M3 or C6Z06

[GreasyGinzo]

Anybody ever regret not getting a c6z06 instead of their M3? If so why?

[MonteCarloM3]

no. i don't wear gold chains nor do i flaunt my chest hair

[davem3fan]

My dad has a C6 Z06 that I have had lots of time to play with on the road and the track... It is plenty fast, but has none of the sweetness of a V8 M3.

No contest in my mind... If someone gave me a Z06, I'd sell it and get a spare E9X M3.

My .02

[GreasyGinzo]

Originally Posted by MonteCarloM3

no. i don't wear gold chains nor do i flaunt my chest hair

Well I do both so should I go get a caddy instead.

[Rshane]

IMO they are two entirely different cars filling two entirely different niches. Personally I prefer the M3 as a grand tourer, whereas the Z06 is an all out sports car.

I could see maybe comparing the Z06 to the Porches as far as the type of car. However, IMO the C6 Z06 is a world class performer, and a hell of a bargain...I just wish they would put some decent seats in them.

[Brosef]

different cars for different purposes. both are undeniable beasts that excel at what they're designed to do.

[dnvrdrvr]

Have you driven both? I bought my car used with 2800 miles on it after someone decided he wanted the Z06 instead. I was very appeciative that he was willing to pay the drive-off-the-lot depreciation for me! To each his own, but no way I'd go that route.

[Doctor J]

Z06s are really really fast -- but that's about it

-inferior fit and finish/workmanship (case in point steering wheel is from the Malibu)
-inferior interior esp the seats
-inferior dealer network
-inferior driving experience (on a day to day basis as a DD)
-inferior suspension (composite leaf springs in the rear... come on)

I don't like the styling of the Vette personally nor the really low seating position

[Rshane]

Originally Posted by dnvrdrvr

Have you driven both? I bought my car used with 2800 miles on it after someone decided he wanted the Z06 instead. I was very appeciative that he was willing to pay the drive-off-the-lot depreciation for me! To each his own, but no way I'd go that route.

I have driven both...almost bought a Z before I got orders overseas. The Z is a kick ass car...world class acceleration/handling, wonderful sounds, and just plain looks mean...especially in black.

My only gripe was with the seats...not really supportive when I started taking some turns. Of course there are the normal complaints about the plasticy interior, but it really isn't that bad.

The M3 isn't nearly as fast, but handles just as good. The M3 is also much more refined and comfortable over the long haul.

If you are looking for a world class sports car for a good price, you can't go wrong with the Z06...heck, even the Corvette GS is a hell of a deal.

If you want a little more comfort but don't want to sacrifice handling...M3 all the way. It just depends what you want...two entirely different classes of car IMO.

[GreasyGinzo]

yea I have driven both and am having a hard ass time deciding what to do. No matter what I do I will regret it. Just how I am.

[persian54]

buy 2 used ones!

I'm sure you can buy a used M3 and a used z06 for about the same price as a loaded new m3

maybe..

[Rshane]

Originally Posted by Doctor J

Z06s are really really fast -- but that's about it

-inferior fit and finish/workmanship (case in point steering wheel is from the Malibu)
-inferior interior esp the seats
-inferior dealer network
-inferior driving experience (on a day to day basis as a DD)
-inferior suspension (composite leaf springs in the rear... come on)

I don't like the styling of the Vette personally nor the really low seating position

To play devils advocate, the M3 borrows from the parts bin of some cheap cars too...European 3 series can be priced cheaply...take the cheap sunvisors people complain about as well as the cheap armrest in the backseat. I could point out a few other things, but I don't like to pick on my baby too much

You are 100% correct on the seats though.

As far as inferior dealer network, you have your good dealers and you bad ones, no matter what kind of car you drive, it's just a matter of finding one that treats you the way you want to be treated. Here in Germany when I take my M3 in for service I am treated as if I had a Geo Prism or something...dealer service really sucks in Europe.

Inferior driving experience is just personal preference. When I was younger I loved the feel of my MR2 Turbo, and later on my Mustang Cobras over the long haul...I didn't feel beat up at all...now, not so much.

Inferior suspension...I will just have to disagree with that one. We aren't talking about leaf springs off an old Chevy pickup, these are much more than that. That setup is needed in order to fit the transmission in the rear of the car for better weight distribution, and all the performance skidpad numbers back that up.

As far as styling...that is personal preference. I actually prefered the styling of my A5 over the M3...but the performance won me over...no contest.

[elh0102]

I’ve owned both C5 and C6 ZO6 cars, with a lot of track time in both, in addition to E46 and E92 M3s, and several Porsches, including a 996 GT3. The Corvettes were the most trouble-free and least expensive performance cars to own in my experience. With the exception of the GT3, the ZO6 was also the most track-ready from the show room. While the ZO6 and M3 have similar weight distribution, the ZO6 is a much more neutral car in its handling balance. Without much protective understeer, the Vette will demand a lot more from the driver, but will teach a lot more in return.

The M3 offers the obvious utility of a sedan, along with speed and good handling, but not in same category as the ZO6. Very different cars. If one suits your purpose, I can’t see you having much interest in the other.

[GreasyGinzo]

My only intrest is having a nice car that is fun to drive.

[10M3MAN]

Vette would be sweet...but M3 all the way

[M3maniac20]

My dad has a c6 zo6 427 edition...beautiful car and fast as hell but its not me. I love my m3 and unless the next corvette is just to die for, I don't think I'll ever have one

[3XTR3M3]

The Z06 is an amazing car. If interior, luxury and badge don't matter to you, get a Z06. It's fast as hell, handles great, and looks amazing (in my opinion, of course).

[pmo7]

Nice car that is fun to drive? What do you currently drive?

[GreasyGinzo]

Originally Posted by pmo7

Nice car that is fun to drive? What do you currently drive?

is350...nice car but not fun to drive. I was over mileage on my lease last year and found the lexus for a deal to good to pass up. Its been year a boring one and its time to move on.

[pmo7]

To answer the question, no.
Not ever in the least little bit.
The Z06 has terrific acceleration, but I prefer the M's interior quality, exterior looks, handling, and history. I always wanted an M3 for some reason, since junior high. Never wanted nor dreamt of a corvette.
I do regret not at least test driving a GT-R first though, just so I could know for sure...

[TRY...M3]

If your looking to spend 70k on a really fun track toy buy a z06. If you want the ultimate driving machine get the M3. I had a C6 Z06, it was very unpractical only put 1,500 miles on it in a year.

[GreasyGinzo]

Originally Posted by TRY...M3

If your looking to spend 70k on a really fun track toy buy a z06. If you want the ultimate driving machine get the M3. I had a C6 Z06, it was very unpractical only put 1,500 miles on it in a year.

Unpractical because it is a 2 seater or for another reason? Please explain.