josh99ta

iTrader: (1)

One of the local Chevy dealers just got a stunning Z06 in so I stopped by and looked at it. It looks like we're dealing with a straight up trade so I just have to figure out which car I want. Keep the GTO or let it go for the Z06. I just got my GTO back in November but this Z06 has my attention for sure. Here are the details (details on my GTO as well as pics can be found in my FQuick link in my signature)...

2001 Quicksilver Metallic/Black Z06, 53,000 miles
Blackwing intake, Kooks long tubes, unknown exhaust (stock I think, even with the long tubes the car is quiet at idle), 18"F/19"R iForged Aeros (polished lips, race black centers) with near near Michelin Pilot Sports (265 F/305 R), only major flaws were the front bumper being cracked clean through on the lower passenger's side and also on the passenger's side the side skirt right under the rear brake duct vent is either surface cracked or the paint is heavily scratched

2006 Spice Red Metallic/Black GTO, 9,700 miles
Modified factory induction, Magnaflow catback, 19" CCW 505As, a few extra appearance mods, pretty much flawless

Both cars are headturners. The Z06 has some funky Sony CD player in it that would need to go for a stocker or quality aftermarket unit immediately. The windows need to be retinted. The shifter needs to go for something better, no idea what clutch or exhaust is in the car or any info on the previous owner(s).

Here are my thoughts...

They're two very different cars. Before the GTO I came out of a 99 Trans Am. It turned heads and was awesome at WOT, but just driving around it was very uninspiring. I dont want to fall into the same trap in a C5 Z. The GTO is a joy to drive and I could honestly drive the speed limit everywhere I went and still really enjoy the car. I've never driven a C5 Z before. Styling-wise I like both cars in their own way. You see C5s everywhere and Z06s are pretty common too. You dont see GTOs too often around here. The GTO's interior is lightyears beyond the F-Bodies and the C5s IMO. I know the C5 Z is going to outperform and outhandle the GTO. So basically from an exclusivity standpoint as well as just cruising around in the car the GTO has the edge. The Vette has the edge in performance, a slight edge in styling, and it gets points just because its a Corvette Z06. No comparison, the GTO's interior dominates in fit, finish, driving position, etc to me.

The GTO is a new car, I'm the only owner, and its honestly a perfect fit for me. The Z06 I know nothing about its past, its got a few cosmetic flaws with the cracked body panels, but its a performer. Its a damn Corvette Z06.

So I know this might not be the best place for unbiased opinions but for you guys that have owned both cars what do you think?

mdhmi

iTrader: (1)

Keep the GTO. I can't see trading a new car for a 6 year old one.

The GTO is a nice ride. Slap a turbo on it and have fun.

md420

Sounds like your asking people to come up with reasons for you to keep a car that you like very much(GTO). I myself think C5's are comfy even around town but do also like the gto. If it were me, I would keep the GTO.

2006vette

I didnt even read your post but there is no way I would trade a new car for a 6 year old one. Keep the Goat.

2MuchRiceMakesMeSick

I would trade it for a Z06 but thats me.
Take the vette for a test drive and see if you like it better

Sigforty

That is the same advice I would give. Sure the car is 6 years old, but if it is well maintained and only has 50k miles it will last a lot longer. Going for a test drive is the only way to know if you will like it or not.

TARV

iTrader: (4)

Keep the GTO!
You already sound like you've made that decision already.

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

Considering the damage you mentioned I don't think the owner took that good of care of the c5 zo6. If the former owner would drive a vette around with damage then they would also drive it around when the oil change is overdo, or who knows what. JMO, but I say keep the BILLY GOAT and add a turbo or something. Good luck on your decision.

Bad Habit Bird

iTrader: (12)

I love my Z06, it is by far the best car I have ever owned but..... I can't see trading in an 06' GTO for an 01' Z06.

Fastbird93

iTrader: (10)

Drive the vette. You may be surprised. You'll be taking a serious step down in terms of interior fit, finish, and noise. I'm not knocking the Vette at all (I do own one obviously), but after buying mine and spending a lot of time in my buddies 05 GTO too, I feel that you simply can't compare a C5 and 04+ GTO. They're two completely different cars with different uses and feels. The only way you're going to know if you want to make that move is by spending time in both.

If it was me, I'd keep the GTO (don't tell my buddy I said that).

ultradriver10000

iTrader: (13)

I own a vette but i'd go with the gto !

96-speed

iTrader: (19)

Hell no.

A damaged, 6year old car, with 50k miles is not worth trading your GTO for.

If it was a 2001 with 10k miles and immaculately clean, I'd seriously consider trading over.

Ryan

YoungGunLs1

Definately keep the GTO!

Tiago

iTrader: (27)

New car > old car

allngn_c5

iTrader: (3)

I thinks its clear what we think, but its your choice.

Ericbigmac83

iTrader: (19)

I think you would be foolish to give up the goat for that...

CamTom12

iTrader: (1)

Nope, don't do it!

vince3

iTrader: (1)

if it was a 02 i would do it. the z06 is a badass car, but my 01 ate a quart of oil every 800 miles, had a steering lock problem, abs and tcs lights were on and the cam bearing cam loose. Avoid the 01 cars.

96-speed

iTrader: (19)

The steering lockproblem and abs/tcs (related) problems are not 2001 Z06 specific.

The cam bearing came loose? I haven't heard of that. Was that with an aftermarket camshaft?

JS

iTrader: (4)

Do NOT trade that beautiful GTO for a 6 yr old Z.....