I've got the Corvette bug

[rydwhite]

Interestingly enough, over the weekend I was talking to a friend of mine who happens to have a C5 Corvette. The more he started talking to me about the car and we went out and took a look at it, the more I thought that I needed one. Don't get me wrong, I love the G35 coupe, but there is only so much that you can do to it. The new C6 will have 400hp stock and the 2006 C6 Z06 is rumored to have between 475 and 500hp. I doubt I would ever get the G35 up to that level even going tt or sc. The sound of the Corvette is amazing as well. Such a nice deep throaty roar. Pure muscle. Now, I will have the G35 for at least 2 more years, but I am seriously thinking about getting a Corvette after that. What other car can you get that has that kind of power for under 50k? I love the G35 for what it is, a luxury sports coupe. It is an amazing car, but is limited in performance unless you want to spend an exhorbiant amount of money.

Anyway, just thought I would share my thoughts. Give me some feedback here guys. Keep the G or get a 2006 or 2007 C6 Z06? I know I've got a couple of years, but saving needs to start early.

[PalmerWMD]

If you take just a fraction of the Money needed to trade a G35C into a New Corvette, you could go with the best TT set-up available for your car and have many thousands left over.

(your 5 Speed Auto transmission can likely stay stock for a couple years, as that transmission was designed for a 340 hp V8 in a heavier car,Q45)

Or If you crave performance, go buy one of those real well sorted S14's.Pauls S14 ( which I almost bought) ran mid to low 12's on street tires/pump gas and is a lot cooler than a Corvetter ( mostly a mid-life crisis car IMO) and beat all sorts of XCorvettes even knew ones.

Sometimes even Vipers got challenged.

Or once you are willing to spend that much money, you can match the performance of the Corvette with your G.

And have a much nicer car otherwise.

On the G you could even upgrade engine internals and get a big brake kit and still be up finacially and have a cooler car.

Oy leave the G stock, keep as a daily driver, and buy a hard core super fast well sorted S14 for 16k as your rage car ( and beat Corvettes while your at it)

Fred..

[rydwhite]

To get the G35 up to 400hp you're going to have to go turbo or sc which is going cost about 8k. So, the car initially costs 35k with options and then add about 8k for FI, then I would have to upgrade tires/wheels and brakes and we're talking another 5k, exhaust, headers and y-pipe add another 1.5k - 2k and then the suspension would need some upgrade work to handle like the vette and that's another 5k. So generalized, 35 + 8 + 5 +5 + 1.5/2 = 49.5k or 50k for about 400hp for a 2003 G35 coupe.

A 2005 corvette coupe with stock 400hp starts at 44k. Newer car, cheaper, no forced induction, and lots of room to mod a Chevy small block up to 500, 600hp or more. Plus you get that deep muscle car growl that you don't get from the tt or sc'd VQ35. It is an out of the box Ferrari 360 and Porsche sans turbo and GT2 beater for a fraction of the cost. You go with the 06 C6 Z06 for about 55k probably with 500hp and you will be able to beat the Ferrari 430 and 575 and the Porsche Turbo and GT2. The only cars that are really out of competitive range with a stock z06 are the Ferrari Enzo, Ford GT and Porsche Carrera GT, but those cars all cost well over 200k.

Bang for the buck performance you will be hard pressed to get anything better than an 06 C6 Z06.

[PalmerWMD]

BUt you ahve already bought the G35 and trade-in will be your cost.

Keeping the G35 and buying a well sorted S14 for 14-16k (they always seem to pop up in NICO Classifieds), you'll have 2 cars for less money and one will perform with the Vette and the other will be classier.

Fred..

[Stu Segal]

I owned a Vette many years ago, and this summer borrowed my friend's '03 convertible for a long (5 day) weekend - and my wife and I both thought it was a blast.

It handled well, and was very "luxurious" for a sportscar - had lots of neat technology. Like the electonic control of suspension that gives you 3 settings at the touch of a button, and the "heads up" display on the windshield.

And, when you really get down to it. . . . .there simply is no substitute for cubic inches. Besides feeling like a sports car with luxury options, the Vette has enough torque to feel like a real American musclecar (something that all the imports lack).

The only downside we could find was - it really is a 2 seater car with a small trunk, so it is a very single-purpose vehicle. No good for moving dogs, kids, sheets of lumber, etc. AND - a Vette is a cop magnet.

I think if you want an exciting sportscar there is nothing made that (dollar for dollar) comes anywhere close to a Vette. The under $40k imports from Germany and Japan just don't have the power to compare - and the imports that do compare M3, M5, Porsche, SL500, NSX, etc. cost way more. If I didn't (daily) take our 147 lb. bullmastiff with me, we would have bought a Vette (we went for a G35 Coupe for the back seat).

Good luck. I think you'll like a Vette (and don't worry about the trade value of your G35 - the dealers are ALL thieves when it comes to trades).

. . .Stu

[PalmerWMD]

Or in a couple years I might give you, what the dealer offers in trade-in for that G.

Fred..

[rydwhite]

The thing here is that I haven't actually bought the G, it is a loan. I have the option of buying the car once me lease is up for $15,000, which should be Feb. 2007. Which I think will be a pretty good deal at the time since the car still seems to be holding it's value really well. That may change when the new 05's come out though.

See, if I decide not to keep the G once the lease is over, then I really don't want to spend the money now to do any modifications to it. I would rather put that money back and use as a down payment on something else.

Keep the opinions coming people. I have no idea what I want to do really. It's just that when I got into that Corvette it just screamed luxury and power and the C6 is supposed to be even nicer inside and with tons more power and handling.

However, every time I look at the G35, I think why would I want anything else.

So confused. Haha

[DAEDALUS]

I kind of agree with Fred on the "midlife chrisis car" image. I can't help but wonder about the driver's age every time I see a new vette. BUT it IS A PURE SPORTS CAR. If you want to go fast get a vette or a sport bike. You can't go to a dress-up event on a sport bike though, and the vette will keep you dry. The new vettes look *good*. I've always liked vettes, but really, the latest styling has panache, whereas previous versions were just go-fast cars.

[rydwhite]

I don't see the Corvette as a mid-life crisis car anymore than I do a 350Z, G35 coupe or any other sports car for that matter. What is the definition of a mid-life crisis car? A sports car driven by someone in his mid-30's or older? I am only 24 and I already have my so-called mid-life crisis car with the G35 coupe. Plus, who the hell cares what other people think? I know I don't. Image is not what it is about, it's about having fun and that's what sports cars are for, fun.

[rydwhite]

Just a quick update on my corvette bug status. Well I still have the bug, but I've decided at least for now that the G will remain in my garage until I die. I just can't imagine parting with such a beautiful and great car. Hopefully in a few years I will be able to add that Corvette as well, but the G will stay regardless.

[PalmerWMD]

yaay!!

Fred..

[Movingviolation240]

Z06= Hardcore the G can't compaire at all to that kind of HP or track ability.

I don't know if anybody on here read the "Fourgasm" article in Car and Driver a year or so ago. They had about 15 tunner cars, Supercharged S2000 with Penskee shocks and big brakes, a few built Evo's, ect. They put them all on a roadcourse and tested them. Then just for fun they threw a stock Z06 into the mix. The Vette beat all the other cars (which were running DOT legal race rubber) around the track in factory trim by over a second. The new Z06 will have more HP, bigger brakes, and weigh less.... nuff said

Paul

[llamabeta]

Z06= Hardcore the G can't compaire at all to that kind of HP or track ability.

I don't know if anybody on here read the "Fourgasm" article in Car and Driver a year or so ago. They had about 15 tunner cars, Supercharged S2000 with Penskee shocks and big brakes, a few built Evo's, ect. They put them all on a roadcourse and tested them. Then just for fun they threw a stock Z06 into the mix. The Vette beat all the other cars (which were running DOT legal race rubber) around the track in factory trim by over a second. The new Z06 will have more HP, bigger brakes, and weigh less.... nuff said

Paul

Thanks for throwing that in Paul. I was about to myself. I had the pleasure of driving a 2002 stock Z06. I must say, with the exception of the long hood being my only complaint. That was quite the car. The acceleration was just chest busting, I owned that mini van so bad!!! (It was the only thing around ) If you are looking from a performance perspective, the Z06 is the way to go. Since the inception of the C5, Chevy has been proceeding in the correct direction with the vehicle. I do not see it as a mid-life crisis vehicle, at least not the Z06. I think American pride is more of a factor in a decision for a Z06 more than anything. Opponets such as Porsche and BMW are not to be taken lightly.

Pauls S14 is an absolute punisher I must add. His tuning ability\vision is definitely something to admire and fear. Nothing like handing an upper priced performance car from whichever country its butt.

Good luck on the acquisition of the Vette in the future. I for one would love to have a Z06 parked in my garage one day. Right next to the 911 GT3.
Modified by llamabeta at 5:49 AM 12/16/2004

[nnkfws333]

Well, it depends on what your wanting. I've found the G35 to be a far more comfortable smooth ride compared to a Corvette. I mean hell love the motor and all but in luxury and looks...hands down G35 wins. Plus no backseat!

If you want a fast detroit muscle fast car...get the Corvette! but one thing for sure is your value of your car will drop and you will definitely miss the luxurious side. If you want something similiar...jump to a new BMW M3 (sedan) or M4(coupe) when they come out....I would die for one of those.

[rydwhite]

The Z06 and the G35 are not really comparable. I plan to keep the G35 as my daily driver and then hopefully in about 2 or 3 years pick up a C6 Z06. Rumors are for a 7.0L 500hp smallblock v8. That's pretty potent. The ride and handling are supposed to be much improved over the C5. I drool just thinking about it.

[hannibal]

***Check this out. It wont last long.***

www.corvettels7.com

The motor's built by Katech, the company that built the C5R motor.

Apparently, GM is chasing those pics around the net. Someone leaked the pics/specs ahead to the January launch. But they are threatening legal action on anyone hosting the pics.

[sleepyRPS13]

forget vettes its all about lotus elise turbocharged about 400hp...zooooooomm

[rydwhite]

***Check this out. It wont last long.***

www.corvettels7.com

The motor's built by Katech, the company that built the C5R motor.

Apparently, GM is chasing those pics around the net. Someone leaked the pics/specs ahead to the January launch. But they are threatening legal action on anyone hosting the pics.

I must have one.

[sleeperG]

"A 2005 corvette coupe with stock 400hp starts at 44k. Newer car, cheaper, no forced induction, and lots of room to mod a Chevy small block up to 500, 600hp or more. Plus you get that deep muscle car growl that you don't get from the tt or sc'd VQ35. It is an out of the box Ferrari 360 and Porsche sans turbo and GT2 beater for a fraction of the cost. You go with the 06 C6 Z06 for about 55k probably with 500hp and you will be able to beat the Ferrari 430 and 575 and the Porsche Turbo and GT2. The only cars that are really out of competitive range with a stock z06 are the Ferrari Enzo, Ford GT and Porsche Carrera GT, but those cars all cost well over 200k."

I know this thread is old...but I beg to differ....check out this link....and notice that the vette has a slower 0-60 time and quarter mile, with that thought a more realistic price tag for the c6 is around 70 grand, not the 55k as mentioned. http://www.edmunds.com/insidel.....7.1.*

[rydwhite]

Yep, the announced price was around 70k. That puts it abit out of my league for the time being. We'll just have to see what I can wrangle up in terms of funds in the coming years. I have also been battling back and forth just what I want to do with the G35 in 2 years. Keep it or trade it in for a new one. Whatever I do, I want to do some pretty heavy modification to it. I have more pressing matters right now, but by next year I should really have an idea of what I want to do.

[redstradic]

the vette is fast but i could never see myself driving one. for some reason i find them cheap when i know in reality its far from cheap (if that made any sense, lol). it just doesnt wow me like the G or Z does.

My next sports car in a year or two will be this: Aston Martin AMV8

[PalmerWMD]

yes at 70k.. that twcie the price of a Z...

Might as well go A.M.

Fred..

[jEzTeR]

Well Ryan,Once you are bitten by the Vette bug it will be with you forever. I was bitten as a child and fought the temptations for a long time. I couldn't and still can't afford a *New Corvette, so I did the next best thing. I got a used one. The one I got was 25 years old(at the time) and had 95K miles on it. It was a 1974 Stingray w/ 454 and a 4-speed. I had the car about 5 years and spent quite a bit of time and money on it. I got to enjoy it a whole lot. I got to a point thought where I wanted something that didn't need any work i.e. paint interior pieces ect... So I started looking for something new or newer. A C4 was on the top of my list. I spent many hours/days/weeks/months contemplating what to do and ended up getting my 350z (NEW). I still love the Corvette and everything it stands for. As of right now the only cars that I would give up my Z for would be a C5 z06, C4 ZR1, or C4 Collector Edition(there would have to be something really good in it for me also) Of course a C6 z06 but that price is crazy right now.

The G35c is such an awesome car in it's own right. Take good care of it and after you get it paid off then find a good deal on a low mileage C5.

[rydwhite]

the vette is fast but i could never see myself driving one. for some reason i find them cheap when i know in reality its far from cheap (if that made any sense, lol). it just doesnt wow me like the G or Z does.

My next sports car in a year or two will be this: Aston Martin AMV8

My dream car is pretty close to yours redstradic. Unfortunately it is out of my price range right now. Aston Martin Vanguish V12

[redstradic]

My dream car is pretty close to yours redstradic. Unfortunately it is out of my price range right now. Aston Martin Vanguish V12

haha, that is mine as well. i am going to go with the AMV8 as a daily driver and then in about 8-10 years go ahead and get the Vanguish V12 as a superb weather car only.

[rydwhite]

Hey red, is there a price released for the AMV8 Vantage yet? I read an article in the most recent Automobile about it and some hot weather testing they were doing, but they didn't give a price range. All they said is that it was cheaper than any of the other Aston Martin's in order to try to bring in younger people who would trade up to a DB9 or Vanguish downt he road.

It would be great if they were pricing it around the 100k mark or lower, but I really wouldn't expect them to go that low with it.

[redstradic]

So far the estimated price is 100K-110K and the release date is fall of 2005. I will get the 2006 so they can get the bugs all fixed out first.

[skyD]

Yo man hold up I have a couple of friends with C-5s. my Z with intake, exhaust, ecu, lighter flywheel, and dual plate clutch, niether one could tuch me. as a matter of fact my buddy with the 2001 C-5 bought a nitros kit to beet me then burnt a piston. all the performance moda totaled less than 5k and yeilded more than 340 rwh hp.you can also purchase a procharger supercharger completely adjustable to 500rwhp for around 6k Ipurchased my 04 6mt whith all options eccept nav. for 31,700 add 10,000 to that and you have a deffinate C-6 beater not to mention you dont have be in mid life crises. and the car wont fall apart in 4 years ie: door pannels head liner door hinges e.t.c e.t. contact me if you have any questions. I also read the 4cyl article and was not impressed. to date or at last I checked the most powerfull daily driver is a 800 hp 9sec. 6cyl 2JZGTTE supra no daily driver vette has beet it yet. so decide whether to be a enthusiast or just a car buyer. plus for the first year the C-6s and 06 z06 will have huge dealer mark ups and thay hold there value terably at least here in WA. state. I can pick up a used 03/04 C-5 for between 17,000 and 27,000 depending on miles and condition this is a car that was 40,+k when purchased.
Modified by skyD at 11:43 AM 3/10/2005

[M3Racer]

If you want a fast detroit muscle fast car...get the Corvette! but one thing for sure is your value of your car will drop and you will definitely miss the luxurious side. If you want something similiar...jump to a new BMW M3 (sedan) or M4(coupe) when they come out....I would die for one of those.

Just FYI they don't make an E46 M3 sedan, only coupe or convertible.

But yea, coming from an owner, one of the best cars. ever....

Also I agree to look at the lotus elise. 0-60 in 4.8 (same as the M3). 4-cyinder gas mileage, 1.06 g's on the skid pad, a convertible. less then a new c6, sounds like a sweet deal to me. Though they are pretty much race cars, not daily drivers.

[seyath]

I agree with the fact that the Corvette is a really nice car. Buy I wouldn't depend too much on the Car and Driver articles. Although they are an amazing magazine, they are too biased towards the 'vette. In every "performance" test against the Viper, they still put the Corvette on top because of the bang for the buck value. Excuse me, this is a performance test and the vette lost in almost every category....