KillrZ

Currently have a 2009 C6 Z06 that I bought new. Has 39k on it now, perfect mechanically, very minor scratches that don't bother me. Thinking about upgrading to a 2019 Z06 one owner with low miles. Looking for reasons NOT to upgrade. Thanks in advance!

GOLD72

Congratulations on being essentially an original founding CF member. I have an 2019 Z06 vert for 27k miles and 5-1/2 years now and I am very happy with it as it has more up to date tech than the C6 Z06 and more power & torque without the gas mileage penalty. But you may need to replace the wheels due to the well known cracking rims of the wide body C7s. I also had a 2006 Z06 for 48k miles and 5-1/2 years for direct comparison. And also a 2011 ZR1 for 55k miles and 10-1/2 years.

KillrZ

Very much appreciated Gold72. That's exactly the kind of opinion I'm looking for. Funny that I was one of the early members (although you were right behind and have a ton more posts), I met a guy who had ordered the exact same 2000 C5 that I had just taken delivery of. Same options, same color in and out. Only difference is he added the BSM's. Through the forum we found out we lived in the same area 20 mins apart and have been friends for over 23 years now. There's a lot of interesting history, stories, and tremendous information that has come from the Forum for many years. Thanks for the valuable input as you have quite the extensive background with various models.

Mr. Gizmo

Had a 2009 z06 myself and went to a 2017 z06 m7.
Seats in the c7. Way more comfortable
like the analog dash better in the c6
c6 is more like a sports car
c7 is more like a Cadillac.
down Low c7z has way more torque.
up high I think the C6z feels faster
miss the high rpm rush in the ls7.
have a c8z on order.

CaddyRacer

I bought a used CPO 2012 Centennial Z06.......first vette I loved that car for 2+ years (instantly cured me my Mustang disorder)
then I tracked my friends 2015 C7Z07
..........About a month later, I bought a CPO 2017 M7 C7Z ...about 3yrs ago. I currently have 97k miles

I recall the C6Z was more "raw"
I love take the roof off my C7Z
the n/a LS7 motor (once the heads fixed) will be a legend motor
The C7Z LT4 motor has 650tq.... IMO, once you feel 650tq you dont want anything less

I have ZERO interest for a $100k+ C8Z

JaimeVette27

My advise is to buy the c7 but keep the c6. I had a c6 sold it and got a c7 years later, sold my c7 and ended up in a 2011 zo7 car. Missed my c7z so got another one. Now I have the 2011 c6z and 2016 c7z. The c7 is so refined it’s almost boring. But perfect for going out. The c6 reminds me of a classic car but with the handling of a new sports car, it’s very raw, and loud and I love it

NCC-1701

I have owned several C6 Z06s and several C7 Z06s I love the C6s rawness and brutal ride and the looks to me one of corvetts best looking models but hands down the C7s are much better in all ways you wont regret the upgrade but if you can get the C7 and keep thhe C6 that would be ideal.

Bill Dearborn

I owned and tracked an 08 C6Z with the Jet Stream Blue paint and 3LZ Ebony and Linen interior. It was a sharp car although the linen leather was a PIA to keep clean. I traded it for a 2015 Z06/Z07/3LZ M7. The C7 is easier to drive fast than the C6 was. The C6 rear suspension was too stiff and I ran into issues with accelerating out of turns if they had rough pavement. Too much power and the back end would step out very fast when on a bumpy surface. The C7 just does the track better, the Comp seats are much better than the bench seats in the C6 although still not up to race seat levels. The C7 has better brake cooling than the C6 had and GM improved it over the years. The C7 is just a much better car than the C6 was. The suspension is pretty much the same as the C6 although GM improved the rear suspension by making the rear lower control arms adjustable at both mounting points Vs adjusting just one mounting point on the C5/C6 rear suspension. This helps dial out rear caster changes that happen when rear camber is adjusted for street Vs track. Top speed wise the two cars are similar on tracks that have long straights like VIR and the Glen with the C6Z maybe having a little bit of an edge. The difference in lap times is because the C7 gets through the corners quicker.

Somebody mentioned the engine has a lot of low end torque and that will be a big surprise coming from a C6Z with the LS7 where the low-end torque is far less than the LT4 has.

GM advertised the C6Z as the most track-capable Corvette produced up to that time, which it was. A lot of people thought they meant built for the track which isn't quite what GM meant.

The LT4 will suck more gas than the LS7. I used to regularly get 30 to 31 mpg on the highway with my C6Z. The best the C7Z with M7 can do is 25 to 26 mpg.

Bill

mdformula350

while I do like the c6 body style and lower weight, the c7 Z is just better performance, comfort, fit/finishes and technology in my opinion. plus the c6 is fixed roof, I like my glass top c7 Z.
best of luck in your decision.

black2010gs

Better power to weight ratio, better handling, better interior, more creature comforts and better styling imo. No brainer

Shokwav

The c7 is a better car for reasons mentioned above. I have a c7z that I’ll never sell but I will add a c6z to my garage in the next couple years. My favorite looking vette of all time and there’s just something special about the ls7

Zjoe6

Only reason to not upgrade is you prefer the more raw C6 over the more refined C7. Also the C6 is a lot lighter. There are a few good reason to upgrade. The exterior looks for one. The interior as well. Then there's that LT4 engine. It's a brute. LS7 is an icon but those darn heads. Just different animals, both good for their own reasons. If it were me I'd do it. I'd like a change and the C7 Z is a good change.

got2hav1

I have owned 2 C6 Z06s and loved driving both. I recently sold my 2007 and bought a 2015 Z06. They deliver the power in very different ways. The C6Z is a high RPM animal while the C7Z is power down low which to me is better suited to the street. Both of them are so much fun to drive. The C7 is a much better driving car. The seats are much better. At this point even though I love the C6Z and the LS7 engine, I would choose the C7Z.

Blk07Z06

Just about 2 months ago I went from a 2013 C6 Z06 to a 2016 3LZ Z06 Z07 A8. I couldn't be happier. The new Z is leaps and bounds better in my opinion than the C6Z. Don't get me wrong the C6Z was an awesome car and I really loved owning it and wish I could afford both. The low end raw power and interior just make it more fun to drive. I really can't give you any real reason not to upgrade. Good luck with your decision.

Torque Obsessed

• Inadequate cooling for track duty. If it doesn't overheat, it still might pull timing on hot days, leaving you with ~400hp. (This isn't a problem on the street.)
• Belt tensioners break, or in my case, the belt tensioner breaks the A/C compressor bracket, which is no longer available. Even the salvage guys I've contacted don't have one. My car has been down for a month now and I'm seriously considering fabricating my own bracket.
• A8 problems in early models, mostly cured-ish with a triple flush.

There are probably other reasons. But honestly, it depends on your goals. The C6Z is already a great car, but it's worth the upgrade if you want a newer, more refined car. C7Zs are beautiful inside and out. Tons of power, grip, and brakes. The performance data recorder (PDR) is awesome. They're just fantastic cars. Mine is my favorite car ever. There's nothing I would trade it for, except for the exact same car a few years newer.

MorrisZ51

I track my Z06 often in temperatures over 100 and have no loss of power after a 20 minute session. I would say the above only applies to the automatic.

KillrZ

I can't thank you all enough! Your opinions are appreciated beyond measure. I value each and every one and you have helped me make up my mind. C7Z all the way. Although I have always loved the LS7, I will have to let it go as I only have a 3 car garage and putting the wife out would not be in my best interest. I hope you all have the best New Year ever!!!

kenw

I agree with most of the answers and I went from a 09 C6Z to a 17Z automatic both were 3LZ interiors. I loved my C6Z but the only thing I miss is the manual, occasionally. I went with a auto just due to my age and knee/hip pain. As many have mentioned the interior and seats are more comfortable but not that much. The looks of the wide body C7 to me is the pinnacle of Corvette exterior and I REALLY do not like the looks of the C8. I also agree with others on the track abilities the C7 is some better but a well sorted C6Z will probably be a drivers race. As far as a road trip car both are really good but the C7 is a little better. Some friends from our local Corvette Club (Central VA.) went to the Black Hill Corvette Rallye in 2021, over 2 weeks we traveled through 14 states, drove 4600 miles and had just an incredible time. We had 2 C7Z's and a 2013 Grand Sport and a 2008 Coupe all did great on the trip with no issues. I had 45,000 on my C6Z when I traded it in and now have 46,000 on the C7Z. I have owned Vette's for most of the last 45 years and the C7Z is by far my favorite one. I can't ever see owning a C8 if my C7 is every totaled I will find another to replace it. Good luck with which choice you make.