Former Evo 8 owner here. Enjoyed almost 3 years of ownership that ended unfortunately in a head on collision caused by another driver. It was sad to see it go.

But I have since picked up a '02 Z06. it was sort of an impulse buy after test driving it. There are times when I'm excited about it and there are times when I'm not. its about half and half I'd say at this point and its only been about 4 months. Have been considering going back to an evo. What I loved about the evo was its versatility, durability and you could drive it really hard and fast in any condition. The z06 is superior in alot of ways but it just can't be driven the way an evo can and its not the most versatile of vehicles, although its great gas mileage is a blessing since I commute alot.

What are you guys' thoughts on this I know several have come from Z06s or gone to them.

 

it all depends on your personal taste/driving style... me personally i would rock an Evo over the vette in those crazy Ohio winters... unless you have a beater to go along with the vette...

 

yeah I do have an SC300, but the evo was great in the winter...

 

yea........ 2 RWD's dont make it right in the snow.... .. at least have 1 awd....... come on..

 

I dunno. The handling differences arent that big between the two cars. As a matter of fact a 2002 Zo6 should be better in a capable drivers hands.

But the bad thing about Corvettes is depending on where you live its not an all year car, and it only seats two. You have to go with what makes you happy man. Have you done anything with the Vette?

 

agreed. 2 rwds not the best in the snow all though the sc is very good in the snow with the snow tires. No I haven't done anything to the vette.

 

Considering your winters I would say sell the sc and go buy a standard wrx. They are still fun to drive, reliable and cheap.

 

One of my buddies just went from an 05 STI to a C5 Z06. It's basically a compromise more towards the performance side; go faster with less practicality. It's hard to argue with 400hp and 3000 lbs. Just a cam swap and exhaust away from 500hp. Very streetable 700-1000hp (well... lets just say no lag) twin turbo possibilities.

So you just have to decide if you can live with the lack of practicality for increased performance.

 

Evo: AWD, 4 doors, slightly better interior, more roomy, bigger trunk, slightly newer

C5z06: Better gas mileage, looks better, faster, for performance: definetely the choice, as someone mentioned above..in the right hands: handles better.

Overall, IMO: I would go c5-z06 unless i had a reason to stick with the evo (ie: harsh winters, the need for 4 seats). As mentioned, its faster w/better gas mileage, more room for power gains with less $$ than an evo, and its lighter. Only downside: CRAP INTERIOR

 

At times I've toyed with swapping my Evo for a C5 Z06. Your points above are again making me consider, especially since I'm planning a roll bar (for road course usage) that will kill the back seat and I have a 4wd truck now for wintertime. I think the superiority of the Corvette's handling hit home with me when I watched the T1 vs. T2 in-car video on YouTube from the 2007 SCCA run-offs.

How does the insurance compare?

 

My friend was paying ~$500/6months for his 05 STI. Now he's paying ~$300 for the C5 Z06.

 

as for insurance compared to evo, it was way higher for me to own a c5z over my evo( i only pay $95/month thru farmers and im 21 full coverage). I know some insurance co's wont insure vettes unless theyre garaged as theyre somewhat considered to be an "exotic"...but as i said before, overall: C5z>evo anyday. The c5z has more class (just dont look inside), it has the appeal of a real racecar with the speed/power to back it up. I think the c5z is comparable to the 4th gen supras but with the ability to take turns. Probably why half of supraforums are ex/current c5z owners

ps: heres some vid clips to help with ur decision

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aFmvl8tVDkI

 

3 years ago I was 50/50 between the 05 Evo 8 MR and the C5 Z06 (2002 or newer model).

Ask anyone and they will tell you, the C5 Z06 was perhaps the best all around car performance/price among the american cars. It handles well, it does killer 1/4 miles and it also brakes well.

You can't go wrog with the C5 Z06. Be aware the first year production will go though oil comsuption more than Bonaduce goes on Jack Daniels.

Carlos

 

The C5 Z06 is a great vehicle. The Corvette is the only American car that I really like (Ford GT/GT500 excluded).

Don't feel bad about your purchase. The C5 Z06 is an incredible car.

 

As far as sound you can't beat Ford the 5.0 and 4.6 sound the best by far!! Ls1's still sound pretty good a little hollow usually. Great cars very fun!!