ZR-1 Net Registry Forums - Hittin the back roads.......

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vette Guy (Post 329960)

So give us a comparison! How does this compare to your old beast? Both fast, but very different. Do you miss the '94? Big different in how the power comes in? Different driving experience? Inquiring minds want to know! ;-)

Regards,
Mark

I can't speak for WydGlydJim, but I'll give you my impressions. The C6 ZR1 is the perfect blend of modern enough to be used as a daily driver (not that I do), while still having a raw, analog feel. Honestly, to me, the C6 ZR1 is the last great driver's Corvette. It's that perfect blend of being comfortable/refined enough to drive across the country, but will still make you pucker when you put your foot down, and really makes you feel alive and like you are driving the car. The C7s (and I'm guessing the C8, but I haven't driven one) are a little too refined and lose some of that. They are great cars, but have lost some of that "raw" feel. The C7 is probably better if you really do want a daily driver (because the assists are so good), but when I was debating between C7 Z06 & C6 ZR1, the ZR1 definitely won out (and that's after driving a C7 Z51 for 2 years daily).

The C4 ZR-1 of course, is also very raw, but surprisingly refined as well. And one in good repair can easily be driven across the country in relative comfort. The big difference is that the C6 ZR1 is just so much more in all the performance areas. Even a stock C6 ZR1 would be a noticeable jump in power over the 391 that I had Pete build, mainly due to how the power (especially the low end torque) hits. With the LT5, you have to wind it out to really enjoy it, the LS9 the power is always right there and it pulls incredibly hard (especially my 2012 that's mildly modded). Beyond the power, everything else is significantly better, the mag ride suspension is light years ahead of the FX3, and the brakes have to be experienced to be believed. Of course the interior is significantly better as well, but again the 91 wasn't bad, it's just specific to it's time (I will say the C4 sport seats are much better than the C6, I ended up replacing the C6 seats with Caravaggios).

I guess what's really telling is that as much as I loved the 91 w/the 391, I always grabbed the keys to the 2012 when I was going for a drive. I had to force myself to drive the 91, and realized I just wasn't using it enough, so sold it on to Chris. Maybe if I didn't have a deposit down on a C8 Z06 I would have kept the 91, but there was absolutely zero debate for me between the 2012 & the 91.