Ispeed

Last saturday I had the privilege of taking my friend's black/black 2007 Z06 out alone, and I was eager to see how it felt. I know the car is fast as $hit, and the seats are crappy, every magazine will tell you that. Granted, my S4 is pretty tight and in good shape, so I am comparing a slightly modified S4 with a stock Z06. I broke mine out the next day for a drive, the first of the year.

Steering: S4 wins, better feel and communication to the front wheels. Z06 feels somewhat numb.
Brakes: feel goes to the S4, but power has to be in the favor of the Z06. Those rotors are massive. I have GTS brakes, ss lines and 33 bar valve.
Shifting: the S4 wins here, but I have the short shifter and new linkage parts. Better feel and precision.
Seats: S4 a huge win here, the Z06 has the worst mushy seats worse than an econoline van. I have sport seats anyway.
Suspension: All I could tell from my ride was that my stuff is stiffer, but I wasn't able to discover the infamous floaty feel of the corvette's transverse leaf springs that you notice at speed. The S4 should score a real win here with it's coilovers and feel.
Exhaust note: Z06 a big disappointment here, sounds like an american truck. It sounds better at WOT, but you can't spend much time there in that car unless at the track.
Power: no surprise, the Z06 is faster than $hit and has a huge mid range and top end. The S4 is fast, but is no match for a wide open Z06...
However, the engine sounds and feels like a truck, and feels weird between the gas pedal and what actually happens at the motor. Electronic throttle/drive by wire has a strange feel to it. I do love the S4 engine and how it drives and sounds.

Anyway, glad I drove that thing. I have NO envy of one of these.
I am not trying to 'vette bash, but I will call 'em as I see 'em.

123quattro

I drove a C6 Z06 last year. The funny thing about those cars is they don't really feel fast until 3rd gear. 80-120 mph goes by in a hurry. Bang for the buck, it's really hard to beat the Z51 Vette. It might not be the most precise handling car out there, but for cheapest way to set a low track lap time they can't be beat.

Rick Carter

I'm surprised the S4 shifting was better. The only late model Corvette I've driven had an AT.

aggravation

I used to think I wanted one but lately realized my 928 with the supercharger is already way too fast and as you found out feels better than the 'vette so now I'm thinking keep the 928 as my highway rocket and add a second car something like a stripped down and modified 911 to get more of that dangerous go cart feel but well below go-straight-to-jail speeds.... fighting to keep that tail end from swinging around to bite me at 60 mph might fill the void nicely and stop me from pushing the upper limits in the 928. And both cars together will cost less to own and insure than the 'vette!

I'd sure like to have an all new leather everything interior and that heads up display for the 928 though. I figure the 928 deserves it.

hacker-pschorr

If you are looking for a 2nd "go cart" to play with, keep an eye on Lotus Elise prices.

RKD in OKC

Ha ha ha, when a friend learned I got a 928 he commented that I had gotten that Porsche that goes fast, but doesn't feel like it.

blown 87

Your friend has a way with words.

RyanPerrella

Try a ZR1

HOLY CRAP THEY ARE AWESOME!

Jon B.

Porsche tax is much worse than the 'Vette tax.

When I was in the market for my current car ('99 FRC), I was also looking at another 928. Maintenance costs AND insurance were cheaper on the Corvette. Hell, it was even cheaper than my '00 Trans Am. Admittedly, i'm a safe driver and married. But I was surprised that a C5 Corvette would be cheaper than a 928 as far as insurance, even for a guy in his early 20's.

pcar928fan

^^^^^
I KNEW this thread would get Jon out of the closet! LOL! Love you son!

Hacker, I was going to say the exact same thing to Craig! I bet you can get a nice used Elise now in the low $20k range (maybe into the teen's now???) and you can't get any more go-kart than that track weapon! IF you can fit in it that is! Anyone much larger and an F1 driver (and if you have seen those guys, you know they make riding jockey's look BIG) you might have a hard time of that, but one you lube yourself up and get seated...DAMN what a ride!!!

nhporsche87

Since this thread has already been hijacked....

Hacker, don't you have a cobra replica? How are those things to drive, heard they are wicked fast and handle like go carts. I'm really looking into a FF kit for the 2nd car in the stable.

IcemanG17

LS7 Z06's are a wicked wicked ride......the 2007 has the "improved" shock valving that tames a bit of the "loose" feel the 2006's have...& I can speak 1st hand as a passenger that the 06's DO get loose!!! Luckily Paul is a good driver and caught it!!!

From what all the car mags say.....the ZR1 is better in just about every way....more performance + more comfort too....that is a tricky balancing act for engineers.....the 928 is quite good at it....and can easily be tipped to the performance side with a few mods and less weight....

Heres a video of the widows 1st track day following a 2006 Z06..... (yes this is AFTER I spun)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEisdE0Hk_Q

Jon B.

I was in the closet?

hacker-pschorr

2,200 - 2,300lbs
Wheelbase is 12" shorter than the 928 - probably just as wide.

A well built FFR is a go-cart on steroids. What blows me away is how many builders go for a big block. With today's technology, 500hp is possible with a Ford small block without the weight.
315's in the rear with 275's up front is a common tire combo.

Tom. M

Where are you finding these?...I've been looking but still see them for around $25K.... if they drop below $20..I'm gonna have to add one to my stable