Corvette ZO6 vs Porsche 997 GT3 RS

[cawimmer430]

This was posted on Germancarzone but the original poster didn't provide a link and hasn't provided one yet. The translation (Babelfish) is terrible and I can't do anything because I couldn't find the article on www.autozeitung.de. 

EDIT: I FOUND THE LINK ON THE SITE. WILL TRANSLATE THE GOOD STUFF.

http://autozeitung.de/online/render.php?render=0039979

Nice pics though and a best laptime. 


Tracktest Corvette Z06 gegen Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Beide stellen die Basis f?r einen Rennwagen, und doch trennen die Corvette Z06 und den neuen Porsche 911 GT3 RS Welten. Rennprofi Kurt Thiim testet beide auf dem Formel-1-Kurs in Hockenheim (Both cars represent the simple basics needed for a sports car, yet, both cars are different in how they do it. Professional driver, Kurt Thiim, tests both these hardcore performance machines.)

Der potente US-Hammer ist kompromisslos gebaut: geringes Gewicht dank einem Chassis aus Aluminium und Kohlefaser-Verbundwerkstoffen, b?renstark dank des gr??ten Small-Block-V8, den General Motors je gebaut hat, und drehzahlfest dank Titanpleuel, Natrium-gef?llten Titan-Einlassventilen und Alu-Flachkolben. Nur die Ventilsteuerung erfolgt immer noch ?ber eine zentral angeordnete Nockenwelle. 512 PS sowie 637 Newtonmeter Drehmoment sprechen eine deutliche Sprache, die H?chstgeschwindigkeit von 320 km/h ebenfalls. Zum Schluss noch das Sahneh?ubchen: Das Leistungsgewicht der Z06 liegt bei nur 2,8 kg/PS. Das sollte reichen, um jeden Porsche zu erschrecken, oder? (The American car is built without compromise: low weight (thanks to an aluminum chassis), carbon fiber bonding materials, a powerful V8 and much more. 512-horsepower, 637 Nm of torque, 320 km/h top speed and 2.8 kg / horsepower. Enough to scare every Porsche, right?)

Aber: ?ber eine gute Rundenzeit entscheiden auch Dinge wie Bremsleistung und Fahrstabilit?t im Grenzbereich. Und hier setzt der im Vergleich zur flachen, breiten Corvette fast zierliche 911 GT3 RS an, Leistungsgewicht: 3,3 kg/PS. Und die RS-Modelle zeigen schon seit 1972, was in puncto Fahrdy-namik mit einem stra?enzugelas-senen Auto m?glich ist. (A good lap time is not only determined by power output. The quality of the brakes, stability in extreme speeds etc. all determine a good laptime. This is what the weaker GT3 RS uses to its advantages with it's 3.3 kg / horsepower rating.)

Der neueste RS ist da keine Ausnahme. Nochmals 20 Kilo leichter als der normale GT3 und mit einem einstellbaren Fahrwerk, optimierter Aerodynamik sowie feinsten Racing-Attributen ausgestattet, tritt er an, um die Sportwagenwelt zu beherrschen. (The new RS is 20 kg lighter than the normal GT3 and has an adjustable chassis, optimized aerodnamics as well s high quality racing attributes.)

Der heiser bellende 3,6-Liter-Boxer im Heck verf?gt nicht nur ?ber ebenso exklusive Innereien wie der GM-V8, sondern jetzt auch ?ber ein Einmassenschwungrad, das gegen?ber dem herk?mmlichen Schwungrad acht Kilo einspart. ?Der Motor reagiert dadurch sehr spritzig, dreht ph?nomenal schnell hoch?, schildert Thiim die Auswirkungen, ??berhaupt, der Porsche ist eigentlich ein Rennwagen, du merkst es sofort am Kupplungsgegendruck oder auch an den hohen Schaltkr?ften. Und wenn du morgens losf?hrst, knackt es hier und da, Laufger?usche kommen aus dem Antriebsstrang. Das Gleiche erlebst du, wenn du mit einem kalten Rennwagen aus der Boxengasse auf die Piste rollst ? herrlich.? The 3.6-l 6-cylinder of the Porsche barks aggressively. "The engine response is very good and rev's very quickly," says Thiim. Thiim also says, "This car is made for the racetrack, you can feel it because of the heavy clutch and the heavy feeling shifts on the manual gear box."

Den Leistungsnachteil gegen?ber der Corvette ? 415 zu 512 PS ? will der GT3 RS mit seinem Fahrwerk und den serienm??igen Michelin-Semi-Slicks mehr als nur kompensieren. Die Goodyear-Runflatreifen des Ami sind da eher eine alltagstaugliche L?sung. (Despite the power disadvantage, 415-hp  against 512-hp, the GT3 makes a good impression with its Michelin-semi-slicks. The everyday tires of the Corvette, Goodyear runflats, are at a disadvantage here.)

Thiim entscheidet sich nach zwei Proberunden mit den beiden Autos als erstes f?r die Z06: ?Die Umstellung zwischen den beiden Autos ist riesengro?, so herum f?llt es aber etwas leichter.? Der D?ne verzichtet auf jegliche elektronische Unterst?tzung. Also w?hlt er die Einstellung ?ASR und aktives Handling aus? im Cockpit-Display. Nach kurzem Anlauf bollert der V8 ?ber die Start/Zielgerade. Bei 204 km/h wirft Thiim den Anker vor der Nordkurve und schaltet runter. (Thiim takes the Corvette for a spin first. He claims that, "The difference between these two cars is extreme.")

Schon hier wird klar: ?Du musst dir Zeit lassen beim Schalten, sonst kracht es im Getriebe. Die Schaltwege sind deutlich l?nger und nicht so genau definiert wie im Porsche.? Die zweite Eigenart der Corvette wird in der n?chsten Rechtskurve vor der langen Parabolika deutlich: Von 211 km/h muss Thiim runter bis auf 58 Sachen, dabei einlenken und sich gleichzeitig auf m?glichst fr?hes Beschleunigen konzentrieren. ?Technisch alles kein Problem, doch in den Sitzen der Corvette finde ich zu wenig Halt und rutsche teilweise etwas hilflos herum?, sagt Thiim sp?ter. (Thiim on the Corvette, "You need to take your time  shifting with the Corvette, otherwise the transmission crunches." "The shifts are longer and not as precise as those in the Porsche," Thiim will later say. All of a suddent a shrap right curve comes. From 211 km/h, Thiim slows down to 58 km/h, no problem, the brakes are good. Thiim, :"The seats of the Corvette are a little slippery and don't offer the support and grip you find in the Porsche.")

Doch was auf die Rutschpartie folgt, fasziniert den D?nen: ?Der Drehmomentkick und diese Beschleunigungsorgie bis zur Spitzkehre stellen einfach alles in den Schatten.? 251 km/h zeigt das GPS-Messger?t beim Anbremspunkt an, nur 44 km/h vertr?gt die enge Rechtskurve ? H?chstbelastung f?r alle Fahrzeugkomponenten. ?Das Auto bleibt sehr stabil bei diesen harten Bremsman?vern. Doch die Reifen sind auf der Rennstrecke ?berfordert und schmieren. Das Fahrverhalten verliert dabei an Pr?zision.? ("What I like about the Corvette is the torque and acceleration." 251 km/h, another curve, slow down to 44 km/h - a heavy toll on all parts of the car. No problem in the Corvette. It's stable during these hard braking maneuvers. "The tires are overworked and not suited for track use though," says Thiim.)

Wieder tritt die Z06 an, als w?re der Teufel hinter ihr her. Der gro?e V8 hat mit dem Leergewicht von 1440 Kilogramm leichtes Spiel. Im sanften Rechtsknick vor der Mercedes-Trib?ne muss Thiim kurz vom Gas und verliert Geschwindigkeit. Auch der folgende Sektor in und durch das Kurvengeschl?ngel des Motodrom wird wohl nie der Lieblingsspielplatz der Corvette. Thiim: ?Du musst dich in Kurven immer wieder zur Ruhe zwingen, dem Auto Zeit geben, sich zu stabilisieren. Nur so kannst du die ganze Power einsetzen. (The Corvette has an easy acceleration time though. 1440 kg of weight to haul around coupled to a powerful V8 make this not a problem. On the track, there's a portion where one has to slalom through. This proves to be too much for the Corvette: possibly because of the tires.)

Die Karosseriebewegungen sind im Vergleich zum Porsche ausgepr?gter und wollen einkalkuliert werden.? Entsprechend sind die Anbremsgeschwindigkeiten sehr hoch, die Kurventempi aber eher durchschnittlich. Nur die nach au?en leicht ?berh?hte Sachskurve erleichtert es der Corvette ein wenig. Der Drift bei 97 km/h am Eingang zur Start-/Zielgerade ist kaum zu vermeiden. Wenige Sekunden sp?ter rauscht Kurt Thiim mit 187 km/h durch die Lichtschranke. Seine Gesamtzeit: 1.57,90 Minuten. (The chassis movement of the Corvette are more distinctive and demand calculation.)

Der Rennsportprofi steigt direkt um in den Porsche und zw?ngt sich in den Schalensitz. Das elektronische PASM-Fahrwerk auf hart gestellt, die Sporttaste f?r ein noch spontaneres Ansprechen des Motors gedr?ckt und die Traktionskontrolle deaktiviert ? es kann losgehen. Heiser br?llend jagt der GT3 RS auf die Nordkurve zu und bremst deutlich sp?ter als die Corvette. Allerdings ist er hier auch neun km/h langsamer als die Z06. (The professional racedriver Thiim now tests the Porsche. The electronic suspension is programmed to "hard": traction control is set too off. The first right curve Thiim encounters in the Porsches forces him to brake a little later than in the Corvette - and was 9 km/h slower than the 'Vette too.)

Das gleiche Spiel vor der n?chsten Kurve: sehr sp?tes und hartes Anbremsen bis in die Kurve hinein, dann ebenso fr?hes Beschleunigen. Hier zeigt sich die Klasse des Fahrwerks und der Reifen. Die Kurvengeschwindigkeit liegt zehn km/h h?her als bei der Corvette. Dann folgt die Spitzkehre, Thiim bremst bei 241 km/h an, verliert also zehn km/h auf den US-Sportler. Aber: Der Bremspunkt liegt stattliche 23 Meter sp?ter, das sind fast f?nf Fahrzeugl?ngen. (The same game in the next curve: late braking and steering into the curve then early acceleration. This is where the class of the suspension and tires is shown. The speed of the Porsche in curves is 10 km/h quicker than that of the Corvette. Then comes a straight, and this is where the Corvette would catch up.)

Thiim dazu: ?Trotzdem, um einen Zeitvorteil mit dem Porsche zu realisieren, musst du sehr genau fahren und den Motor ausquetschen. Doch genau daf?r ist dieses Auto gebaut. Einlenkverhalten und Fahrstabilit?t sind einfach gro?artig.? Wo er in der Corvette vorsichtig agieren musste, kann er im Porsche nahezu Vollgas geben. Und er muss es auch, denn bis zum Anbremsen vor der Mercedes-Trib?ne liegt die Corvette mit 0,87 Sekunden Vorsprung immer noch vorn. ?Den Eingang ins Motodrom kannst du im Porsche fast voll nehmen. Da spielt die neue Aerodynamik des RS schon eine gro?e Rolle?, sagt Thiim. (Thiim on the Porsche: "If you want to beat the Corvette, you need to play for a time advantage: drive calculated, anticipate and abuse the engine, and this is what the car was built for." Where you need to be careful in the Corvette, you can go beyond in the Porsche. And you have to, because the Corvette accelerates quicker.)

Jetzt spielt der Rennfahrer seine jahrzehntelange Erfahrung aus und pr?gelt den Elfer durch die Kurven. Im letzten Sektor holt er tats?chlich einen Vorsprung von 1,23 Sekunden raus und ?berquert nach 1.57,44 Minuten den Zielstrich, knappe f?nf Zehntelsekunden fr?her als mit der Corvette. Thiim rollt abgek?mpft in die Boxengasse: ?Wenn du so einen Porsche kaufen willst, musst du ein Racer sein. Sonst erschlie?t sich dir das ?berragende Fahrerlebnis niemals. Der GT3 RS ist kein Spielzeug.? (Thiim uses his years of experience and flaunts the Porssche. Surprisingly, he catches up with the Corvette's best time in the last lap and has a 1.23 second lead for a final time of 1.57,44 minutes. Thiim on the GT3, "If you buy such a car, you need to be racedriver, otherwise, you don't get no satisfaction from it.")

Fazit
"Der Test war eine gro?e ?berraschung f?r mich. Wir haben hier zwei v?llig unterschiedliche Sportwagenkonzepte, die sich erwartungsgem?? auch v?llig unterschiedlich bewegen lassen. Auf der einen Seite mit der Corvette Z06 ein echtes Powercar aus den USA mit 7,0 Liter Hubraum zum Angebots-preis. Auf der anderen Seite einen Rennwagen mit Stra?enzulassung. Den Porsche 911 GT3 RS als etwas anderes zu bezeichnen, w?re verfehlt. Bei der Serienbereifung trennen die beiden ebenfalls Welten. Alltagstaugliche Runflat-Reifen auf dem V8-Monster, Semi-Slicks auf dem fein ausbalancierten Renner. Und was passiert? Die beiden trennen am Ende nur f?nf Zehntelsekunden. Der Porsche macht genau das, was du willst. Die Corvette dr?ckt wie wild nach vorn. Doch du kannst die Kraft viel schlechter umsetzen, weil du st?ndig k?mpfen musst. Du brauchst in der Corvette auch mehr Mut als im Porsche, sie kommt selbst im vierten Gang noch quer. Wenn du diese Kraft auf den Asphalt bringen k?nntest ? Semi-Slicks gibt es f?r die Z06 zurzeit noch nicht ?, dann w?re sie ein echtes Ungeheuer. Der Porsche ist das absolut runde und schnelle Gesamtpaket." (A very surprising test. The Corvette is a power car for an appealing price. The Porsche is a racecar for the street. Admittedly, the Corvette was disadvantaged because of the tires.)

Z06
Laptime: 1,57.90 min

GT3 RS
Laptime: 1,57.44 min

[SVT666]

I would still take the Z06....if I could afford one.  Is it just me or does the way the dark plastic and the silver plastic come together at the top of the centre stack and the switchgear around the instrument pod look like shit?

[The Pirate]

Z06 for me as well.  I'd love a 993 though.

[the Teuton]

Between the two, I'd pick the Porsche, but the Vette is still an awesome car. 

Also, look at the leather in the driver seat compared to the passenger seat in the Vette.  There's been some definite use in this car.

[GoCougs]

I would still take the Z06....if I could afford one.? Is it just me or does the way the dark plastic and the silver plastic come together at the top of the centre stack and the switchgear around the instrument pod look like shit?

Yes, I'd say you're right. The Z06 at the Seattle Auto show late last year had all sorts of fit and gap issues inside and out.

[Raghavan]

I would take the vette, even though the RS is a kickass car.

[Nethead]

The Nethead here ain't gonna nitpick on the Z06's interior because the Porsche's interior looks forty times better even if the fit and finish of the Z06's interior pieces fit within one micron of each other.? OTOH, the Z06's exterior is vastly better looking than the Porsche's collection of scoops connected by a few strands of green 911.? A sick shade of green 911 at that!
Note the closeness of the lap times between the 3.6 liter Porsche and the twice-bigger-engined 7.0 liter Z06.? Would a Porsche engine upscaled to 7.0 liters push the 997 to 300 MPH--assuming they could keep tires on it, of course?
I'd take either one, and sell either one to buy a black 911 Turbo from--what?--twenty years ago now.? If I got both, I'd sell them to buy a 959 from --what?--twelve years ago.? Nah, no one would sell a 959 for the money I could get from selling both of them...maybe I could pick up a Carrera 6 circa 1966 for the proceeds from the sale of both if I ain't too picky about the condition (and I ain't).

[Raghavan]

The Nethead here ain't gonna nitpick on the Z06's interior because the Porsche's interior looks forty times better even if the fit and finish of the Z06's interior pieces fit within one micron of each other.? OTOH, the Z06's exterior is vastly better looking than the Porsche's collection of scoops connected by a few strands of 911.? A sick shade of green 911 at that!
Note the closeness of the lap times between the 3.6 (Isn't it? Or is it now a 3.8?) liter Porsche and the twice-bigger-engined 7.0 liter Z06.? ?Would a Porsche engine upscaled to 7.0 liters push the 997 to 300 MPH--assuming they could keep tires on it, of course?

I thought the GT3 was a 3.6?

[Nethead]

Raghaven is correct, and the Nethead here has amended his errant posting!  Thanks, RagDude!

[ro51092]

GT3 RS=

That's my choice.

I wouldn't turn down a vette, though.

[SVT666]

The Nethead here ain't gonna nitpick on the Z06's interior because the Porsche's interior looks forty times better even if the fit and finish of the Z06's interior pieces fit within one micron of each other.? OTOH, the Z06's exterior is vastly better looking than the Porsche's collection of scoops connected by a few strands of 911.? A sick shade of green 911 at that!
Note the closeness of the lap times between the 3.6 liter Porsche and the twice-bigger-engined 7.0 liter Z06.? ?Would a Porsche engine upscaled to 7.0 liters push the 997 to 300 MPH--assuming they could keep tires on it, of course?
I'd take either one, and sell them to buy a black 911 Turbo from--what?--twenty years ago now.? If I got both, I'd sell them to buy a 959 from --what?--twelve years ago.? Nah, no one would sell a 959 for the money I could get from selling both of them...maybe I could pick up a Carrera 6 circa 1966 for the proceeds from the sale of both if I ain't too picky about the condition (and I ain't).

It don't matter how big an engine is if it gets the power, torque, AND mileage the Vette's gets.  The last 959 was in '89 which would make it 18 years ago.

[The Pirate]

The Z06 is an awesome car, but I could see myself taking even the base C6 over a 997.

[heelntoe]

if i'm paying, there is no way i'd pass up such a deal on the vette.
i'd get a GT3 RS if someone else is paying, strip it and use it on the track exclusively.

[SVT666]

Note the closeness of the lap times between the 3.6 liter Porsche and the twice-bigger-engined 7.0 liter Z06.? ?Would a Porsche engine upscaled to 7.0 liters push the 997 to 300 MPH

Nothing against you personally Nethead (because you know I like you and respect your opinions), however I'm getting really tired of hearing people say things like "If Porsche built an engine that was 7.0L then...." or "If Ferrari built a....".  They don't.  The Z06 is one of the fastest cars on the planet and gets better gas mileage then any of the European monsters.  It also costs signifanctly less then those European monsters.  Those Ferrari V8 engines are smaller displacement, however need gearing that destroys their mileage just to get the performance to the same level of the Vettes.  I'm not one to defend the Corvette (anyone here knows that), but even I have to admit it's a fantastic machine and the engine displacement shouldn't matter to anyone.

[ChrisV]

One of the most important things that seems to be glossed over was the difference in tires. Street tires are NOT race tires, and the way a car responds on them is VASTLY different even with the exactly same car/suspension/brakes. Had the Corvette had street legal race tires like the Porsche, there would not have been the issues with it being hard to control, nor would there have been braking differences, and the supposed advantages of the Porsche would have gone away. All for a few hundred bucks in tires.

Half a second difference in lap times? Even DOT slalom or road race tires with tread are good for a couple seconds just from lateral grip. The Porsche had them, the Corvette did not. Had the Corvette been equipped with similar tires, it would have had a second and a half advantage on the track or even more with the additional control and ability to use the power.

I know, coulda, woulda, shoulda. I just get tired of this sort of easy to assess and fix issue causing the expensive Eurocar to come ou ton top by a fraction, and then let the major equipment difference get glossed over in the manner of the article.

[heelntoe]

that's excatly what i was thinking everytime i read run-flat.
i'm sure the vette would ahve come on top with similar tyres.

[Lebowski]

One of the most important things that seems to be glossed over was the difference in tires. Street tires are NOT race tires, and the way a car responds on them is VASTLY different even with the exactly same car/suspension/brakes. Had the Corvette had street legal race tires like the Porsche, there would not have been the issues with it being hard to control, nor would there have been braking differences, and the supposed advantages of the Porsche would have gone away. All for a few hundred bucks in tires.

Half a second difference in lap times? Even DOT slalom or road race tires with tread are good for a couple seconds just from lateral grip. The Porsche had them, the Corvette did not. Had the Corvette been equipped with similar tires, it would have had a second and a half advantage on the track or even more with the additional control and ability to use the power.

I know, coulda, woulda, shoulda. I just get tired of this sort of easy to assess and fix issue causing the expensive Eurocar to come ou ton top by a fraction, and then let the major equipment difference get glossed over in the manner of the article.

I agree, and not only are the ZO6 tires street legal, they're runflats at that (i.e. even without going to racing tires, switching over to a good non-runflat street tire like Michelin PS2 would make a difference).  When testing cars with $30k+ difference in price range, why not spend the few grand to equip the cheaper car with comprable tires?

I know I know, those are the tires Chevy puts on the car, but they are selling to a mass market (compared to the market of the RS at least) and with no room for a spare, factory equipped runflats do make sense.

[southdiver1]

One of the most important things that seems to be glossed over was the difference in tires. Street tires are NOT race tires, and the way a car responds on them is VASTLY different even with the exactly same car/suspension/brakes. Had the Corvette had street legal race tires like the Porsche, there would not have been the issues with it being hard to control, nor would there have been braking differences, and the supposed advantages of the Porsche would have gone away. All for a few hundred bucks in tires.

Half a second difference in lap times? Even DOT slalom or road race tires with tread are good for a couple seconds just from lateral grip. The Porsche had them, the Corvette did not. Had the Corvette been equipped with similar tires, it would have had a second and a half advantage on the track or even more with the additional control and ability to use the power.

I know, coulda, woulda, shoulda. I just get tired of this sort of easy to assess and fix issue causing the expensive Eurocar to come ou ton top by a fraction, and then let the major equipment difference get glossed over in the manner of the article.

In all fairness Chris, the tester did mention several times that the Corvette tires were hurting the performance.
This leads me to believe that a simple (well 4 grand) tire swap can fix this problem.
Not that it matters as this guy is a professional and I would probably be 10 seconds behind him anyway.....

[Raza]

The Nethead here ain't gonna nitpick on the Z06's interior because the Porsche's interior looks forty times better even if the fit and finish of the Z06's interior pieces fit within one micron of each other.  OTOH, the Z06's exterior is vastly better looking than the Porsche's collection of scoops connected by a few strands of 911.  A sick shade of green 911 at that!
Note the closeness of the lap times between the 3.6 liter Porsche and the twice-bigger-engined 7.0 liter Z06.   Would a Porsche engine upscaled to 7.0 liters push the 997 to 300 MPH--assuming they could keep tires on it, of course?
I'd take either one, and sell them to buy a black 911 Turbo from--what?--twenty years ago now.  If I got both, I'd sell them to buy a 959 from --what?--twelve years ago.  Nah, no one would sell a 959 for the money I could get from selling both of them...maybe I could pick up a Carrera 6 circa 1966 for the proceeds from the sale of both if I ain't too picky about the condition (and I ain't).

You can get a GT3 RS in decent looking colors.  Probably white with blue lettering is available, and they have black as well, I believe. 

I really want a 964 Carrera RS America.  Actually, I want the regular RS, but the RS America is as close as I can get.

[ChrisV]

In all fairness Chris, the tester did mention several times that the Corvette tires were hurting the performance.

Except every comment about how the Corvette drove would have been changed by use of similar tires, so teh conclusion drawn is that the Corvette is just another American pig that can't handle and is only good at making power. the Porsche is more "precise and responsive." Well, of course, it has tires for that purpose. ANYONE putting th eCorvette on the track would put the same tires on it the Porsche had, thus it's not a comparison of how the cars drive but of how close the Corvette can come with one arm tied behind it's back.

[GoCougs]

Nothing against you personally Nethead (because you know I like you and respect your opinions), however I'm getting really tired of hearing people say things like "If Porsche built an engine that was 7.0L then...." or "If Ferrari built a....".? They don't.? The Z06 is one of the fastest cars on the planet and gets better gas mileage then any of the European monsters.? It also costs signifanctly less then those European monsters.? Those Ferrari V8 engines are smaller displacement, however need gearing that destroys their mileage just to get the performance to the same level of the Vettes.? I'm not one to defend the Corvette (anyone here knows that), but even I have to admit it's a fantastic machine and the engine displacement shouldn't matter to anyone.

C&D's sports car comparison of a few years ago they tested, amongst a number of vehicles, the C6 'vert and the S2000. Each had similar EPA ratings of about 18/27 or there abouts. The as tested real-world MPG? C6 was at 13 mpg, and the S2000 at 21 mpg, or in other words, more than a 50% advantage to the S2000.

EPA ratings are noise on the subject of fuel consumption for these types of vehicles; mostly if for nothing other than auto makers simply don't care. This of course is a reflection of the the simple fact that these vehicles' target demographic doesn't care. It costs time and money to eek out mileage; add a gear, develop/test/validate fuel systems and ECU mapping, etc. The LS7 has the mileage rating benefit (not to be confused with fuel consumption) borne out of use of its progenitors used in many of GM's products in with EPA ratings are important, or at least somewhat so.

The parting and paradoxial shot I'll take is that the larger and 400lb heavier, equally fast, and almost equally powered AWD '07 Porsche 911 Turbo has a superior mileage rating at 18/25 compared to the ZO6's 16/26.

[Nethead]

Nothing against you personally Nethead (because you know I like you and respect your opinions), however I'm getting really tired of hearing people say things like "If Porsche built an engine that was 7.0L then...." or "If Ferrari built a....".? They don't.? The Z06 is one of the fastest cars on the planet and gets better gas mileage then any of the European monsters.? It also costs signifanctly less then those European monsters.? Those Ferrari V8 engines are smaller displacement, however need gearing that destroys their mileage just to get the performance to the same level of the Vettes.? I'm not one to defend the Corvette (anyone here knows that), but even I have to admit it's a fantastic machine and the engine displacement shouldn't matter to anyone.

Hemi666: Hey, Hemi, I know it ain't personal!? Read my posting again--did I bash the Z06?? And what's so effin' wrong with Porsche upscaling their mighty 3.6 to 7.0--is that illegal or somethin'?? I mean, I'd like to say that it's fantastic that the Corvette has a world-beating coil spring suspension, or that it has a world-beating DOHC engine, or that it has the engine behind the occupants directly connected to the transaxle instead of connected by a shaft, or that it has world-beating full-time AWD.? But if I said that, I'd be lying...So I comment that wouldn't it be something to see what a 997 GT3 could do with a 7.0 liter version of the 3.6 that can match laptimes with a car that has an engine twice as big.? You're more likely to see Porsche introduce its own 7.0 liter engine than Chevrolet introduce a Corvette with coils, OHCs, AWD, and the engine behind the occupants, huh?? That's for damned sure.? It ain't my fault Chevy charges $68,000 or so for a car and then equips it with runflat tires--don't blame it on lack of room for a spare--the Ford GT doesn't have room for a spare, either, and it makes no excuses for its tires, nor does it need any.? But let's do the possible thing:? Put a 3.6 GM engine in the Corvette and then compare it to a GT3! Or be fair and compare it to a 350Z since a 3.6 Porsche would scald a 3.6 Z06 by 30 or more seconds per lap on that track.? I'd bet on the 350Z myself.

[SVT666]

Hemi666: Hey, Hemi, I know it ain't personal!? Read my posting again--did I bash the Z06?? And what's so effin' wrong with Porsche upscaling their mighty 3.6 to 7.0--is that illegal or somethin'?? I mean, I'd like to say that it's fantastic that the Corvette has a world-beating coil spring suspension, or that it has a world-beating DOHC engine, or that it has the engine behind the occupants directly connected to the transaxle instead of connected by a shaft, or that it has world-beating full-time AWD.? But if I said that, I'd be lying...So I comment that wouldn't it be something to see what a 997 GT3 could do with a 7.0 liter version of the 3.6 that can match laptimes with a car that has an engine twice as big.? You're more likely to see Porsche introduce its own 7.0 liter engine than Chevrolet introduce a Corvette withcoils, OHCs, AWD, and the engine behind the occupants, huh?? That's for damned sure.? It ain't my fault Chevy charges $68,000 or so for a car and then equips it with runflat tires--don't blame it on lack of room for a spare--the Ford GT doesn't have room for a spare, either, and it makes no excuses for its tires, nor does it need any.? But let's do the possible thing:? Put a 3.6 GM engine in the Corvette and then compare it to a GT3! Or be fair and compare it to a 350Z since a 3.6 Porsche would scald a 3.6 Z06 by 30 or more seconds per lap on that track.? I'd bet on the 350Z myself.

I see waht you're saying, but that's not how things work.  That's like saying, let's put the same size brakes on every car and test their braking abilities.  The cars are competitors and that's how they come from the factory.

[southdiver1]

Except every comment about how the Corvette drove would have been changed by use of similar tires, so teh conclusion drawn is that the Corvette is just another American pig that can't handle and is only good at making power. the Porsche is more "precise and responsive." Well, of course, it has tires for that purpose. ANYONE putting th eCorvette on the track would put the same tires on it the Porsche had, thus it's not a comparison of how the cars drive but of how close the Corvette can come with one arm tied behind it's back.

I guess I am coufused. The driver blamed most of the Corvette problems on the tires. He did mention a crappy seat (I have read that elsewear) and a slow shifter but all other problems he related to the tires:

Despite the power disadvantage, 415-hp  against 512-hp, the GT3 makes a good impression with its Michelin-semi-slicks. The everyday tires of the Corvette, Goodyear runflats, are at a disadvantage here.

No problem in the Corvette. It's stable during these hard braking maneuvers. "The tires are overworked and not suited for track use though,"

On the track, there's a portion where one has to slalom through. This proves to be too much for the Corvette: possibly because of the tires

The same game in the next curve: late braking and steering into the curve then early acceleration. This is where the class of the suspension and tires is shown

A very surprising test. The Corvette is a power car for an appealing price. The Porsche is a racecar for the street. Admittedly, the Corvette was disadvantaged because of the tires


I mean really, anyone that claims the vast superioity of the Porche over the Corvette based on this particular test is not very bright.
Also remember that this professional driver could probably beat most of us if he was in a Yugo.

[VetteZ06]

The parting and paradoxial shot I'll take is that the larger and 400lb heavier, equally fast, and almost equally powered AWD '07 Porsche 911 Turbo has a superior mileage rating at 18/25 compared to the ZO6's 16/26.

Sorry, but this is a pet peeve of mine. It's Z-zero-6, not Z-oh-6. Zero. Not the letter "O."

And Nethead, I'm going to have to agree with Hemi about all of the "if Porsche built a 7.0L engine to compete with the LS7 it would be so much better" comments. Until they do, all you're doing is speculating, which, for all intents and purposes, is meaningless. Your post vaguely reminds me of the visit I paid to a Porsche enthusiast website a while ago, which was full of a bunch of condescending elitists who looked down on the Corvette for being "crude." If all the Corvette needed was a better set of tires to beat the Porsche around a track, I suppose all of that "fancier" technology was being put to good use, eh? I'm not trying to be a total prick here, but as most of you well know, I love the Corvette.

Coincidentally, VetteZ06 here would take the Corvette.

[GoCougs]

I cannot deny the ZO6's unequalled blend of performance and price. Chevy lists the ZO6 at $7O,OOO even. The ZO6 forces other automakers to charge 5O% or more to get close to the performance of the ZO6. In and of itself the term "ZO6" is destined to become urban-speak for "wow, that's such a good deal (as in the ZO6)."

The ZO6, with its various compromises, it so "ZO6-ish" in nature, that it has already burned its indelible ZO6 legend into the minds of ZO6 fans and owners the world over. Go ZO6, go!

[93JC]

I cannot deny the ZO6's unequalled blend of performance and price. Chevy lists the ZO6 at $7O,OOO even. The ZO6 forces other automakers to charge 5O% or more to get close to the performance of the ZO6. In and of itself the term "ZO6" is destined to become urban-speak for "wow, that's such a good deal (as in the ZO6)."

The ZO6, with its various compromises, it so "ZO6-ish" in nature, that it has already burned its indelible ZO6 legend into the minds of ZO6 fans and owners the world over. Go ZO6, go!

[VetteZ06]

I cannot deny the ZO6's unequalled blend of performance and price. Chevy lists the ZO6 at $7O,OOO even. The ZO6 forces other automakers to charge 5O% or more to get close to the performance of the ZO6. In and of itself the term "ZO6" is destined to become urban-speak for "wow, that's such a good deal (as in the ZO6)."

The ZO6, with its various compromises, it so "ZO6-ish" in nature, that it has already burned its indelible ZO6 legend into the minds of ZO6 fans and owners the world over. Go ZO6, go!

[SVT666]

I cannot deny the ZO6's unequalled blend of performance and price. Chevy lists the ZO6 at $7O,OOO even. The ZO6 forces other automakers to charge 5O% or more to get close to the performance of the ZO6. In and of itself the term "ZO6" is destined to become urban-speak for "wow, that's such a good deal (as in the ZO6)."

The ZO6, with its various compromises, it so "ZO6-ish" in nature, that it has already burned its indelible ZO6 legend into the minds of ZO6 fans and owners the world over. Go ZO6, go!

Oh man are you asking for it

[GoCougs]

Oh man are you asking for it

Well, looks like you're guilty of the O (read: "oh") sin as well.

It's "ZO6" for the entire time I'm on the Internets...