CarNDrvr

Curious how many of you have had the privilege of owning both and which one would you choose if you could only have 1? I’m in the market and would like opinions on which 1 most prefer.

A couple details about me. I’m 6’3” 280lbs. I love straight line racing and casual cruising. I’ve owned everything from old muscle cars to my most recent car which was a 2012 ZL1 which I loved. Right now I have nothing but want to upgrade.

9sec

owned a c6 zr1 at 717 rwhp. car is a breeze to modify and making power is simple. as they only come in a manual drag racing is not as easy as it looks and the stock clutch wont last long and your looking at 3k to upgrade and launches dont come any easier. low production sexy af and timeless that said I sold it when I come to the crossroads of upgrading the clutch which I didn't want to tackle. im now waiting on my 2017 z06 to arrive in a a8 auto so I can mod to approx 650-675 wheel and drag race it without fear off burning the clutch up. newer tech stunning alcantara interior and z07 package sold Mme on the newer car

I believe either choice is a win win for you (you will find the c7 z06 its cheaper to buy more expensive to mod . 30k units built vs less than 4500 )

RegnaR

c6zr1 is definitely not as common to see. When I sold my c6z06 I wanted a ZR1 until I sat in a c7z06 and was sold. The later years of the C6ZR1 do have the better interior vs the first few years.

jd_black_00

Sitting inside a well optioned C7 is a much nicer experience than sitting in a C6

SonnyAK

The interior on the C7 is soooo much nicer and the rev matching always puts a smile on your face! The C6 ZR1 is a timeless classic though and will always garner attention!

ss2z06

It really depends on your goals. I’ve had them all c6 z06’s, c6 Zr1 up to the c7 Zr1. If you’re going to modify it the best bang for the buck flat out is the c6 Zr1. It will also probably “turn more heads” if you care. The c7 is definitely nicer on the inside especially with a 3lz. The comp seats are great too. It’s far more expensive and complicated to modify. I would suggest sitting in both though. You may find one more suitable for you based on that. I’m 200 lbs and 5’ 10” so neither were an issue for me. If I recall the c7 has a bit more headroom and it will have a removable top vs the Zr1 won’t.

encasedmetal

Considering what you're going to use it for, the interior room, residual value, and ease of maintenance/modifications. C6 ZR1 all day, everyday and forever more.

revo1059

I just traded my 12 ZL1 for a C7Z. Phenomenal car. Had a C6 (not a Z0 or ZR) before the ZL1 and I prefer the C7 overall.

Mr. Gizmo

Had a c6z06.(not zr1). Now a c7z06. I like the c7z. c7 seats much more comfortable. C7z is more like a 2 door Cadillac. Prefer the analog dash of the c6 and c6 felt more compact. Not a fan of the c7 infotainment center and controlling steering and exhaust from infotainment. C7 has curb camera and back up camera. C6 won't have curb camera.
the c6zr1 while less torque and hp will walk away from a c7z06 up top. I even think a c6z06 will pull away from the c7z up top. Heat soak in the c7z supercharger is bad. Not as much in the c6zr1 heat soak.

I do like the c7z with the m7. It's a nice cruiser.

if I had to pick -- I would say c6zr1

xWS6guy

I had the same C6 ZR1 / C7 Z06 debate with myself when I bought my Vette. Absolutely love the look of the ZR1 but I could not look at the dash. Went with the C7 mainly because of that.

emoFTW

I was in this same dilemma about two years ago. Had a 770whp base model c6. Couldn't decide between a c6zr1 or c7z06.
Ultimately for roll racing (which is what I do 95% of the time) and such, the c6zr1 would've been a better choice, but for some reason the c7z won me over. No regrets. Went with an A8 c7z, now has a procharger on it and making 1000whp. Interior of the c7 and the overall ride is much better.

ssbfgc

Neither. Tesla if straight line racing is your thang

Savoy2001

Ya as if. Battery powered crap is boring and has no soul what so ever. I don’t care how fast these fat pigs are in a straight line. They will never capture the essence of a real ice sports/performance car. I don’t count them at all in the same sentence. You can keep ‘em.

CarNDrvr

I forgot to mention I’d only be looking at manual trans cars. Keep Tesla out of the conversation!! I could own both cars for the price of a plaid. I wish I could find a C6 Zr1 local to me so I could at least sit in one and check things out for myself. The C7s are definitely easier to find. From what I’m hearing the C7 is more refined and a better driving experience. The C6 is more beast with less creature comforts. Being almost 50 years old now I’m kind of leaning towards the C7. They are actually getting to be a good $10k cheaper than the C6s now a days too.

ssbfgc

Super. Just saw your statement on straight line racing. Just don't get upset when a model 3 or Y (both of which can be had for less than either of your two Vette choices) passes you without taking a breath. Times are a changin' for the straight line crowd.

CarNDrvr

I currently have my eye on one for sale locally with AMPs stage 3 kit. Has a cam with all cooling and other supporting mods. Makes 695 to the tire. Might end up being a good race with an electric car while looking 1000x better doing it. I know a manual isn’t the best choice for strait line racing but its a lot more fun everywhere else you’re driving it. It’s a trade off I’m willing to make.

Mr. Gizmo

a dual motor model 3 Peters out up top.

I am going electric when they can be charged in the same amount of time it takes to pump 15 gallons of gas to go 300-400 miles in a combustion engine car. And there are charging stations in density similar to gas stations around the country.

need-for-speed

How much longer do you expect to live?

Scarlett-73

My comment on the OP original question is that the C6 ZR1 might be more comfortable for him as he is a larger guy. I am 5'11 and 235 and my C7 Z is not as comfortable as a C6. nor is it as rare. If I could have found one at the time I might have gone with the C6 ZR1 but with that said my C7 is an incredible car and I love it.

phils C5 vette

When I sold my C5 and was on the market for something new with a budget of $80K. I test drove the 2017 Camaro ZL1 ( auto) , and 2017 Corvette Z06 ( Manual). at 6'2" 250 pounds, I like the room of the Camaro, but it was missing some performance feeling that the Z06 had. I was swaying towards the Z06, then came across my 2010 C6ZR1 with 3400 miles on it. Drove it, and loved it. I was more comfortable in it, but yes the interior is lacking moderation but I was ok with that because the performance was damn fun.
Now about 4 years later and at just under 5800 miles, for some reason Im liking the Hellcat redeye widebody. As you can see, I dont drive it much and it stays under its cover, but when I drive it, its like a new car every time.

In FL, its flat and boring. I like dodge because the dealer will modify them, and drop a couple pulley sizes, and you keep your warranty 3 year- 36000 miles. ( then my wife tells me that I keep my fun cars for 10-15 years and none of them ever had 36000 miles lol ) My fun cars get about 1000-2000 miles a year. The ZR1 is about 500 miles a year and is a fun car show car, but Covid shut down the car shows, and that's why it has less miles on it.

Phil