Welcome C6 v 350Z
Hi everybody! I've spent about two months checking out the various threads, forums, and pix on this site. Awesome website with tons of information for the new, or like me, potential owner of a Z car...
My question is, anybody out there move from a C6 to a 350Z or vice versa? I am really on the fence between these two vehicles and would really appreciate some "real world" information from drivers who've been there...
Any and all input would be appreciated. BTW, I will use this car as a DD and my commute is about 31 round trip, most of it on the freeways of So Cal...
Cheers,
Steve in So Cal
My question is, anybody out there move from a C6 to a 350Z or vice versa? I am really on the fence between these two vehicles and would really appreciate some "real world" information from drivers who've been there...
Any and all input would be appreciated. BTW, I will use this car as a DD and my commute is about 31 round trip, most of it on the freeways of So Cal...
Cheers,
Steve in So Cal
There are a number of guys that went from a 350Z to a C6. I was thinking about it myslef until I drove the 2008 C6 stick with Z51 suspension & felt I enjoyed my 350Z more from a handling perspective.
The Vette is quicker, quieter, nicer riding, etc but the detached numb feeling steering just left me feeling like I was driving a Ford Tarus more than a nimble sports car. Do not get me wrong, the C6 handles well, it just feels detached. If that issue does not mean much, the Vette is a strong option.
The Vette is quicker, quieter, nicer riding, etc but the detached numb feeling steering just left me feeling like I was driving a Ford Tarus more than a nimble sports car. Do not get me wrong, the C6 handles well, it just feels detached. If that issue does not mean much, the Vette is a strong option.
IMO if your looking for power C6 hands down, stock for stock. For some reason the Z handles a tad better. I had both cars at once, sold the C6 Supercharged and waiting for my turbocharged Z to sell. Once the Z is sold, I'm getting my dream car... C6 Z06. G/L to you.
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you gotta consider various perspectives such as insurance, mpg, maintenance, and etc. The vette is definitely not the most fuel efficient car, to replace couple of tires would cost a lot (assuming you will not modify the Z). I can continue on till tomorrow. However, the fun factor in the vette will definitely be higher than the Z. I personally would take the vette any day, since i dont have a problem driving a cheap car for a DD. The Z is fun for a "fraction" if the price. Either way you go it will not be a mistake if you ask me. Have fun shopping for a new car. TEST DRIVE
drive both. when I was looking for a new car I test drove an evo, rx8, wrx, C5 and about four different Z's. the Z had the most appeal, and allthough not the most power, definitely the most bang for the buck. I really like the styling and handling of it, and it's not like it's slow by any means.. 
the rx8 was pretty laughable, I saw the specs on paper and knew what I was getting in to, but all I had to lose was 10 mins of my time..

the rx8 was pretty laughable, I saw the specs on paper and knew what I was getting in to, but all I had to lose was 10 mins of my time..
drive both. when I was looking for a new car I test drove an evo, rx8, wrx, C5 and about four different Z's. the Z had the most appeal, and allthough not the most power, definitely the most bang for the buck. I really like the styling and handling of it, and it's not like it's slow by any means.. 
the rx8 was pretty laughable, I saw the specs on paper and knew what I was getting in to, but all I had to lose was 10 mins of my time..

the rx8 was pretty laughable, I saw the specs on paper and knew what I was getting in to, but all I had to lose was 10 mins of my time..

Steve in So Cal
I have both and they are really two entirely different cars. From a pure cost standpoint given the same year model and relative trim level the Z is a less expensive vehicle. I have posted my opinions several times, but here are my observations.
The Z.
Pros.
1. Excellent handling
2. Good steering feel
3. Good brakes
4. Feels smaller and lighter than it is.
Cons.
1. Less powerful than the Vette
2. Overall not as comfortable as the Vette
3. Rear hatch area capability is about half of the Vette's
Vette.
Pros.
1. TORQUE! HORSEPOWER!
2. Removable top
3. Good ride
4. Good handling (limits are actually higher than the Z)
Cons.
1. Numb steering feel and large turning radius
2. Clunky shifter
3. Not so good seats
4. Feels larger and heavier than it actually is
Also don't forget that 08 and later Corvettes have the LS3 engine as well as improved steering racks and an updated manual transmission. Also the 09 Corvette has varible ratio steering. They car still doesn't feel as good as the Z does in terms of steering and the shifter.
The Z.
Pros.
1. Excellent handling
2. Good steering feel
3. Good brakes
4. Feels smaller and lighter than it is.
Cons.
1. Less powerful than the Vette
2. Overall not as comfortable as the Vette
3. Rear hatch area capability is about half of the Vette's
Vette.
Pros.
1. TORQUE! HORSEPOWER!
2. Removable top
3. Good ride
4. Good handling (limits are actually higher than the Z)
Cons.
1. Numb steering feel and large turning radius
2. Clunky shifter
3. Not so good seats
4. Feels larger and heavier than it actually is
Also don't forget that 08 and later Corvettes have the LS3 engine as well as improved steering racks and an updated manual transmission. Also the 09 Corvette has varible ratio steering. They car still doesn't feel as good as the Z does in terms of steering and the shifter.
Well, I drove the Vette. Pretty nice, gobs of power, but not all that comfortable, IMHO. Do love the styling though, and the fuel economy for 400 ponies is pretty good.
Still, after driving the Z, my impressions were very favorable. Tight steering, very cool exhaust note, and enough room for my long legs.
I reviewed the "true cost per mile" as posted on Edmunds.com and found the Vette to run about .40 a mile more...or about 50K for five years of ownership versus about 68K for five years on the Vette.
Finally, I realized I could pay cash for an 07 Roadster. With the Corvette, I could put that much down, and still need to borrow $15K! Like it or not, the dollars do matter to me; I could buy a heckuva lotta of gasoline for the difference.
So, bottom line for me is that I will probably put away my dreams of a Vette, and go with a Z dream. It is a beautiful car, and with the money I save maybe I do some light modding to the wheels...
Cheers,
Steve
Still, after driving the Z, my impressions were very favorable. Tight steering, very cool exhaust note, and enough room for my long legs.
I reviewed the "true cost per mile" as posted on Edmunds.com and found the Vette to run about .40 a mile more...or about 50K for five years of ownership versus about 68K for five years on the Vette.
Finally, I realized I could pay cash for an 07 Roadster. With the Corvette, I could put that much down, and still need to borrow $15K! Like it or not, the dollars do matter to me; I could buy a heckuva lotta of gasoline for the difference.
So, bottom line for me is that I will probably put away my dreams of a Vette, and go with a Z dream. It is a beautiful car, and with the money I save maybe I do some light modding to the wheels...
Cheers,
Steve
That's what I was going to suggest to you. Whether or not performance is a huge factor in your decision, you could take the money you'll save alone on purchasing the Z and put your own "touch" to the car which in my opinion is of course not only addictive, but extremely satisfying. I would rather hear someone say, "oh wow check out what he's done to that Z, that's gorgeous!" As opposed to, "Hey look, another C6!" Enjoy whichever you decide upon!
Yep, I have come to that conclusion...now I gotta find myself a very nice lo mile 06 or 07 Roadster, preferably in silver or black....
Thanks for the advice, comments, and tips. I think I am going to enjoy my stay here!
Cheers,
Steve in So Cal
Thanks for the advice, comments, and tips. I think I am going to enjoy my stay here!
Cheers,
Steve in So Cal
I am thinking about trading my Z in for a C6. I don't think (people correct me if I am wrong) that maintanance and insurance will be THAT much on a c6 than a 350z. I have always wanted a corvette as a dream car and in about a year I have the capability to capitalize on that dream. 400hp/tq is a plus, and the C6 looks much better imo.



