CdomiG

Bentley Continental GT $156,285 5,350 lbs. 551-HP 4.5 (0-60 sec)
Ferrari Enzo $652,830 3,254 lbs. 651-HP 3.4 (0-60 sec)
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG $181,220 4,550 lbs. 604-HP 4.2 (0-60 sec est.)
Porsche Carrera GT $445,400 3,258 lbs. 605-HP 3.6 (0-60 sec)
Lamborghini Murcielago $279,800 3,650 lbs. 571-HP 3.5 (0-60 sec)
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 $75,000 3,150 lbs. 500-HP 3.7 (0-60 sec est.)

mtb968

I came pretty close to buying the "standard" 400hp C6 vette, before buying by C4 two months ago. While the corvette was incredibly fast, and built much better than the junk C5, it was just a different world wrt driving pleasure (and I have C4cab, which is the least fun 996). There really is no comparison between the two. Honestly, a 500hp Z06 would be awesome to own WITH my 996, but in my opinion, Porsche's complete package of speed, feel, quality can't be beat.

Besides, my Italian wife from NJ wouldn't be caught dead in a corvette - she says moving to NC was to get away from that stereo-type.

macfly

And I think the sterotype will be broken with this one.
As a car enthusiast from the UK the Corvette's stigma in the US is something of an oddity to me. In truth since the C4 it has been an incredibly fun car to drive. I used to rent Corvettes constantly when I was hoping back & forth between London & LA from 88-94, and I had some stunning really fast drives in them. I was always told by my American friends that it just isn't a cool car to be seen in, even by friends who totally respect its engineering and driving ability. I never understood the crime against cool that Corvette committed, but whatever it is it seems to be sticking against all logic?
This new Z06 looks like a pretty awesome basis for a really fun and inexpensive track day car, and it isn't any more expensive than a Radical!

CP

My one apprehension with U.S. cars is their long-term reliability. German cars are expensive to maintain, but if taken care of, the mechanical parts are pretty much bullet-proof. My experience/impression of American cars is that regardless of up-keep, they fall apart at 80k miles. That is very aggrevating to me.

Hope the C6, Z06 is built better than that.

CP

mtb968

I agree. The new corvette had it's first recall last month (long before most ordered cars were delivered). I think I read that in 2004, GM recalled more cars than it sold - that's pretty pathetic.

Of course, a better built, higher quality, more reliable 500hp sportscar would probably cost more than $65k - I guess its a trade-off.

Viken

So, whose other cars did GM recall?

mtb968

think other years

Cupcar

jim911-

Not yet but thinking. I have owned it since new.

I have my Cup "seasoned" nicely with a mix of Euro Cup parts and Euro RS parts- all factory stuff including RS bucket seats, a brand new out of the box G50/32 factory 993 Supercup racing 6 speed, etc. At 2650 pounds a nice ride and perfect autocross weapon that's hard to part with.

NO other Porsche has tempted me, save a GT3 since the Cups were sold here.

A Lotus Elise or Z06 beckons as Porsche slides down the slope of exploiting and not maintaining it's own brand image.

MKW

Toyota and Honda have recently recalled nearly 3/4 million cars , but most newpapers bury it as not sexy news. GM recalls same number and it's front page news about US build quality. Happens over and over. Have you all been monitoring BMW 5/6 boards , MBZ E class boards, Audi boards ? Talk about exasperated owners. ( As if 996/997 owners here have love fests with their service departments ) .
My Turbo ( in first year) had engine dropped for oil leaks, nearly caught fire when power steering hose came off ( some here have had burned cars with this problem ) , tranny dropped for known rusted bearing in clutch system, front sway bar bolts finger loose when new , miss at idle brand new ( bent spark plug electrode meaning careless installation) not to even mention stuff that would be newbie complaint stuff on 997 boards but is trivial to me , But... I'm second on dealer list for 997 Turbo .

macfly

Phew, I've been lucky, two Z8's, no VANOS or other horrors, and M3smg with no bearing problems, and my GT3 without a hiccup, 'cept the brakes eating themselves in a few track days.

I have my Cup "seasoned" nicely with a mix of Euro Cup parts and Euro RS parts- all factory stuff including RS bucket seats, a brand new out of the box G50/32 factory 993 Supercup racing 6 speed, etc. At 2650 pounds a nice ride and perfect autocross weapon that's hard to part with
Hey, that sounds a really cool car, can you post us some pictures please.

Phil

do you know how many cars/trucks Porsche sold in 2004?

Cupcar

Sure macfly here are some pictures-
Top picture inside car, note 6 speed shifter, factory Cup steering wheel, factory kill switch to left of dash, ABS kill switch between speedo and clock, RS seats, factory Schroth belt on passenger seat, Simpson on drivers since Scroth outdated for tech inspection.

Middle picture at autocross with stock wing, Fikse wheels. I have a set of Cup race wheels I use on street.

Bottom picture with RS America wing, original factory paint on RSA wing and lid a perfect match. I have original wing in storage.

Yargk

The corvette has its engine in the wrong place.

MKW

Almost forgot - the gas lines disconnected from theTurbo's tank one night just as I got back from a midnight run on a rainy night up in the hills where there is no cell phone coverage.
Handy tip from vast experience :Keep the screw -on tow hook ( and a very small screwdriver to neatly pop the trim piece off the bumper where the hook attaches) in the glove compartment for easy access , esp if the hood latch fails when car needs towing .

gtdrei

Cupcar,
What SCCA class do you autocross in ? ASP ?

Robin