It really depends on what you want:

1.The worlds fastest, least expensive, sports car, period?
2.A Well balanced, relatively inexpensive, low maintence, well bult, economical sports car that retains its value?

I got the Z, here is why:

I wanted a light, well balanced (wt distribution and power to wt), fun, but practicle ride that got descent mileage. I happened to be unloading a 2005 Chevy SSR. The only good thing about the truck was the paint and the top did work well, but the rest was poor. The worst was depreciation. First I got hit hard when chrysler dropped thier prices in 2004, traded on the Chevy at 20% off sticker, great deal right? 2 months later I see my ride is like 30% down, now 35% and headed south. I had to bail, but get what? I've had a few Lightnings and loved them, but they are not made currently and they got poor mileage. I had a 280ZX years ago and it was a great, fun, relaible, fast car.

I researched the Z, you know what a 2006 Touring with goodies cost, about 35K. You know what a used 2005 comparably equiped is listed for, about 35K!

I could go on, but it really depends on what you want out of the car. I don't mean to inflame anyone, but this has been my experience.

 

rofl light? you bought the wrong car then!

 

c6 would be a better choice, but since their design is so distinctive, when a new model comes out, the previous one will gets outdated instantly. You can change the exterior with zs. oh yeah... and not many people would race a c6.

 

It feels lighter than a vette to me despite the fact the Z wieghts more. That big heavy nose sticking out there. hey, each to his own. You can argue wt, but the SSR dropped in value like most other American cars including the Vette, like rocks. My ashtray in the SSR was help up by a nylon string, my headliner was held up by velcro, my inside door handles broke internally, and more, all within 6 months, but the value was the killer.

Nice vette coupe lists for 56k
Sells for 52K today.
Will sell for 45K in 6 months, still new.
Will sell for maybe 41-43k next spring barely used.
Will sell for 35K maybe the following year.

If money is not a concern and the need for ultimate speed is number one, you cannot beat the vette. I love the heads up display and it was faster than hell.

 

Ford Focus

 

These aren't really comparable. Do you want a fast out of the box car that you won't mod? Get the C6. Do you want to use that extra $20K to mod the Z and make it unique? Then get the Z.