I've driven the new viper, as well as the new Vette. I strongly preferred the Vette. The Viper does have a "badass" feel to it, like it's trying to kill you.

Z for sure! If I had the extra $$ I'd buy a used or new GTR over a Vette. GM:gtfo2:

Think positive thoughts bro! I know it's hard with so much speculation. But you never know bro... We might be pleasantly surprised?:tup:

Not to intentionally revive an old thread but this is an interesting read about the 2015 Z06 Vette.


"2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

When we first saw the vitals on the 2015 Z06, everyone on the forum knew the 650hp Vette was going to be quick—and now we know just how quick. Motor Authority has just posted the weapons-grade Vette’s performance numbers and they’re bonkers.

With the new 8-speed Hydra-Matic 8L90, the Z06 will shoot from zero to 60 in a blistering 2.95 seconds. And while it’s not the kind of fancy dual-clutch system you’ll find in Porsche’s 911, GM has stated—and Motor Authority independently confirmed—it can shift faster than the Stuttgart’s pride and joy. Three-pedal versions still manage the sprint in a very respectable 3.2 seconds.

Here are some other highlights from the official press release:


A quarter-mile sprint takes just 10.95 seconds with the eight-speed automatic and 11.2 seconds with the seven-speed manual. With both versions, the Corvette Z06 hits 127 mph at the end of the quarter-mile.

When it comes to braking performance, the Z06 can stop from 60 mph in only 99.6 feet. That’s the best braking performance of any production car GM has ever tested. Additionally, the Corvette Z06 achieves 1.2 g in lateral acceleration compared with the Corvette’s previous best 1.13 g.

The new Z06 is also the fastest production car ever tested at GM’s 2.9-mile Milford Road Course, beating the record set by the Corvette ZR1 by a full second."

Now, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the stick is slightly slower—but here’s my question: Does that quarter second matter enough for you to opt for the automatic? Personally, it wouldn’t change my mind. I don’t think you adopt a kitten if you want to play fetch, and I don’t think you buy a Z06 to go to the drag strip. But I’m curious to know if these numbers have swayed anyone.

Thank you for all this information Grand Paw Moses....Hope that you are
well today... forum brother Clifford :tup:

I'm sure it has as it seems most people prefer autos now a days (my belief is because most people do not know how to operate a manual gearbox, so they go the safe route with an auto, but we'll save that debate for another 6mt vs 7AT thread) Anyways, for me I wouldn't even think twice about it. A couple tenths of a second to 60mph or through the 1/4 is not going to make me change my mind. I just love manuals. Its fun to row gears, to heal/toe and rev match, its challenging when you start pushing the car to its limits, I like the options for modifications (shifters, flywheel, clutch, ect. The only way I would even consider an auto is if I was going to build a full out drag car, where every micro second is crucial. But for mainly street driving with occasional track days, its three pedals or nothing for me!

With all that being said, the new Z06 is a freakin monster. That thing is putting up super car numbers at only $80k. Great job GM!

*Edit. OP hasn't logged in since he started this thread. I guess he already made his decision.

Auto all the way bro. The youngsters will convert because autos are the borg and they will assimilate.

The Mercedes Benz AMG GT-S is keeping me up at night. The vette is .6 seconds faster but doesn't come close to Mercedes luxury and quality.
I haven't excluded the Z06 yet. It's "the force to be reckoned with".

:horse:Here is my take. I tested a C6 2006 Corvette Targa auto because it was priced at $21K. The interior was cheap & flat, it was like an old 80's GM. I tried using the paddle shifters and the thing wouldn't downshift, finally did. When it downshifted, I heard a loud clink. It didn't have the rpm's for paddles, & accelerated off its axis - up before forward. The gauges were like an old Apple computer from the 80's & the auto shifter was really ugly & outdated. The seats weren't comfortable & it didn't city rally like a daily. It had rust spots from the vent systems & the engine compartment looked stripped, no cross bar, or descent engine cover, no compartments for fluids. The buttons were over-sized & the electrical ergonomics & switches were misplaced. I liked the acceleration but that was it. I didn't feel comfortable or safe in it. The Vette is on the least reliable car list & I have owned Vettes before - expect early failures throughout. The Z has been my car of choice & that was the last Vette I ever owned. For the life of me, I tried keeping her, but the thing wouldn't make a trip from Texas to out of Texas. Why I never returned to Trans Am either & now Pontiac is gone. I will not return to a Vette; a Z or 911 is what I am in-to now.

The OP was asking about a C7, not a nearly 10 year old C6. Besides, he never even responded to this stupid thread so I think its safe to let this one die out already.