~07 Z06 vs 17' 1LE

[thescreensavers]

I sold the subbie a little bit ago and have been saving up. I am currently driving my jeep everyday so not in a rush to buy a car today.

Looking to have this mostly as a weekend car + the occasional HPDE/autox


07 Z06 (can buy as soon as a month if good one pops up)
505 hp (LS7)
470 tq
0-60 3.7sec
3132 lbs
~36-38k

17' 1LE (4th Quarter 2017)
455 hp (LT1)
455 tq
0-60 4.3sec
~3700 lbs
~42k + tax

The new Camaro is nice looking but the Vette still overall a better looking car, insurance price is similar (7$ more expensive on vette)

I want to be able to drive it to the track do an HPDE have fun and drive home, tire cost is similar due to 1LEs 305/30R20s

New car is very attractive and the 1LE is no slouch but its heavier and a little slower than the Vette in a straight line the 1LE will have 17' ZL1 suspension bits so on a road course the gap is much smaller but the Vett since its lighter will be more fun and thus faster with some work.

If I buy the Vette I will most likely do the heads on it for piece of mind for the valves so have to factor in that cost 1-2k if I DIY.

If the 1LE shits the bead at the track I bring it to the dealer (yes its covered)

Warranty being the biggest factor here in my decision I like both of them ~1LE being a 9k premium over a used vette, both are quick both have V8s and come in manual.

 

[Kelvrick]

New stingray no question from my point of view.

Where are you seeing 2017 corvettes for 42k?

 

[KentState]

New stingray no question from my point of view.

Where are you seeing 2017 corvettes for 42k?

He's talking about the upcoming Camaro w/1LE option.

Have you considered a C5 Z06? Those make great track cars, have plenty of power and are much cheaper than either option. The LS6 is stout and will leave you with plenty of money to setup the car however you want for the track.

If I only had those two options, it would be the Z06 simply because weight makes a huge difference. The 1LE will eat through tires and brakes much quicker. Will be slower around a track and the visibility is pretty bad IMO.

 

[Elganja]

c6z06 over the camaro... i loved mine and miss it a ton

 

[Insomniator]

Camaro is 600 pounds heavier :thumbsdown:

 

[thomsbrain]

It would be the Vette for me.

 

[Midwayman]

For track day duty I think the vette is a no brainer. I'm kinda shocked how expensive it is at that age though

 

[pauldun170]

If I recall correctly, the LS7 had some issues. Might have gotten to class action lawsuit territory.
Something about heads or rockers arms or valve guides or something.
Basically a lot off pissed owners.

 

[Kelvrick]

He's talking about the upcoming Camaro w/1LE option.

Have you considered a C5 Z06? Those make great track cars, have plenty of power and are much cheaper than either option. The LS6 is stout and will leave you with plenty of money to setup the car however you want for the track.

If I only had those two options, it would be the Z06 simply because weight makes a huge difference. The 1LE will eat through tires and brakes much quicker. Will be slower around a track and the visibility is pretty bad IMO.

*duh

My vote is for the C6 Z06. It sounds like it is doing double duty and not a dedicated track vehicle, so I'd shy away from the c5 z06.

 

[thescreensavers]

If I recall correctly, the LS7 had some issues. Might have gotten to class action lawsuit territory.
Something about heads or rockers arms or valve guides or something.

Ive done some reading on this the rockers had bad needle bearings on early C6s sold in 05 irrc so thats a non issue. Valve guides maybe forum/internet fearmongering but I mentioned it in the OP I would want to change out the valve guides and might as well pop in an aftermarket performance head. I can DIY

Have you considered a C5 Z06?

If I only had those two options, it would be the Z06 simply because weight makes a huge difference. The 1LE will eat through tires and brakes much quicker. Will be slower around a track and the visibility is pretty bad IMO.

I have thought extensively as well of the C5 but since I want to drive it on the weekend and such creature comforts are a little better in the C6 is a better car but less raw feeling a Z51 C6 will match C5 Z06 times and have a removable roof but Id rather have a z06

C5,C6, 1lE will all eat tires and brakes hah and Ive test drove an Camaro visibility wasn't an issue its not like my cherokee with glass everywhere but its fine.

*duh

My vote is for the C6 Z06. It sounds like it is doing double duty and not a dedicated track vehicle, so I'd shy away from the c5 z06.

Looks like C6Z06 is winning here haha.

C6z06 is already depreciated so there is a good bit of money savings there too, being that the car will be 10 years old it will need some tinkering and I already have the Jeep for that which was my thinking with the 1LE buy a car how I want it (mostly) and leave it alone and warranty would guarantee me no money out of pocket other than consumables.

So Camaro's positives is that its a new car, much better interior that C6, has all the latest tech and warranty but costs a premium.

 

[thesmokingman]

There is no flying under the radar with a vette. But then again, you might wonder like what if... in the Camaro. That's a tough one.

 

[leper84]

1LE all the way.

Corvettes don't exactly age all that well, you'd be buying into some issues; the interiors fall apart pretty badly from what I've seen.

The new 1LE looks like sex on wheels, will probably corner crazy good for a 3700lb car and has a much, much nicer interior. Plus that track factory warranty.

 

[thesmokingman]

There's also this:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...d-new-727-hp-supercharged-mustangs-for-40000/

720hp Rousch P2 Supercharged Stang for 40K with the Stang.

 

[core2slow]

Doesn't make any sense to wait an extra year for a car that is fatter and slower than a car that you can readily buy now that is much better looking and cheaper. Heck, you can get the new stingray and it's just as good, if not better, than the c6z06. Put in 2-3k and it'll easily dust the c6z06, let alone the other porker.

Unless you REALLLY wanted a camaro, then this thread is useless.

 

[SearchMaster]

Doesn't make any sense to wait an extra year for a car that is fatter and slower than a car that you can readily buy now that is much better looking and cheaper. Heck, you can get the new stingray and it's just as good, if not better, than the c6z06. Put in 2-3k and it'll easily dust the c6z06, let alone the other porker.

Unless you REALLLY wanted a camaro, then this thread is useless.

If it was a DD I could understand wanting the newer car with more creature comforts but for track duty it seems like the Vette would stomp all over the Camaro.

 

[Subyman]

I'd do the Camaro. New car (or restored) is the way to go if the price is around the same. 9-10 years is a long time for a car to sit around when paying that much.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Looking to have this mostly as a weekend car + the occasional HPDE/autox

Depends on how often "occasional" is. I find the z06 to be a rather uncomfortable car and not particularly enjoyable to sunday cruise. It's great for back road strafe and track time. Looks killer too. Iconic. Purpose built to be fast.

The newer camaros in upper level trims are similar to caddy ATS level refinement and materials. No surprise as they share the same DNA. Very nice for the 95% of the time when you are not hooning. Will probably provide at least 90% of the track day enjoyment as a corvette would. Plus new car smell and a warranty that covers track time? Yeah sign me up.

 

[Subyman]

I've driven a C6 and have ridden in a new Camaro. I like the Camaro more. The C6 is a cool car but you can feel its age. The newer Camaro is a very refined machine especially for all around use.

 

[KentState]

Depends on how often "occasional" is. I find the z06 to be a rather uncomfortable car and not particularly enjoyable to sunday cruise. It's great for back road strafe and track time. Looks killer too. Iconic. Purpose built to be fast.

Curious what you don't find enjoyable about the Z06. I did find some of the amenities to be lacking and parking was sometimes a pain, but I've been in worse. And by no means am I saying your opinion is wrong, just interested in your POV.

 

[foghorn67]

The Z06 is in a league of it's own.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

but I've been in worse. .

Agreed. There are certainly worse especially in the track worthy category. We are comparing with the newest camaros here. In that scenario the corvette entry/egress is worse, seats are not as comfortable in both materials and height, NVH levels are higher, fatigue sets in sooner, and overall cabin comfort is lower than the current camaro. My perceptions are all based upon a recent ride and drive with an acquaintance who has a 2016 SS vs. older memories of a few hours worth of ride along in a Z06.