2023 C8 vs 2023 Z06 (The Biggest Issue) 

Maybe I’m in the minority here but I really think the Z06 fixes a lot of the issues I had with the C8’s aesthetics. The proportions and design overall just seem to flow better.

The Z06 isn’t meant to be a completely different car, it’s a higher performance trim level of the C8. It’s the same as a R/T Challenger compared to a Hellcat Challenger, not much aesthetically changes but there is a significant increase in performance. The ZR1 has been the highest trim and will likely be the most different in terms of appearance. Also, the bumper is clearly different and three and a half inches is a noticeable difference… in terms of width.

Today, Mr. Spaghetti is not upsetti that he has 2 new corvettis.

I think you have to get the Z07 package for it to really look different than the base model

I could tell the difference from the front immediately. Regardless this is a "problem" that isn't too bad to have. They also focused on the differentiation on the rear if I had to guess because it's what most people will briefly get a glimpse of with the performance. Either way anytime I see a Corvette it's nice. 🇺🇲

Am i wrong but the Z06 has different front bumpers, different side scoop, different wheels and maybe different lights. . . Looks quite different to me but Ive only seen one c8 irl. The joys of Ireland.

Great video and I agree with most of what you said. But you only focused on the difference in looks vs value. My biggest problem is the performance differential to the regular Stingray is just not enough to justify the expense. That’s not a slam against the Z06, but really more kudos to GM for making the reg C8 so good. Sure the Z06 engine sounds amazing. The Z06 is set up for track use off the showroom floor and if that’s your goal then it’s definitely a good option. Driving dynamics are terrific. But when you are talking value, the reg C8 blows it away. You can take a base C8 for $65k and it’s barely a half second slower in 1/4 mile than the Z. The Z is only 2 tenths quicker to 60 than the base car. And yes, on a road course things are different. But you can make a couple grand worth of suspension modifications, slap on a set of Cup2 tires and and for under $75k you can build a SR that will keep up with a Z06 and still outperforms the capabilities of 99% of the Z06 buyers out there. And that’s before we look at serious modifications and power adders. The Z06 is really more about bragging rights to impress other corvette owners than as an outright bargain super car. The real bargain super car is a regular 1LT Stingray. A Z06 with Z07 package is nearly $60k more, that’s almost double the price. And not only is it a drivers race as to which is faster, the general public cannot tell the difference if both cars are parked side by side.

You have to get the Z07 with the high wing. If not to the untrained eye they look the same. The sound is much different to anyone though!

That flat plane sound is unbelievable. Makes my GT350 sound quiet

I don't think people in the comments understand Rob's point. He's not only saying that they don't look different enough. He's saying they don't look different enough for +50k-100k over the base C8. Like, sure, my 440i looks almost the same as a 430i besides some small differences. But BMW doesn't charge $50k for just an engine and bumper swap.

I have a '23 Stingray and I agree. Outside of the visual differences, for the ZO6 I would have had many fewer creature comforts to make it lighter (less leather, no soft close, no electric seats, no electric steering column, etc). I would have reworked the rear end including much less luggage capacity in exchange for better rear aero, but also so there was a big visual difference bwletween the two cars and they could at last fix the "Camaro problem." I can imagine sacrificing space in the frunk for a series of small S-ducts. I mean sky was the limit for the team. One thing that would have been nice on the ZO6 motor also, would have been pre-chamber combustion like an F1motor. Maybe it would have produced enough power to maintain, or improve the power band and still allow a 9k redline, but I'm just a guy on the interwebs. What do I know?

I think it looks just about the same difference as the Porsches or Ferrari's except the really high end ones. When you have 2 in the same color right next to each other then yeah it looks the same as the base C8.

One is visibly wider even on camera. Nobody can talk the value down on the C8 series because they are better CARS than their European counterparts by a good measure. With graphics the C8 series looks like HYPERCARS, and I'm not joking.

I need those kind of issues in my life 😂

This should be called Stingray vs. Z06. They are both variants of the 8th generation of the corvette (C8). I think this mislabeling confuses a lot of people. Its like saying a Porsche 992 vs. a GT3. They're the same thing...

Thanks for the video. I can tell those two apart right away but that's because I'm a sports car fan so I know what to look for. Great point about people who can't afford high end cars thinking they can get the same result by modding cheaper cars. When you finally get the chance to drive the high end cars cars, you start to understand what the fuzz is about.

Ok yeah I see the difference.. Corvette: vroom Z06: rips the microphone apart lol

Props to the Chevy engineers. The wider rear track & bigger tyres are well-disguised while follow the base design. Rob is wrong on the appearance, but that Z06 engine is a beast!

I love the fact when the mid-engine corvette hit the market everyone was cheering for an fairly affordable sports car with some super car feel... that didn't age well in the least.

Well, it’s technically a trim. It’s a sub category under the C8 model, it’s not meant to be completely different from the stingray. The C7 and C7Z look very similar especially when you’re looking at a C7 GS. Now when it comes to the ZR-1 I believe it’ll have more noticeable differences.

😎 I want to buy a Z06 and modify it to look like a regular Stingray.. just to grind your gears

The Z06 looks completely different in stance…noticeably wider. The fronts are different. The side scoops are noticeably bigger. The reason for the price difference is the bespoke, most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever made. Start the car, and everyone will hear the price difference. Also, ask any non car person/enthusiast if they can tell the difference between a GT3 and a base 911 and a base 3 Series and M Series car and they would never think either is more expensive than the other. Us enthusiasts will keep being impressed and thankful for seeing them on the road.

wow having them together at first I didn't know which was which until you pointed it out, I agree with what you said

Agree with the argument that there is just not enough visual difference. For most potential buyers the price difference after markups and tax will be over $100,000 and the Z06 is simply not worth that premium plus since so few buyers ever track their Corvettes, the Z06 is even less of a logical choice. Even then how many buyers have the driving skills to take advantage of the Z51 much less a Z06 and lets face it, for most C8 buyers, the Z51 option is a waste of money. Have always been a 3LT buyer but just picked up a new C8 (3LT, HTC) to replace my 2020 coupe but when you upgrade to the GT2 seats on a 2LT, it is very hard to see the difference other than the stitching on the center of the steering wheel on a 3LT.

The non Z06 looks better with the front grill being black/carbon.

The side vent is the biggest tell isn’t it?

Thanks. Not taking anything away from the awesomeness of the Z06, you just validated my belief that the "base" C8 is a terrific bargain. Looks (to most) just like the Z06 (with a different emblem on the rear hatch) and, if optioned right, can be close to half the price of the Z06. I bought a Hypersonic Gray 2022 non-Z51 2LT Coupe (with both tops) which stickered at $80K. I love it. And I can drive it around and everyone knows it's "new" Corvette, but hardly anyone knows it is not the Z06! All this talk about the Z06 just gets me more looks.

I could be completely wrong, as I don’t own a corvette myself, but I’m pretty sure on Hoovie’s video you can static rev in park if you hold down both shift paddles at once.

I get it. I'm sure there are going to be enough people like myself that like understated though. It wouldn't dissuade me at all.

I do not agree. A base 911 does not look drastically different than a Turbo 4S despite the huge price difference.

I don't see how they "missed an opportunity", they are selling the cars, and they got you to buy one....what opportunity did they miss? lol, you mean they shoulda spent more on design to get the same sales? lol...that's a bad business decision now isn't it

They need room for the zr1. I think they could have been more brave in the interior but exterior wise with the zl1 pack is more than enough

In today’s episode, Mr. Spaghetti compares his two newest jars of vodka sauce.

ahh, nothing beats the standard v8 sound lol

Rob, a ferrari these days doesnt lose tons of value and isnt a repair nightmare like when we were kids saying "why would u buy that?". now, oc we would buy a huracan as they are bulletproof and a perfect daily. oc a porche turbo has always been the perfect daily. We still say why would u buy a rolls for $500k thats worth $150k 2 years later.

Today Mr Spaghetti compares his meatballs to see which makes the best pasta

I like the front of the base C8 better. I’m backing out on a Z06 at Ciocca deposit. Plus now there is a loud ticking noise from the Z06 engine. GM says stay tuned for fix. Oh boy can’t wait.

Z06 has never been crazy different from its stingray or Grand Sport brothers. Need to wait for the c8 zr1 for that.

I agree with your review. I've had my C8 since 2020 and when I first got it it was like a unicorn because no one was used to seeing it. Now they are becoming very common. I'm seeing them everywhere now. I have an order in for a Z06. Currently accepted by GM but waiting for an allocation. But I'm doubting my purchase less and less with the more C8s I see. I also wish the Z06 had more of a differential look to it for the money you are spending. Seeing 2 C8 going down the interstate, one being a C8 and the other a Z06 C8, you aren't going to be able to tell the difference. And that is disappointing.

I have not yet seen a Z06 in person so tough to say, but could the colour choice hide the extra wide body and overall dull the differences? I like the 1970’s Mclaren orange, but would red mist tin coat bring out more hotness? I love my C8 HTC, in Shadow Grey Metallic, and I live in a part of cold Canada (-23F today)that I rarely see another C8, so I’m not worried about the number of lookalikes.

I like how the Z06 isn’t draped with the black accents.

If they didn't make it so the parts were interchangeable then the cost to produce them would be much higher.

Why should trim levels and ground effects be more important than the mechanical side? In the Z06 you get an amazing engine and better handling. Exterior you can customize yourself. But mechanical it is more difficult and expensive

Carbon wheels on a rental is a bad idea.

What a boring thing to be upset over, originally the Z06 was a package spec you asked for for more performance on your regular car and a few more additions. That's literally what they've done. Been this way since the C5. The C8 is the base, the Z06 is the racing/track focused varient.

Mr.Spaghetti is the Bill Burr of automotive RU-vid.

so what is the newest and best version of the corvette? the corvette c8 z06 is the same as the corvette z06 right??

Put Circular Taillights On The Rear Of The Z06 & It Might Be A Game Changer

What's gunna be maintenance cost vs a Evo or a turbo 911?

I partially agree with you on your cars but I think without the wing the Z06 looks like it’s missing something. The back end looks naked. I think dead on from the front they are to similar. and the vertical parts of the grill should be carbon or black to show off the grills better and make a bigger statement. I love the wishbone on the Z06 over the boomerang on the stingray. It looks way more aggressive.

hold both paddles in at same time you can rev past 3000.....

Well where’s the high wing, the front spoiler n ground effects kit? Looks like u got a base z06

I didn't think it was a fair comparison. your Z06 is the same color as the stingray and has virtually no options that would make it easier to distinguish. the difference between the two is enormous. Z06 is wider, it has a different air intake, different front and rear bumper, exhaust outlets in the middle, it has carbon ceramic brakes, carbon fiber wheels etc... now I bet if you put a black GT3 touring next to a black Carrera GTS no one but a Porsche fan will know the difference.

Don't forget they are hinting a last zr1 version that I would say will look very different. On top of that the aftermarket already has some awesome kits out. And I would almost rather build mine so it don't look like any other one. I know that doesn't make sense for you in rentals but the average guy loves that.

I kinda want to rent the mini truck to put delta airline badges on it and pretend like I stole it. Maybe but a baggage cart behind as well :-)

I mean z06 always looks pretty similar to normal corvette, like c5 same other then trunk , c6 just little wider in rear and c7 was so busy at first glance can’t tell

It this guy out of his mind? The Z06 has a bespoke motor.

Z06 sounds amazing.. just don't know if it's $40k amazing.

The domestics have always been that way. Some badging and small cosmetic changes can get you grandma's 1969 Camaro, Mustang or Charger or it can get you some pretty cool musclecars. Put grandma's 1969 Camaro six cylinder next to a 1969 COPO ZL1 Camaro and see if you can tell the difference.

Z06 is $120-$140k max… anything higher then that your better off “saving” a few more grand to get into something higher tiered. ( todays market,economy are completely F’ed and have prices skewed af🤷🏼‍♂️ ) imho

You didn’t get zo7 package nor carbon wheels

Its just like the other Z06 from years past. Amazing car!!!!

It doesn't seem to have hurt the overs on mrsp does it.

I think you’re also forgetting we still have TWO more higher performance model C8s still coming! Those will prob be a lot more aggressive!

I think the problem is how you have it specked out

The $114K base price of the Z06 is actually pretty crazy when you think about it. The cost of a new Ferrari 360 back in the day was about $130K, I think. And that's in early 2000's dollars. We seem to have come pretty far.

The sound of the Z06 engine is so good. However, a Corvette shouldn't sound like a European car.

10:45 when he hits you in the feels, but you know he right

I am on a dealer Z06 list. I am buying the Z06 to get back to driving open track days at Road Atlanta. Most of us buying the car for track use could care less if an automotive neophyte cannot tell the difference between the Z06 and the Stingray.

I love how when you review a car, if we could call it that, it is always a POV that could make or brake a sale.

I'll agree to disagree.. I can tell the difference from a mile away.. and I'm getting a c8 stingray right now for budget... but I'm about the sleeper culture.. all my performance builds I made them so no one could tell what was there.

Why would you get it in the same color as the regular c 8

Interesting perspective Rob. Not sure I agree yet that’s to be expected. The Porsche gt3 touring looks very similiar to the various 911s. The average person wouldn’t notice the difference between the two 911s. I tend to think the z06 offers a visceral driving experience that transcends the c8 stingray. Under 100 mph that’s about the reason so many don’t want to spend the extra 30 or 40 grand as yours doesn’t have Mrc shocks and z51 option tuned suspension etc Thanks for posting up. I enjoyed your insights as corvette material is always fun. People Love Corvettes as they are so affordable and everyone can buy a new or used one instead of a cuv. That’s why John Q. Public love the corvette and I’m two years in as my daily driver. Everyday two years on even today I had a nice gentleman at the Northvale shop rite as I was walking in gushing over the c8. He was elderly and quite enthusiastic in his praise and that did as you say out a smile on my face . Well wishes and approachable is why the corvette c8 for people. That has its charm too.

Lmao the MR. Deeds pic.

Thanks Ferreti for heads up. Almost blew out my eardrums

C4zr-1....... same issue. They have been doing it for decades

ok not kiddin i would’ve bet a hundoe the Z06 was on the left. wow and I am a Vette head. guess I aint now. great vid RF btw GM did this with the ZR1 in the 90’s…

Sure you can get a GT3 or Huracan Evo but then you'll get your butt kicked every time a Z06 pulls up next to you lol

I thought the one on the left was the zo6 😂 then again I live in the UK and not actually seen one of these in the road yet

6:12 I didnt know what I was looking for even though you literally just told me hahaha

These cars only share roof panels. Every other panel is different. They look different enough, more different than any other z06 vs base in history

Maybe if GM offered the Z06 in specific colors only available on that trim?

"You don't get excited anymore"...Believe me, I never got excited. It's a chevy.

Z06 is so much better looking than reg c8 and almost 700 hp wow to 495 plus 250 k car as of today facts!

Id go with the c7 zr1. Thats a sick looking car.

The z06 is clearly wider than the base as I look at them

I think GM is smart, keeping them look similar will sell more base model, and in the end the Corvette sales will break down to 50+ bases sold for every z06

It’s more difficult to tell the difference between these two than on a 911 because on the Corvette you’ve got loads of fussy styling cues, which given a wider body you don’t notice as much whereas a 911 has a much cleaner design, so when you stick a vent on the side and give more girth to the hips you can notice the difference. You can tell the difference between a triangle and a square a lot easier than you can between an octagon and a decagon….

I really like the wheels you chose. 👌🏻

Completely agree with everything you said. They do a better job in the difference between an SS and a ZL1, why not do the same or better on the more expensive car?

Did your road finally get re-paved?

Honestly I've been on the look out for the new Z06's and haven't seen or heard one yet in my area so trust me you can tell the difference.

The black trim and roof on the convertible looks better than the Z06... to me.

I rented a C8 for a day to check in out. I'll have to say, driving an automatic was not enjoyable. I prefer a stick shift to really feel the full experience of driving. I only felt it was a really cool car when I was not inside but outside looking at it. That was enough to decide I don't want one.

Need Z07 package

They look correctly different GM did exactly what they wanted do no missed opportunity. Stop it

Completely agree 💯

The back of the Z06 looks awful with those stacked black pieces on both sides.

I can see how it would bug people that they look the same. Maybe it's just me, but this isn't a big deal. The people who know what they're looking at can differentiate them pretty easily. These cars are nice though and speak for themselves. You're going to impress people when driving them. Of course, there will always be fanboys of certain other brands and that's cool too.

Man... he's going to be really upset when he sees the eray 😅🤣