Why Buy A C7 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Stingray, Or Grand Sport 

Hello everyone and welcome back to Brink of Speed! I really hope this video helps anyone out there Corvette shopping! If this helps you with your decision process, please leave me a comment below and let me know. Have a great weekend guys, and I hope to see you out on the road! 😊

After 10 Corvettes and years of ownership, the #1 buying advice I give is don't be impulsive. #2 is buy what you want, don't listen to your wife, best friend, salesman, or mechanic. You are the one that is going to drive this beauty, make yourself happy. If you make a mistake, lesson learned, cut your losses and make it right.

I love the Z06 but I would get the Grand Sport. A Grand Sport would give me the appearance of a Z06 but without the added cost. I don't need all the extra horsepower. Just shy of 500HP is enough for me. I have been watching the prices of preowned C7 corvettes for a while but am waiting to see what happens after the C8 is released. My mustang is doing the job for now. I love your car, looks and sounds amazing.

For the people buying a vette for looks, man the Stingray is quite the bargain haha and a Z06 is the greatest performance bargain currently it used to be the GTR but now this Z06 def takes the crown just wow what a machine and also I wish you continued successes with your channel sir so happy to see how far you have come!

Buy the one you can afford and control. Think a long time about it. I’m on my fourth Z06 but seriously considered the GS because I really don’t plan to track my car other than the occasional fan laps. I like the passing power but I’m sure the Stingray and GS have no issues with that. I remember my C5 and 405 hp feeling like a beast. Make sure to do the Ron Fellows course if you’re buying new or can get in a on their open to anyone offers. Adams. Yes.

I had the choice of any of the three. I strongly considered each. In the end, I decided that the track bias of the widebody cars was more of a detraction. It was unlikely I'd ever track the car, but I wanted to be able to hang at the track if I changed my mind. I decided that the best fit and the smartest buy was the Stingray with Z51, 3LT, with Magride. A loaded to the gills, 460hp, 460 ft lbs sports car, a power package I could actually use on the street and magride which softens the Z51 on the street, as I generally run touring suspension with sport steering and sport mapping, with exhaust in track mode. I have no overheating worries of the Z06, no broken wheels associated with widebody cars, I enjoy a larger variety of tires which are cheaper, and a thinner body for garage parking. This car is a street setup, because most of us drive mostly on the street. If bragging rights mean more to you, then buy a car "bred for the track," but you will spend more on the initial purchase, and likely more for broken wheels and tires in the end.

Good video. I've been looking and researching the 2017 GS for almost a year. Now I ran across a2015 ZO6 with the exact trim and wheels I like. I don't need the power but it looks so good. So, if you pass an old man going 55 miles on the highway, wave.

Great video, I just traded in my 2016 C7 Stingray 1LT for a 2018 Grandsport 3LT with the Z07 package and I love it..

Great comparison, thank you! I bought a 2015 Stingray but really wanted a ZO6. I traded my Stingray for a 2017 ZO6 and the difference in power is undeniable. I don't track it but the speed/power on the road is a hoot! Love the new C8 but don't plan to jump into the game just yet, still enjoy my ZO6 too much.

Thumbs up! C7 z06 is a whole new agenda. I had a 2017 z51 stingray, it was fun. But now that I own 2019 z06 , with roughly +200 hp, this thing is a monster. Both are manual 😁

If your not in speed, I would buy the Z51 package. The good thing of the Z06 is that you can get good deals. I own a ‘16 A8 Z06 and do not regret it. The performance is crazy. The ZR1 is too expensive for me. They won’t likely give you a deal with the ZR1 and the base costs $40k more than what I paid for my Z06. You can mod the Z06 and be able to take down the ZR1 and still save a lot of money. I do agree with you, the Z06 rear end gets loose easy. I owned modified Mustangs and Camaro and the Z06 was eye opening. Great video.

I purchased a 2016 Stingray 3LT Z51 and found that I never used the options I paid for except for the Z51 package. I then fell in love with the wide body found in the GS and Z06. When my Stingray was hit by a semi (sideswiped) I got rid of it and bought a Z06 1LZ. For some reason the dealership was more willing to negotiate price on a Z06 than it was for the GS. That said, I was at $75K for my Z06 which was way less than what I paid for my 3LT Stingray. Now I have the power I want and I didn't pay for the things I never used.

bought the z06 for bragging rights, best bang for buck under 100 grand more hp than lambo (but not faster) and you can kick ass at track days.

The points you make apply to any high performance car. (Hellcat is #1 in wrecks within one mile of leaving the dealership. LOL!) This video should be mandatory viewing for anyone contemplating the purchase of a Corvette, or any other high horsepower vehicle! Salespeople wouldn't appreciate it, but buyers would certainly make better choices. Great video!

Great video, especially for a guy like myself who is ready to buy his first Corvette. I'll start with the GS and maybe work my way up to feeling comfortable with the power of the Z06 one day

Picking up my first Corvette and its also my first Non-daily driver I've ever bought. Is a 2017 Grand Sport Black on Black with only 5000 miles on it. Very very excited, but concerned bait the front spoiler

Good advice. I bought a 2015 stingray and love it. I dont need bragging rights, track days, or 650hp. I bought it for the beauty of shape, overall great performance and its just damn fun. IMO there are diminishing returns above Grand Sport.

Personally i think the z06 is the best looking of the 3 but you bring up great points in your video that I’m sure will help someone out, good video man, btw this is the first time i visited your channel.

I agree what you said I got the Stingray because i felt that it has enough power for me cause i drive semi and i need not to lose my license. Not saying it slow by no means. But it still can get me a ticket . I love the looks of the C7.

GS with a $5k A&A Supercharger has more HS with all the goodies of a Z06 and feels great with an extra $15k in my pocket!😉

Very informative thank you Brink of Speed

Great video, I*ve owed 2002 C5 Z06, and now 2007 C6 Z06. Looking for a 2016 C7 Z06 with low miles. They are the best Corvette to buy.

Just bought a 19 base Stingray . It's my first Vett. I've had Z28's before. I figured I'd start with a base, and have a Vett specialist add 100 or so HP . 500 HP is enough for now ..

1st Corvette was a 1988 Z51 purchased in 2002. 2nd Corvette was a 1991 ZR-1 purchased in 2004. 3rd HP car was/is a 2011 Cadillac CTS-V. I am debating with myself on getting a V3 or a C7 Z06. Both offer so much. To answer a question you pose...I want performance. I could never own just a Cadillac CTS, and I would want at least a Corvette Z06 knowing they are available before the Stingray. Not that there's anything wrong with a Stingray. Thanks for the video!

Totally agree with the “99 percent”. Why I chose my 2013 GS. :) Great commentary...kudos bud.

For the regular dude, I think the grandsport is the sweet spot in the vette lineup. Great combination of performance and value. Especially getting some add ons like z51 package, etc.

I had a 2015 C7 Z51, then upgraded to C7 Z06 this year. The regular C7 sounds better and has plenty of power. That said, I love my Z06! It has too much power for the road, but I am able to open it up. When it’s hot outside tires grip fairly good, but I am upgrading to Toyo R888R tires this summer.

thanks man I appreciate you. I have been looking for the last several months to acquire a corvette. your video did help with the differences. I am probably buying a grand sport because the only z06 in my price range was in an accident. I also want to say can't wait to finally own my dream car.

my 2 cents from a 69 year old Vette nut, currently Vetteless ARGH! 1st Vette 1964 327/365 Vert, in 1966, last Vette 2007 Ron Fellows Z06. Old age knees force sale of the White Z, bought a Chevy SS, put an LSA SC on it and its OK. But, ready to get back in the saddle with that 8 speed auto. Thought i wanted another Z but the money is just too much, even a well used Z is over 60K. So i have been studying the options I really want. This Chevy SS from Australia has all I need with HUD, NAV and Magnetic Shocks. I am getting used to the safety stuff too. I have stopped all racing drag or track so cruising and road trips only. BUT I do love that occasional Banzai runs up to 150 on open road you know. So I have found a model and options that might be the ticket. Its a 2017 Base model Coupe LT2 trim with HUD, NAV, MAG shocks, Rear spoiler and 8 Speed Auto with 17,000 miles selling for $47,000. Its a nice Coupe, but base motor. One thing this Chevy SS with its LS3 has shown me, the Base engines wake up with boost and are safe if you stay around 10-11 PSI and get a good tune with Water Meth cooling. Ah Ha! Take that nearly base coupe add some boost and I think my last Vette might be close. If i was richer I would add some aero and cooling vents off the ZR1. But maybe not. A sleeper Vette like my 81 with its Vortech SC was a blast. Base Vette wanna drag, sure on 3, whaaaaaaaa! Whoop Ass! Now my dilemia is how to market the Chevy SS, thinking a trade would be best but there are a few Performance flavored used car lots, or maybe a new one deep discounted with the SC dealer installed with extended warranty. But at what cost? May have to look at used over new to get the overall investment in range. Ideal could be a used Callaway, but they all bring $60K so there you.

Late reply, I know, greetings from Germany. I once owned a '92 Trans Am GTA (350cui, 240-something hp), and the specs said 0 to 60 in 6.6secs. With no TC whatsoever, it was easy to have the rear end stepping out. So much fun I had with this car (and it was rare in my country, RPO 80U), drove it in a mature manner. Now I somehow can imagine the 466hp of the Stingray or GS would be enough for me. 0 to 60 in what? 4.2? Yeah, would do the job, and I'm even not sure if I nowadays would even notice the difference to the 6.6secs (it was long ago, I owned the GTA from 1996 to 1997).

Thank you, you helped me a ton. First time Corvette buyer.

I think the Grand Sport is the car to get for 99% of the people. I have a C7 LT3 with Z51 ad Mag Ride and I love it but I like the looks of the Grand Sport. Thanks for the info all relevant!

GOOD VIDEO 👍 I have a 2019 GrandSport with about 4400 miles on it and at 70 years old the power is enough for me ! Ps. In my day I had 10 second 1/4 mile cars but that was then and this is now ! A man has got to know his limitations 😂

The GS is 10,000 more than the Stingray, not sure I'd call that a little bit more. Plus I like the clean look of the Stingray, and will a smallish garage the Stingray fit the bill.

Love the smell of Adam’s Detail Spray!

Thumbs up you always do a great job with corvette updates.

Awesome video, also to add, you can get the mag ride on the stingray as well and the z51 performance upgrade which has better wheels breaks and the manual transmission with the dry sump. All are great vehicles. I had a stingray with z51 , I think the gran sport with 550hp naturally aspirated would’ve been the perfect balance but the base 465 in my z51 just felt like not enough. The z06 fills that gap but from a track and auto cross perspective which is what I normally drive, an NA 550hp grand sport would be great, granted I know I can add modifications to get there. But I’m debating between the grand sport because of the bigger tires better suspension and aero bits with a few engine mods or get a z06 and see how that feels while on the track during cornering and throttle. I’ve driven the z06 on the highway and street and the power is amazing but I’d need to drive one on the track and also to see how many laps I can do before over heating issues.

That last run, I felt that 😂🙌🏼

Just bought my first corvette grand sport 2 boot I had two 6th gen camaros don't drive much but the power is there on all 3

Just a comment on the video author’s comments. The Z06 isn’t actually the best Corvette for track duty, the Grand Sport is. Boosted cars aren’t good for tracks due to heat soak.

Lol I've had a lot of fast toys. My 1200hp Viper on pump gas been my daily driver for about 10 years with 0 problems. Back in 2010 this was considered a lot of power for a daily driver. My 2019 ZR1 fast but after driving my Viper it doesn't seem very fast. Looking forward to purchasing GM fastest C8 in a few years. Regardless what the competition will have in a few years the highest performance AWD C8 will set new manufacture performance records as well as look great...

I enjoy watching your videos Bro. I have a 2010 Grand Sport it’s my second Corvette.

Great video.. gives me lots to think about! Keep up the good work!

Very good reasons all around... for me, I went with the Stingray, Z51, basically the GS was a bit out of my price range, however with the Z51, it's very similar to the GS except for the wider body.. Would I like a Z06? Sure, status, but the cost, probably wouldn't track it much, as well as the insurance costs, having any of these C7 corvette's is pretty sweet!!

I have a 2016 Z51 it looks sinister IMO I love it… I would definitely love to get a GS or even a Z06 one day the only issue is finding a manual version… when I was shopping I saw a lot of Z06s and GS’s but I chose a Z51 instead because the 7 speed manual it had and the spec it has was a bonus but that’s just me…

Loved your channel and car . You are correct about the power but soooo many people want to be in control of there car and turn the traction control off which is a no no in my book . Great job keep vids coming thanks

Stingray 2LT with Mag ride is all you need , 30+ mpg

I think between the base / gs, and the z06 shouldn't be a hard decision. Either you want 450 horsepower to be able to put down all of it no problem to go fast or you want 650 hp which you can only put all of it down with the right conditions and when traffic isnt an issue and go stupid fast. Simple. However between the base, z51, and gs that is a bit more harder to choose between them.

I got for looks and weekend drives.

11:48 Magnetic Ride control... What I was waiting for. 😌

i like to drive corvette just for it look and speed on the street. ain't trying to street racing or going to track. just for showoff.

Great video enjoyed it

Thanks now I known what corvette to buy

I agree that the ZO6 is too much power. But, the Grand Sport is like buying a virgin bloody Mary... looks good but no kick. If you want something you can track and has mag ride, get the Z51 stingray, the PDR, and 2LT package.

Very informative. Thank you

So I'm in the market of buying Corvette I had a C5 6-speed manual loved it a few modifications my wife has a 2020 5.0 Mustang not a big fan I'm having a hard time choosing between C7 ZO6 or Grand Sport and I'm also finding some really nice C6 Grand sports with Edelbrock superchargers on there at a decent price I have $20,000 down so I can buy pretty much what I want any thoughts I really like the interior on the C7 but I haven't got to drive one yet

So I’m fixing to buy my first vette and my question is should I buy a z06 or a grand sport and put like 10k into it?

Great review/Post ... You kinda of answered my question that i just posted in one of your older videos.. Since i wont be tracking my Vette, I think I’ll be going for the more technologically refined 2016 C7 Stingray 1LT (with 7 speed manual) over a 08/09 C6 Z06. 455 Hp is more then enough for street use

Thanks a lot for such a great video I really enjoyed it really learned a lot I just bought me a 2019 c7 7-speed manual I have the paddles on the steering wheel as well it's got the upgrade z51 interior and the 20-in tires on the rear 19s on the front and I'm getting ready to purchase I had to order a set of black rims just like comes on a 06 they will fit a c7 2019 and when they come in I'm going to put them on there I'm going to get the red caliper covers from a brake calipers and that's the only thing I'm going to do to my mind is a white with a black trim got the dark glass smoke glass t-top upgrade red and black interior got the z51 package like I said the bigger tires on the back twenties on the back 19's on the front so that's about the only thing I'm going to do to it it's brand new got a really good deal and had 4,000 miles on it I've had a little over a month I drive it back and forth everywhere I go as everyday driver 7 speed manual car turns a lot of heads so I enjoyed mine so far and like you said it's got a lot of power lot of power great video keep up the good work be safe

Much thanks enjoyed your video

Easy for me I’m a H.P junkie so if it were me I would buy a used c7z no doubt about it !!same exact set up as yours same pkg I drove a 2016 used white Z06 manual z07 pkg stage 3 aero like yours nailed it 3rd gear it scared 😱 me ,and I have driven some fast cars in my time,but that one took the cake 🎂 you are correct it will hurt you if you don’t know what you are doing !!you better leave all the little helping aids on or the C7Z will seriously hurt you ....to me Grand Sport is to close in price not to buy a C7Z especially a year or 2 old used one ☝️ if you get a regular c7 gotta get the z51 pkg for sure that jumps it up to 65k though Anyways I’m long winded C7Z ftw

Good vlog bro 👍🤙 Adams is the best. Try Adams wash&wax plus buttery wax awesome stuff.

What about 7 speed grand sort about traction let me know if you can handle 2 gear around 5 grand going into 3 rd around a curve thank you for everything you do

I have C7 1lt l drivin spor your teck is good or not

Great stuff Mike

What about the Z51 because I’m on the market to buy my first corvette ever, not the new one I can’t afford that lol, but I’m looking between 2015 to 2019. I like looks and performance. So what you think my friend. Help me out 😁

I have the itch. I presently have a 15 mustang GT and have had many over the years, including a terminator. Have you driven a newer stingray or grand sport? Is there a night and day difference in throttle response compared to the z06? I can handle in the mid 400’s horsepower. I’m not sure if I could handle the 650, I’m guessing yes, but wrecking a piece of art is not the way I’d like to find out.

GRAND SPORT ☆

I have a 2017 Grand Sport and it WILL lay a patch and break loose as easy as a Z06. It is a lot about knowing how to drive and handle the horsepower. That is correct. You forgot to mentioned one of the disadvantages of the Z06 is the wheels are hell to clean :-) Good video

Love the video

New Corvettes are never a good investment there just fun to have. If you have a low budget previous generation corvettes after a couple years old are always extremely cheap to buy.

What is the difference between the 1LT , 2LT, 3LT and 1LZ, 2LZ, 3LZ? please reply

New subscriber...thanks for your thoughts.

When in doubt buy them all, jk. I want to upgrade to a Z06 eventually from a stingray.

I have to say this. If you have never driven a high horsepower car 400+ without the drivers aids on a regular you are not ready for a Z06. My Z06 will break traction at 100 MPH in 3/4 gear no problem. I drive MANual and you must be mature or this car will end you. Like the man said it only goes as fast as you mash the loud pedal but honestly if your not ready for max thrust the Grandsport looks great and is more than 90-99% of the population needs or can handle. Don’t get into the trap of having to have the biggest and best out there. The adage “Better to Drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.” Is the letter of the day, if you get a vehicle that’s your speed and you can drive the crap out of it and get good you’ll beat 80% of the guys out there that can’t drive around corners and are only fast in a straight line. Yeah it’s big fun to blast to 165-190MPH but not some much when you don’t know how to go around bends and panic because the car got you to the next corner before you were ready and you wad yourself into a little meat and metal sandwich 🥪 but if you think or better yet know you have the need for speed and can handle it get the Z06 because from the factory you get plenty of power under warranty and you won’t void the warranty on a brand new car trying to supercharge a Grand Sport after the fact. Almost everything you do to boost power to Z06/ZR1 Levels is going to void the warranty and when something breaks you’ll have to reach down deep to pay for it. Buy a Z06/ZR1 Drive it for a few years and when the warranty runs out then boost away. Or buy a Grand Sport and do the same after you get tired of not have the GO with the Show.

Yeah I can handle 06 cuz I've been drag racing four years motorcycle street cars modified cars and stuff like that but for the most part I could get a Grand Sport they don't use the power all the time if I go to track a lot I apologize can a stingray cuz I'm go to track a lot then I want to beat my cob I want to keep for a long time so be here like a classic you know original not running ZX-14 Kawasaki Ninja benwil / 230 horse 230 miles an hour but yeah I go to Stingray and also driver and 109 Boulevard 2008

Hey bro you sound a bit better than you did last vid thats great! Can i ask a question id appreciate your answer! I have just supercharged my new 17 mustang as im in Australia we only just got the 18 model! My question is if you give your zo6 full throttle in second gear without traction control on does it break traction heavily, just slightly or not at all? The reason is my stang is ment to have 670hp at the crank but it does not have the torque of the zo6 and it only just looses traction a tiny bit and i was excepting it to break traction easily!! I no the mustang is a 100 or so kg heavier and torque is about 480 or so !! If you could explain the power in second in detail id appreciate it!

Hi what year is your Z06 and is that Elkhart Lake Blue you have?

The best way to fix a bad day is jump in my 16 z06 and go

man yall are talking about how the z06 is too fast and im here buying parts because i dont think its fast enough

I just bought 2016 z06 and the power is pretty scary. It is my 3rd corvette and also

I like the z06 But in Manual the L3 package.

I just see a bunch of GS owners trying to justify their purchase when really the Z06 is the only answer here lol

You've owned a 2003 ZO6, a 2009 ZO6 and a 2015 ZO6. Hmmm, Mike, do you think you're in a rut? LOL Well, there is the saying "if ain't broke, don't fix it." Your decision making is obviously not "broke," and you're staying with it. Having said that, you've also weighed the alternatives available to you and have elected to stay with the ZO6. What I'm anxious to see is what your thought processes/evaluatios are when you find a ZR1 to test drive. Your ZO6 obviously can blow the lint out of your navel, my bet is with the ZR1 is that it will not only blow the lint out of your navel, but will also blow the wax out of your ears. LOL You may lose your hearing for a few hours after a spirited drive, but hey, that's the price of being on the Brink of Speed, or should I say on the Brink of Light Speed? :-) Save the Wave.

Hello brother I am from INDIA what the price of this car i india..

I was actually intrested in the info but there was so much BS that I couldn't even watch it. This is a perfect example of what not to do when making a RU-vid video.

What part of Texas are you in?

If I wanted a car just for looks I would just get a 370z or a C3 corvette

I want my hand z51 z51 Stingray hot held at Power Chevrolet Camaro 6.2 L 6 speed manual it don't matter I can handle all that ultimate power I have to have it but all I have Scat Pack Challenger 64 yeah I got a Chrysler 300s with five seven something about a Corvette 20 20/20 just going to get a stingray don't have to have no CA or nothing like that

That 3rd gear pull was not even half throttle

Black lug nuts

don't buy a z06 if you like your cars not to over heat.

Where are these statistics coming from?!

This guy blows way too much smoke usually comes down to how much Corvette you can afford to buy

You take way too long to get to your points..and talk way too slow

You take way too long to get to your points..and talk way too slow