ZR-1 vs ZR1

[Demps]

Well, I was warned to stay away. Did a pretty good job until this weekend. I've been around them quite a bit to include VIR. But...never driven one.

To state the obvious, technology has come a long way in 15 years. I drove a 2010 that has been modified. It has headers and exhaust at a minimum but I'm thinking some other goodies as well--extent not verified yet but I'm guessing pulley, snout, tune, possible cam, etc.

The car is amazing. Our ZR-1s seem to work hard for it...whether it's acceleration, handling, or braking. The ZR1 does each quite effortlessly. Everyone was right... If you drive one you will be impressed. Yes, it makes my ZR-1 seem dated. Don't know who has the privilege of both but it would be nice.

I came to one significant conclusion...supported nonetheless by a limited budget. The ZR-1 has as much of a soul as a car can have. The character of the footwells; rattles, squeaks & shakes; the motor, oh the motor in all it's glory; the wide rear; deep rear wheels; great seats (95s); & never thought I'd say this, ease of maintenance.

Its bittersweet, I now know that the ZR1 is awesome, but it's missing what I didn't realize was the most important aspect at my stage in life--heart and soul. The ZR-1 has it and most owners share it. Thanks for letting me be part.

Ted

[mike100]

I go back and forth with the justification for keeping my 91 every time I jump in my '08 coupe. Not even close to being a top-dog model and it is the better car easily. Not the best at everything since it has a larger engine and smaller tires that increase the level of difficulty when putting power down around curves, but still- that's about the only thing i could even come up with off the top of my head.

The ZR-1 does have character and several of my friends defend it after having been introduced to the King and its history. It also doesn't feel that much slower than my LS3 car...the same could not have been said about my old LT1 coupe.

The biggest issue i have is trying to keep a 20 year old car in near perfect condition and drive it also.

[tccrab]

Ted:

Waxing philosophically over old stuff being better than the new stuff is the first signs of old age.
:blahblah:
I've not had the pleasure of driving the new ZR1, but I have driven a new Z06.
Yes, the new technology is impressive.
Would I trade my Z for the new one?
Probably not. (I'll give myself the benefit of the doubt)
I really can't see myself spending north of $100k for a car.
My biggest complaint is that the interior just didn't have the "Jet Cockpit" feel.
Yes, the gauges are nice and I do really really like the HUD, but it just doesn't have the same feel our Z's have.

Sometimes being happy is better than being newer or faster.

'Crabs

[Blue Flame Restorations]

I can see buying a lightly used current model ZR1 someday but I can never see getting rid of my inexpensive C4 monster. Dirt cheap by today's standards. The feel of the torque and that monstrous sound of headers, no cats and 3" B&B. Nough said.....

[LGAFF]

I would trade my 2 ZR-1s for a ZR1 any day.......

then I would sell it and buy 5 ZR-1s:fahne:

[scottfab]

I would trade my 2 ZR-1s for a ZR1 any day.......

then I would sell it and buy 5 ZR-1s:fahne:
Oh there you go throwing some logic into a purely emotional issue;)
I love it.
I think looking at a ZR1 is like looking at my two son's.
Just a newer version of me, a ZR-1 is like good fitting shoes to me.
A ZR1 is new top dog but just not the same.

[XfireZ51]

They both represent the KOTH status of their day, right? That's the bloodline.

[mgbrv8]

I driven both also. But My 91 Z holds a very special place in my heart. My father and I took it on the ultimate father and son adventure 10740miles over 32 states. Every time I see it or get behind the wheel all those memories flood back. Thats why I will never get rid of mine its far too special. And a special thanks needs to go out to Hammer if it wasn't for him and how well he took care of the car when he owned it the car may have not as been as trouble free.

Dave

[Hammer]

I driven both also. But My 91 Z holds a very special place in my heart. My father and I took it on the ultimate father and son adventure 10740miles over 32 states. Every time I see it or get behind the wheel all those memories flood back. Thats why I will never get rid of mine its far too special. And a special thanks needs to go out to Hammer if it wasn't for him and how well he took care of the car when he owned it the car may have not as been as trouble free.

Dave

Thanks for the kudos Dave. I am talking with another Texas gentleman about my current car and he asked me just about the same question you did. "Would you climb in that car and drive it to Texas." Same answer. "Wouldn't think twice about it sir".

I just recently drove a Z06, and can only imagine what a ZR1 drives like.

[Z Factor]

I would trade my 2 ZR-1s for a ZR1 any day.......

then I would sell it and buy 5 ZR-1s:fahne:

:thumbsup:

I have not had the privilege to drive one yet. The newer Z06 is certainly a magnificent example of engineering, so I can only imagine what a ZR1 is like.
Still Ted probably has it on the money regarding the soul of our ZR-1's.

:cheers:

[rhipsher]

I can afford a C6 ZO6. But not a new ZR1. No way in hell. But it would be extremely difficult for me to trade my Z for any of them. For the amount I get on a trade in wouldn't be worth it. I prefer just yo buy a Zo6 and keep the Z. It's just a hell of allot easier to buy a newer corvette. Really easy to get finacing. Banks just don't want to lend money on a 22 year old car unless you put 50% down on it. Otherwise I would have already bought bought an LPE car. But nobody will finance them. Cash only.

[scottfab]

I can afford a ZR1 but not exactly a wise decision. Wonder what they'll go for in 10yrs? If gas is $10/gal then $30k if gas is only $5 then $50k

http://media.spokesman.com/photos/2011/09/08/horsey-romney_t470.jpg?84974f3f373deb0dda0f75a22ddd9b7d3a 332b26

[efnfast]

I'm still holding out for something better than gas.

[C4Fanatic]

The feel of the torque and that monstrous sound of headers, no cats and 3" B&B. Nough said.....
^
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THIS!!!
As I was fortunate enough to experience on the way home this evening as I blew around a Charger R/T on the 215...:dancing

[VetteMed]

Best part is when there's a reflective surface such as a wall or divider to bounce the sound back at you. Pure music!

^
^
^
^
^
THIS!!!
As I was fortunate enough to experience on the way home this evening as I blew around a Charger R/T on the 215...:dancing

[Alberta_ZR1]

I've got a C6 Z06 and my Z. They're both different monsters in my mind. I love my cammed Z06 for the comforts on a road trip, being able to run down pretty anything, and just the overall new technology. But climbing inside my 93 just feels raw and so much more unrefined (rattles and all the other goodies some have already alluded to). It's like you're stepping back (or stepping down into with our interiors:thumbsup:) into a pure race car of the era. It was designed to go fast first and then they were like "hmm what else can we throw on here, I guess power windows, power locks and a CD player..."

At the end of the day, they were designed in two different era's of technology and power, so you have to appreciate both for which they really are. Personally, I think the Z06 is the more "traditional" high HP Corvette of today by it's N/A 427. I know the ZR1 was always known for pushing the boundaries of Corvette performance, but I never did like the idea of a blown 6.2L in the ZR1. They should have done something more unique to honor the ZR1 as oppose to just throwing on a clear hood and adding a supercharger to the LS3 :razz:

[cvette98pacecar]

Someday I am sure there will be a ZR1 next to the ZR-1s that I currently own, I have driven several of them and they are impressive. However, with that being said if I was to shell out 130K for a new one there are a bunch of super cars that I would have well before the New ZR1. While impressive I dont think it commands that price tag.

[Paul in SC]

For me, there is nothing like the ZR-1 and there never will be with such a historic significance.

Tyler has hit on a couple of points since we have ZO6 ownership in common.:handshak: After owning (and selling) a '91 ZR-1 for several years and an '07 ZO6 for a couple of years, my desire was to get back to the raw, unique power that comes with the ZR-1 when I found the right one. Besides, driving around in an $80,000+ vehicle draws a lot of attention around here, some of which was not with the best of intentions IMO. I can't image the "stress" of driving one at $125,000. (I'd love to have the option, but it would probably never leave the garage or driveway especially at night.) I will probably never own a ZR1 unless the bottom falls out of the resale market.:neutral: I can't see spending that much on a car I wouldn't drive so I will probably never have the pleasure of driving one.:( But from my experience with the ZO6, it has to be the ultimate adrenalin rush.:D

With that said, they are two completely different monsters, the ZR1 AND (not versus) the ZR-1, from two completely different eras. Both were built to destroy the competition that was around for its time. And they did! A comparison should not be necessary, enjoy each for its own significance.:cheers:

Someone once said, “It's not the car, it's the people,” and that for my wife and me was a big part of our life while owning the ’91 and was a very important factor in getting back into a ZR-1.:-D

Paul

[mgbrv8]

One thing I have to chime in on my friends ZR1 compared to our Zs. He is very careful with his car and the verge of manic. But despite his efforts he has cracked his front carbon chin spoiler 2 times and had to replace it and cracked the passenger side carbon ground effect and had to replace it once. Now Ive driven my Z all over the country (31 states and 10+ miles) and have never had a abnormal situation were scraping was involved basically if a honda civic could clear it I could clear it. But this isn't the case with the ZR-1. We have one car show at a speed shop down were Im from and my friend cannot attend due to one large speed bump and a steep entry ramp. Just a point I want to point out

Dave

[gmonsen]

Blown motors have always been a cheap route to more power. Chevy had built and had Callaway build blown motors back in the day and chose NA power, because it was better. Much better. No need to run back and forth in a tunnel with the blown motor. Also, if you don't view car ownership as a giant reverse annuity, paying $100+ for a car that does 200 instead of 180 doesn't seem a lot of fun per additional dollar.

Gordon

[XfireZ51]

Paul,

Well said. Each is the interpretation of its generation's KOTH. The motor of course is a key component but where the modern technology has truly excelled is the chassis and suspension. I'm afraid our 20 year olds are not as close in that department as maybe the motor.
However, they are both ZRs and that's really the point.

[gmonsen]

XFireZ51... I'm not convinced -- excepting the nannies -- that chassis and suspensions have improved that much, though chassis stiffness improved several orders of magnitude with the C5. But, overall, you have to be on the ragged edge to benefit from differences. And the Lt5 motor is the pinnacle of motor development ...for motorheads... irreplaceable.

Gordon

[Z51JEFF]

While I would love to own a ZR1 other than the Z between the 2 there is no comparison as far as the magic and the heritage of the 2nd GEN car.If I was able to buy a new ZR1 tomorrow in no way would I sell my current car,nor would I look down on it in any way as being inferior,the car 20+ years ago WAS the Corvette to have.Gots ta have me some ZR-1!

[MikeGolf]

I have not driven a new ZR1 and do not take anything away from it. It is the KOTH of today. But how much different is it than a Z06, with just add ons (I know the engine). You could build one with parts off the shelf. Now our ZR-1 is a different C4, no other GM product has our engine, our rear ends or uniqueness of being innovative in the automotive world. You cannot Clone a ZR-1, but I can a ZR1, not that it would be cost effective. But, yes, Virginia I would take a new ZR1 if I could afford one.

[scottfab]

I'll go out on a limb here and say I don't think the corvette will ever exceed the zr1 638hp mark.
For various practical and political reasons we've hit the top.
Soon the C7 will be out and we'll see.

[mgbrv8]

I'll go out on a limb here and say I don't think the corvette will ever exceed the zr1 638hp mark.
For various practical and political reasons we've hit the top.
Soon the C7 will be out and we'll see.

I think it will if you look at what's out now things are are pushing the 700 mark so the Corvette will probably match it if not exceed their numbers. The LS family of engine can definitly handle the power. now I think we might see all-wheel-drive. :fahne:

Dave

[mike100]

XFireZ51... I'm not convinced -- excepting the nannies -- that chassis and suspensions have improved that much, though chassis stiffness improved several orders of magnitude with the C5. But, overall, you have to be on the ragged edge to benefit from differences. And the Lt5 motor is the pinnacle of motor development ...for motorheads... irreplaceable.

Gordon

It is mostly about the weight distribution along with the suspension and traction control improvements. I've had two C4's (one without the front heaviness of the LT5), and neither one negotiated rough roads as well as the C6 I have. The C4 chassis does inspire more confidence though- at least on smooth streets. That is important too, because that's were I spend the most time anyways. The diff takes a beating on the C4 also since the axles locate the suspension.

I recently let a friend drive both vettes and he really liked the C4 Z because of the rough edge it has, but at the same time still pretty fast. No need to preach to the choir, but I can't agree that the chassis is any where near as good as the later cars.

[gmonsen]

I hear you and accede to the improvements. :) I would guess chassis stiffness and weight centering account for most or much of it?

Gordon

[Z51JEFF]

I think it will if you look at what's out now things are are pushing the 700 mark so the Corvette will probably match it if not exceed their numbers. The LS family of engine can definitly handle the power. now I think we might see all-wheel-drive. :fahne:

Dave

I believe this,seems to be an H.P. race.638 today,750 tomorrow?