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'03 Z06 or '05 C6 convertible...choices choices

T

TheFamilyMan

Golden Member
Business associate at work is heading overseas for extended assignment and I'm going to pick up one of his two Corvettes. Both are showroom condition with regards to paint, exterior, and engine/drivetrain.

Options are:

2003 black on black Z06, modest and tasteful upgrades (rims, exhaust, some engine upgrades), 40k miles

2005 C6 silver on black convertible, no upgrades, 40k miles

He and I have agreed on 20k selling price. Both have roughly same HP (405 for Z06 and 400 for C6). I've always loved the Z06 editions but do like the body style of the C6.

This will be my Friday/Saturday driver and will be garaged when not driven.

As his assignment is somewhat dependent on business conditions, he could be there longer than expected. In this case, he is willing to hold the one I do not buy in automotive storage and I may be able to buy it later (2 to 3 yrs) if the assignment is extended.

What say ye, ATG?
 
5.7 ls1 in the z06 vs the 6.0 ls2 in the c6. Tough call. Same basic motor but the LS2 has some upgrades. I believe they went to drive by wire on the 6.0 throttle body. Different heads on the 6.0 that flow better too. I think I'd go for the C6 even if it is a vert.
 
Unless you just really want a convertible, or if there's something that would make the Z06 not fit how you want to use the car (so if it's a hard riding manual when you're more wanting a comfortable grand tourer), I'd take the Z06.
 
For same price, I'd go with C6 convertible. Newer design (safety), option to drop the top, better interior, newer car, otherwise similar spec. If it's auto and you want a manual, keep looking.
2002-chevrolet-corvette-z06-interior-photo-223680-s-1280x782.jpg

2005-c6-chevrolet-corvette-convertible-interior-photo-285686-s-1280x782.jpg

To me, the C5 interior looks like mid 90s Pontiac rental.
 
The Z06 is manual, has a stiffer ride, feels a bit more torquey, and has an overall more "fun feel" to it even though it is fixed roof coupe design. I'm a big guy, 6' 3" and fit well enough in it.

The C6 'vert is automatic, has that touring style of a ride, enough torque to get the job done, and generally has a more refined feel to it. The top down provides a great sensation as well and weather here allows for around 7 months of top-down opportunity...maybe 8 if weather cooperates.

The tough thing about this is that he's got an '09 Z06 that he's not selling right now that I would get first dibs on in the future when he is ready. I feel that would be 4 or 5yrs away though based on the way he goes through cars and that will also be about the timeframe he would be coming back to the states. Do I want to wait that long for is the big question?

I may just go C6 route right now, get some time in it and have some fun and hold out for the '09 when it comes around.
 
Well then this decision is obvious... if you want a manual take that one.

I think its embarrassing to have a corvette with an automatic... but if thats your style then go for it.
 
senseamp said:
To me, the C5 interior looks like mid 90s Pontiac rental.
Click to expand...

to be fair, the C5 was designed in the Mid 90's and was still a total parts bin car, as it started about 38k, and the z06 was what......upper 50's when it debuted?

the elevated the class of the car with the C6, with things like that, for sure

still, if that's the main gripe, you shouldn't be looking at a corvette, go pay more for a slower Porsche or BMW 😛
 
Are you getting some crazy good deal? Why do you feel the need to buy one of these, instead of finding a C6 with a stickshift?
 
Zargon said:
to be fair, the C5 was designed in the Mid 90's and was still a total parts bin car, as it started about 38k, and the z06 was what......upper 50's when it debuted?

the elevated the class of the car with the C6, with things like that, for sure

still, if that's the main gripe, you shouldn't be looking at a corvette, go pay more for a slower Porsche or BMW 😛
Click to expand...

There is a low bar that I don't feel like C5 meets. C6 is not exactly great in that department, but at least it doesn't look designed by Rubbermaid.
 
compared to what? its comparables for its time, are not impressive either

the 90's was rough on car interiors.

I shudder at how nice a e36 bmw was supposed to be
 
TheFamilyMan said:
This will be my Friday/Saturday driver and will be garaged when not driven.
Click to expand...

Driven where? What's your driving style?

Agro driver with a need for speed and access to back roads with no traffic and/or track days = Z06

Mature and responsible around town leisure cruise with occasional hoon = C6 vert.

tough 1st world problem you got there :thumbsup:
 
Its not even a question, nobody buys a friday/saturday/fun corvette with an automatic. Old women with a bad leg that can't activate a clutch buy those.

Literally no point in an automatic vette. If traffic is bad enough to make you avoid a manual, you should just avoid the car entirely.
 
I'll get them both out on the road this weekend and see where I stand on each.

I didn't think about the '05 having the older automatic vs. the newer setup in the '06 and beyond but have never really given it any thought. As much driving as I'll be doing, I'm not sure it matters much.
 
OP: Ever had a convertible? They are amazing. I would pick the C6 convertible.

Nothing like heading down the boulevard with the tunes cranked on a Sunny day.

Other pluses: Auto = easy to resell. Newer motor. Nicer body.

Wild card: Interior. Must admit I am not a big fan of Corvette interiors. That would be my final test. Sit in each for 5min and picture yourself in that car for over an hour. Which one feels better? And you are a pretty big guy so Convertibles will always feel roomier with the top down. But what about when its up?

hmmm....
 
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