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.

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

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

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

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

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

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

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

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.