2023 C8 vs 2023 Z06 (The Biggest Issue)

It's almost like the elephant in the room, I'm not looking for something to dislike about the Z06 but I am having a hard time getting past this misstep.

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[COLDM]

Maybe I’m in the minority here but I really think the Z06 fixes a lot of the issues I had with the C8’s aesthetics. The proportions and design overall just seem to flow better.

[andrewr]

The Z06 isn’t meant to be a completely different car, it’s a higher performance trim level of the C8. It’s the same as a R/T Challenger compared to a Hellcat Challenger, not much aesthetically changes but there is a significant increase in performance. The ZR1 has been the highest trim and will likely be the most different in terms of appearance. Also, the bumper is clearly different and three and a half inches is a noticeable difference… in terms of width.

[jiveturkey]

Today, Mr. Spaghetti is not upsetti that he has 2 new corvettis.

[staffordac]

I think you have to get the Z07 package for it to really look different than the base model

[kern]

I don't think people in the comments understand Rob's point. He's not only saying that they don't look different enough. He's saying they don't look different enough for +50k-100k over the base C8. Like, sure, my 440i looks almost the same as a 430i besides some small differences. But BMW doesn't charge $50k for just an engine and bumper swap.

[toprandomvideos]

I could tell the difference from the front immediately. Regardless this is a "problem" that isn't too bad to have. They also focused on the differentiation on the rear if I had to guess because it's what most people will briefly get a glimpse of with the performance. Either way anytime I see a Corvette it's nice. 🇺🇲

[michaell]

Great video and I agree with most of what you said. But you only focused on the difference in looks vs value. My biggest problem is the performance differential to the regular Stingray is just not enough to justify the expense. That’s not a slam against the Z06, but really more kudos to GM for making the reg C8 so good. Sure the Z06 engine sounds amazing. The Z06 is set up for track use off the showroom floor and if that’s your goal then it’s definitely a good option. Driving dynamics are terrific. But when you are talking value, the reg C8 blows it away. You can take a base C8 for $65k and it’s barely a half second slower in 1/4 mile than the Z. The Z is only 2 tenths quicker to 60 than the base car. And yes, on a road course things are different. But you can make a couple grand worth of suspension modifications, slap on a set of Cup2 tires and and for under $75k you can build a SR that will keep up with a Z06 and still outperforms the capabilities of 99% of the Z06 buyers out there. And that’s before we look at serious modifications and power adders. The Z06 is really more about bragging rights to impress other corvette owners than as an outright bargain super car. The real bargain super car is a regular 1LT Stingray. A Z06 with Z07 package is nearly $60k more, that’s almost double the price. And not only is it a drivers race as to which is faster, the general public cannot tell the difference if both cars are parked side by side.

[TamagoHead]

Props to the Chevy engineers. The wider rear track & bigger tyres are well-disguised while follow the base design.

Rob is wrong on the appearance, but that Z06 engine is a beast!

[jonathanberube]

You have to get the Z07 with the high wing. If not to the untrained eye they look the same. The sound is much different to anyone though!

[sjfk]

The non Z06 looks better with the front grill being black/carbon.

[AranOCNC]

Am i wrong but the Z06 has different front bumpers, different side scoop, different wheels and maybe different lights. . . Looks quite different to me but Ive only seen one c8 irl. The joys of Ireland.

[thenatural]

I have a '23 Stingray and I agree. Outside of the visual differences, for the ZO6 I would have had many fewer creature comforts to make it lighter (less leather, no soft close, no electric seats, no electric steering column, etc). I would have reworked the rear end including much less luggage capacity in exchange for better rear aero, but also so there was a big visual difference bwletween the two cars and they could at last fix the "Camaro problem." I can imagine sacrificing space in the frunk for a series of small S-ducts. I mean sky was the limit for the team. One thing that would have been nice on the ZO6 motor also, would have been pre-chamber combustion like an F1motor. Maybe it would have produced enough power to maintain, or improve the power band and still allow a 9k redline, but I'm just a guy on the interwebs. What do I know?

[cookieman]

That flat plane sound is unbelievable. Makes my GT350 sound quiet

[thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal]

One is visibly wider even on camera. Nobody can talk the value down on the C8 series because they are better CARS than their European counterparts by a good measure. With graphics the C8 series looks like HYPERCARS, and I'm not joking.

[highoctaneadventure]

The Z06 looks completely different in stance…noticeably wider. The fronts are different. The side scoops are noticeably bigger. The reason for the price difference is the bespoke, most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever made. Start the car, and everyone will hear the price difference. Also, ask any non car person/enthusiast if they can tell the difference between a GT3 and a base 911 and a base 3 Series and M Series car and they would never think either is more expensive than the other. Us enthusiasts will keep being impressed and thankful for seeing them on the road.

[TamagoHead]

Carbon wheels on a rental is a bad idea.

[ryanmorris]

This should be called Stingray vs. Z06. They are both variants of the 8th generation of the corvette (C8). I think this mislabeling confuses a lot of people. Its like saying a Porsche 992 vs. a GT3. They're the same thing...

[Mohammed_AliA]

The sound of the Z06 engine is so good. However, a Corvette shouldn't sound like a European car.

[_baller]

Ok yeah I see the difference..
Corvette: vroom
Z06: rips the microphone apart lol

[elliotniznik]

The body is nearly 4 inches wider than stingray.