Now that the Z06 reviews are out can we more fully appreciate the Gen V?

[Stealth]

I'd never take a step back from a Viper to a Vette at this point.

+1 unless one rises significantly and the other falls significantly. Had 3 Vettes (2 Z06s) and 2 Vipers.

I appreciate and respect the Vettes, but for me (and only me) the Viper is on a different level in terms of looks, materials, quality and in some cases performance. The Vette does offer some excellent tech and utilities, as well as great performance.

[Zybane]

Lawdog always seemed to like the Z06 better even after he grenade the motor just after taking delivery. Not sure why but hey I guess you like what you like. I'd never take a step back from a Viper to a Vette at this point.

That's the same guy who said the Z06 has better quality and fit/finish than the Viper. Even after a blown engine in the Z06, LOL. Everyone knows the quality and fit/finish on the Viper is way better than the corvette. I sat in a C7 not long ago and was not impressed. From his comments on the CF sounds like he likes the Vette as it's more comfortable and easy to drive.

[Mamba52]

My C7 supercharged Vette hit 155 MPH in the half mile Ocala FL before it's dimise. I will be trading my Z51 in for a Z06 but could not pass up on a 15 Y Orange Viper. So long Mamba and hello Viper / Vette. 645 HP 650 HP. long live American Muscle.

[Nine Ball]

Lawdog always seemed to like the Z06 better even after he grenade the motor just after taking delivery. Not sure why but hey I guess you like what you like. I'd never take a step back from a Viper to a Vette at this point.

Agreed. Seems like he is like a few of our Houston friends, they buy/sell cars often and only love them during the honeymoon phase. I used to do that, but then I finally started buying some better cars. I found it funny that Tomball Dodge had 3 used C7 Z06's in inventory, all three cars that lost to Vipers on the street and track

[05Commemorative]

That is funny and spot on. When I read all of Lawdog comments, I keep seeing "easier to drive" as the overriding comment. That matches completely with your comments below and remember he loved his GTR before that. Nothing wrong with that, but just a very different value system.

Agreed. Seems like he is like a few of our Houston friends, they buy/sell cars often and only love them during the honeymoon phase. I used to do that, but then I finally started buying some better cars. I found it funny that Tomball Dodge had 3 used C7 Z06's in inventory, all three cars that lost to Vipers on the street and track

[Nine Ball]

Back when I had my '09 Z06 and my '06 Viper at Texas World Speedway on the same weekend, I was faster in the Z06. It was easier to drive, but also not as fun to drive as the Viper. The Viper humbled me, the Corvette made me look like a better driver than I was. I had an instructor riding with me in the Viper for the first two sessions (Porsche guy) and I asked him if I could move up to the solo group. He said I wasn't ready, due to car control. I took him out in the Z06 on my third session, and he said I was a much better driver than he thought. LOL! I got moved up. Some guys like it easy, some guys prefer the challenge of making themselves a better driver.

[ViperJon]

He already had his conclusion before he was going to take both cars out head to head, that is obvious from his posts.

[Bruce H.]

I think there are many significant differences between the two cars that would definitely appeal to different buyer goals...and that's a good thing. The GT-R is well-known to have extremely high limits on the track, and owners who track them appreciate how the car's nannies help them slash seconds off their lap times. The C7 has a very full compliment of nannies as well. Where the Viper driver has to feather the throttle through corners, the C7 can have the throttle stabbed at the apex and simply steered as the nannies will prevent any loss of grip or control. That's a big advantage for any level of driver. The PTM system simply applies the rear brakes to prevent the rear from stepping out, and while an advanced and aggressive driver can wear out the rear pads in one track day, the car does go like a bat out of hell. It isn't a stretch that most buyers of performance cars would want the latest technology and those more easily accessible results. And most buyers likely won't push either car hard enough to run into wear and overheating issues.

I'm definitely old school about performance cars and tracking, and was drawn to Team Viper because they shared those same values, and not just because they built a very fast car. The track challenge for me is all about improving my driving skills, and measuring those gains with lap times and against other well-driven cars. I like that I get everything I need in a pretty exotic package, and hope Corvette buyers get what they need in the C7...and it looks like lawdogg149 has as well!

[FLATOUT]

That's exactly why I have enjoyed the Viper driving experience more than just about any other car I have owned prior. I get bored and buy and sell cars pretty quick. Viper takes practice, and I love to practice, and work, and practice some more. In today's instant gratification culture the Viper doesn't hit the "Easy" button for you. I'm ok with, and like that.

Andy

Back when I had my '09 Z06 and my '06 Viper at Texas World Speedway on the same weekend, I was faster in the Z06. It was easier to drive, but also not as fun to drive as the Viper. The Viper humbled me, the Corvette made me look like a better driver than I was. I had an instructor riding with me in the Viper for the first two sessions (Porsche guy) and I asked him if I could move up to the solo group. He said I wasn't ready, due to car control. I took him out in the Z06 on my third session, and he said I was a much better driver than he thought. LOL! I got moved up. Some guys like it easy, some guys prefer the challenge of making themselves a better driver.

[FLATOUT]

He already had his conclusion before he was going to take both cars out head to head, that is obvious from his posts.

He blew up his Z06 just prior to his own Z06 vs Viper test. I think he was out that weekend practicing in the Vette when it let go.

[Nine Ball]

He blew up his Z06 just prior to his own Z06 vs Viper test. I think he was out that weekend practicing in the Vette when it let go.

He eventually ran both cars at Road Atlanta. Used the PDR to time his Z06 lap times, did pretty well in the car. He didn't have a lap timer in the Viper, but says videos showed him slower in the car. Now he is offering his Viper for sale, because he is downgrading to a Hellcat. Like I said, just a guy that flips cars often.

[ViperSmith]

I personally just can't get over the cheap black plastic in the C7

[Eachey51]

What ruins the zo6 the most for me is the dump truck fender flares.

[2doorrocket]

What ruins the zo6 the most for me is the dump truck fender flares.

Bro those are shovels for digging its own grave, if you're referring to the Z07 package. lol

[ViperDC]

Agreed. Seems like he is like a few of our Houston friends, they buy/sell cars often and only love them during the honeymoon phase. I used to do that, but then I finally started buying some better cars. I found it funny that Tomball Dodge had 3 used C7 Z06's in inventory, all three cars that lost to Vipers on the street and track

The guy "nspec" was going on and on about how much he loved his C7Z and how it was better than the Viper yet it's currently up for sale at BJ motors...hmm...

[Bruce H.]

I just watched lawdogg's Z06 in-car track video from Road Atlanta in cool temps last weekend. He looked good, as did a 911 GT3 that looked at times like he was playing cat and mouse with the Z06. Both cars looked to be well driven, with each maybe showing an advantage on different parts of the track. The GT3 is a good reference for me as I've run the TA with so many of them on different tracks and both can run hard all day in very hot weather. I had to bail on a last session one humid day last year after hours of 100 degree temps but the car was well within normal temps, as was a friend I was with in his very fast modded GT-R. It'll definitely be interesting to see how the Z06 holds up in typical hot temps in the hands of advanced level track rats ...as opposed to Randy Pobst. I hope it can as it would be fun to run with them also.

Now that I've seen video of the track-focused C7 with the track-focused 911 I'm going to have to predict that their owners will have their hands full with the track-focused Vipers, along with GTR's and some other track weapons...and that's just awesome for track rats that really like to challenge their driving ability. That's where the reward is for me, and it's nice to know that the Viper has so much more in it if you're willing to do the work and earn it. Can't wait for the season to open up here!