I drove a C6 Z06

[Perfectlap]

That's a no brainer, the Ford GT. Sir Jackie Stewart had a hand in developing that car and it was 're-designed" by the up and coming Cam Pardo.
Form follows function but looks count for something and the z06 parked next to a Ferrari or Ford GT or a Lambo etc. simply looks out of place. Very unispiring, cheap looking wheels and the z06 doesn't look any different than the lesser Corvettes. An exotic performer with dated early 90's looks and the rattles of poor assembly line practice.


that comment about the warranty is spot on. I was at the NY auto show when the Ford GT was first making its rounds and someone from the crowd asked the talking manequin how much a warranty one got for six figures worth of car and she said smugly "same as all the other Fords".

p.s.
is there such a thing as a Japanese exotic? The USA may only two or three but you'd be hard pressed to get most people to spend near-six figures on a Honda or Toyota.

[denverpete]

I guess I'd have to go with the Vette. The GT is sure to be a classic but I just can't see it as a daily driver. Maybe that's true for the Z06 as well - but it seems more likely...

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

p.s.
is there such a thing as a Japanese exotic? The USA may only two or three but you'd be hard pressed to get most people to spend near-six figures on a Honda or Toyota.

True. But you've got the new Nissan GTR coming out which should be quite the rocket. I also thought they were redesigning the Acura NSX.

What I'm interested in is the possible redesign of the Esprit and the introduction of the Audi R8....

[Brucelee]

Its notable that the GR 40 is being sunsetted and the Z06 is tough to find at a good price.

The market speaks volumes.

[JackG]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

Its notable that the GR 40 is being sunsetted and the Z06 is tough to find at a good price.

The market speaks volumes.

I'm assuming you mean the Ford GT not "GR 40", so...

Not really. When the GT was introduced the plan was in place to only run it for a short time. It was never to be a long term production run.

Meanwhile, although the Z06 is a very capable car, the GM loyalist are even worse than the Porsche loyals... they'll buy anything the general produces with the Corvette name on it. Most buy it because it's the "top of the line" Corvette, and they bleed Corvette. "Gimme the best one you got... it'll be impressive in the parking lot at the next NASCAR race."

Having said that, my choice would be the GT, hands down. It's the most "real" sports car, and I simply won't pay that much for a chebbie anything.

[super66]

I've grown up on vettes and loved them until recently, having the money, I say the no brainer is the GT, come on, I have never seen one on the road period....vettes are dime a dozen and consdernig the market for cars right now, they are pretty over priced IMHO......

I know blah blah finest this bang for the buck....I look at expectation and what I percieve as value, and I don't associate vette with 60 to 70K......sorry....I think the verts even base at around 56-57.....no way....sorry....come back to earth, its a chevy

[Sammy]

Originally Posted by super66

I've grown up on vettes and loved them until recently, having the money, I say the no brainer is the GT, come on, I have never seen one on the road period....vettes are dime a dozen and consdernig the market for cars right now, they are pretty over priced IMHO......

I know blah blah finest this bang for the buck....I look at expectation and what I percieve as value, and I don't associate vette with 60 to 70K......sorry....I think the verts even base at around 56-57.....no way....sorry....come back to earth, its a chevy

I think I'm taking the bait on this one...

What expectations/perceptions do you associate with $60k-$70k? For that amount of money I expect power, handling, looks, etc and I see the Vette as fulfilling this. On top of this it has a long history with a good reputation and has been a top competitor in a lot of different auto sports.

I don't think the Dodge Viper is a bad alternative either. It's gone through its growing pains since its intro in the early 90's but since it has been refined and upgraded into another serious American contender.

Just to clarify, I prefer my Boxster over the Vette without question. There are other cars out there for the same amount of money worth considering, but I think discounting the Vette is a matter of taste and not a function of its performance.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Sammy

I think I'm taking the bait on this one...

What expectations/perceptions do you associate with $60k-$70k? For that amount of money I expect power, handling, looks, etc and I see the Vette as fulfilling this. On top of this it has a long history with a good reputation and has been a top competitor in a lot of different auto sports.

I don't think the Dodge Viper is a bad alternative either. It's gone through its growing pains since its intro in the early 90's but since it has been refined and upgraded into another serious American contender.

Just to clarify, I prefer my Boxster over the Vette without question. There are other cars out there for the same amount of money worth considering, but I think discounting the Vette is a matter of taste and not a function of its performance.

Hi,

I agree with you on the Vette and the Viper, except to say that I don't find the Viper particularly refined. That's one of the things I actually like about it, it's the Biggest Punch-in-the-Nose Chrysler could come up with. In fact, it's on my Short List of replacements once I sell my Boxster, though I can only see myself hanging onto it a couple of seasons or so if it's the one I go with...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Sammy]

My vote is for the GT 40 simply because the design appeals to me more than the Corvette; however, the Vette is a serious contender against "exotics" regardless of its roots or perceived buyer profile. It has power, looks (not my favorite, but a mean looking stance), handling, etc, all for a much lower price than the "exotics" it is being compared to. If I ever decided to give up my Boxster I will seriously look at a Vette as a replacement. You can find dealers, repair shops, ethusiasts, performance modifications, clubs, racers, etc, around every corner.

Of course, if I could get past the Lotus "expensive china doll" perception I would buy an Espirit in a heartbeat...

BTW - I enjoy all types of racing... including NASCAR!!! In my opinion, every type of racing has a certain level of strategy, skill, and luck which is what attracts my attention. Watching cars race to see who has the fastest car is not enough for me. It's about planning for the entire race and making changes in midstream. It's about a skillful driver that communicates back to his team what is happening. It's about close finishes!

[Brucelee]

The GT40 is a curiousity that most folks will never be able to afford.

The Z06 is actually a car many folks can aspire to and own some day.

Moreover, unlike some engines we know, the chevy v8 isn't grenading every other day.

well i didnt get to drive a zo6, but i sure as hell remember driving behind one. sweet looking car.

[JackG]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

The GT40 is a curiousity that most folks will never be able to afford.

The Z06 is actually a car many folks can aspire to and own some day.

Moreover, unlike some engines we know, the chevy v8 isn't grenading every other day.

A couple of corrections...

The old car was a GT 40, the new car is a GT (no 40). It's no curiosity, it's the real deal.

The Z06, at 70K, isn't *that* much more affordable than a GT for *most* people. Unlike the GT, it will depreciate, which will, over time, allow Joe Average to own one. It also, like the GT, isn't a car that many will enjoy driving on a daily basis, unless your trip to work is your own, private 10 mile long road course.

Besides, this thread wasn't about value, or purchase price. It was a question posed about which car would you rather have (not purchase), without regard to price.

The Ford GT wins that hands down.