Discussion
I am the man with the Z06!!
I haven't driven a standard C5 so cannot comment on there performance, I can comment on the Z06 having had one for 4 months and done 10,000+ miles in it.
The car is very competent in most areas, compared with my 1996 LT4 C4 it is light years ahead in braking, chassis design and because of the much reduced weight it feels so much easier when shifting direction. The cornering is still not as I would like it, as I would like to see fully independent coil-over shocks rather than shocks and transverse leaf-springs.
I personally prefer the shape of the Z over the coupe, as it is like a convertible with a hardtop. The car is a little more hard core than the standard car with the reduced weight, increased horse power and stiffer suspension and body design.
Personally I would like it to be more hard core, but GM are not aiming at me as their typical buyer. I will mod the car to my ideal as most Americans do.
GM designed the Z06 as the "ZR-1" for the C5 but within the standard body, unlike the ZR-1 which is wider etc. than the standard C4.
The interior is low quality, but the ergonomics are excellent, particularly the seat design and driving position.
Having driven 2,200 miles in a week with up to 600 miles on one day, I find the car extremely easy to drive and also very comfortable.
Compare this with a Viper........!!
I haven't driven a standard C5 so cannot comment on there performance, I can comment on the Z06 having had one for 4 months and done 10,000+ miles in it.
The car is very competent in most areas, compared with my 1996 LT4 C4 it is light years ahead in braking, chassis design and because of the much reduced weight it feels so much easier when shifting direction. The cornering is still not as I would like it, as I would like to see fully independent coil-over shocks rather than shocks and transverse leaf-springs.
I personally prefer the shape of the Z over the coupe, as it is like a convertible with a hardtop. The car is a little more hard core than the standard car with the reduced weight, increased horse power and stiffer suspension and body design.
Personally I would like it to be more hard core, but GM are not aiming at me as their typical buyer. I will mod the car to my ideal as most Americans do.
GM designed the Z06 as the "ZR-1" for the C5 but within the standard body, unlike the ZR-1 which is wider etc. than the standard C4.
The interior is low quality, but the ergonomics are excellent, particularly the seat design and driving position.
Having driven 2,200 miles in a week with up to 600 miles on one day, I find the car extremely easy to drive and also very comfortable.
Compare this with a Viper........!!
We are quite lucky in Europe as the standard Export Vettes for the Euro market come with Z06 fittings such as brakes, axels and to a degree suspension. The Z06 suspension is available on the 2004 Commemorative edition. On mine I have the variable magnetic suspension - not as hard as the Z06, but it has two settings: Tour and Sport, for those people who would like to select the quality of the ride.
It is very easy and not so expensive to add 20 or 30 hp to the Standard Vette. One of the first things I did was to add a Z06 air box cover to mine, giving the car a little more air to breath.
It is very easy and not so expensive to add 20 or 30 hp to the Standard Vette. One of the first things I did was to add a Z06 air box cover to mine, giving the car a little more air to breath.
I have a 2002 C5 Coupe which has been my only car for over 18 months and 26,000 miles and its been fine. I prefer the Coupe to the Z06/Hardtop body shape, the hatchback is the more practical for me as I often carry large and boxy luggage, e.g. studio flash equipment, 2 metre long stepladder, garden rubbish etc.
The Z06 is aimed at people who want to use their car at the track - it's got an extra 50bhp, lower gearing, lighter weight and wider wheels and tyres.
The Coupe is more of a GT car but due to taller gearing and lower drag it has a higher top speed than the Z06 - even if it takes longer to get there its still very quick. I have done 0-60 in 4.65 seconds and the standing 1/4 in 13.11 at 113mph.
The Z06 is aimed at people who want to use their car at the track - it's got an extra 50bhp, lower gearing, lighter weight and wider wheels and tyres.
The Coupe is more of a GT car but due to taller gearing and lower drag it has a higher top speed than the Z06 - even if it takes longer to get there its still very quick. I have done 0-60 in 4.65 seconds and the standing 1/4 in 13.11 at 113mph.
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