theblackvette said:
I know exactly what you mean.
I'll try to keep it short. It's not related to the number of turns lock to lock.
The '84-'89 Z51/Z52 steering gear ratio is 13.3 to 1, and the standard C4/C5/C6 steering ratio is 16.1 to 1. With the standard steering, you have to turn the wheel 20 percent further to effect the same front wheel deflection.
The longer a car's wheelbase, the slower it responds to directional changes. The C4 has a 96.2 inch wheelbase, the C5 is 104.5 inches and the C6 is 105.7 inches. Everything else being the same, a C4 will turn/respond more rapidly to the same steering input than the other two if they all have 16.1 to 1 gears.
The larger the steering wheel, the further you have to move your hands to achieve the same amount of rotation. Consider how far you'd have to move your hands to turn a 14-inch diameter wheel through 90 degrees compared to the same 1/4 rotation of a smaller 12 or 13-inch wheel.
Combine the slower ratio, the long wheelbase and steering wheel, and the result is a car that will turn and respond less quickly than one with quick steer, a short wheelbase, and a small steering wheel. That's one reason the '85-'89's are so popular for autocross and gymkhana, but it also has implications for street use as regards ease of driving and maneuverability.
Large steering wheels are useful for additional leverage on cars without power steering, but they're of little benefit when power steering is present since the boost can simply be increased if necessary. Wheel size often becomes a function of instrument panel design, column angle and leaving a hole large enough to see the gauges through.
It's clear from the posts that those who have owned the '84-'89 Z51 and Z52 cars know exactly what I'm talking about. The feeling is entirely different, and by comparison, a Z06, while 200 pounds lighter than some Z51's/Z52's, feels heavier and less responsive.
To be clear, 1stiff84, the intent was only to make you aware of an issue that might be overlooked in order to avoid unpleasant surprises, not to suggest a viewpoint or preference. Good luck, and try some different dealers.
