Hi everyone! This is my first post but I have been lurking around for a little while and the site is great!
So here is my dilemma, I currently own a '99 Porsche 996 C2 and it is really a great car and does what it was made for very well. The problem is its my daily driver and I commute about 25 miles each way to work. It was not really made for this. The Porsche isn't the best commuter and I don't like racking up a ton of miles on it worrying about something breaking and costing me big $$$. So I am in the process of selling it and had my heart set on a E46 M3, UNTIL my brother bought his CTS-V
I love the power of this car and now I am thinking more and more about a C5Z. They are in the same price range and both are pretty plentiful in my area. The only downsides to the Z would be that it is only a 2 seater, which the Porsche pretty much is, and the interior is not the best. But the pro's are more power, better fuel economy, cheaper to maintain, and Chevy reliabilityr. The M is a great car and a blast to drive but the power of the Z is indcredible. Not to mention modding the Z is much more affordable. I am like the majority of us and basically live pay check to pay check with some money put away so keeping things affordable is important to me.
So help me out guys, anyone own or owned both of these? My uncle has a '02 Z06 and I am going to drive it this weekend to get a feel for it but wanted to get some feedback from as many Z owners as I could. Thanks in advance for any help guys!
__________________ "I put a dollar in one of those change machines. Nothing changed." ~George Carlin 4 good Toyo T1Rs - back in business / CAGS Defeat / Tint / Soon to be Lowered / DEAD Braille, now --> Walmart Battery / Seat Bolster Mod / HPDE Checklist
Oh wow, I am sorry for not searching before making the post. I will read those threads and hopefully it will help! Thanks for not flaming me for not searching too
Oh wow, I am sorry for not searching before making the post. I will read those threads and hopefully it will help! Thanks for not flaming me for not searching too
I would shop for a low mileage 04' Z06. Trust me after a few good runs the interior won't bother you at all.
LOL I am sure I will love it in stock form but the mod bug always bites me... Nothing crazy but small things here and there. I was on a BMW site lurking around and there was a post talking about a vette instead of a M3 and the BMW guys could only attack the vette for being too common and being a Chevy, made me lean even more towards the Z. Anything I should look for or watch out for in particular with the Z? I hear the transaxle leaks get expensive and clutch pedal sticking to the floor on the earlier models, is that really it for problems? I am amazed that a car can produce this kind of power and be so reliable.
Welcome to
I'm guessing you've driven the E46 M3 already.
After driving the C5Z this weekend, you'll be forming your opinion of what's "right" for you.
Good luck, whatever the choice!
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^VIR Turn 3 '08^-MungoZ06-'03 QS/ModRed - NCCC, NASA NCM Member - Z06 Fest IV,V,VI,VII
I haven't owned the BMW but I have taken a close look at the car inside and out. The BMW is very refined and has a fit and finish on the interior that can't be touched by a C5. If you're patient wait on a C6 Z at the right price and you will get a much improved interior over the C5 and a 100 extra ponies with an all but the pistons forged engine.
ya I would love a C6 but I couldn't afford it at all. The C5's are in the 25K area and that's really the most I want to spend. I'm not really worried about the interior fit and finish. I know the BMW's is far better. I have driven the M and enjoy it but it just lacks the low end grunt that I like. I'm going to drive the Z tomorrow and I'll let you guys now how I like it.
Yah I made the mistake of driving my uncle's C5Z this weekend, it was a '01 not '02. He has had it for a few years now and it only has 23k on it. He takes really good care of it. Even with 385 hp the car was a rocket! It fealt a lot different then the CTS-V. It is just so light and nimble. I really enjoyed driving it. The only thing was I drove it for about 15 to 20 minutes and I didnt adjust the seat, it bugs me when people move mine , and do you guys who are tall have issues with fitting comfortably in your Z? I am about 6'1"-6'2" and have pretty long legs and i fealt my legs were a little cramped but I was just enjoying the ride and didnt see if the seat was all the way back or not. I was amazed how civilized the car was when I was just driving along the city streets and backroads. No wind noise, tires were quiet, and the LS6 purred along at crusing speeds but when I stepped on it, it screamed. I pretty much made up my mind on the Z, now I just need to sell the Porsche and find a nice Z. Thanks for all the help everyone!
I recently pondered the same question that you are asking when I decided to sell my 03 M3 for a different ride. I looked at the 08 M3 and wasn't very impressed with both the look of the car and its performance. I couldn't prove it but I really believe that my 03 with the 3.2 liter six would outrun the new m3's with the V8.
I agree with some of the posts that for build quality, appointments and overall handling, the M3 is remarkable and maybe even one of a kind. However, when I drove the Z06 for the first time and felt the shear kick ass power of this car my decision was instant. From a handling perspective, I believe that the Z06 is very close to the M3 but the horse power and torque make that feature seem unimportant.
Lastly lets talk about utility. I had a hell of a time getting two golf bags and luggage in the M3 which is easily done in the vette.
My recommendation is simple, if you want to have more fun and turn more heads go with the corvette.
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Both car's are great for the price though. Good luck!
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