It always comes down to what your wallet allows no matter how excited you feel. Choosing between these two cars is the same as looking at what house you can buy. I bought a C5 Z and spent 15K on improving it without going into debt. If I had bought a C6 Z, I'd still be owing the bank. There's nothing worse than financing a car and watching it depreciate month after month while your payments stay the same. If i could, I'd have 2 ZR1's sitting in the basement, but in reality , I'd be living out of both of them cause I wouldn't have a house to park them in. Peoples minds will never avoid dreams of something better. But when our eyes get bigger than our stomach, we're in real trouble and misery is waiting in the wings.
@@browningbelgium2326 I got a GS 2013 60 th anniversary. I have enough to pay half of it off right not but no rush. It’s definitely great to have a garage to keep the car in.
You missed one of the most obvious differences in the two cars and that are the side vents in the front quarters. The ZR1 has a dual vents vs a single on the Z06. The looks of the hood vent, which is not glass, but some sort of plexiglass, is subjective. I happen to like the cleaner lines of the Z06. I drove both cars and my Z06 is modded and the ZR1 I drove was stock and I wasn't impressed - it had some lag to it before the super charger came on, whereas in my car the power is more immediate or raw. I was also in your boat and when I bought my car 4.5 years ago, a really nice Z06 with low miles was around $40K and a ZR1 was around $70K. I didn't feel it was worth another $30K for a car that is .2 seconds faster in the quarter mile. You were also off on the weight of the cars - the 2006 Z06 was the lightest one in the line that ran from 2006-2013 and it weights 3,130 lbs. The ZR1 is about 200 lbs. heavier. Both are lighter than the C7 Z at over 3,500 lbs. You can mod the C6 Z06 to 630rwhp+ but the ZR1, like another poster mentioned here, can go much higher. So from a modding standpoint, if you want really big power, go for the ZR1. My car is making 562rwhp and is a really fast car and plenty for the street. I have a friend who has a modded ZR1 putting down 711rwhp. You get into a lot of cooling issues with the super charges, especially if go really big power. Personally, I like the N/A motor. It performs/feels/sounds more like the muscle cars from the late 60s to early 70s. As far as the holding or going up in value, I think both will over time, but with the ZR1 being a more limited production and exclusive top of the line Corvette, it will likely be more collectable down the road and probably do better on the value.
When comparing the 2 in the interest of perf the biggest diff is 2 fold. 1st. ZR1 has a forged bottom end and other features that are designed to survive under boost. The 427 Z06 is not as the LS7 comes with cast pistons and no oil squirters among other things. ZR also has a better trans with different gear ratios depending on what year ZR is. The ZR diffetential is also different from the O6. Installing add on boost to a Z06 is not a good idea.
@@angelo_giachetti exactly. Almost nothing about the engine, chassis, steering, suspension, and brakes are the same between the two cars. The two cars couldn't be any more different and the main reason people buy the z06 is obviously because they can't afford the zr1.
I drove both cars and didn't notice any difference in the steering. My car is more responsive than the ZR1 I drove. Personally , I prefer the NA motor, LS7, but you can mod to more power in the ZR1. My car is lightly moded.
The main reason the weight went up on the C7 z06 and ZR1 was the removable roof . In order to make the frame stronger to handle the loss of roof rigidity hence the weight jumped up to 3500 pounds. In order to keep the weight down on the C6 Z06 they made the roof fixed and used a aluminum frame versus the base models steel frame with the removable roof. I am a big proponent of the Z06 to always have a fixed roof because it is supposed to be built for the track. Through my job as pace car promotion driver for the Sebring Race Track Corvette C7. When I was out with the pace car numerous corvette guys would share their experiences with me. I met several guys who had broken windshields on their Z06’s when they had the roof off or a convertible and using the car aggressively. Think it is because of frame flex. In regards to the valve issues it is a low % issue unless you are tracking it probably will never happen. Apparently GM had small amount of valves their suppliers provided a bad batch. But as this utube vlogger said if it worries you go to a GM corvette specialist and have them up grade the valves. Not a expensive fix and it will save you a lot of money if they go. Most engine people will tell you the LS7 is a very strong engine once the valves are upgraded and the Z06 is lighter by around 200 lbs than the ZR1 primarily because of the supercharger and related upgrades. Plus you can further upgrade the LS7 engine and get 575 hp pretty quickly.
exactly. Almost nothing about the engine, chassis, steering, suspension, and brakes are the same between the two cars. The two cars couldn't be any more different and the main reason people buy the z06 is obviously because they can't afford the zr1.
Picked up a 38k mi Z06 last fall for $26k. Immediately addressed the heads. Heads were shop done ($800)....did the rest including a few performance goodies my own self. Now EVERYBODY'S in my rear view mirror. Was it the right choice? You're kiddin' right? Simply the best car I've ever owned. If you ever get to plant your *ss in a Z, do it.
@@CaylebPletos If you want to pull your vette into a shop and have them do EVERYTHING (pulling heads, consigning a shop for the head work, etc)....then yeah, whip out the check book. If you remove and re-install the heads yourself and use a shop just for the head work (valve job, guides and porting), you not only save a TON of $$, but now you've discovered one of the great pleasures of owning one of America's supercars by doing the work yourself. Have to remember that not only is the LS7 a powerful platform but a simple one. You need to put skin in the game by sourcing a shop, parts and proper procedures. I'd do it again in a shot!
@@lcypher5579 I've been a little worried about screwing up my car tbh hahah I had a mustang that I worked on and I did everything to that car myself, but I haven't gotten too technical and opened the motor on any of my cars. I'll do some research and see if its a job I think I can handle. I'm all about saving money thats for sure. thanks so much for the help!
I stopped your video when you said they weight exactly the same Do your homework dude Zo6=3132 lb Zr1=3373 lb Not to mention the rear quarter fenders between zo6 and zr1 are exactly the same dimension With all due respect I rather not watch bullshit
Sorry to see you didn’t enjoy the video. Listed below is the resource that I used for both the weight and the fenders. The weight difference in this article is less than 100lbs difference, so basically the same. As you may know, how you spec a car depends on the weight. This article also states that the fenders in the Zr1 are larger. Have a great day. dustrunnersauto.com/zr1-vs-z06/
@@CaylebPletos I discovered that you are correct about the article of proof (my apologies) How ever i believe that is a rumor I have a z06 Have also painted a zr1 My eyes studied every square inches of that car I will have to measure both cars next I will let you know Thanks
Hey so I’ve seen you say in a few videos that the C6 Z06 is the lightest Corvette ever made. Just wanted to politely inform you that is not true. I believe the C5Z was rated at about 3,120 lbs where as the C6Z is anywhere from 3150-3200 lbs. Also the ZR1 is 3,350 lbs. so about 200lbs heavier than the Z06. Nice videos though. I own a C6 ZR1 and decided it was worth the extra money. But the C6Z is absolutely a great bang for the buck car.
C6ZR1 has a forged motor, can handle well over 1,000hp on stock bottom end. Comes with a dual clutch that can handle power as well Carbon fiber rotors on all 4 corners like Ferrari. I like the ZO6 but the ZR1 is definitely worth $30k more
def not worth the 30k more if your just looking at it from a modding perspective if you dump 30k on the z06 it will out handle and out power any stock zr1. I love the zr1 and if i got a good deal id take it but the Z06 is the best bang for ur buck. Just my 2 cents :)
@@averagejoe1739 You have to build the motor to even handle power the ZR1 can handle on stock bottom end safely. ZO6 owners usually trade up for the ZR1 because it is a better platform
@@isiahgomez6860 I have a Z06 and it only has $10k extra in it, including a new clutch and a trans freshen. Im making right at 650 hp with nothing more than a cam, slight bore, venom heads and valves, headers, and exhaust. Thats already making more all around power than the ZR1 with $20k left and room for a procharger, turbo kit, or supercharger with zero bottom end work needing done. So, realistically if you put that extra $20k in suspension and even a small supercharger, you'd have the same cost as the ZR1 with 200 - 250 more hp.
I been reading all of these comments and it’s not just about power, guys anyone can buy a decent C5Z and add $10,000 dollars to in make it a beast but it’s more then just power, it’s about having the cooler car it’s about what’s more iconic and legendary think about nothing says America 🇺🇸 like a Chevrolet Corvette. My point is it’s not just about HP actually I would leave both the corvette Z06 and the corvette ZR1 both stock.
great points! I'm very curious to see how these cars will age in the market. I wonder if they will turn into rare classics and be worth lots of money one day. I could see that happening with how cool they are and the eventual switch to electric!
I haven’t driven either car in stock form but I have driven them modified. The ZR1 was 750whp and the Z06 had not been dyno’d or tuned when I drove it. The ZR1 was well taken care of vs the Z06 chassis was kind of trashed although the engine was healthy. ZR1 was an absolute monster and the Z06 was also damn strong. I can’t imagine if someone had the money why they would not buy the ZR1 but “settling” for a Z06 is hardly purgatory.
Zr1 all day long now. It’s only like $30000 more at this time. Had 2 c6z06 and the zr1 is worth the extra $30000 grande easily. So much car better motor too without the 427 head issue.
the 06Z... Motortrend tested it and managed 0-60 3.5 1/4- 11.5@127.1 google "06Z06 quarter mile time", 06 was the lightest year and they managed some great numbers, later years it was more common to see 123-124
I have a ZR1 , and defiantly would like to know that info , in case something happens to any of those fenders . I'd like it much better if in fact them fenders are interchangeable. I'd hate to pay more big money for them specific only ZR1 back fenders.
Not paying double the price for 2/10th in the quarter mile and 0-60. Save your money and buy a supercharger for your full bolt on Z06 instead. And it still revs out to 7k. And in the end you'll make way more power for way less money
The thin cylinder walls on the ls7 make boost a little risky without sleeves. I feel ya tho, still better bang for the buck even if you build the bottom end
In the end you'd probably end up spending the same or close to a ZR1 after re-sleeving the LS7 block and having forged internals installed. Even professional well known tuner shops like Katech and TSP don't recommend boosting an LS7 using the stock sleeves. As for the difference in performance, it's more than a couple of tenths. Even more when you do simple bolt-on modifications.
the roof and pillars on the zr1 are carbon fiber , the z06 is not (not interchangeable either) side vents panels are different on the zr1 as well. Pulled a high 2 to 60 in the zr1 and high 10. Many people balance tune (also the z06) little stickier tire (even seen stock tires) running in the 10's all day long ( decent amount of RU-vid videos on this for stock) I wouldn't call it unreliable at all for a recall on the seals. Most guys getting these cars are pulling the heads anyway and just valve guides and then upgrading them doesn't make the car unreliable. Don't remember ever vettes being called unreliable . That is reserved for imports when it comes to performance cars. LS9 and LS7 are beasts .. The zr1 in the future and now will appreciate over time for sure.
Interesting video would be what you could do to the z06 with the extra 30K. Would be interesting to see what you can do to a z06 with a ZR1 budget and compare.
Almost nothing about the engine, chassis, steering, suspension, and brakes are the same between the two cars. The two cars couldn't be any more different and the main reason people buy the z06 is obviously because they can't afford the zr1. You could put 30k into the z06 and you wouldn't have the same aforementioned things as the zr1. The only thing you could do is make the z06 faster but it won't have the same frame, subframe, chassis, suspension, and brakes as the zr1. Not to mention all the carbon fiber body panels that you would have to replace to get it close to the zr1.
Simple: Bang for buck: Z06(7:22.68) Lap times are not much slower than ZR1 yet it costs LESS than 50k. Easily the best bang for buck STILL. Ultimate raw machine: ZR-1(7:19.63) still in the top 30 fastest cars around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and in fact is still faster than newer cars like the Ferrari 488 GTB(7:21.63), Lamborghini Aventador (7:25), Pagani Zonda F (7:24) and on and on.
To sleep better over the headissue let a Corvette expert check the valve's by doing a so called 'wigle test' and replace the bearings with Ligtenfelter ones while you're ad it. I think the Z06 is the better one because its natural aspired.
Zr1, without a doubt. An ls7 is the last engine i would consider behind a kia 4cyl. Valve problems, thin walls. Its really just a bored out ls3. The c6z is the last corvette i would consider. Now the zr1 is awesome! But, for the money you are close to c7 z06 money and that would be what i would take.
@@CaylebPletos I previously had the Orange Hellcat challenger. But my C6 also has ported heads headers cam x-pipe Corsa exhaust twin fuel pumps etc etc. Hope to see ya at the next cars and coffee or local car meet.
sounds like you have a very highly modified LS3 cause typical boosted GS do low 600rwhp and trap around 135...To spank a Z your probably 750 plus to wheels. Most Strong running Zs here in Northeast are well into the 600s rwhp, trap 138 or better, the ones with 150 shots trap 150, Only highly modified Boosted LS3s beat the Z. Went with the Z as I got it for 29k. Great deal.
Thats a no-brainer if you can find a ZR1. I've got a 3lt triple Black GS 6-speed convertible .... i chose it over a z06. Its not a daily driver, and the lack of a removable top killed the z06 for me. Plus the fact that with the LS3, a few bolt on's, it'll match or beat z06 power.
Hai dimenticato che la zr1 ha anche i freni carboceramici, l'assetto magnetico, cerchi da 19 e 20', gomme semislick, tetto in carbonio, cofano in carbonio, oltre al kit aerodinamico e al compressore...
Thank you! I honestly think that the C6 GS is great for modding. You get all of the benefits of the suspension and handling and body of the Z06 but the more stable modable motor. I've seen people twin turbo a GS C6 so it totally has potential.
I'm an ignorant American with an ignorant ZO6 2006 LS7 that is the same exact speed as a 2015 ZO6 I've been to Mexico a few times apparently I have no idea what the person before me did and I can't get a hold of them but I'm dead even with the supercharged ZO6 so good on me. If you're in Mexico Colorado hit me up
@5:41 3.9 second quarter mile huh? Must be nice to drive the fastest street car in the world.....ever. You would have had to have been doing 350+ mph. Impressive...... Tell us the story about your record setting 4.8 second 100 meter dash in high school.
If you cant afford a ZR1, don’t knock it. There were only 4695 made for a reason. It is and was a car for people who weren’t worried about money. That means-not YOU. Do your research before you try to justify buying a high mileage c6 z06. Because yes, you will NOT find a low mileage (2000-15k miles) c6z06 for less than 45k. You just wont. The c6zr1 has a TON of options the c6z06 does NOT. And no, the Z07 package doesnt turn your z06 into a zr1. Go look up ALL the options on a zr1 and weep. I have owned both and zr1 was and will always be king. The CC brakes, CF fenders and roof and halo, x-pipe, supercharger, CF tranny with dual clutch, wider fenders and rear….etc etc
C6 zr1 are not $60k ish in the used market try again. Going into 2024 the cheapest one I see is $85k and at most $130k. And zo6 are $30k at very lowest but average $45k and at most $80k for zo6’s. And even ls2 and ls3 grand sports are $25k to $50k
Both are sexy I just looked be the lore of the ZR1 Both also look better than C7 or C8 I want the Z06 to beat track 350/370Z, Mustangs, other track cars I want the ZR1 to destroy Porsche and Maserati and the like
@@CaylebPletos 10mm wrench on the top of the threads poking out of the leaf spring in the bottom control arm. Measure the height to the wheel arch and put your body weight in the driver seat. Or get a friend to measure while you sit in it. To keep it level of course.
can just get a 2013 427 convertible and that will surpass both in value eventually. less made and only for one year, and the Z won't depreciate as they will never make another 427 among other aspects of the car....it just won't go up as fast as the ZR1.
Almost nothing about the engine, chassis, steering, suspension, and brakes are the same between the two cars. The two cars couldn't be any more different and the main reason people buy the z06 is obviously because they can't afford the zr1.
Change the heads put a keytech cam and a new air box and than super tune the motor, that’s roughy 9000.00, you will gain roughly 130 HP, so just with those mods your at 635 HP. Me personally lm old school, super charged is ok on the ZR1, but there’s just something about the number 427 that rolls of your tongue when your talking corvette talk………