2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 / Z06 / ZR1 - CAR and DRIVER

[@genericdenizen1]

Z06 is great. For me, I Bought a new 2019 Corvette Grand Sport, with a MANUAL TRANSMISSION, and it’s a great car! Huge power, fantastic handling, and with the magnetic ride control, the car goes from track stiff to cruising smooth in an instant. My wife even asks when we can go for drives in the Grand Sport, and that rarely happens with my NSX. Buy one, if at all possible, life is short.

[@sidewinder5111970]

I have a black Z51 convt 2009. The fun comes when the passenger tries to find something to hold onto when you take off through the gears and you see their fear as they look for something to hold onto. The look in your passenger's face is worth everything. At an est. 4.5s 0-60 for the base, I would love to take a ZR1 out 3.5s 0-60. Basically, the vette is a race car made street legal & Chevy did a nice job of making it comfortable especially with 3lt opt. This puts the fun back in driving!

[@HaTubeTi]

Z06 is the best

[@montyshelby]

Why

[@1AAuto]

Love the Z06 Corvettes.

[@tblack21]

The biggest problem with the Z06 is that it is plagued with bad tires out of the box. With some pilot sports on it I bet it would get a little closer to those ZR1 track times.

[@Wildcatbball18]

Saw one of those ZR1s and a Z51 package Vette at a local car cruise yesterday evening....babies are fucking GORGEOUS and have lovely exhaust notes!!

[@hassantalib3426]

C6Z06 IS THE BEST OF THEM ALL....

[@Kboyrob2415]

I am a owner of a 2008 base corvette. And I'll tell you I am loving every single moment of it! I passed an Audi r8 4.2 and a 2005 Lamborghini I am now standing at 5-0

[@catman1304]

Well done Sir. Your my hero… I want to get one myself. I can’t wait. Should I look for anything in particular when I go to purchase?

[@gamerscubeixxi2152]

@@catman1304try to get some sort of performance pack, I just bought a manual z-51 with 913 original miles and 1 owner all its life. Also to save money consider atleast a detailers lift where you can do some of your own work. Try to stay away from the 2005, go with 2008 on up . The ls2 was a good motor but they did get issues with the crankshafts. Definitely familiarize yourself with all the models, what you want the car for , your budget. How much commitment you have to the car if you have to drop 5000.00 into it to preserve it. The Z51 manual was the perfect car for me. I’m not racing it, I’m not gonna modify it, beyond a cell phone holder an aux cable to play audio and some fluid exchanges. If you buy a Zo6 I was told try to keep them as stock as possible to prevent issues. Largely because these cars are puzzle pieces and if you put the won’t one in you can run the motor lean and burn a hole I. The piston. That being said the c6 is an amazing value and performance bargain. If you’re going to modify the heck out of it, I’d say a manual base with maybe 20k miles and perfect service history. The z06 of unmodified is very reliable I favor the ls3 and apparently Chevrolet said that is one of the best motors they have ever made. I prefer NA motors and to enjoy the car unmodified because 436hp stock is not a small amount on the roads and you can easily make people look stupid and still take it on back roads and scenic routes. Definitely goto corvette shows because you’ll get a feel for which generation you prefer and which trims are your preference. I hope this helps and also once you buy one , you can’t stop 😂. I’ll try to stop at two 😂.

[@Norcal-k1f]

ZO6 All Day 🚗💨

[@josiahthibodeaux]

I’ll second that.

[@aryaahmadi4029]

My GOD, That Noise is intoxicating!

[@forzamax05x80]

+Arya Ahmadi a wevou

[@PJRock75]

I love my '08 Z51...can't wait for the snow to melt and get it back on the road!!

[@tayman1975]

Well never thought id sell my c6 ls2 and i did and for $3500 more i had enough to buy this 2006 z06 with 28000kms on it. I am super gratefull. I thought this dream would never happen but it did. I love my corvette. God bless chevy for the corvette.

[@JGisme430]

Personal opinion the Z06 is what I want. A car that is a challenge. The process of learning how it works on different tracks, how to improve your lap time. In the end when you put up a damn good lap time you feel like a real driver because of all the obstacles you over came. Once you get familiar with the Z06 505 HP take it to LMR and have it put up to 700HP built tuned and dynoed for 13,000$ as soon as my gf get her new car for her and the baby I'll be getting a nice 2010-2011 z06 for 50-55K here in Canada.

[@adamrs4721]

So, you have the Z06 yet for 50 grand? Been 3 years since this comment...

[@chrisrobs]

u ever tried driving in the snow? Ive heard that Corvettes are surprisingly usable in the snow. Not saying there great or anything, but they can actually get by in a snow storm

[@terminez]

weel in terms of horse power which one is the one that got the most powerfull engine?

[@russiasvodka1969]

My grandpa owns a shit ton of Corvettes from all decades. He also made a street legal version of a Corvette racer from the 80's, and I bet he is very grateful.

[@nicholasxuu]

somehow the problem is that: since it has no reason to exist. It is now selling at a extremely low price at some dealers that the price tag can almost reach a Z51. At this point, which one would you like to have?

[@rmm2424]

The removable roof on the Z51 rattles and creaks. I have had two of them.

[@will21myers]

@focusizhere it makes 505hp, but its harder to mod. If it was so easy to mod, they would have just supercharged it to make the zr1. The z06 has such high compression rates that any extra aspiration would make it very unreliable without some major engine internal work. With the money you put into it, you might as well buy a zr1, and it would be much more reliable as well. Hope that cleared up some confusion.

[@tayman1975]

Im just happy to own a c6 corvette. Most people will never even own a corvette in there lifetime. I am gratefull.

[@PHGWickedQuick]

Z51 owner here...and love it...ZR1 is always going to be the king...even more now days with the 2019 ZR1...ZO6 is a total weapon, but gtta be mindful of the valve train.....many failures if valve dropping...I know first hand of a 2010 C6z junking a motor at 27,000 mile due to this...not a beat on csr either....come on Chevrolet....recall these and make them right....2006 thru 2013 same valve failure.....milage not a factor either.

[@kingakong123]

I am planning to buy my son a car for his 16th birthday. From anyones experience does the Z51 drive well and what are some of the positives and negatives?

[@10spokess]

@frambesbuckeye it definately doesnt have a leafspring suspension

[@will21myers]

@ER00s Chevrolet does not offer the z51 package anymore, but instead offer the grand sport edition. Personally I would take the grand sport due to having z06 looks and has the option of a targa top and is easier to live with daily. The z06 can be used daily, but is less enjoyable. and on the streets when your not racing, 436hp is plenty =) hope I helped!

[@10spokess]

@frambesbuckeye where on earth did you come up with this show me the link that proves this fact

[@MeepPowAwesome]

I love zo6's. Best cars I've ridden in. I really do wanna check out a zr1 though

[@mikecostello8769]

I’ll be happy with a Z 51

[@SClassFinalFlash]

I have 300c srt8 highly modified with twin turboz(786 hp) and I have kicked the shit out of most supercars on the road, yesterday I raced a Zr1, I barely beat it, it gave me a run for my money. To gm u have built one hell of a car, u have my respect

[@10spokess]

@frambesbuckeye i found it on the internet i appologize it does have leafspring Ive just never seen it since its not a traditional leafspring

[@MrAtoZ-un3fk]

Do you have any other Vettes? I have a C6, convertible.

[@gedaman]

man! I love the sound of tha ZR1 engine revving up. incredible!

[@TheHm3]

@SClassFinalFlash hell yea but 1 problem the zr1 dont handle like it supose to they made the grand sport handle better than the zr1 if u think about it

[@nitrorcfreak100]

wich one is the best to buy zo6 zr1 or z51

[@StormAutoAdventures]

@thevettedude66 I totally agree with you! Just for the 7.0L 427ci...technically 428ci -engine alone, I disagree with C&D. Every other feature is a bonus in my eyes. All three are amazing machines though :)

[@zubEjankins]

seriously or sarcastically? just rode in a 2006 Corvette yesterday, comfortable as hell, LOVED it, AND hit 105mph in it in nothing flat. base LS2 '06. Corvettes are king, thats all i can say...

[@Andrewcorliss]

@jgsmitty14 people say its better for racing because the zr1 doesnt have good enough suspension to support 638hp...

[@Christoo92]

check out the Nurburgring lap times. The Viper ACR is faster than the Enzo, Zonda F Clubsport, Carrera GT, Maserati MC12.... the list goes on. The ZR1 is much easier to live with than the Viper ACR. It's great on the track, but it's ALSO good on the road.

[@WhatUSeekisSeekingYou]

the ZR1 with some good downforce, like the viper ACR, would no doubt lap faster than the ACR around the nurburgring. what a car this ZR1. and good review. I've test drove the Z51 and the Z06. After watching this video and the addition of the ZR1, I would have to agree with the conclusion of this review. Although, the road presence of the Z06 is so much better than a C6 Z51

[@R3TrackStar]

iv owned mt c6 for 2 1/2 years now an i actually love the seats i was kinda skeptical after hearing so many people complain about these seats but in for long trips an street driving they are the bomb .com

[@Stu282]

I've driven a Z06 around Oulton Park and I wouldn't say it's scary, but definitely very involving. It's very harsh on the road though but a lot of our roads are rubbish anyway.

[@Marc99GT]

This is a point I try and make often when guys with turbocharged 4 cylinders pushing 20+ psi on race gas. You can make alot of power with pump gas and cubes. The Z06 has already made 1,100 rwhp on 93 octane and run 8s. The video of the 8s is here. LS3s can easily make 600+ rwhp on 93 octane all day. There are a few of those videos on here as well.

[@sagarasouske]

a budget car guy who wants something fast and light and sacrifices comfort drives a Toyota MR2 with a built K20 swap but a man with a passion for speed and a white collar job buys a Corvette. My point, don't look down on a reasonably priced piece of performance art. For it is a legend in it's own.

[@Marc99GT]

Wow, it has been a while since I have used C-16. I agree. I am much more impressed by a fast pump gas car because you can drive it everyday and anywhere. Damn. 10 gallons of C-16 is about what you would pay for 52 gallons of 93 Octane depending on where you are. This is why I want an LS3. They can make enough power on 93 octane to run low 10s/high 9s trapping in the mid/high 130s. That is faster than anyone outside of professional drag racing will ever go.

[@frankpaws]

That is because the Viper used 80 wear tires. They are basically racing tires and wouldn't last but 3 months on the streets. The Zr1 used stock tire sold with the car at 220 wear. But the same kind of tires on the ZR1 and the ZR1 would beat the Viper by 5 seconds.

[@JOHNNYGIX]

'But the same kind of tires on the ZR1 and the ZR1 would beat the Viper by 5 seconds' I agree, but not by 5sec. Also the Viper has adjustable valving to stiffen the suspension which is a must for the track. The Vette doesn't. These are both amazing cars for the money. I'll wait a few years for the hype to settle and get a used ZR-1 and turn the wick up. I love blowers!!

[@pontiacGXPfan]

This was one of my favorite issues of C/D.

[@StormAutoAdventures]

That's amazing that the new base C6 Z51 can do 0-100 mph in 9.0 seconds, the 2002 C5 Z06 did 0-100 in 9.5 seconds. The C6 Z51 ran 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, ran the 1/4 Mile in 12.4 seconds @ 117 mph *In this magazine. All three are amazing machines. In Road & Track, the new ZR1 did 0-60 in 3.3 seconds, ran the 1/4 Mile in 11.2 @ 130.5 mph!! & has a full warrantee! The C6 Z06's best magazine numbers...Not this mag, was 0-60 in 3.7, 1/4 Mile in 11.7 @ 125 mph.

[@Lifesgoodhere]

The sound of the ZR1 reminds me of the sound of the 1965 Lola T70 MKII. I have a friend who races this car, and it sounds SWEET, like the ZR1.

[@eruzaS]

The ZR1 is such an awesome sounding car! This is a great review as well.

[@IdFightMyDad]

There's more to the ZR1 than just the engine. Its suspension is wildly different than the Z06's and that's what makes it easier to drive. The consensus of all magazine reviews have been that the ZR1 is more docile than the Z06.

[@frankpaws]

"carbon-fiber dual-port fenders, exposed carbon-fiber roof panel, rockers and front splitter, as well as a unique rear spoiler. Also exclusive to the ZR1 is a raised, carbon-fiber hood with a polycarbonate window" So other than the door panels and trunk, it is all CF. That is basically a CF car.

[@samholcombe3129]

They reported the opposite of any other comparison I’ve seen, most love them all but z06 is most drivers favorite with zr1 very close

[@jimmyingram9683]

TRUE....very true every other review I've ever heard or seen favors the Z06

[@jtorch1116]

I have a c6 base model and I don't know why everyone complains about the interior... I think its comfortable. Also if you put enough money into a z06, it would beat a zr1, Hell if I supercharged my base I could beat a zr1 on a drag (if i had good tires)

[@frambesbuckeye]

Feel free to elaborate.

[@AirsoftDreviews]

Guys my dad has a 2010 zr1 3zr package and it's in black with around 4,500 miles on it since we bought it on the showroom I thought that would be important but this car is amazing and everyone says well if u put a supercharger or twinturbo in it that it will wipe a zr1 out but you going to put about the same money into it then you mineswell buy a zr1 because at the end of the day Everyone wants a stock supercharged car because they know it will be reliable and stay in warranty. Not a Suped up z

[@tommytwotone81]

the cylinder walls on an ls7 are to thin for a supercharger if they survive the boost you wont be able to keep it cool and it will blow up anyway or blow head gaskets

[@GrandTourer164]

You just brought down a guy who gave props to a ZR1 even though he beat it with a highly modified car. How the hell do you have thumbs?

[@jimmydean5182]

Z06 shouldn't exist? Y'all are crazy

[@thugnut94]

im not sure that the new srt8 is even capable of 170mph, with the governor set on those cars I'm sure it's more like 140-150mph but that's just what i've read

[@Wildcatbball18]

I wonder why the hell the ZO6 is harder to drive then the ZR1...sure Zr1 has magnetic suspension/MagneRide with it's effective Traverse Leaf Spring suspension system, more grippy Michelins, and bigger carbon ceramic brakes... but still.. 640hp is a lot more then 505hp on the same chassis with similar weight levels though...

[@Gilbertmk2]

ever seen a lincoln or cadillac?

[@thebossisheretostay]

i love the zo6 but the sound from the zr1, sounds more like a ford gt than a vette, amazing, all 3 cars seem pretty evenly distibuted between times on the track which is good.

[@rangerRZR1]

so whatis it that you drive? im willing to bet that its not gonna bet my zr1. not unless it has more than 800 rwhp. beefed up the rods, stronger supercharger pully and some longtube headers/tune and it is still cheaper than any car that can beat it. so im just wondering what you think is so much better? a mustang? what a joke. a viper? not a chance.

[@soupahfast]

@frambesbuckeye still you insult and you dont know, hows about this-wiki the mclaren f1 and look at its suspension, it was made to be the ultimate "road car" which means to be driven on the road, it has double wishbone suspension that is designed to shift back when it hits a bump to further minimize the force, the result a more comfortable ride and less grip, and in my last comment i was talking about the zr1 with the track time of 7.26.04

[@bluebearbank247]

I agree with this video. I have a C6 regular Corvette. It doesn't come with Z06 wow factor, but not worth the twice of price tag. If you want more hp to Z51, Edelbrock Supercharger package gives 600hp to L2/L3 engine, which is basically LS9 engine for less than additional $10000 (including installation fee). As for ZR1, definitely hands down, but Z51 vs. Z06, I'd take Z51 and spend extra $20,000-40,000 for customizing regular Vette and maybe buy another motorcycle.

[@SoreHead11]

@rkfromchi And without the carbon body parts, the magnesium engine cradle, dry sump lubrication (vital for serious tracking), the warrantee, or the reliability. Apart from that you can mod it into any of the other TWO (not three) models. But then you'll end up with a car that costs as much as them anyway (if it's a proper job) so why not just buy the others to start with and get those extras and the peace of mind of factory warrantee? I used to love modding cars at these prices why risk it? :)

[@Sahadi420]

What i love is the fact that there are Ferrari's and Lambo's that don't have "comforts" like A/C and radios, and everybody thinks that's cool b/c they are "race cars". but as soon as chevy puts in a "crappy" interior so their car can compete with half million dollar for a fraction of the price everybody gives it shit. I don't get it. If i buy a 400k car it damn well better have a radio I can crank some tunes to.

[@jtm11995]

@thevettedude66 Plus the Z06 is engine is pulled more back of the three for the more balance

[@will21myers]

@MegaMaster456 I never said anything about it being a muscle car or sports car. I talked about compression rates. And a muscle car is defined as a 2+2 mid-sized cars. I'll agree it has muscle car traits, but the corvette is a sports car.

[@sstroh08]

they mean the zo6 is harder to handle then the other 2 the c6 is half the car the z06 is but the zo6 has the c6's suspension so its harder to handle but the zr1 is was about the other 2 power a suspension wise

[@gtperfection1596]

Z06 is a wicked car the ZR1 is more of a collectors car especially when more and more of theses zr1's get goofy senseless modifications.

[@rangerRZR1]

i think the people that complain about them are either jealous, or dont realize that if they put the interrior that everybody supposedly wants, the car wold not be as cheap, and it being cheap and having amaizing performance is what the vette is. and i too think they are extremely comfortable

[@lcarrasco212]

@nitrorcfreak100 id say, if you are not gonna be at the track, get the z06. if you are, then zr1

[@patriotjon8535]

I have a 2008 LS3 436hp Vette. I agree about the seats, But the steering wheel is also pretty cheesy.... I think it came out of a Geo Metro or something. But Lovin it still....!!!

[@rangerRZR1]

no it wont. ive seen it done, and it did give it enough boost to make it faster than a stock zr1

[@NeXMaX]

@will21myers ,FYI,The Corvette Z06 is a muscle car and the Corvette ZR1 is a Sports Car.

[@Bmorr_21]

Actually their both sports cars you damn idiot!!!

[@bud385]

@SClassFinalFlash you barely beat a car with over 100 less HP what's that tell you about the boat you're driving?

[@hoov100]

is that a car payment or mortgage payment? :D

[@mrenglewood_77]

Ha. You can buy a base non-Z51/Grand Sport manual trans Vette and mod it into any of the other three models. This is with the exception of the aluminum frame of course.

[@AboveInShadow]

evere race a cadillac against a F599, SRL?

[@rmm2424]

The difference between the Zr1 and the Zo6 is the magnetic ride control. Put it in the Zo6 they would be almost equal on the road course but not in a straight line you can't make up for 135 more hp. For the money I will stay with my 2008 Zo6!

[@Paradiddler45]

They tell us how much time each car shaves off a lap, but they don't tell us the time it takes to complete a lap...

[@jharrypot2004]

@thevettedude66 I agree. The ZR1 is for people who just want that bit more of performance. But the Z06 is 35k cheaper

[@Christoo92]

Have you seen the inside of an Enzo? How about a 430 Scuderia? The insides are absolutely nothing to laud! When Lamborghini makes a high-end model, such as the LP640, they make sure you have a nice interior. When Lamborghini makes a lightweight version of a previous car, such as the Gallardo Superleggera, they don't sacrifice the interior.

[@JOHNNYGIX]

it's actually more money to produce than standard metal bodywork and take a look at 30+ year old vettes... no rust. Besides, the sheet metal does little in any car to protect the passengers.

[@zr1vetteman09]

@SClassFinalFlash = thank you, i am not a GM rep but i am a loyal GM fan and its good to see a car lover outside of GM that has some respect for it. But in another sense, if it wasnt any good it wouldnt have so many haters ;P BTW, how crazy fun is that SRT to drive, bet nobody knows your driving 700+ hp when they pass by on the free way but then they get blown away. nice sleeper car

[@rangerRZR1]

ehh i wouldnt say that. ive got one, well my dad does, and it handles verry well. he also has a base convertable with the z51 and it was nice, but as soon as he got the zr1 he couldnt leave it stock. but i have driven a z06 andi think it is a great car. verry fast

[@soupahfast]

@frambesbuckeye the porsche gt3 is 112k u.s. and it handles at 1.03g on the skidpad, 0-60 in 4 secs and top speed 194mph weighs 3075lbs while the zr1 is 101k us, handles at 1.02g (thats 1/100th of a g in laymans) 0-60 in 3.3 secs top speed 202mph and weighs 3333lbs, oh yeah the porsche has 435hp vs 638 so thats 203 more horsepower, the zr1 will blow away a gt3 the difference in handling is so minimal, and an intercooler for a supercharger doesnt get that hot, not like a turbo, talk #s not trash

[@frambesbuckeye]

@soupahfast So you are going to fault the F1 for simply having a double wishbone suspension. Please, we all know the McLaren would dust the ZR1 on any track, so don't go there. Regarding Nurburgring times, not every production car has even tried to put up a time there, and if they did they didn't have a factory racing driver attempt it in all cases. In the ACR's case, they did and beat the ZR1 and the ACR is by far the better car of the two.

[@phantom5573]

Very true. I love my Black 09' Z06

[@vettdude2]

man why dose every one call corvette interior cheap. it looks nice instead of cheap

[@JOHNNYGIX]

I do own a Dodge Cummins 3500. But I am not partial to the Viper over the Vette, they both kick HUGE ass especially the 2009's. I love fast cars that make a mockery of overpriced equivalents(exotics). I love bikes mostly, motoX and sportbikes only, all other bikes are lame IMO.

[@orlnz]

If you got about 60-G's go to Car Max and get a Z06 06-07 models for 48-51 grand,take the rest and Modify the Z06 and smoke a ZR1.

[@wellshii]

umm how about half?

[@illmagnified]

its funny how this is one of the only reviews that knocks the Z06- the Z06 is one of the most significant Corvettes to date, it even roasts Ferraris and Lambos for heavens sake...stock!

[@bluebearbank247]

So, you have an SRT8 and raced ZR1 but all of your upload video are Nintendo game? hmm...

[@PetOwner678]

The ZR1 is the only one with a true 6sp , the Z51 and Z06 has a 5+1 (gas saver gear) gearing

[@moiseslopez7898]

Jedi One wonder how the z06 would do without the tall 6th gear

[@Boyracer5500]

In reality the Z06 is the best handling as far as its limits. Those people at Car&Driver are journalists not race car drivers. They don't like the Z06 due to the fact that it is too scary for them to drive and that it is really easy to get sideways. If a professional driver did this comparison the Z06 would have been a few tenths of a second behind.

[@jimmyingram9683]

I can't believe my ears everywhere else and every other review states that the Z06 is faster even than the ZR1 on the track it's also lighter

[@rangerRZR1]

on a budget, deffinatly the z51, verry comfortable, and fast. if your not on a budget or dont care about the cost, than the zr1 is the best out there and still cheaper than the cars that are slower than it