Picking between a ZL1 and a Z06

toronto18zl1 · 12-26-2017, 06:20 AM

Merry Christmas everyone!
With some recent events, I have increased my car budget from 70k to 100k, that changed everything considering originally I was going for a 70k brand new 18 zl1 in 10a. Now with an extra 30k, I have been eyeing a used, 3500km z06 with 3lz package and z07 package with carbon ceramic break in 7 speed stick.
By all means I still love and want the zl1, hell, I have been waiting for mine since summer last year, but I feel like a z06 is another level of car (?) and it's even more of a sport car than the zl1 already is.
I would be daily driving the car all year other than winter, and I will be doing occasional track days, I also don't care about the backseats. I can't tell you what I enjoy more about the z06 other than the fact that it's a corvette with the same engine and it's lighter.

What do you guys think?
Which one should I go for?
What's the ride quality and the whole driving experience like compares to a zl1(test drove it once)?

brantley847 · 12-26-2017, 06:55 AM

There’s a few guys that have jumped from the Z06 to ZL1 and actually enjoyed the ZL1 more which I was shocked about. Hopefully they chime in. I imagine the touring elements of the camaros ride quality and height is slightly more comfortable. For me, I’m looking new Zl1 or new 1LZ Z06.

For me it comes down to whether or not I need a back seat for my little one (I probably do).

Otherwise, I probably would’ve leaned to vette

BlaqWhole · 12-26-2017, 06:57 AM

Z06 3LZ especially since they're offering huge discounts.

BlaqWhole · 12-26-2017, 06:59 AM

My friend is a salesman and they have a 17 Z06 3LZ in red with A8 trans for $80K. I was looking to trade my ZL1 for it but I am too far upside down to make the move.

Gunkk · 12-26-2017, 07:03 AM

If you must have a manual, go for the Z06.
If you prefer automatic, go for the ZL1.

Bosse'sBoss · 12-26-2017, 07:42 AM

For looks get the Z06.
For better handling the ZL1.
Just check the reviews, you can put the 650 HP better to the ground on the ZL1. It has better chassis & better suspension.

kwav8r · 12-26-2017, 08:01 AM

If you can afford to wait I'd do it for a 2019 vette - if you're going to buy an '18 then I'd do the ZL1 in a heart beat, you won't be disappointed.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd look harder at the convertibles as well. Happy with my coupe but when I made the decision the convertibles were few and far between, comparing the two (coupe v. convertible) wasn't an option.

greaser2 · 12-26-2017, 08:11 AM

Hard to say no to a 3 ZO6

DangerZL1 · 12-26-2017, 08:25 AM

The Z06 and the ZL1 have the same amount of backseat room.

Boo · 12-26-2017, 08:36 AM

I suggest getting the 18 ZL1 A10 and spending the extra 30k on turning it into a 1LE A10! Get carbon fiber everything! Rims tires...anyway thats my ultimate goal

motorhead · 12-26-2017, 08:49 AM

Why not buy a ZL1 1LE. Then you pretty much have both. The back seat is worthless in the Camaro for anthing other than small children. I think the Vette would get old quickly for a daily driver.

closs2sx · 12-26-2017, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bosse'sBoss

For looks get the Z06.
For better handling the ZL1.
Just check the reviews, you can put the 650 HP better to the ground on the ZL1. It has better chassis & better suspension.

I have a 15 Z06 with 750 hp at the motor (not stock) and have no problem putting it down. I went to the corvette driving school and have pics with me lifting the inside rear wheel up around corners an inch or more and it was sticking like glue no issues. Not saying the ZL1 is a bad handling car its not. In fact I just ordered a ZL1 1Le which I think will handle better than my Z06 (at least I hope it will) so I love the ZL1s but the standard ZL1 is not the same in handling or performance. Its Close and an awesome car and it comes down to personal preferences on looks and if you need a back seat for small children. But equal drivers on a road course or a drag strip and the z06 will win either battle (is it worth the extra money thats another question only the individual making the payment can decide)

RSFR · 12-26-2017, 08:54 AM

The ZL1 is 9/10ths the performance of the Z06 at 6/10ths the cost. For me, the numbers just didn't add up for the Z06.

wallyj · 12-26-2017, 10:19 AM

I have not driven a C7 ZO6, but I bought a 16 Z51 7 spd last year. Loved almost everything about the car, but I was never comfortable sitting in the car. Seats just did not fit me. I drove it less, and now I drive the ZL1 every chance I get. The Vette was so nice I worried about getting a tiny nick in it. Between that and the desire for another supercharged car, I decide on the move. The vette is considerably nicer inside, but the ZL1 is plenty nice and I can fit pretty comfortably in it. As others noted, it does ride a bit softer in touring mode for commuting. I love manual trans, and the Vette was very satisfying in that regard, particularly with the MGW shifter I installed. That being said, I think the ZL1 is the most satisfying car to drive I have owned. The A10 is fantastic. The car is always in the right gear and feels much more responsive. Part of that is I did not always downshift as many gears as it would take for maximum acceleration in the Vette, but the A10 just makes it happen. Brakes are fantastic. I have a few cloverleaves on the way to work, and the ZL1 is just as much fun and I've seen a higher number on the g-meter. I just love this car.

All that aside, If I was willing to spend the extra bucks, the ZO6 is probably where I would be. It is just such an extreme beast. I'd have to get past the seat comfort, or lose a few pounds to see if that took care of it. I'd probably only drive it a few days a week to keep it beautiful. I'm going to thrash the ZL1 and probably modify it more than I would have the Vette.

Hope this helps.

12-26-2017, 06:20 AM	#1
toronto18zl1 Drives: Cayenne GTS, Tesla SP90D Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 65	Picking between a ZL1 and a Z06 Merry Christmas everyone! With some recent events, I have increased my car budget from 70k to 100k, that changed everything considering originally I was going for a 70k brand new 18 zl1 in 10a. Now with an extra 30k, I have been eyeing a used, 3500km z06 with 3lz package and z07 package with carbon ceramic break in 7 speed stick. By all means I still love and want the zl1, hell, I have been waiting for mine since summer last year, but I feel like a z06 is another level of car (?) and it's even more of a sport car than the zl1 already is. I would be daily driving the car all year other than winter, and I will be doing occasional track days, I also don't care about the backseats. I can't tell you what I enjoy more about the z06 other than the fact that it's a corvette with the same engine and it's lighter. What do you guys think? Which one should I go for? What's the ride quality and the whole driving experience like compares to a zl1(test drove it once)?

12-26-2017, 06:55 AM	#2
brantley847 v It bites. Drives: 2011 IBM 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,585	There’s a few guys that have jumped from the Z06 to ZL1 and actually enjoyed the ZL1 more which I was shocked about. Hopefully they chime in. I imagine the touring elements of the camaros ride quality and height is slightly more comfortable. For me, I’m looking new Zl1 or new 1LZ Z06. For me it comes down to whether or not I need a back seat for my little one (I probably do). Otherwise, I probably would’ve leaned to vette __________________ 2011 2SS/RS Performance: 439 RWHP: 226/236 Comp Cam, Kooks 1-7/8, CAInc, Borla S type, Vmax TB, Rx Catch Can, Trans cooler, SLP 160 termo, Melling high volume, Eibach Springs/Sways 1" drop, Whiteline complete bushing kit.

12-26-2017, 07:42 AM	#6
Bosse'sBoss Drives: '16 Camaro SS 6 spd manual transm. Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: RGV Texas Posts: 1,463	For looks get the Z06. For better handling the ZL1. Just check the reviews, you can put the 650 HP better to the ground on the ZL1. It has better chassis & better suspension. __________________ '16 Camaro SS Prior cars: '14 Corvette C7 Stingray Z51 '14 Camaro ZL1 w/. Recaro seats '11 Mustang GT 5.0 w. track package '02 Porsche 911 Carrera '05 Infiniti G35 coupe sport

12-26-2017, 10:19 AM	#14
wallyj Drives: 2017 ZL1, A10, Mosaic Black Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ft Worth, TX Posts: 12	went from 16 Z51 7 Spd to 17 ZL1 A10 I have not driven a C7 ZO6, but I bought a 16 Z51 7 spd last year. Loved almost everything about the car, but I was never comfortable sitting in the car. Seats just did not fit me. I drove it less, and now I drive the ZL1 every chance I get. The Vette was so nice I worried about getting a tiny nick in it. Between that and the desire for another supercharged car, I decide on the move. The vette is considerably nicer inside, but the ZL1 is plenty nice and I can fit pretty comfortably in it. As others noted, it does ride a bit softer in touring mode for commuting. I love manual trans, and the Vette was very satisfying in that regard, particularly with the MGW shifter I installed. That being said, I think the ZL1 is the most satisfying car to drive I have owned. The A10 is fantastic. The car is always in the right gear and feels much more responsive. Part of that is I did not always downshift as many gears as it would take for maximum acceleration in the Vette, but the A10 just makes it happen. Brakes are fantastic. I have a few cloverleaves on the way to work, and the ZL1 is just as much fun and I've seen a higher number on the g-meter. I just love this car. All that aside, If I was willing to spend the extra bucks, the ZO6 is probably where I would be. It is just such an extreme beast. I'd have to get past the seat comfort, or lose a few pounds to see if that took care of it. I'd probably only drive it a few days a week to keep it beautiful. I'm going to thrash the ZL1 and probably modify it more than I would have the Vette. Hope this helps.

12-26-2017, 06:57 AM	#3
BlaqWhole Account Suspended Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 A10 Join Date: May 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 7,692	Z06 3LZ especially since they're offering huge discounts.

12-26-2017, 06:59 AM	#4
BlaqWhole Account Suspended Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 A10 Join Date: May 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 7,692	My friend is a salesman and they have a 17 Z06 3LZ in red with A8 trans for $80K. I was looking to trade my ZL1 for it but I am too far upside down to make the move.

12-26-2017, 07:03 AM	#5
Gunkk Thank you Al Oppenheiser! Drives: Red Hot A10 ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 4,973 View My Garage	If you must have a manual, go for the Z06. If you prefer automatic, go for the ZL1.

12-26-2017, 08:01 AM	#7
kwav8r Flyin NOE Drives: 2018 ZL1 (A10) Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: TX Posts: 949	If you can afford to wait I'd do it for a 2019 vette - if you're going to buy an '18 then I'd do the ZL1 in a heart beat, you won't be disappointed. If I had to do it all over again, I'd look harder at the convertibles as well. Happy with my coupe but when I made the decision the convertibles were few and far between, comparing the two (coupe v. convertible) wasn't an option.

12-26-2017, 08:11 AM	#8
greaser2 Drives: 2017 A10 ZL1 KG Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Porter TX Posts: 315	Hard to say no to a 3 ZO6

12-26-2017, 08:25 AM	#9
DangerZL1 Drives: 2023 Black ZL1 Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: FEMA Region 4 Posts: 2,935	The Z06 and the ZL1 have the same amount of backseat room.

12-26-2017, 08:36 AM	#10
Boo Drives: 2017 ZL1 A10 Nightfall Grey Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Tampa Posts: 315	I suggest getting the 18 ZL1 A10 and spending the extra 30k on turning it into a 1LE A10! Get carbon fiber everything! Rims tires...anyway thats my ultimate goal

12-26-2017, 08:49 AM	#11
motorhead Drives: Love the one you're with Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Downtown Charlie Brown Posts: 11,850	Why not buy a ZL1 1LE. Then you pretty much have both. The back seat is worthless in the Camaro for anthing other than small children. I think the Vette would get old quickly for a daily driver.

12-26-2017, 08:54 AM	#13
RSFR Drives: ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Texas Posts: 350	The ZL1 is 9/10ths the performance of the Z06 at 6/10ths the cost. For me, the numbers just didn't add up for the Z06.

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