ZO6 from a 911 (997S) - Anyone done it
Discussion
Just started looking for what to replace my 911 CarreraS too. Looked at BMW M6 and Merc SL55 as two vehicles that have huge power but feel not focussed enough. Looking for a car with big power but light enough to track occasionally. M6 brakes will be useless and far too heavy. SL55 great value 2nd hand but again to heavy and only in auto guise. Would love a new 997 GT3 but not enough pocket money.
Anyone jumped from a 911 to a ZO6? In terms of buying i would like comfort of warranty so is only the Stratstone route my option? Reading lots of info from this forum but any thoughts would be appreciated. Cheers to all.
Anyone jumped from a 911 to a ZO6? In terms of buying i would like comfort of warranty so is only the Stratstone route my option? Reading lots of info from this forum but any thoughts would be appreciated. Cheers to all.
The Z06 is lighter than the 997s (1430kg compared to 1475kg), and more powerful (505hp compared to 355hp)... if my figures are correct.
So I should imagine this would be OK for track use
.
Oh, it also managed the Nurburgring in just 7min 43sec, the same as a GT3 RS. So it can handle, accelerate and stop quite well
The main thing you will have though going from a Porsche to a Corvette is coping with the prejudices from non-Corvette owners, who cannot believe the price/performance of the Corvette (and would rather continue to pay more, for less).
And in any case, and this is where my prejudices would be: I prefer the sound of a huge V8 screaming at 7000rpm any day. Nice.
So I should imagine this would be OK for track use
. Oh, it also managed the Nurburgring in just 7min 43sec, the same as a GT3 RS. So it can handle, accelerate and stop quite well
The main thing you will have though going from a Porsche to a Corvette is coping with the prejudices from non-Corvette owners, who cannot believe the price/performance of the Corvette (and would rather continue to pay more, for less).
And in any case, and this is where my prejudices would be: I prefer the sound of a huge V8 screaming at 7000rpm any day. Nice.
Edited by c4koh on Sunday 21st January 20:57
Hiya
Well I was a 100% porsche man - however i'm talking real porsches - pre 993
The reason i ended up with a vette was that i found that all the "new" 911's were just totally sterile - there's no sense of occasion when you drive a 996 or 997
So i was looking at getting a GT2 or a 996 turbo - but i was so un impressed with the whole experience.
So i came across a C5 Z06 - took it out - liked it - but not in love with it - but bought it anyway - and the price allowed me to keep the 930 as well.
A few months in and the 930 has hardly left the garage. The Z06 is so much fun - and it get's so much positive attention from everybody. It has that charisma that is so sadly lacking in modern porsches.
OK the GT3 handling is in a different league - and the vette will feel like a tank compared to it (though it might be lighter) it's a much bigger car. You'll notice the width difference - but it will bring a smile to your face and for that matter pretty much everyone that sees it.
Well I was a 100% porsche man - however i'm talking real porsches - pre 993
The reason i ended up with a vette was that i found that all the "new" 911's were just totally sterile - there's no sense of occasion when you drive a 996 or 997
So i was looking at getting a GT2 or a 996 turbo - but i was so un impressed with the whole experience.
So i came across a C5 Z06 - took it out - liked it - but not in love with it - but bought it anyway - and the price allowed me to keep the 930 as well.
A few months in and the 930 has hardly left the garage. The Z06 is so much fun - and it get's so much positive attention from everybody. It has that charisma that is so sadly lacking in modern porsches.
OK the GT3 handling is in a different league - and the vette will feel like a tank compared to it (though it might be lighter) it's a much bigger car. You'll notice the width difference - but it will bring a smile to your face and for that matter pretty much everyone that sees it.
hey Sagman
it was a 996 GT2 - it's a great piece of kit - but unfortunately driving it around london is virtually impossible - it's so low, that it front splitter grounds out on every bump, ramp etc. I meet a guy just b4 i bought the Z06, in a Ruf Gt2 - it was he's first day. I was in the mini and i was asking him how he liked the GT2 - he almost would of swapped it for the mini, there and then. I had watched him pick his way down a normal road (or so it seemed) as he bottomed out on various underlations !
it was a 996 GT2 - it's a great piece of kit - but unfortunately driving it around london is virtually impossible - it's so low, that it front splitter grounds out on every bump, ramp etc. I meet a guy just b4 i bought the Z06, in a Ruf Gt2 - it was he's first day. I was in the mini and i was asking him how he liked the GT2 - he almost would of swapped it for the mini, there and then. I had watched him pick his way down a normal road (or so it seemed) as he bottomed out on various underlations !
Sagman,
I had a few Porsches like: 996 Carrera, 996 Turbo, 996 GT3 RS, 997S. In my humble opinion:
The Z06 wins on acceleration, especially in higher gears, above 100mph. The presence of the 500+ bhp is quite obvious all the time, given the characteristics of the 7liter V8. At high speed cruising the Corvette is much more stable than the Porsche, you won’t experience the light front ie. the need of the continuous steering input, which is typical with the Porsche. In the Z06 there is much more room for the driver / passenger and significant luggage space.
On the other hand the build quality is not up to the Porsche standard, the Z06 has huge grip in the dry, but the level of feedback is better in the Porsche.
For me the Porsche is more sophisticated, the Z06 is more fun.
lvarga
I had a few Porsches like: 996 Carrera, 996 Turbo, 996 GT3 RS, 997S. In my humble opinion:
The Z06 wins on acceleration, especially in higher gears, above 100mph. The presence of the 500+ bhp is quite obvious all the time, given the characteristics of the 7liter V8. At high speed cruising the Corvette is much more stable than the Porsche, you won’t experience the light front ie. the need of the continuous steering input, which is typical with the Porsche. In the Z06 there is much more room for the driver / passenger and significant luggage space.
On the other hand the build quality is not up to the Porsche standard, the Z06 has huge grip in the dry, but the level of feedback is better in the Porsche.
For me the Porsche is more sophisticated, the Z06 is more fun.
lvarga
Ivarga - Thanks for input. The 100mph+ benefit is something that can be exploited for not on a daily basis. I find my 997S a great all-rounder but just doesn't give you that punch in your back. Above 5000rpm it's great, but it's best trick is the level of feedback and the 911 feel of being hooked up on the exit of almost all bends. The 997 asks you to drive it correctly for best enjoyment where say a SL55 just likes to impress by it's power. Is the C6 S06 a balance between the two or I suppose my main question - would you jump into a Z06 over a 997S (or other 911's you've had)just for a bloody good spin with an hour to spare? Thanks again.
lvarga said:
For me the Porsche is more sophisticated, the Z06 is more fun.
lvarga
that sums it up pretty well
I've only got a 2002, C5 Z06 - 405bhp - but at £25k it's the cheapest supercar you'll ever find and i think the Z06 has got more style or certainly it's more unique than other "performance, super cars".
Yes it's easier to drive than my 930 - but that car wants to kill me everytime i take it out (which i like - but not everyday)
Edited by woof on Sunday 21st January 22:35
I've not owned any 911s, but driven most of them including a tuned GT2.
IF you can get over any left hand drive, Yank Tank preconceptions, then the C6 Z06 is the most entertaining car you can buy for under £100k. Mine is the Lingenfelter tuned one in evo this month. I think it is fair to say it will cost a lot more to buy a new (reliable) 570bhp 911!
They are different driving experiences though. You have to be far more considered with your driving to get the most out of a 911, particularly overcoming the inherent understeer. And you have to be far braver to play with oversteer in the Porsche than in the Vette.
For some macho types, "taming" the inherently flawed engine layout of the 911 is its appeal. For me, I don't see what's wrong with buying a car that has the engine in the right place to begin with, i.e. mid-engined, be it in front or behind the driver!
At the end of the day it is a 0-60 in 3.7s, 198mph, 7min 43s Nurburgring lap car, out of the box for £64k, that Tiff Needell found more entertaining than the £200k Ferrari 599 GTB.
BTW, re warranty, cars imported direct from the US (a pretty cheap option I would imagine with the current exchange rate) will NOT have a manufacturer's warranty. Cars imported from Europe, like mine, will have the full GM, 100k KM warranty provided the work is done with GM approved parts.
There is a Velocity Yellow one at the German dealer who supplied my car: (bottom of the page www.mobile.de/cgi-bin/homepageSearch.pl?sr_qual=EGN&sort=2&language=de&customerId=516160&partnerHead=1 )
At current exchange rates I reckon that car will cost you about £56k...
IF you can get over any left hand drive, Yank Tank preconceptions, then the C6 Z06 is the most entertaining car you can buy for under £100k. Mine is the Lingenfelter tuned one in evo this month. I think it is fair to say it will cost a lot more to buy a new (reliable) 570bhp 911!
They are different driving experiences though. You have to be far more considered with your driving to get the most out of a 911, particularly overcoming the inherent understeer. And you have to be far braver to play with oversteer in the Porsche than in the Vette.
For some macho types, "taming" the inherently flawed engine layout of the 911 is its appeal. For me, I don't see what's wrong with buying a car that has the engine in the right place to begin with, i.e. mid-engined, be it in front or behind the driver!
At the end of the day it is a 0-60 in 3.7s, 198mph, 7min 43s Nurburgring lap car, out of the box for £64k, that Tiff Needell found more entertaining than the £200k Ferrari 599 GTB.
BTW, re warranty, cars imported direct from the US (a pretty cheap option I would imagine with the current exchange rate) will NOT have a manufacturer's warranty. Cars imported from Europe, like mine, will have the full GM, 100k KM warranty provided the work is done with GM approved parts.
There is a Velocity Yellow one at the German dealer who supplied my car: (bottom of the page www.mobile.de/cgi-bin/homepageSearch.pl?sr_qual=EGN&sort=2&language=de&customerId=516160&partnerHead=1 )
At current exchange rates I reckon that car will cost you about £56k...
Edited by godzilla on Sunday 21st January 23:23
te51cle said:
I think Shoebag went from a 911 to a normal 'vette several years ago, she might be able to offer some advice... also from going to a Viper from a 'vette !
Yes that is true I used to have a 911 SC but felt it had a stigma attached to driving it and I never felt very special owning it. In fact I felt like sometimes I was being put into a category of Porsche owner and so went back to a Corvette (maybe I am part redneck) for 6 years.
To me driving the 911 was easy and safe and cornering felt more assured. It is like comparing the Viper to the Diablo. The Viper is skittish and volatile and the immense torque needs respect where as in the Diablo VT although there is so much power you know it`s not going to put you in a hedge.
Saying that I would never sell the Viper as I love it`s raw attitude that has not conformed and the GTS ACR is just more hardcore looking. If I had more money I would buy another Corvette but a Z06 for the speed aspect.
sagman said:
would you jump into a Z06 over a 997S (or other 911's you've had)just for a bloody good spin with an hour to spare? Thanks again.
I literally just did that – sold my 997 S and bought the Z06 instead, I had a 20 min test drive with Parklane and ordered the car immediately.
You may want to do the same; a short test drive is more convincing than a few days of chatting on the forum.
Thanks for further coments. I need to have a drive but not easy to get one when you live in Yorkshire.
Godzilla -How does your Z06 drive on a day to day basis. I wil be doing about 15k p.a and I must admit I like the useability of the 997S. Is it a car that you can literaly jump in a commute to work as well as go the the track and not worry about component damage preventing you getting home?
Thanks again guys.
Godzilla -How does your Z06 drive on a day to day basis. I wil be doing about 15k p.a and I must admit I like the useability of the 997S. Is it a car that you can literaly jump in a commute to work as well as go the the track and not worry about component damage preventing you getting home?
Thanks again guys.
sagman said:
Thanks for further coments. I need to have a drive but not easy to get one when you live in Yorkshire.
Godzilla -How does your Z06 drive on a day to day basis. I wil be doing about 15k p.a and I must admit I like the useability of the 997S. Is it a car that you can literaly jump in a commute to work as well as go the the track and not worry about component damage preventing you getting home?
Thanks again guys.
Godzilla -How does your Z06 drive on a day to day basis. I wil be doing about 15k p.a and I must admit I like the useability of the 997S. Is it a car that you can literaly jump in a commute to work as well as go the the track and not worry about component damage preventing you getting home?
Thanks again guys.
Stratstone currently have dealerships in Leeds and Newcastle. The one in Leeds is apparently moving to new premises now/soon. Hope that helps. As to using everyday, no problem. I have a 2000 C5 as a daily drive and do about 10,000 miles a year. Cuban has just driven 2,500 miles in a week I believe (see seperate thread) without problem. My car is outside all the time, rain and shine and has not let me down once (fingers now firmly crossed)
It is the 3rd Vette that I have owned and each has been reliable with the exception of a known weak point on my last C4, although this so called weak point lasted 6 years befor giving trouble. Go on, make the move and join the informed few who know what a great experience Vette ownership is. You will not regret it.
Edited by black magic on Monday 22 January 13:06
black magic said:
sagman said:
Thanks for further coments. I need to have a drive but not easy to get one when you live in Yorkshire.
Godzilla -How does your Z06 drive on a day to day basis. I wil be doing about 15k p.a and I must admit I like the useability of the 997S. Is it a car that you can literaly jump in a commute to work as well as go the the track and not worry about component damage preventing you getting home?
Thanks again guys.
Godzilla -How does your Z06 drive on a day to day basis. I wil be doing about 15k p.a and I must admit I like the useability of the 997S. Is it a car that you can literaly jump in a commute to work as well as go the the track and not worry about component damage preventing you getting home?
Thanks again guys.
Stratstone currently have dealerships in Leeds and Newcastle. The one in Leeds is apparently moving to new premises now/soon. Hope that helps. As to using everyday, no problem. I have a 2000 C5 as a daily drive and do about 10,000 miles a year. Cuban has just driven 2,500 miles in a week I believe (see seperate thread) without problem.
Indeed, I've added 15,000 miles in just 9 months AND it hardly gets driven when I am in the
UK as I work from home a lot of the time.
Edited to add: I forgot to mention, all these miles and the only issue? - An intermitent indicator which started recently!
Edited by Cuban on Monday 22 January 13:13
sagman said:
Thanks for further coments. I need to have a drive but not easy to get one when you live in Yorkshire.
Godzilla -How does your Z06 drive on a day to day basis. I wil be doing about 15k p.a and I must admit I like the useability of the 997S. Is it a car that you can literaly jump in a commute to work as well as go the the track and not worry about component damage preventing you getting home?
Thanks again guys.
Godzilla -How does your Z06 drive on a day to day basis. I wil be doing about 15k p.a and I must admit I like the useability of the 997S. Is it a car that you can literaly jump in a commute to work as well as go the the track and not worry about component damage preventing you getting home?
Thanks again guys.
I work from home so I don't need to drive the car on a commute, although I have done 6,500 miles in 4 months anyway!
There are no problems using it everyday once you get used to left hand drive and the width of the car (the 911's only significant advantage over other sports cars is its lack of width IMO).
Suspension is not too harsh, gearshift is heavy but satisfying, clutch is light and progressive, steering is light and direct. Visibility is not as good as a 911, but better than any rear mid-engined car. Driving position is spot on and very adjustable, seats are comfy (if too soft and open for the track) and all the mod cons are there. Sat nav is leagues ahead of any other sports car and it has the configurable HUD.
The only annoyance is road noise on concrete motorways, but since fitting a nice Lloyds rear cargo mat, that hasn't bothered me. 2007 cars are also better sound insulated.
At the end of the day, as already mentioned, drive one. You will soon know the power of the Dark Side and it is useless to resist!
I recently bought a 2003 C5 Z06 (I am assuming you know the current Z06 is the C6 Z06) and imported it from the US and it is currently doing a 160 mile per day commute, it returns 25 MPG using Shell Optimax (it runs quite happily on 95RON and returns about 22 MPG but I prefer the extra MPG).
Don't know what the servicing costs / intervals are like on the Porsche but all Corvettes you get between 7-10,000 miles per oil change which DIY costs about £80 for oil and £5 for a filter. Other service costs i.e. brake fluid / clutch fluid changes is every 36,000 miles or every 3 years. Brake pads last about 25,000 miles on day to day driving and about the same with tyres unless you run ultra sticky ones.
For about $3,000 you can change out the leaf springs and dampers for independent coil over shocks and a decent set of swaybars which will give you Porsche like handling.....it really p1sses Porsche owners off on the track when they get overtaken by a "Yank Tank"
Don't know what the servicing costs / intervals are like on the Porsche but all Corvettes you get between 7-10,000 miles per oil change which DIY costs about £80 for oil and £5 for a filter. Other service costs i.e. brake fluid / clutch fluid changes is every 36,000 miles or every 3 years. Brake pads last about 25,000 miles on day to day driving and about the same with tyres unless you run ultra sticky ones.
For about $3,000 you can change out the leaf springs and dampers for independent coil over shocks and a decent set of swaybars which will give you Porsche like handling.....it really p1sses Porsche owners off on the track when they get overtaken by a "Yank Tank"
Very comfortable, very easy to drive around town (I live in London), huge boot space and very reliable... and brutally fast. Put it this way, a friend with a tuned Cerbera 4.5L Lightweight, who always thinks what he has is better than anyone else's toy, had a ride in the Z06 and was astonished. Got out with a grin on his face, singing the Z06's praises, for handling as well as speed. Furthermore, I have only ever had positive comments from people, and often people you wouldn't expect them from. Rarity helps.
Your comments have confirmed my desire to get into one of these weapons. I live in Yorkshire and so far can only find official UK stock (new or used) in London. Can anyone offer any advice / details or where I can drive / buy a ZO6 (with warranty) nearer to home.
N.B I'm told a new one with SatNav is £64,500, is that right? What price should I be paying.
Thanks again to all who replied.
N.B I'm told a new one with SatNav is £64,500, is that right? What price should I be paying.
Thanks again to all who replied.
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