Am I going crazy? Corvette?
 

After several rides in a 2002 405hp Z06 corvette at the local autocross I'm starting to contemplate buying a ummm gasp...corvette. The car just has such a higher level of perfomance than my boxster. I'm trying to decide why I shouldn't buy this basically new cherry 2004 Z06 that is close to my home and just trade in the boxster. Here is the car.

http://www.isringhausen.com/is_invdetail.php?stock=127071

Sure, the interior isn't great, but hey who are you kidding the 986 boxster interior isn't either. And yeah, the Porsche is more exclusive, but you don't get the camaraderie with other owners and the waves with this Porsche. Additionally I live in downstate IL, we have don't have curvy smooth roads around here. The only time I get to excercise the boxster's handling is on the occasional autocross. The Z06 just crushes it in a straigt line and that is what we mostly have around here plus the Z06 can handle very very well. It's different in the way it attacks corners and doesn't give the driver the same amount of feedback, but it gets through them just as fast if not faster.

Follow this link;

http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-21-1-5014-0-0-0&l=1&w=20&p=2&f=5022&s=301949&s2=109597&av=3&vt=n ew&vt2=used&c=15&c2=15&z=

You'll see their asking $10K more than it's worth. With that said, it's amazing the car depreciates $23K, or 46.5% in 4 years with only 500 miles! WTF?

They are practically giving away new Corvettes in the Chicago area. I could see adding a Corvette to the stable, but not replacing the Porsche with one.

The suspension type on the older corvette by itself is enough to swing my vote. Independent vs. leaf spring? No contest!

-David

It depends on what moves you. I have driven the Zo6 and it is simply a rocket ship. I like the car alot, and ditto for the Box.

Hey, you can always buy another Box if the spirit moves you.

Either way, you are welcome here.

:)

Yeah, I hear you. I looked it up on KBB on it came to around 35K retail. So they would probably be willing to negotiate price especially if I came in with a nice boxster S for trade.

The suspension on the vette is independent. It has been since 1963. Plus, it's a lightweight fiberglass spring and there is only one spring for the front and one for the back; lighter than the boxsters strut front/rear setp I'm sure.

I have driven a few C5 Z06's, both on the track and on the street, and I will say its a hell of a car. Sure, the interior is a bit low rent, and sure its still a Chevy, but its a hell of a car.

I"ve never quite understood by they use the transverse leaf springs, but apparently it works, and yes they are independent.

Patrick

I too had this dilemma before buying my Boxster S last spring. For pure performance the ZO6 kills the Boxster. Upgrade and maintenance costs are a bit different also. C5 ZO6's have dropped considerably in value since last fall also, heck, they're even discounting the new ZO6's now. The LS6 motors and Tremec 6 speeds are pretty bullet proof also (No IMS or RMS scares). Heck.....WTH was I thinking? Oh yeah......I ALWAYS wanted a Porsche. :cheers:

BTW....ZO6's on open roads get up to "Stupid Fast" pretty quickly, at least I can twist the little Boxster up now and then without dipping into triple digit speeds...JMHO.

Exactly, the cost to for maintence is also a factor. My 03 boxster has 27k miles on it and expensive maintence/repairs are coming up. The vette is cheaper to maintain bottom line plus the engines are essentially bulletproof. The clutch overheated so much on my last autocross it slipped and smelled like s*&t. Granted it was the 9th run in a row and it was in August heat, but the guy with the 2002 Z06 has done over 800 autocross runs on the ORIGINAL clutch and it wasn't complaining. The boxster has been a great ride for the past 5 years, but I think it's time for a change and take it to the next level performance wise.

The 'vettes since about '98 are pretty bullet proof. It's a hell of a lot of money for what you get. I've got an '02 Pontiac Firehawk that's got pretty much the same engine detuned (345 bhp/345 ft./lb. torque). It's my "good" car. The Boxster is my daily driver. The LS1 is one hell of an engine.

Having said all that, the Boxster is a great car too. After doing the rear speaker install, I can't help but think, "Why doesn't GM buy a Boxster, take it apart, and see what makes German engineering so great? It's is a damn well made car."

But, at the end of the day, you've had a Boxster. It's time you get the Z06. At worst, you can decide that you made a mistake, sell the Z06 and buy another Boxster. Right?

I can tell you that nothing brightens your day quite like putting the pedal to the floor on an LS1. The Boxster goes great. It's a great car. In terms of straight line acceleration though, it can't touch the 'vette. The Z06 probably has it in cornering performance too. I think the Boxster shines in braking though because of its lighter weight.

If you have any doubts, just listen to it (60-120.

One thing I know is very different between the Boxster and the LS1 is the power band. The LS1 has a much narrower power band than the Boxster. You have to drive it much differently as a result. Besides, try to get 28 mph on the highway in a Boxster.

Sorry, but for me, I think the speed alone wouldn't do it for me, because IMHO, that older generation Vette looks pretty outdated inside and out, has those tacky pop up halogen headlights (you've got Xenons), and reminds me of a Chevy Camaro. I think it would be a great addition to your stable, but not a replacement for the Porsche. Plus, it's not a convertible! :D

If I had to give up the Boxster for another car (non Porsche), and wanted some straight line speed, then it would probably be an M3 cab.

Thanks for the feedback Mike. Wow! That is a nice Firehawk you have there. I bet that thing is fun. Those Firehawks are kind of rare aren't they? Back to the corvette, yeah your video gave me goose bumps! I love the sound of a V8 as much as I love the sound of the flat 6. Each make music differently, but they both sound great to me. And the acceleration, I've driven some pretty quick cars, but the C5 Z just takes your breath away in the lower gears and it keeps pulling up high like a freight train up high. I'm getting excited, I think I will call them today and go in this weekend to look at it!

I almost just purchased a Atomic Orange C6 ZO6. I fiqure the Box was paid for I could trade it in or sell it and be happy. I have NEVER liked any vette before the new Z06, and have a bunch of seat time in them as my cousin is president of his local chapter and has had at least 2 or 3 for years. Once I drove it I loved the power but not the interior. Oh well I went back to the drawing board and am building the Boxster to beat a new ZO6. I figured if I put 5-6K in this car and it keeps me happy for the next 5-6 years it is a hell of a lot cheaper then the 71K Z.

Thats a nice thought, but 5-6k won't even get you in the ball park to keep up with a C6 Z06 at the track or drag strip.

I've been having similar ideas on swapping the Boxster for a Corvette. I don't find the Boxster uncomfortable at all, but it is small. The Corvette has lots more room and I think the seats rate a bit higher on the comfort factor too. With prices dropping on used C5s, it is a tempting prospect. Having said all this, I don't think I'll be actually taking the plunge anytime soon though. Its just a feeling and that's about it.

don't forget I already have the supercharger. take a 3.6 with say 350HP and add a SC and lw flywheel not to mention a hitachi MAF and watch me go...... :dance:

I gotta admit that my daily driver is an '04 GTO with a LS1 6 speed so my torque / V-8 rumble needs are met daily. If that were not the case the ZO6 probably would of been a much closer second, if they offered it in vert form it would not of been a contest. Coulda, shoulda, woulda, none of it matters now...I'm going to enjoy the Boxster for many years to come. :dance:

Thanks Richard, I appreciate you saying that. I've been on this board for awhile and you guys have been great.

Adam,

I don't think you are crazy to consider a Corvette, especially a Z06. That silver 2004 looks and sounds like a terrific example. I've posted these pictures on here before of a 2002 Z06 a good friend once owned with a supercharger and bunch of other mods. It is by far the fastest street car I've ever been in.

ddb

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...0529/ZO6Ca.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...0529/ZO6Aa.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...0529/ZO6Ba.jpg

I always said if you offered me a 911 Turbo or a Corvette for a day at the track I wouldn't think twice before jumping in the Corvette. 10/10th's on a hard right hander in the Corvette must be an experience. So much power, so flat and low.

Now for the drive home from the track no contest... Porsche.
You'll also attract the attention of a totally different type of girl in each as well..


I dunno Boxster vs. Corvette for every day driving?? I don't think I'd pick a thirsty Z06 that has a propensity to attract a lead foot. I think the Corvette has the highest fatality rate of any sports car. Too much power for the dumb or inexperienced.

Ddb, that's a nice Z06 your friend has, a bit to much bling under the hood for my tastes, but the Vortech supercharger on there makes up for it. I bet that thing is deadly quick. :cheers:

Adam, don't feel rushed. There are 1,000's of vettes for sale. You can find the right one for you.

I hear you. This one in Springfield only has 490 miles so it's one of the lowest in the country. I feel rushed to go check it out. Due to that they want a premium price. I did a search on Ebay and found a few Z's for quite a bit less in the Chicago area albeit with more miles and some of them have been modded/ basterdized. There are alot more standard vetttes than the Z06 for sale particulary for the 2002-2004 model years so my selection is a bit limited within driving distance. I'm going over to Springfield Saturday to see what they say.

Hey Adam. Here's a link to the site I was regularly checking back before the Boxster decision.......It's a great gauge of the Vette market....

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/index.php

I don't think you're crazy at all. I've often thought of adding a Z06 to the stable. Nothing like the feel of a high horsepower Vette. I've had several Corvettes since the mid 70's and will always have a soft spot for them. I'm holding out for a C6 Z06. 500hp and the best looking Vette by far.
http://members.aol.com/hotrodharrys/z06sig.jpg

I would buy a Z06 in a minute...no need to rationalize your decision...different car than a Porsche but very respectable. Drove one last week and was seriously impressed...loved it. "DO WAHCHA LIKE"...

Normally, a lightly used Zo6 is a real bargain, when you consider price to performance. Pretty good value and of course, one ALWAYS gets a PPI before purchase.

:D

Hey Adam, I was born and raised in Springfield. Isringhausen is notoriously high on prices, they are (used to be?) the only luxury dealer in the area. I remember when the local newspaper covered Dennis Rodman coming down to Springfield to pick up his new shiny yellow Porsche.

On a side note, a friend just told me the other day that a mutual friend sold his Nissan Z and Ford F150 to buy one car. I asked what he got and my friend asked "what car do you think of when I say midlife crisis?" I nailed it with the Vette. But I guess the same could be said for any sports car. BTW, the guy's 32.

I guy I used to work with saw my Firehawk and said, "I should get a midlife crisis car." I thought, "I'm not having a midlife crisis. I just never grew up."

I think the Vette is a very good car. Especailly when you factor in value. But there are two things that stop me from considering one:

1) Excess power is not important to me. I had an Evo 8 and after a few weeks the joy of full throttle acceleration lost its appeal. The vette is more of the same. I amperfectly satisfied with my 245 bhp Boxster. I much prefer precision handling to all out acceleration. Granted the vette has high cornering limits but not the same kind of placement control as the Boxster.

2) I don't like to be thought of as a Vette kinda guy. Several women I know have the same reaction when they see a guy driving a vette: "Sorry about the small p@n!s"

I'll echo this last post... The last thing I want is more power. I have a 987S, and a friend has the original year 986. His car feels underpowered in certain places, say coming out of a tight turn going up a grade. However, I enjoy driving his car because you can use all the power and wind it out even in street driving.

Im my car I can only get on it for a few seconds before doing excessively over the posted limits (say 30+ over). So, I am constantly having to hold back. I can only imagine how much worse that would be in a Vette or a Viper.

Obviously, I am talking about street driving. If you spend a lot of time on Autocross or Track, you would at least have an outlet for all that power.

I have been in a mid-life crisis for about 35 years. What does that mean? :D

I think what it means is that for most of us, we couldn't afford that type of car until we hit this point in our lives. Heck, I've been going at excessive speeds on bikes for 20 some years, because they're cheap speed. I think refined tastes come later in life.

Yeah, tell me about it. They wanted my car plus 17k for the vette just talking to them over the phone so I didn't bother wasting the gas to go over there. I think they would've offered slightly more if they saw and checked my car in person. I'm willing to deal some, but that was a rediculous low ball offer. Anyway, I said Uhhh no thanks! I've done some shopping around and I might just have to sell the car myself. Car dealers just try to shist you anyway. Here are some pics I took over the weekend. If any of you guys are interested in it let me know. It's for sale.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...chePics004.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...chePics018.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...chePics001.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...chePics012.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...chePics031.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...chePics029.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...chePics011.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...chePics022.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...chePics015.jpg

Your Box is beautiful. I wouldnt never change that car for a Vette. See it is perfectly understood that you want more power and it looks like a Vette Z06 can offer plenty of it - never been in one but I can imagine.

But the beauty of the Box besides the respectable acceleration and tremendous handling is owning one. I always thought European cars have much more style than US cars. Not only for Porsche cars, but for BMW, Audi etc. They feel more exclusive in the US.

To each of his own I guess, so good luck whatever you do!

Beautiful car, great condition and a great color.

Should sell quite rapidly.

Good luck with the Z06 and please keep visting us. Boxster ownership is not required.

:cheers:

I have both a c5Z and a 986 box. I wouldn't trade one for the other. Granted I do drive the Z as a daily driver. Performance is off the charts in all categories and comfort level is high considering such a performance beast...we're not talking Lexus floaty but civilized when you want it to be. Also, I currently get 25-26 mpg with a mix a city and hwy driving. Power is only as deep as your pockets....right out of the box the z's dyno ~350whp with an occasional factory freak. Adding power is of no issue. With long tube headers, mild cam, intake, and a tune you can expect to put down 425whp/410tq. With drags this translates into a 10 sec. car. It's been documented. All this can be had for $3k. With those #'s we're talking C6Z06 territory!! Anyhow, good luck with your purchase. You won't regret it! If you want to verify any information you can check out www.corvetteforum.com