What did everyone drive before their Corvette?

[Irish_Stu]

Hello chaps,

I have an unscratched itch for a C6 Z06... I'm currently driving a BMW M6 (e63) which is a great car, however I sometimes find it a bit too civilized during driving at normal speeds. To get a thrill out of it requires silly speeds. I've always loved the look and the presence of the Corvettes. My previous car was a Monaro VXR and I was pretty disappointed by it. Great engine but poor handling. I'm sure the Z06 is leagues ahead of a Monaro but I guess my question is - Is a Z06 likely to stir the loins more than an M6?

[AdeTuono]

Undoubtedly! Whilst I really enjoy my Camaro, I'd dearly love to have kept my Z06 as well (Swerni! Are you listening?). I had a 645 for a while. I know it's not an M6, but it's probably broadly similar. I only had it for a few months as it just seemed sterile, run-of-the-mill and just plain 'ordinary'. Every trip in the Z was an event.

[Gixer]

I have to say I find the Z06 all very civilised. It hides your speed really well and I would guess like your BM, you are into silly speed if you really drive if through only a couple of gears. It is of course way lighter, it is also quite wide though not really any wider than my ZR1 which doesn't feel wide at all, the curves on the front wing can make it feel much wider than it really is. To be honest I think it's the thing with modern cars. I know a couple of people that had R8's and kind of got bored with them and talked to a guy with a new F type that said it was a great noise and quick but all so civilised too.

For fun value I would never sell my ZR1. Similar power, much lower geared, less aids, you feel much more connected to the car, more of a drivers car. Although it may be a bit of an unfair comparison as its far from stock.

Id certainly try one first as some just don't get on with the width and lhd. Then of course remember that they evolved through the model years so swat up with google so you know what model year you really want and take it from there. Also be careful, as some earlier cars are sold as later cars when they are not. There is a one on PH at the mo listed as a 2008 when it is clearly older. For brut force and a bit uncivilised have you considered a viper?

Edited by Gixer on Monday 21st April 14:24

[The JM]

I have had all sorts of cars before the Z06, but perhaps the most similar to your situation is the E60 M5 I ran at the same time for work. I don’t think you can compare the two cars other than in terms of outright performance as they deliver every sensation so differently. The M5 was so quiet and refined, as you say with your M6, only when you really opened it up did it come alive and excite. The Z06 has so much torque it requires virtually no revs to go like hell, and therefore commands more of your attention more of the time. To drive fast across country the Z06 is a much sharper tool, ultimately a lot faster (If your brave enough) but will induce a good sweat in the process as you really have to manage the throttle a lot more carefully and watch the road surface rather than just planting your foot down as in the M5! My Z06 now has a lot more power than standard which adds the challenge. I have also uprated the brakes and suspension to help but over 600lbft from 3,800 rpm defines the cross county experience. If possible try / buy a Z06 with Michelin Pilot Superports fitted. They absolutely transform the car over the standard Goodyear run flats in terms of ride, noise, and grip.

[BLUETHUNDER]

Before the Z06 over the last 10 years I've had

TVR Chimaera
TVR Cerbera
Corvette C5
Corvette C6 Z51
Mercedes SL500
AM Vantage
Corvette Z06

Out of all those the Cerb was a great drivers car. Required all your attention to get the most out of it. The Vantage was a good drivers car but just lacked the power. The Z06 surpasses the lot in terms of power, reliability and handling. Great cars.

[roscobbc]

Interesting comment from Gixer - he has a ZO6 yet cites his earlier ZR1 as being a more 'involved' drive. If you want an even more 'involved' perhaps consider an earlier 60's or early 70's big block Vette. Without driver aids like ABS etc and only LSD to help these are potentially challenging but rewarding cars to drive hard if you like brute and unsophisticated performance. My own modified '68 manual big block is a 12 second car that can break the national speed limit in first gear and give many other cars a run for their money up to low triple figure speeds. And that is where it is best - speeds around and about the national speed limit. Driving late model supercars you will always run the risk of loosing your license. Getting the 'buzz' is going to mean highly illegal speeds. Early cars are so noisy, hot and demanding at higher speeds whilst you can go to higher speeds (for a few minutes anyway) you just don't go there. A 50 mile journey in an early car is hard, hot, noisy and tiring. For a late model car 50 mile, 150 miles, 500 miles its nothing! Yeah, take your late model car to France, perhaps Germany and its Autobahns - would you do it in an early car, could you afford to do it in an early car? - will it be reliable enough - I'll let you decide!

[roppa440]

Having owned Mopar Musclecars all my adult life I find my C5 Corvette really unexciting to drive unless it is going really fast. In my big block 1970 Challenger 90mph felt REALLY fast and was thrilling to drive. The Corvette is only just starting to wake up at 90.

Having said that the Corvette has been completely reliable and stress free. It corners well and stands out from the crowd. If I ever did get another big block monster then I think I would have to also keep the Vette so I could have the best of both worlds.

[roppa440]

Oh and I should say that driving a Viper seemed to be the best compramise between the two types of car. But as it wasn't my car I didn't try to find the limits of it capabilities. Vipers bite if you don't drive them with respect.

[roscobbc]

Answer - 1. buy C5/C6 Vette - 2. junk stock engine - 3. swap in big cube (540+) engine - 4. play

[cheeky]

I had a TVR Tuscan before my C6 Z06.

The Tuscan was quick, and an event. The Z06 remains an event, but blows the Tuscan into the weeds for speed. It's a great combination of practical (huge boot), gentle around town, and super fast with great handling when you hit the road. All of which makes me question why I'm finally going to sell mine...!