not sure what to buy

[dennis ss]

I figured all the LS1 members can help me out here on this one. By the end of next year I will be able to afford a nicer car due to a settlement from an accident.what do you guys/girls think would be a better buy, a 2005 dodge viper or a newer Z06? I will drive the shit out of it so I'm worried about the comfort of the viper. I drove the new Z06 with the LS7 and fell in love with it. Let me hear some feedback

[KahanaReef]

You just need to drive both. See which is a better fit for you personally. Both are awesome cars imho...

Although, I've never driven either of them

[Blackbird WS6]

Z06 hands down...no question about it

[Spaz]

a house first if you don't already have one... but personally i'd go with the viper...

[Blackbird WS6]

a house first if you don't already have one...

very true..

[BashamWS6]

well not to be a debbie downer... but it might be smarter to pay off all debts and loans first... i mean you can always buy a car later on...
on the other hand idk how much money youre getting.. or what kind of fianncial situation youre in
but you can get a really fucking nice used 2005+ Z06 for around $35,000
not much of a dodge/chrysler/ford fan here tho
just my .02

[dennis ss]

I'm good on the house and my debt is minimal. I just drove the viper today and there is no way I could use it as a daily driver. I'm going with the Z06, I love the LS7 and it rides really nice. It will run good with a nice twin turbo set-up.

[konigandy6]

I agree with your decision. With the Viper you have the exclusivity, but with an LS7 Z06, you have the power and comfort. I've driven all three domestic super cars (4 if you're including the ZR1) and the Viper ranks the lowest for me.

Viper < Z06 < Ford GT < ZR1

Hope the search goes well and congratulations on the upcoming purchase!!

[cammed goat]

I vote Z06 as well. I have heard the Viper is very tail happy no matter how easy you are on the throttle. Plus there are members here who have posted that there is some wicked understeer with the Viper. If you get the Z, and you decide to mod, the possibilities are endless.

[BashamWS6]

I'm good on the house and my debt is minimal. I just drove the viper today and there is no way I could use it as a daily driver. I'm going with the Z06, I love the LS7 and it rides really nice. It will run good with a nice twin turbo set-up.

well in that case...again i vote the Z06...
comfort is important for me... and ive always been a GM (born and raised)
Good Hunting.
Cant wait to see what you bring home!

[SteveC]

If your settlement is large enough, look into the "2010 or 2011 ZR1", it is a factory blown vette, with all the suspension goodies you would ever want.

SteveC

[dennis ss]

If your settlement is large enough, look into the "2010 or 2011 ZR1", it is a factory blown vette, with all the suspension goodies you would ever want.

SteveC

The ZR1 is nice but I really want that 427 hand built motor. With a turbo setup I will eat a ZR1 and still cost less. My friend just got a ZR1 3 days ago, that car is sick from the factory. I will post pics as soon as I can. Thank you to everyone for there input and friendly advice, this is why I love it here.

[BashamWS6]

A turbo'd Z06...i couldnt imagine...
I got smoked by one with boltons

[Blackbird WS6]

A turbo'd Z06...i couldnt imagine...
I got smoked by one with boltons

he didnt need the bolt ons j/k

[BashamWS6]

^
agreed.
Its ok. I still smoke GTs.
Ill take a respectful loss to a Z06... for Now haha

[IH8EVRY1]

I know your mind is made but I thought I'd add my $.02. My Godfather is a serious car nut and has had both cars. I drove both back in 2002. To be honest, I'm not up to date on the current performance aspects of either car at a quotable numbers kind of level but FWIW, they were both fun to drive. Again, I know a 2002 Z06 doesn't compare to a 2010 but my opinion...the Z06 was by far for the money a better ride. With that said, I seem to remember a road and track article comparing the 2 that spurred my request that he let me drive both. I don't remember a lot about the article but the culmination was something to this extent: "Pun intended, all dodge has done is out displace the competition." It went on to say that if you buy a Z06 and put more money into it up to what you would have paid for the viper, you could have a Z06 that would run circles around the viper.

All of this was several years ago and my opinion is based on those experiences...personally, I'd go Z06 too.

[JAKERED08Z06]

I had a 01 SS Camaro sold it to make room for the 08 Z.
I chose it over other cars because
1) I take long road trips 3 to 4,000 miles so comfort was a big deal. My back is fine after driving 10 or more hrs a day just a little hard getting out sometimes.

2) MPG, I've been getting 26 mpg going 75- 80 mph over 30 going 55-60.

3) It has a ton of room I could put camping gear in back if I wanted.

4)100,000 mile power train warrranty. Nice but its keeping me from modding.

5) the power is insane for a factory car.

6) the looks of the car just sitting get me excited still

7) the Vette is the American Dream car.

Ever since the C6 came out I've wanted one and the Z, I love it and I am lucky to have one.

[cammed goat]

The Z is a nice car. I am waiting to see a Z Carbon up close.

[BashamWS6]

i dont think you could be disappointed with a vette....

[dennis ss]

i dont think you could be disappointed with a vette....

I agree. I had a 1996 grand sport corvette and even though it can't compare with the vette today, it still was a hell of a car. Comfortable and the LT4 had plenty of power. Can't wait for the new one