350Z vs. Corvette C5
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Dallas, TX
Originally posted by The Brickyard Rat
Which car, Vette or Z, handles twisty roads better?
Which car, Vette or Z, handles twisty roads better?
The C5 and/or C6 will win every performance measurement you wish to use. It's far superior on the track (AutoX, RR, or drag)- I doubt there's any debate there.
So that leaves all the "subjective" things which are, ironically, subjective.
I don't think anyone can help you with this choice except to point out the differences as OBJECTIVELY as possible to help you:
1) The Corvette (esp the C5, less so for the C6) is bigger. Same weight, larger size.
2) The Corvette (C5 or C6) is faster. Period.
3) The Corvette is more expensive.
Anything beyond that is personaly preference and you'll have to drive both to make that decision yourself.
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From: southern california
I think Z is the best way to go...you can do som much in this car and make it faster then the c5 with lees money to spend.. i mean c5 is about 10k more.. with that money u can mod the z and get 330+hp at the wheels!!!(thats if u wanted more speed)my friend had a c5 but didnt like it after 1 year he trade it in.so my best bet is the z......
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From: Boca Raton, Florida
Just my 2 cents worth. Plus I have'nt read any replies to this thread, but who the heck, and why are you comparing the Z to the C5. They are not in the same kind of catagory. ( coming from a current Z owner, and a past C5 owner)......
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From: Vancouver, B.C.
old 99 C5 Vette and while it has quite a bit more power than the Z is just a....ouch...dare I say this...the WHite Trash dream mobile. The Ferrari of the trailer park if you will.
LOL This is very true. You would not believe how many mullets have C5`s here in the Vancouver area.
LOL This is very true. You would not believe how many mullets have C5`s here in the Vancouver area.
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From: Dallas, TX
Originally posted by danziger
Why are they not in the same category? Is the Vette that much better of a performer? (I truly did not know this if that's the case)
Why are they not in the same category? Is the Vette that much better of a performer? (I truly did not know this if that's the case)
1) The C5 is about 50% more expensive than a 350Z.
2) The C5 is considerably faster in all respects.
Most people do not cross-shop them unless they're looking at a used C5.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Palo Alto, CA
Originally posted by Umrswimr
Well, I'm a little biased, but I'll do my best:
The C5 and/or C6 will win every performance measurement you wish to use. It's far superior on the track (AutoX, RR, or drag)- I doubt there's any debate there.
So that leaves all the "subjective" things which are, ironically, subjective.
I don't think anyone can help you with this choice except to point out the differences as OBJECTIVELY as possible to help you:
1) The Corvette (esp the C5, less so for the C6) is bigger. Same weight, larger size.
2) The Corvette (C5 or C6) is faster. Period.
3) The Corvette is more expensive.
Anything beyond that is personaly preference and you'll have to drive both to make that decision yourself.
Well, I'm a little biased, but I'll do my best:
The C5 and/or C6 will win every performance measurement you wish to use. It's far superior on the track (AutoX, RR, or drag)- I doubt there's any debate there.
So that leaves all the "subjective" things which are, ironically, subjective.
I don't think anyone can help you with this choice except to point out the differences as OBJECTIVELY as possible to help you:
1) The Corvette (esp the C5, less so for the C6) is bigger. Same weight, larger size.
2) The Corvette (C5 or C6) is faster. Period.
3) The Corvette is more expensive.
Anything beyond that is personaly preference and you'll have to drive both to make that decision yourself.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 76
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From: Palo Alto, CA
Originally posted by indochino3
I think Z is the best way to go...you can do som much in this car and make it faster then the c5 with lees money to spend.. i mean c5 is about 10k more.. with that money u can mod the z and get 330+hp at the wheels!!!(thats if u wanted more speed)my friend had a c5 but didnt like it after 1 year he trade it in.so my best bet is the z......
I think Z is the best way to go...you can do som much in this car and make it faster then the c5 with lees money to spend.. i mean c5 is about 10k more.. with that money u can mod the z and get 330+hp at the wheels!!!(thats if u wanted more speed)my friend had a c5 but didnt like it after 1 year he trade it in.so my best bet is the z......
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Boca Raton, Florida
Only My opinion
Originally posted by danziger
Why are they not in the same category? Is the Vette that much better of a performer? (I truly did not know this if that's the case)
Why are they not in the same category? Is the Vette that much better of a performer? (I truly did not know this if that's the case)
I have two friends that own 01 C5's and when they test drove my Z, both were hating on me for having a nicer car than them. Acording to them the Z has better interior, suspension and overall looks.
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From: Montgomery Village, MD
Well I'm dealing with a similar decision. A used C5 and new/used Z are on my list. First off the LS1 is one of my favorite engines, and yes I realize I'm biased. But it really is a top notch package that allows you much room to grow. If you think there's a chance you might get the mod bug then you'll really like the C5. I also agree that if performance is your primary deciding factor then you won't be disappointed in the C5. I think it would be the better choice.
I myself am leaning towards the Z. I plan on replace my daily driver, not my Hawk. So the thought of two LS1s is not really a great option. A) I'll be tempted to mod the vette, cause it's too easy. Then I have two modded V8s and that's kinda stupid. B) bad weather! I realize both cars have traction control, but 350+ horsepower in the snow is no fun.
As far as styling... Exterior wise I think it's a wash as both cars are beautiful. The Corvette has always and will always stand the test of time. It has timeless good looks. The Z stands out a little more as it's a fresh design. But that freshness can also be a crutch down the line when something fresher comes out. I think they bother turn heads. If you want to turn more, get a blower.
Interior wise I really love the Vette's Heads up display. But other than that I think the Z has a smoother interior. The optional navigation system is pretty nice. Both will have good stereo systems.
It's a tough call. The Vette has superior power, but also superior cost. The Z has a fresher look and is cheaper, but it sucks losing. :-p
Good luck,
Mike
I myself am leaning towards the Z. I plan on replace my daily driver, not my Hawk. So the thought of two LS1s is not really a great option. A) I'll be tempted to mod the vette, cause it's too easy. Then I have two modded V8s and that's kinda stupid. B) bad weather! I realize both cars have traction control, but 350+ horsepower in the snow is no fun.
As far as styling... Exterior wise I think it's a wash as both cars are beautiful. The Corvette has always and will always stand the test of time. It has timeless good looks. The Z stands out a little more as it's a fresh design. But that freshness can also be a crutch down the line when something fresher comes out. I think they bother turn heads. If you want to turn more, get a blower.
Interior wise I really love the Vette's Heads up display. But other than that I think the Z has a smoother interior. The optional navigation system is pretty nice. Both will have good stereo systems.
It's a tough call. The Vette has superior power, but also superior cost. The Z has a fresher look and is cheaper, but it sucks losing. :-p
Good luck,
Mike
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Boca Raton, Florida
Maryland
Originally posted by buschman
Well I'm dealing with a similar decision. A used C5 and new/used Z are on my list. First off the LS1 is one of my favorite engines, and yes I realize I'm biased. But it really is a top notch package that allows you much room to grow. If you think there's a chance you might get the mod bug then you'll really like the C5. I also agree that if performance is your primary deciding factor then you won't be disappointed in the C5. I think it would be the better choice.
I myself am leaning towards the Z. I plan on replace my daily driver, not my Hawk. So the thought of two LS1s is not really a great option. A) I'll be tempted to mod the vette, cause it's too easy. Then I have two modded V8s and that's kinda stupid. B) bad weather! I realize both cars have traction control, but 350+ horsepower in the snow is no fun.
As far as styling... Exterior wise I think it's a wash as both cars are beautiful. The Corvette has always and will always stand the test of time. It has timeless good looks. The Z stands out a little more as it's a fresh design. But that freshness can also be a crutch down the line when something fresher comes out. I think they bother turn heads. If you want to turn more, get a blower.
Interior wise I really love the Vette's Heads up display. But other than that I think the Z has a smoother interior. The optional navigation system is pretty nice. Both will have good stereo systems.
It's a tough call. The Vette has superior power, but also superior cost. The Z has a fresher look and is cheaper, but it sucks losing. :-p
Good luck,
Mike
Well I'm dealing with a similar decision. A used C5 and new/used Z are on my list. First off the LS1 is one of my favorite engines, and yes I realize I'm biased. But it really is a top notch package that allows you much room to grow. If you think there's a chance you might get the mod bug then you'll really like the C5. I also agree that if performance is your primary deciding factor then you won't be disappointed in the C5. I think it would be the better choice.
I myself am leaning towards the Z. I plan on replace my daily driver, not my Hawk. So the thought of two LS1s is not really a great option. A) I'll be tempted to mod the vette, cause it's too easy. Then I have two modded V8s and that's kinda stupid. B) bad weather! I realize both cars have traction control, but 350+ horsepower in the snow is no fun.
As far as styling... Exterior wise I think it's a wash as both cars are beautiful. The Corvette has always and will always stand the test of time. It has timeless good looks. The Z stands out a little more as it's a fresh design. But that freshness can also be a crutch down the line when something fresher comes out. I think they bother turn heads. If you want to turn more, get a blower.
Interior wise I really love the Vette's Heads up display. But other than that I think the Z has a smoother interior. The optional navigation system is pretty nice. Both will have good stereo systems.
It's a tough call. The Vette has superior power, but also superior cost. The Z has a fresher look and is cheaper, but it sucks losing. :-p
Good luck,
Mike
Last edited by FLZ; Sep 23, 2004 at 09:55 PM.
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as of 6pm today i might be able to shed a little more light on this i just took delivery of my C6. i must say that this car is more of a refinement of the C5 not a totaly new car in the sense of a 300zx to 350z is. i mean even with this car being right of the truck with 12 miles on it, i still love the Z. this car is far superior in any category that isnt subjective. personally i dont think it looks any better than a Z. but i will say that i consider the C5, Z and C6 in the same category ive owned them all now and i say go Z over C5 but if at all possible get the C6. its very similar to the C5 but everything that made me tired of the C5 has been updated
as far a price goes i consider the Z a 30k + car and a used C5(1-2 years old) is along the same price or cheaper i traded my 98 for 24.5 with 37k on it the C6 bare runs around 45k but the options vary i got mine with every option except the dual tops(they wernt available) and mine ran 53.6k
as far a price goes i consider the Z a 30k + car and a used C5(1-2 years old) is along the same price or cheaper i traded my 98 for 24.5 with 37k on it the C6 bare runs around 45k but the options vary i got mine with every option except the dual tops(they wernt available) and mine ran 53.6k
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From: Del Rio, Texas
Originally posted by Umrswimr
Well, I'm a little biased, but I'll do my best:
The C5 and/or C6 will win every performance measurement you wish to use. It's far superior on the track (AutoX, RR, or drag)- I doubt there's any debate there.
So that leaves all the "subjective" things which are, ironically, subjective.
I don't think anyone can help you with this choice except to point out the differences as OBJECTIVELY as possible to help you:
1) The Corvette (esp the C5, less so for the C6) is bigger. Same weight, larger size.
2) The Corvette (C5 or C6) is faster. Period.
3) The Corvette is more expensive.
Anything beyond that is personaly preference and you'll have to drive both to make that decision yourself.
Well, I'm a little biased, but I'll do my best:
The C5 and/or C6 will win every performance measurement you wish to use. It's far superior on the track (AutoX, RR, or drag)- I doubt there's any debate there.
So that leaves all the "subjective" things which are, ironically, subjective.
I don't think anyone can help you with this choice except to point out the differences as OBJECTIVELY as possible to help you:
1) The Corvette (esp the C5, less so for the C6) is bigger. Same weight, larger size.
2) The Corvette (C5 or C6) is faster. Period.
3) The Corvette is more expensive.
Anything beyond that is personaly preference and you'll have to drive both to make that decision yourself.
For that much difference in the non-exotic world, I would personally be pissed off at Chevy if the Corvette couldn't outrun the Z.
I've spent a lot of wrench and seat time in both of them. The Vette certainly has the power. In stock form, my opinion is that the Vette overpowers it's brakes, and that the stock suspension is just as good as the Z's with those crappy Bridgestones.
If I was faced with this decision, I would probably pick the G35C. We have a user here named Eagle F1, and he has a supercharged G. Now, I know that's not stock, but he has posted several videos where he eats C5s and Z06s for lunch on big tracks.
Now, I've also supercharged a C5 for a friend, and it's hard to argue with 475 WHP at 6 psi, but none of the stock parts are then able to keep up with the engine on anything but the dragstrip.
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From: ... aren't you?
I'd say wait for the C6 if you're looking to hop into a vette. Those are pretty awesome looking cars with quite a punch of performance to boot. If you're not looking to mod, I'd go with the C6. If you're going to mod to hell, then the Z might be a good platform for you. That's not to say the C6 can't be modded, because it sure as hell can be, but I'd imagine it'd be much more expensive than the Z.
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From: Montgomery Village, MD
Re: Maryland
Originally posted by FLZ
Hey Mike, Born and raised in B-Town, Best friend lives in GBurg. Has Two 700+ HP Vettes. Check out www.corvetteforum.com Look for John Carter. He's all over the pages. Races alot in Englishtown, NJ Good Luck, Dave B. Also look for the corvette challenge website. He also has the best vette mechanic on the east coast.
Hey Mike, Born and raised in B-Town, Best friend lives in GBurg. Has Two 700+ HP Vettes. Check out www.corvetteforum.com Look for John Carter. He's all over the pages. Races alot in Englishtown, NJ Good Luck, Dave B. Also look for the corvette challenge website. He also has the best vette mechanic on the east coast.
I'll keep a lookout for him and the corvette challenge. Thanks for the heads up.
Mike
