CarSPIN Forums

Inspired by the thread on Fast Lane.  Just how much Corvette is too much?

Personally I would just take the base model Vette.  430 hp is enough for anyone on public streets.  Besides, it rides better on rough pavement and that's important if it's going to be driven to work every day...which it would. 

If I was going to buy a racetrack I would take the ZR-1.

I voted Z06. I think the regular Corvette is a bit too plain, but the Z06 IMO looks awesome.
The only thing I like from the ZR-1 is the spoiler.

I'm sort of wondering if it would be possible to get a "base" model Vette with the magnetorheomagical shocks, or whatever the hell they're called?

Z51, thank you. Like lesser-model Mustangs, the lower-end Corvettes are more appealing to me than their higher-end counterparts. I would, however, like to fit those Z06 wheels to my Z51.

Z06 hands down.  Fast but not too ridiculous to drive on the streets, it's by far the best looking of the three, and it's the best value for the $ of the three.

Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 10, 2008, 12:37:34 AM
I'm sort of wondering if it would be possible to get a "base" model Vette with the magnetorheomagical shocks, or whatever the hell they're called?

A 2003 50th AE has those.

If I had the money and no overriding obligations, I'd buy a base vette right now over anything else that costs as much. For the money of a Z06, there's other cars I'd be interested in.

Z51 for me.

Quote from: Raghavan on January 09, 2008, 11:15:35 PM
The only thing I like from the ZR-1 is the spoiler.

The side vent treatment on the ZR-1 kicks ass, but not enough for me to spend double the value of the Z51.

Base for me.

Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 10, 2008, 12:37:34 AM
I'm sort of wondering if it would be possible to get a "base" model Vette with the magnetorheomagical shocks, or whatever the hell they're called?

Of the base Corvette, the Z51 package has them but the other variants do not.

I think I am going to go with a Z51 convertible.  620 horsepower is just too much car for someone like me.

Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on January 10, 2008, 09:57:24 AM


Of the base Corvette, the Z51 package has them but the other variants do not.

Which shocks is he talking about?  I thought he was referring to the F55 suspension (the adjustable magnetic one)?

Z51 Convertible.

Z06 please. Triple black.

I'm not a pussy.

I voted ZR-1.

Z51. Pushing a Z06 or ZR1 on the backroads around here would probably take the skill and concentration far beyond what anybody on this forum has.

Quote from: JYODER240 on January 10, 2008, 08:24:02 PM
Z51. Pushing a Z06 or ZR1 on the backroads around here would probably take the skill and concentration far beyond what anybody on this forum has.

Driving a ZR1 modestly is probably like driving a Z51 all-out.  Keep everything in relative perspective.

Quote from: TheIntrepid on January 10, 2008, 01:48:49 PM
Z06 please. Triple black.

What the heck is triple black? :confused:

black wheels, paint, and leather.

Quote from: JYODER240 on January 10, 2008, 08:26:03 PM
black wheels, paint, and leather.

Oh, ok. I've only heard of black on black or double black. That's cool. :huh:

I would have to do a ZR1 with money no factor in the equation.

For my money and If I am not a millionaire, I would take the Z06...plenty fast, an incredible value, and more than enough car for me. No vette is too much vette though.

I know I don't have the skill to really push a ZR1 or even a Z51, but hell I spend most of my time driving on straight roads anyway so ZR1 for me.

Quote from: omicron on January 10, 2008, 06:46:09 AM
Z51, thank you. I would, however, like to fit those Z06 wheels to my Z51.

+1

I'll take the one with the open top.

Quote from: Raza  on January 11, 2008, 10:17:09 PM
I'll take the one with the open top.

"Hey everybody! Look at how sexy I am in this expensive car! Everyone can see me, but I don't care."

What is it with you and convertibles? I don't particularly care for them.

Well, there's something about putting the top down on a clear spring day that appeals to me.

Quote from: the Teuton on January 10, 2008, 08:25:09 PM
Driving a ZR1 modestly is probably like driving a Z51 all-out.  Keep everything in relative perspective.

Right and it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. I'm not saying a base vette is slow by any means but the concept applies. I think the Z06 and ZR1 are too much to take to use anywhere near their potential on windy, undulating back roads. The base vette is probably more than you could ever use as well but not to the extent of it's more powerful brethren.

Quote from: omicron on January 10, 2008, 06:46:09 AM
Z51 ... I would, however, like to fit those Z06 wheels to my Z51.

You'd have to add ZO6 fender flares unless you like the sandblasted look on your paint (the ZO6 wheels/tires stick out on a regular C6).  Plenty of people have done it, though.

Quote from: Raza  on January 11, 2008, 10:17:09 PM
I'll take the one with the open top.

I almost never drive mine without the top on.  I keep telling myself I need to take it off more (especially with this weather), but when I get in the car it never occurs to me for some reason.

Quote from: Lebowski on January 12, 2008, 05:13:21 PM
I almost never drive mine without the top on.  I keep telling myself I need to take it off more (especially with this weather), but when I get in the car it never occurs to me for some reason.

They also make a convertible with an optional power top.  The targa looks better, but the convertible is a full convertible...oh, the tradeoffs...

Quote from: CJ on January 11, 2008, 10:44:47 PM
Well, there's something about putting the top down on a clear spring day that appeals to me.

I'm not a fan.

Convertibles are more expensive, less stiff, less safe, have small rear windows, aren't supposed to go through car washes, need rollbars in order to be tracked, slower, heavier, noisier, too windy, sometimes leaky, don't insulate as well in the cold, aren't as secure, etc.

Quote from: Raza  on January 12, 2008, 10:29:41 PM

They also make a convertible with an optional power top.  The targa looks better, but the convertible is a full convertible...oh, the tradeoffs...

Blah - the 'vert is $10k more expensive, loses the trunk space of the hatchback design, nosier w/ the top up ...

The ZR1 stands out too far.  I'd be happier with a Z06, I think.

Quote from: CJ on January 11, 2008, 10:44:47 PM
Well, there's something about putting the top down on a clear spring day that appeals to me.

+1

If I had to pay the note,Z51. But I lust for the ZR1!  :huh:

Quote from: 280Z Turbo on January 12, 2008, 10:47:35 PM
I'm not a fan.

Convertibles are more expensive, less stiff, less safe, have small rear windows, aren't supposed to go through car washes, need rollbars in order to be tracked, slower, heavier, noisier, too windy, sometimes leaky, don't insulate as well in the cold, aren't as secure, etc.

FWIW, the S2000 went through car washes just fine, didn't leak, didn't have excessive wind noise, and was plenty warm in the winter. Also, while I guess you could cut through the top, you'd have to be a nidge to get in between any of the roll hoops and actually gain access to the car.

It was also plenty stiff in the chassis department.

But, since there was never an S2000 coupe produced, I can't really argue against the other points.

But, it was a beautiful thing with the top down, and that makes up for any deficiency it may have in the dynamics department because of that.

Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 18, 2008, 04:45:02 PM
FWIW, the S2000 went through car washes just fine, didn't leak, didn't have excessive wind noise, and was plenty warm in the winter. Also, while I guess you could cut through the top, you'd have to be a nidge to get in between any of the roll hoops and actually gain access to the car.

It was also plenty stiff in the chassis department.

But, since there was never an S2000 coupe produced, I can't really argue against the other points.

But, it was a beautiful thing with the top down, and that makes up for any deficiency it may have in the dynamics department because of that.

:clap:

I'm convinced that almost everyone who hates convertibles has either never driven one or the last example they did was a 89 Mustang.

Quote from: JYODER240 on January 19, 2008, 09:59:35 AM
I'm convinced that almost everyone who hates convertibles has either never driven one or the last example they did was a 89 Mustang.

Or they might just not like top down driving, and then there's just absolutely no reason to get a vert.

I drove a Miata, S2000, and Z4 and many others.  I liked the cars (the Z4 not so much), but I perferred to drive with the top up.  I seriously considered the S2000 and Miata, but would have driven both with the top up exclusively. I simply don't see the appeal of not having a roof over your head at 80mph.  I like being cocooned in from the elements and the sun, with the temperature and humidity exactly as I want them.  I don't like the wind in my hair or the sun giving me a sunburn or the wind noise not letting me enjoy my CD.  I guess it's different strokes for different folks.  Some people are the outdoors type who want to spend every minute in the elements, some people like me just want to stay in my cozy home and watch some movies.

Quote from: 565 on January 19, 2008, 10:33:32 AM
Or they might just not like top down driving, and then there's just absolutely no reason to get a vert.

I drove a Miata, S2000, and Z4 and many others.  I liked the cars (the Z4 not so much), but I perferred to drive with the top up.  I seriously considered the S2000 and Miata, but would have driven both with the top up exclusively. I simply don't see the appeal of not having a roof over your head at 80mph.  I like being cocooned in from the elements and the sun, with the temperature and humidity exactly as I want them.  I don't like the wind in my hair or the sun giving me a sunburn or the wind noise not letting me enjoy my CD.  I guess it's different strokes for different folks.  Some people are the outdoors type who want to spend every minute in the elements, some people like me just want to stay in my cozy home and watch some movies.

I'm not the outdoors type but feeling the warmth of the sun, the feel of the wind, the smell, etc are all part of the driving experience IMO. A backroads drive it much more enjoyable when you're soaking in all of those things versus being secluded from whats going on around you.

Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 18, 2008, 04:45:02 PM
FWIW, the S2000 went through car washes just fine, didn't leak, didn't have excessive wind noise, and was plenty warm in the winter. Also, while I guess you could cut through the top, you'd have to be a nidge to get in between any of the roll hoops and actually gain access to the car.

It was also plenty stiff in the chassis department.

But, since there was never an S2000 coupe produced, I can't really argue against the other points.

But, it was a beautiful thing with the top down, and that makes up for any deficiency it may have in the dynamics department because of that.

Imagine how much better it would be if it was a coupe! ;)

My friend just picked up a '99 Miata and the owner's manual says not to put it through an automatic carwash.

Quote from: JYODER240 on January 19, 2008, 09:59:35 AM
I'm convinced that almost everyone who hates convertibles has either never driven one or the last example they did was a 89 Mustang.

I've driven a '63 Corvette convertible. I wish it was a split window instead.

Quote from: 280Z Turbo on January 19, 2008, 12:05:07 PM
I've driven a '63 Corvette convertible. I wish it was a split window instead.

No kidding, it would probably we worth 3 times as much.