C6 ?????????????????????

[kingman]

Hi

Since a couple of new C6's are in my area l have been eyeballing them for weeks and really cannot make up my mind if l like them more then the C5 or not.

From a distance they look like a camaro at first but now l can tell the difference. Yes they are faster then the c4's and C5's forgetting the special editions, l'm talking stock.

And why do you really need all of that power besides drag racing (good) and getting tickets (bad).

The funny thing is one guy paid $5000 over list and he thought he was getting a bargin while the other bought it in Atlantic City, New Jersey at list minus $2500.

Am l missing something or is it just a matter of time until l get used to the C6.

Alan

 

[Dad]

2,500 mile impression of the C6

It was easy to get used to the C5 after the C4, but the C6 is a whole different ball game. Quick, smooth, and hangs like glue (Z51). Tight, great gas mileage right out of the box. Love the headlights and the bigger taillights.

The down side is less rear vision, poor interior, to many gimmicks, don't like the no key start in the manual, would be ok with an automatic. The C5 blew away the C4, had both, but the C6 is just better, not great. The first year of the C5 was tough to get one and they sold over list most of the time (I know, they only made 9,752). The C6 is not showing that kind of pent up demand as far as I know. My dealer and I didn't expect my C6 until late this month; I've had it for 2 months now. My guess is that allot of buyers are waiting on the Z06; wait until they see the price.

 

[OLDGOAT]

Hey Kingman...I agree with you that it's difficult to decide C5 vs C6. From the side they seem to have a very different nature. The C5 longer and more flowing and the 6 more retro and angular. I like both. From the rear, though, is the reason I never bought a C5. I did not and do not like the 5's rear appearance or the muffler mess it hides. The 6's rear is much nicer. Speaking of why all the power is needed: I have owned and enjoyed several 396 Camaros and a couple of authentic '69 Z-28's. These cars are fun but the top speed is severely limited by the four speed. Also, at higher speeds I was always mindful of the fact that they don't handle worth a darn. We just had a tragic event in the city where I live. A man who had owned a C5 since last summer lost control on an urban freeway at a speed estimated at twice the legal limit of 55. He hit a guardrail, became airborn, and shredded the car. He is deceased. This accident took place in a location where the speed limit makes sense-a lot of sense. Too much power? Apparently for this guy to responsibly handle as no other cars caused him to lose control. It makes me ask a question about the Corvette C6 ( and C5 ). It goes like this: OK the car will go 186 MPH and reach that speed pronto.....can it survive a crash at that speed? I watch Nascar all the time and see the crashes. Of course, the drivers are the best of the best...but the cars seldom roll nowadays. Most of the time the drivers walk away with a few notable and sad exceptions. And these crashes take place at speeds of 150 and up-far above the possible 110 of this local accident in which the car was absolutely and completely shredded. Now, lots of potential vette owners or wannabes talk of the wonder of the 500 hp of the new Z06. Are they losing sight of the fact that 400 hp in a 3200 lb car is a serious amount of power? What's the extra 100 going to do for them? I'd say that driving speeds like 110 on a public road is just plain criminal and OTL. Of course, I am an oldgoat now. Back in my Camaro days I enjoyed the ride up to 70 or 80 but had no taste for higher unsafe speeds unless I was on a dragstrip. So just how survivable is a C5 or C6 in a high speed crash and what difference does a top speed of 186 mean other than bragging rights about the car's potential? It's clear to me from the photos seen on our local TV that a C5 is simply not built to allow the driver to survive a very high speed crash.

Note to Dad....I agree with you on the lack of pent up demand for the C6. The dealers must be really upset not being able to price gouge as they did with the C5. However, the C6 has certainly caused a huge drop in C5 values. Most automotive writers constantly say that the C5 Z06 is a fractionally better performance car than the base C6-even with Z51. This may make the C5 Z06 one of the all time best buys around. In my area a dealer is advertising an '02 Z06 with 15 k miles for $35k!!!!!!!!!!They say it's $10k less than blue book........It's sure something to think about for those who prefer C5 styling!!!!!!!Perhaps the 2006 model will see an "optional" "standard" keyed ignition system if enough owners are upset with the present whiz bang system.

 

[Dad]

Oldgoat,

I didn't say I was upset with the keyless start, just that I don't like it. It has its up side but some down sides. I can adapt. I endured the crappie passive entry system that was on my 98 and disabled it in the first 4 months. GM dropped it and it wasn't an issue on my 04. That experience may be some of my dislike right now.

Not sure where the price drop is that you're referring to for the C5, where I live the 2003 sells at the price you quoted for the 2002, and some of those are OBO from private parties. I didn't pay anywhere near MSRP for any of my Corvettes and don't expect to get list when I sell them. This is one that I have watched to see if he gets his price, don't see those wheels very often. 2000 Corvette Coupe, torch red medium grey interior. Dual removable roof panels, active handling system, custom sport magnesium wheels. 25,250 miles, stored for winters. Excellent condition. Asking $27,000. One sharp machine, just down the road from a 2002 Z06 for $29,995 at a dealer. OR!
This 2003 Z06 Chevy Corvette is in great condition. This car has been garage kept since purchase. The balance of the factory warranty is yours. The 5.7 Liter V8 with 405 HP and 6 speed manual trans yields one very fast car. Must drive to appreciate! Also included; active handling/traction control, aluminum 5 spoke wheels, Bose AM/FM stereo with CD, dual climate control with AC, driver information center, head-up display, 6-way power driver seat, driver and passenger airbags, electrochromic mirrors, 3.42 rear axle ratio and more!!! $35,250, 18,750 miles, VIN 1G1YY12S2351240XX.

Make me an offer on a silver C6 that is reasonable and I would be driving the red coupe with the mag wheels. Have gas money, will deliver.

 

[jrose7004]

Talking about people who will pay $5000.00 over sticker are the folks that feel that they have to be the first on the block with anything new! The trouble is that being the first doesn't last long!

 

[invinceablevett]

I am one of those who has the C5/C6 dilemma.I have held off buying a C5 untill now because I wanted to see the differences between the C5 and C6.For the most part I like the C6 but, because of the huge drop in price for the C5 ,and the fact that I own a few other vehicles,swapping my C4 for a C5 is probably what the futur holds for me.I am not one of those who HAS to be the first on the block to own the latest and greatest (more power to those who can ) but I really would like to have the luggage space and tiny creature comforts of the C5 so buying the C6 isn't a must for me.When you really think about buying any Corvette isn't logical or practical...But boy do we love those babies :cool ....You only live once.

 

[JBsC5]

The C6 is a great car...probably one of the best vettes yet!

That said...

I own a C5 Z06 and won't be trading in any time soon.

Lots of people don't see the value in a sports car period...much less one that go over 170mph stock...

Lots of people are satisfied with minivans, Suv's and luxury sedans..

Different strokes for different folks...

Start up any year corvette....drive off and within a few minutes you'll know the allure to what is a true american icon..

Its just fun to drive. Plain and simple..

Dam fast...handles great....stops on a dime..looks good doing it..

Whether you like the c5 or the C6? Thats a personal preference as well.

Both great rides...but from those that have owned both..

I find they speak mostly about the refinement improvement..

How much is that improved refinement worth? Thats for each of us to decide.

Me? I'm sticking with my present 30K mile Z06.

Awesome car...even if I do admire the C6 as a coupe/convertible and the ultra performing C6 Z06 which I can't wait to see released at the January shows..

7 liter 500hp sub 3000 curb weight...huge tire/wheels..dry sump oiling system...

Certainly world class..and definitely a car to shake up the automotive landscape as we know it.

Ferrari's/Lamboghini's/Porsche's you name it....

I'd imagine they are waiting to see what the bowtie boys bring to the January Show as well...

 

[Greenie]

Dad, would you please comment on the silver paint please. Im torn between silver and black and althought it is so subjective, Id like to hear your comments! TIA.

 

[jimmyb]

Old Goat,
There is not a car on the road that has the ability to save it's occupants at speeds over 100MPH. Literally all cars will top 100MPH these days and I'm certain that car companies don't think that ability is being used very much. As to when is there too much horsepower? Don't ask, as one day the answer may be legislated for your protection.

 

[warren s]

Drove a C6 for about 20 minutes. The first thing that came to mind was the cost VS the gain. Is it fast? YUP! Faster than my C5? YUP! Does it ride better? Hard to say. Is it really better? I guess so.

Was the C5 worth the difference going from a C4, yes. Would the C6 be worth the difference going from a C5? Maybe in a few years. If I didn’t already get a C5 would I go to a C6? Nope…Don’t have the dough. If did would I , definitely maybe. I always wanted a Z-06 with a removable roof panel.

Oh- and do you need to be able to go 186 MPH? Yes. If that’s what you want.

 

[MoeJr]

Oldgoat is right. No car out there will save your behind if you crash at over 100 mph. My 84 in its current tune could probably hit 145-150 but I have only had it over 100 once and have not had a need to do it again. I enjoy its handling characteristics and its cockpit feel. Thats what a sports car is about. U sit in a C4 or earlier Vette or a Porsche ir Ferrai and they all have that closed in cockpit feeling and that is something that makes you feel great but isn't gonna save ya if ya crash at 100+. With the C5 and C6 Chevy got away form that feeling a bit and made the cars more GT feeling.

I am sure the C6 is selling fairly well but I don't think it is as big a hit seller as the C4 or C5 was at its intro.

Kingman only you can decide what you like or not but for my money I think a 02-04 C5 would make it for you. Just my .02

 

[OLDGOAT]

Actually it already happened....

Old Goat,
There is not a car on the road that has the ability to save it's occupants at speeds over 100MPH. Literally all cars will top 100MPH these days and I'm certain that car companies don't think that ability is being used very much. As to when is there too much horsepower? Don't ask, as one day the answer may be legislated for your protection.

Actually high horsepower cars already got eliminated once before by legislative mandate ( among other things ). The laws pertained to pollution control and miles per gallon. The powerful motors of the late 60's and early 70's were eliminated as they could not meet pollution and mileage laws. Frankly, I NEVER thought we'd once again see high power cars available to a wide market such as the C6.

The reason cars like the C5 and C6 have returned is TECHNOLOGY that permitted amazing mileage from 400hp engines while dramatically reducing pollution.

The other thing that shut down the big hp cars of that period were gas lines, gas prices, and insurance companies tired of paying for 18 year olds wrapped around trees in their GTO's. That's why the under 25 year old exclusions took effect. Lots of kids got killed back then....more than do now in their ridiculous little tuner cars with the huge wings on the back.

If you live long enough you'll probably see speed/usage recorders in every car mandated by law that can be downloaded by police everytime your take the car in to have the pollution control recertified, are stopped, or even real time by satellite. The technology exists now to record every second of tens of thousands of miles of driving....and if your record shows you exceeded the speed limit you'll get a fine for each time you were naughty. ( and the gps transponder with keep track of where you are and where you've been )

The present C6 has such a device onboard that has very limited recording capability. However, it could still get you into big trouble under in certain circumstances. And....I understand it's attached to the airbag system so that tampering with it violates federal law.

As you said....this recording device was placed in each new C6 "for your protection" .

 

[warren s]

High performance cars are back for only one reason, because that’s what the customer wants. Just like those monstrous SUVs that’s populating the roads today. Technology makes it all happen. The idea of worrying about speed recording technoloy causing you a problem in the future seems very silly to me. If the authorities starting checking the data recorders in cars to catch you speeding in any numbers larger than the token amount now being done it would eventually affect the sales of those same cars. Technology would again come the rescue in the form of devices being able to erase the memory of the "black box". Legal or not.

I am not old enough to remember the original muscle car craze, but I did read that less that 5% of the cars sold during the era were what we know today as "Muscle cars" they did not cause an epidemic of death among their owners.

There have been over 1,000,000 Corvettes sold. A vast portion of those cars can exceed 150 mph on an average public road. Worrying about surviving a crash at those speeds is silly. We all know its flirting with disaster but that’s part of the intoxication of driving a fast car. It’s really amazing that we don’t read about high-speed wrecks by the dozens with all the high performance cars on the road today

 

[Edmond]

If you live long enough you'll probably see speed/usage recorders in every car mandated by law that can be downloaded by police everytime your take the car in to have the pollution control recertified, are stopped, or even real time by satellite.

God, I hope that I don't ever have to live at a time like that. I mean, what will they try to regulate next?

 

[check6]

A problem: I don't like all the electrics, I love the styling (best since the early 60's. the fit and finish is very good and after driving it on an autocrosse style course the handling and power are great especially with the 6 speed and i kept the traction control in normal so it was not fully unleashed. I can afford it but can not justify it but then sprots cars are not justified just rationalized. Bottom line is a Victory red with cashmire and the Isb ( got to have heated seats and the HUD lplus the Z 51 may be my retirement toy next to the Citabria, but then that is only for sunny days. Life is good and youare only as old as you think. the license plate will be CHK 6 and the frame around it "Fighter pilots never grow up" my wife gave me that years ago and I don't want to grow up or old, life is too much fun. Take care and perhaps an order this week for delivery in Bowling Green . Happy holidays to all Jack

 

[check6]

Sorry about the numerous errors, My fingers and my brain get out of step sometimes. But since I got the floor back are there alternatives to the Goodyear super tires for theC 6 with the Z 51 package ..... Lets be realistic over 100 MPH is not going to happen normally or really even rarely but fould weather will happen. By the way after years as a safety consultant, primarily aviation but also ground transportation vehicles do not protect their occupants above 100.. not the cars fault , the himan body is fragile Take care

 

[r nissim]

c5 or c6

no dilemma for me went to 2 or 3 chevy dealers first week in sept in my 02 vert.put down a deposit 3 days later had the c6 on the 30th. i really liked my c5( my second one) but the c6 is an entirely different animal stronger,more agile. and the gimmicks and keyless system are so of the best parts as far as i'm concerned.i'd do it again in a second

 

[check6]

New question to those that have put some miles on their C6's. How does it handle in the wet. Granted a high horsepower/torque engine in a a vehicle with wide tiires ( no matter how deep the groves) can be a handfull in wet conditions. The question should be more accurately stated, " when driven with consideration for the above is the vehicle predictable in wet and therefore can be driven at highway speeds in such conditions?" I am more inteested in comments from those that have the Z51 package. Thanks for the responses Jack

 

[Mr.Cool]

check6

I was driving in west Texas on I 10 going with the flow of traffic at about 75 to 80 mph. Driving thru a lite to moderate shower (there was no puddling of water) the car lost traction and began to drift sideways the active handling engaged and the car straightened out. Everything happened so fast I was not sure if I hydroplaned or got hit by a gust of wind. After that I've kept it below 65 mph in rain and never had anymore problems in 10,000 miles.

 

[check6]

Mr. Cool:

Thanks for the reply, did I read correctly that you have over 10,000 miles on a new C 6 already. Now I don't feel bad with the 12,000 om my Toyota Tundra delivered the last week of April this year. If you are on I 10 just east of San Antonio you will go right by Seguin. Thanks again