (I have a cyber grey vette still in the stable). Sometimes, changing things up on color plays out fine. Plus the C7 has the advantage (over several prior gens) of looking pretty damned good in any of the offered colors.

Just a thought.

Jus Cruisin

I had a couple base C6 Corvettes with the Z51 option. The Z06 blows them away. Period...

SBC_and_a_stick

http://www.motortrend.com/news/2015-...term-update-5/

Z51 vs. Z06 from Motor Trend. Spoiler: they prefer the Z51.

The reason they do is the worst part, too much power. Sounds like MT needs to institute mandatory driving classes for its writers. When you don't know how to use the throttle and the gearing to give you optimum wheel hp you got a driver problem.

The fact that you can overwhelm 335 section Michelins *at will* is a good reason to get the Z06.

DanMan35

I've been going back and forth contemplating getting a Stingray or Z06. I wanted the Z06 but the extra money meant I would have to wait longer to get one. So then I turned my mind towards a base Stingray for the sole factor of being able to get it sooner. Then after thinking about that for awhile I realized if I did get the Stingray, I might be able to drive it sooner but I would always regret "settling" for the car I didn't truly want just to get it sooner.

"All good things to those who wait" - or something like that. I've decided to hold off as long as I need to in order to buy a Z06. I'm hoping to get one as soon as possible but this time next year would be a good date for me to aim for and hopefully by then I will be able to find some in the high 60s instead of the high 70s to mid 80s now.

Anyways I know my situation doesn't really pertain to you but I think you would be happier with the Z06. If you can justify the extra money and obviously not get into a financial negative then you should go with the Z06.

Big Lebowski

Ha ha. I had read this one...and overall I thought it was a load of crap (written by a card carrying Prius driver). In all honesty, I think there might be fair arguments to make for the Z51 instead of the Z06...but none that he made.

richie15

I had an '05 C6 Z51 that I bought new when I retired. It was a beautiful car but I traded it on a 2016 2LZ Z06. It's Long Beach Red Metallic with the Kalahari interior. It's a whole different machine and it draws an amazing number of compliments.

mjcourt

I had a '11 C6 ZR1 and bought a '15 Z51 Stingray as an even money trade-in about 18 months ago. Now I'm considering moving up to the C7 Z06. The one difference I noticed between the ZR1 and Stingray was that the Stingray felt lighter and more agile than the ZR1, making it more fun to drive (other than the horsepower loss).

For those that have had both the Stingray and C7 Z06, does the Z06 feel as agile? I have wonder how much the thinner tires on the Stingray helps with this feeling or is it just something the C7 has going for it.