I was also looking at a Z06. It was an 08 and the performance was incredible. The interior was pure GM excrement, hence I have a 370 Roadster.

The mods have started already, I have some sways up next and will finish in Aprilish with an SC.

Not looking back and very happy with my decision.

I have a 2007 Z06 and I recently bought my girl a 370Z.. I can tell you right now it does not cost $1,200 a year to own a Z06. My insurance is just $333.00 every 6 months. Infact, the 370Z insurance is more. Maintenance is not bad either on the Z06.

Two COMPLETELY different cars!

My z06 is cheapy inside IMO (although comfortable).. The Z is better quality inside for sure. The Z also feels more neutral and confidence inspiring in the corners. That being said, my Z06 is WAAAAAAAAAY faster then the Z is. The sound you get out of a Z06 with exhaust mods is pure sex also.

Sure, turbo a Z, would be awesome, but there goes any warranty if that's a concern to you.

I guess I should include that I don't drive the z06 much, which keeps my yearly costs down, but still...

I like the interior of the 370Z more, but the exterior of the 'vette. I would rather have a car with a bit lower class interior that won't look like some hick with a shotgun attacked the front of it in 2 years. Besides, I can't find a Z on a lot without scratches almost through the clear already. So there are your 2 major QC issues with both cars, imo: 370Z has a great interior, but needs a paint-job. The Z06 has awesome paint, but needs better seats. Several 370Z formers have already stated the material/fit are equal in the newer Z06's to the 370Z. I don't quite think so, but then the Z's I drove were apparently freaks as they didn't rattle or have a single sqeak, and I see people on here whining about that all the time. I think part of it is people "see what they expect", basically.

I remember when the 350Z came out and everyone said my WS6 was crap and had a horrible interior. So I rode in a 350Z my friend had. It had scratches all in the plastic door panels, no leather inserts like my WS6, rattled WAY worse with only 1/2 the miles my car had, and in general was just a piece of junk. Yet all I read about online was "my shitty american car is made of plastic and the 350Z is so nice." FFwd a few years and now we have "The 370Z is so nice and the 350Z sucks and blah blah blah". So really, it's just perception. Go drive/look at/sit in both and then form your own conclusion about whether or not it works for you.

I didn't create the thread, just linked it. I agree, a DIY guy can maintain a Z06 for about $200 a year driving it a good bit if you don't include new tires/brakes in that figure.

If you want a z06 you just have to disregard the interior.. The car is fast, looks great, sounds great, grabs attention, is reliable, and does not rape you in insurance. So the interior squeaks a bit.. Oh well..

Just be prepared for crappy traction with the stock goodyears. Esp if it is cold at all outside. I was in 3rd gear doing 65 mph on the freeway and punched it. Next thing I knew I was pointing toward the center divide. The car snapped out of it easily, but still. The car only has a Corsa cat back, high flow catted x-pipe, and an intake. ( about to get some long tubes )

I have a set of 345/30/19 Nitto NT05R's sitting in the garage, waiting to be installed when the weather gets better. Should not have any traction issues then :)

7L-V8,OMG,no wonder the sea level is rising so fast.!,This car will need to pay S$6600.00 in Road Taxes a year if driven in S'pore.

EPA gives the Z06 a rating of 15/24, the regular vette gets 16/26 and the 370Z gets 18/26.

I'd say the z06 is not doing bad for 175ish more HP and 2-3 mpg less!

In all honesty though.. I'm AVERAGING 14 mpg or less in my z06.. I don't even drive it THAT hard.

My girl is averaging 17-18 mpg though. Also does not drive it hard. It's new tough, still breaking in.

Careful. A friend of mine flipped his C5 3x driving with a DR on the street. I am guessing the NT05 is a DR by the "R" designation? If so, stay away if you EVER think you might be in the rain. If not, go for it.

Well, considering a 370Z will turn on the low-trac light punching it in 2nd or 3rd gear as well, I think a car with @ 175% the power can get away with it without me being too upset, lol.

The interior is dated. I think if you look at the new Cruze (*SP), you will see what GM is capable of and will likely do in the C7.

*PS. Were the exhaust mods worth giving up a 5/100 warranty for, in your opinion?

Give up the warranty?? LOL not in the slightest.. Since when does ANY car manufacturer void warranty from exhaust or intake? I have had MAAANNY vehicles in my life, and ALL of them have been modified to some extent. I have yet to have a single issue in regards to warranty.

Have driven many cars with drag radials on the street too. Not sure how your friend managed to flip a car over. I'd venture to say it was not the drag radials fault. Oh and yes, the "R" signifies a drag radial.

My z06 has never seen a drop of rain in its life. I think it is common knowledge that you would not drive a car with drag radials, in the rain!

Who cares about the C7's interior.. The vehicle in question is an 06-07 Z06 as stated by the OP.

There is a BIG difference between "turning on a traction light" and putting the car sideways while already moving at 65mph. Besides, show me one STOCK 370Z that can turn on a traction light when hitting it in 3rd gear as you say. I'll buy you something nice when you do lol. I'm not talking about a 2-3 shift..

Come on now..

Just looked up the interior of the 2011 Cruz..




Ugly..

To the OP, if insurance rates are of no concern to you when paying for the Z06, then go for it. I just think it's stupid expensive for a Vette.

My z06 insurance is $333.00 every 6 months.. I would not call that crazy expensive. Plus an 07 z06 cost the same to buy as a loaded 370z. Maybe just a tad more.

i have seen some people go as low as 35k for an 06 and close to the same price for an 07. some poeple got to deep into it and maybe cannot afford it and sell a little on the low side. i did get my 370Z w/sport 6mt for 26k so it would be a 10k jump in price and payment so i need to make sure the Z06 would be that much more fun to drive.
oh and i DD my 370Z at 100-200 miles a day for work. not sure if the Z06 would be as comfortable.