ZR1 vs Z06

[Anonymous]

I'm new to the forum & new to Corvette ownership but a motorhead since the early 60's. I'm looking at C4's thru early C5's (used).I checked out the For Sale & wanted to post a couple of questions. How does the ZR1 compare to the C5 option called "Z06" so far as performance? Is GM getting as much out of the latest engine as was/is available with ZR1? Not talking mods here just stock #'s.Thanks for any feedback!

[Anonymous]

The Z06 and ZR-1 are pretty close. Both boast 405 stock horsepower (in the '93-'95 ZR-1, and the '02-'03 Z06). The Z06 has a bit more torque, at 400, while the ZR-1 has 385. The ZR-1 is faster though, with a top speed of 180 compared to the top speed of 170 for the Z06. The Z06 is faster in the 0-60 race though, as it is the quickest stock Corvette ever. Hope this helps.Brett

[Anonymous]

Thanks Brett, I found another post on ZR1 vs. Z06. My budget will stretch enough for the ZR1 but I can't justify the $$$ for a Z06. I just got an 02 Suburban Z71 so gotta be realistic here. I'm shopping now & am still considering a C4 85-88. The reason for those years is the first C4 (84) is supposed to be a pretty choppy ride if I recall my Car&Driver/R&T road tests. Great on the track but I'm not going to race it (at least not on a track - the ricers maybe) The 88 cutoff is because I can insure an 88 or older (on 1/1/03) for cheap as a collector car. They restrict the miles & require a garage but I'm ok with both of those.Of course if I fall for a ZR1, if the price is right, I'll say screw the insurance!Thanks for the post, see ya on the forum.Ps: I heard the Z06 is weighs less, does anyone have the vehicle weight for a ZR1 vs a Z06?Also the ZR1's are all fixed coupe's or does the top lift off?

[Anonymous]

Zr-1's have the same body as all C-4's and the top comes off. the big dif. is from the doors back and when you open the hood.. get a Z if you can nothing in this world like it

[Anonymous]

Froggy: ZR-1 about 3450 lbs no driver and ZO6 about 3300lbs no driver those are close I thgink .The top of the Z does come off like the others C4.

[Anonymous]

I've read several times that the Z06 weighs 3,115 pounds.Brett

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys for the posts,Does anyone know a ZR1 owner in San Diego area that would like to show off their beast? I'd like to check one out & promise not to ask to drive (unless you offer!). I'm not a kid having a wet dream, I'm 55 & have the means to buy into the "club".

[Anonymous]

i would like to buy either a 1994-5 zr1 or a 2002 zo6 and want to modify (super charge is that possible which has mor mod optunes? the most important thing is beating my friend who just bought a 2003 viper and is always bashing vette so i want to teach him a lesson which car should i start with? what would a good 1995 zr1 cost me ?

[Anonymous]

Jaws;I have read of many ZR-1 owners who have topped the 185 mark and still had more to give. I don't know about the 0-60, but at all the drag events I've gone to the Z06s have never lived up to their claims of bettering the ZR-1. I have never pushed my ZR-1 to the claimed 1/4 capability, but I'm 55 with slow reactions, very limited trips down the track (with this car), and that stock gearing that brings me to the end line at maxed rpms or another shift. Power isn't the problem with the ZR-1...getting enough hookup is.Froggy;I have my insurance with Great American on my '91. It runs me about $300 for 5000 miles (plus exceptions) per year. Still gotta have a garage, though.

[Anonymous]

Get a ZR-1, there is no comparison to the car you get for the money. Furthermore, the ZR-1 will keep it's value better. The only draw back is part availability in the future, and finding a certified mechanic to work on it. Good Luck & Welcome

[Anonymous]

For what it's worth, two weeks ago I was at the Great Lakes Corvette challenge with my ZR1 and there was a new Z06 running as well. This was my first time ever drag racing and the Z06 owner had previous experience - though this was his first time at the drags with this Z06. Anyway, I ran a 12.4 sec granny shifting with wheel hop. He ran a 12.5 and had traction problems. I have an after market exhaust and 4.10 gears and he had a cold air system. My feeling is the Z06 really isn't any faster than the ZR-1. However, the Z06 is much much easier to mod.For me, the deciding factor was investment. I doubt the Z06 comes anywhere close to the ZR1 in terms of investment. A '93 - '95 ZR1 will surely be a much better investment.

[Anonymous]

Well, 4.10 gears? Put that in a Z06 and you should get mid range 11's on the Z06. The Z06, with the right driver, right out of the box will turn between 12.3 - 12.6, with the stock rear. Again, depending on the driver. The ZR1 was designed to compete, in it's time, with the foreign exotics. The engine was the first in Corvette history to be manufactured out of house, and the first dual overhead cam in a Corvette. Rear body is slightly modified for improvement. Plus, key on and key off with two injectors for each cylinder, make for an awesome ride in it's time. The Z06 C5 is the best technology for the present, as it is a newly designed engine for it's era, driving out the old cast iron 350 to make room for the all aluminum, lighter weight engine. Here's a push rod engine, less than 350 cu in, with single injectors for each cylinder, pushing out over 400 hp, and is compared with the '67 L88, '69 Z push rod big blocks, and can be modded out to over 500 hp. Well, to me that is an accomplishment. It is also, definitely a stronger designed body opposed to the unitized on the C4's. It is a better handling and balanced Vette. It's a much more comfortable and pleasurable ride. Here's how I look at it. The '57 fuelie, '63 split window Z06, '65 396, '67 L88, '69 Z, '70 LT1, ZR1, and the Z06 are what make Corvettes legends. The ZR1 will definitely be a classic, because of it's low production and uniqueness in the C4 generation, and the Z06 will definitely be a classic, because of it's change to the new engine design, and from 2001-2004 the production will be under 20,000, which is very low production for a signature car today. And because of the popularity of the Coupe and Vert, there have been rumors that they will discontinue the hardtop, which will make it all the more collectible. It's the first fixed roof hard top with a trunk in Corvette history. Both cars have their own strengths and characteristics, and the potential to demand higher dollars for collectibility. I would personally take a Z06 as a daily driver, over a ZR1. And, the Z06 is a lot of car for the money. I would never be ashamed to bring either Vette to the track or a car show presently or 5-10 years from now. With both cars, you know you have something special.Don't let ego's get in the way in a battle over which car is better. Both contribute to the Corvette community and the love for the only true American Sports car.The future will bring continued improvement in Corvettes, as history has always shown, but if you own any of the above signature cars, you will always be in a special class.(Edited by FatherLarry at 8:12 pm on June 1, 2003)

[Anonymous]

I have a 1990 ZR1 and I have it insured as an exotic. It is covered for 28,000 and I pay 485.00 for the year. Restrictions are 3k a year, garage.

[Anonymous]

a very very touch decision to make indeed...in fact i went through it for two years...not knowing enough about the z06...drive both...try and compare apples to apples if possible...my 90 was run down...slightly modded up....very rough ride...fast though...but had lots of little problems...then drove the new z06 and to me there was no comparison...dont get me wrong...there will always be a place in my heart that loves the zr...but only for sentimental values...the z06 is that great...recently i added a blower to my car...dynoes 443 rwhp,, and 444 rwtq...for me to achieve these numbers with my zr would just cost too much dinero....parts wont be around forever with the zr...plus my z06 drives like a caddy...the drive us just crisp...now try and compare the drive with a 95 zr and that could be a much different matter...you really have to analyze what you are going to do with the car...what helped me justify spending a small fortune on the difference was how long i plan on having the car...and for the coin it cost me...i am gonna have it for a very very long time...both great cars...but after owning my zr for six years..i have owned my z06 for almost a year...and i have not one regret...good luck in your decision....email me if you wish.

[Anonymous]

d*amn
, this post is old...Asumming you even look back at this post, I am a Z owner in san diego, if you like, post an email adress and we'll talk. Have you decided already??