Z06 too much power?

[try2pas]

I am thinking of getting either a new Grand Sport or a new Z06. Both would be in automatics. Someone said that the 650 hp Z06 is just too much power and, even with traction control on, it can get away from you and break loose like sideways. I don't really care but for someone like my 66 year old wife; is that a real possibility to the point that it could scare her and I would loose my "buddy" driver? This "someone" said that this scenario just wouldn't happen in the Grand Sport. I mean can't one control the wheel spin with the amount of throttle applied? Or not?

 

[LLC5]

I am thinking of getting either a new Grand Sport or a new Z06. Both would be in automatics. Someone said that the 650 hp Z06 is just too much power and, even with traction control on, it can get away from you and break loose like sideways. I don't really care but for someone like my 66 year old wife; is that a real possibility to the point that it could scare her and I would loose my "buddy" driver? This "someone" said that this scenario just wouldn't happen in the Grand Sport. I mean can't one control the wheel spin with the amount of throttle applied? Or not?

Of course it can happen in either car, both have too much power for just street driving. Just keep the traction control and active handling on and you should be fine in either vehicle. I would recommend you "tune out" that "someone".

 

[catbert]

Driving the Z requires you to keep your wits about you. NEVER get on it when the wheels aren't pointed straight ahead, and remember it can break the tires loos in third gear. Driven responsibly, both car are streetable, but either can hurt you if you play rough. The GS is THEORETICALLY, more street capable than the base Stingray since it has the same motor with better tires and suspension. I have found the base Stingray a very drive-able street machine.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Keep in mind that while all Corvettes have a stability enhancement system, the car still cannot violate the laws of physics.

What SES does is just extend some of the limits one has to exceed to loose control of the vehicle.

I'd say, that if you are concerned enough to post to a forum that you are hesitant to buy a Z06 because you fear the car "getting away" from your 66-year old wife, that a base convertible with the 8-speed automatic is a better choice. I've tested on for a "Corvette Magazine" story and found that it has an extraordinary amount of acceleration ability. The 460-hp engine with the 8L90 is a heck of a combination for a street driver.

As for the GS, keep in mind that car is aimed at track rats and very aggressive street drivers. If you are not a racer or someone who "attacks" mountain roads with a vengence, you may not like the stiffness of the GS even with it having Magnaride.

In short, it's hard to beat a base convertible with MR and dual-mode exhaust for a car that accelerates like a rocket but rides really nicely and is quiet most of the time. Plus it has stuff like navi, iPod and iPhone support and all the other cool stuff that people want these days.

 

[try2pas]

Hib,

So does the Z06 ride like the new GS will ride; a little more rough even with MR? And does the base Stingray with Z51 fall into that same category of rougher ride? It's hard to find a Z06 to buy let alone be able to go and drive one. Ideally, a guy should drive a base, Z51, GS and Z06 and then make up your mind. But good luck on that unless someone knows where a guy could actually do that?

 

[Phillip123]

I do not really agree with the "too much" power thing...

 

[Hib Halverson]

Hib,

So does the Z06 ride like the new GS will ride;

No one knows, yet.

a little more rough even with MR?

I'm going to guess pretty much the same

And does the base Stingray with Z51 fall into that same category of rougher ride?

A Z51 w/o MR is more stiff and harsh than a base car. A Z51 with MR is not quite as stiff and less harsh than a Z51 w/o MR but still more stiff and harsh than a base car.

It's hard to find a Z06 to buy let alone be able to go and drive one. Ideally, a guy should drive a base, Z51, GS and Z06 and then make up your mind. But good luck on that unless someone knows where a guy could actually do that?

I agree with you there and the dealer network wouldn't be inclined to make all three available as they'd sell less options that way.

That said, I think the choices are fairly easy.

If you want a 650-hp car, then the Z06 is your choice and, if you find the ride too aggressive, well, you'll have to live with it.
If you're content with 460-hp, then you have to decide what kind of driver you are. If you don't care about really aggressive driving but you do care about having responsive handing, a nice ride and having the Corvette experience, then a base car is the way to go. If ride, above all else, is paramount to your Corvette experience, buy a base car with MR.

If you're an aggressive driver on a budget who isn't bothered by harshness, buy the Z51 w/o MR. If you are an aggressive street driver but you only will accept a modest level of harshness and you're willing to spend some money, buy the Z51 w. MR.

 

[Tom Martin]

My Z06

I love my 650 HP Z06!! The only time it got away from me for about 2 seconds was the first day I drove it. IMO there's NO SUCH THING AS TOO MANY HORSEPOWER. my car handles and goes just unbelievably. It's predecessor was a First Edition 450 HP Vette convertible and it was definitely OK. My Z06 is head and shoulders better. The only thing I wouldn't buy is a Z06/Z07 unless you just love to spend $$$$ for new tires. My Z06 is a Z51 and that's just fine. It rides a little firmly even in Touring mode but if you like a car that handles they're all like that.

 

[Phillip123]

I love my 650 HP Z06!! The only time it got away from me for about 2 seconds was the first day I drove it. IMO there's NO SUCH THING AS TOO MANY HORSEPOWER. my car handles and goes just unbelievably. It's predecessor was a First Edition 450 HP Vette convertible and it was definitely OK. My Z06 is head and shoulders better. The only thing I wouldn't buy is a Z06/Z07 unless you just love to spend $$$$ for new tires. My Z06 is a Z51 and that's just fine. It rides a little firmly even in Touring mode but if you like a car that handles they're all like that.

See? No such thing as too much HP