Curated Content Editor

One Person Thinks the C8 Z06 Isn't Worth the Cost
By Brett Foote

At least when compared to the Stingray.

Rky Mtn C6

I say it is if it's at MSRP. The real comparison comes when you compare to the other so called "super cars." The Z06 is a bargain. My local dealership has one at $200,000 over MSRP.

john91498

To be honest, when I was on the Z06 list, my dealer was predicting $90k to $110k max. Well, we all know that didn't happen and I quickly fell off the list.

Nitro-C5

I currently have a C8 Z51 and my order just went in for the Z06...yes he Z06 is ~60K more expensive that the regular C8, but is a absolute steal when comparing to cars in its class. We have a VIR time by Car and Driver that has the Z06 as the fastest NA car they have ever tracked and top 6 fastest times every at VIR with the McLaren 765lt only 0.2 seconds faster but also cost ~$400K more!! Just had a video released of a forum member taking his totally stock Z06 and running 10.4 sec at 134mph!! These are high end super car numbers anyway you slice it. For a car that you can nicely spec out under $150K it is a performance bargain. Ohhh yeah and I think the sound is kinda nice as well

Rapid Z

You know It’s a lot more expensive than the base car and the performance isn’t all that much better IMO. GMs problem is the Stingray is an amazing car for the money.

BigButtLover

I have to admit that I like the front of the Stingray better.

Red Mist Rulz

On the street, the Stingray has 80 - 90% of the performance for ~ 60% of the cost. Sounds like the Stingray is a better choice for most street users.

st3v

Z06 is so chunky compared to the Stingray. Looks-wise, I'll take the Stingray.

Ron_Attleboro_MA

I enjoyed the side-by-side comparison. I had to think a minute then I went to look at the side intakes for the larger one.
Is the Stingray on the right a non-Z51?
Anyway of getting to pictures of side profile, same color?

Vetteman Jack

I agree, but if a Z06 was in my budget, I sure would like to have one in my garage.

C8OnOrder

Both things are true IMO

1. The base stingray is too good for the
2. The z06 is a supercar killer for a good price

Cant go wrong either way!

Korbek

If you are referring to the front view of the cars, the one on the "right" is the Z06.

The stingray is only on the "right" when he is looking at them from the rear.

And I dont get why hes so on about the looks being different. The average person cant tell the difference between a 4 cylinder Ecoboost mustang and the mustang GT500. They cant tell the difference between a stingray and a Z06.

If you know, you know. The performance is what matters.

The only thing looks-wise Chevy really screwed up on is making the rear trunk so huge. Get rid of the rear trunk and make the car more svelt in the rear and youve got some REAL killer looks. The damn golf club crowd ruined the C8's rear end looks.

Redc8z06

Bang for the buck the Stringray hits a home run no question. I agree it's hard to justify the additional cost of the Z06 unless you're buying it as a track car.
For me it's all about the engine in the Z06 and the last engine I believe that will be pushing this much HP as a NA engine and sound. Volume and price will keep it somewhat rare but not a true rare car.
Most people don't really need a Z06 or a ZR1 or a Zora or even an ERay it comes down to what you like and what you can afford. Life is short.....

jpmotorsport

In my experience products that are the utmost in their personality/performance are typically the most exclusive, expensive and hardest to own... the C8 Z06 exists in that category.

To me the Stingray vs Z06 argument is similar to the 911 C2S vs 911 GT3 , forget 'tracking' its really coz you can

dvilin

He makes some very valid points in comparing the two. When paying well over a 100k you hope GM gets the quality right and good service is always a concern for any Corvette. The Z will make it even more of a concern.

jvcobra1919

I've been saying that since I first saw the Z06. It's a awesome car but they made the base so good it's hard to justify he extra cost.

EvanZR1

This, especially for the general public. Heck, I've seen a number of pictures lately of stingrays with just Z06 style wheels, and at a glance, I thought they were Z06s at first. I still want a Z06, mainly for the high revving FPC LT6, but I can guarantee you I'll be very happy with the 70th HTC I'm picking up Friday until my allocation comes up in a few years for a Z06.

Chemdawg99

Good article, as per usual.
I couldn't agree more that the C8 Z06, in terms of aesthetics anyway, doesn't distinguish itself from the Stingray very much.

Performance-wise, it isn't different enough in everyday driving to justify spending two to three times as much for a Z06 over a Stingray, at least for me personally.

That said, I'd never hate on the Z06 just because it is a bit out of my price range given the current market, and I'd love to have one. GM hit it out of the park with the Stingray and the Z06.

PhoenixM3

Me too. ZO6 front end looks a bit goofy, like a Pumpkin with an underbite.

EvanZR1

C8 Stingray is already as wide as the widebody C6/7 at 76", C8 Z06 is 4" wider at 80". By comparison your 2012 Tahoe is 79" wide, and the current 2023 Tahoe is 81".