You get what you pay for. My first car out of grad school was a c5 Vette which was traded in for the first model Z06 in 2001. I loved those cars and still appreciate them, but compared to the more expensive euro cars they are horribly built. I spent a weekend driving my friends 570RWHP c6 Z06 and even with all that power, I dreaded driving it. The outside looked great, but the inside was falling apart and it drove like crap. It made me really appreciate the built quality and feel of the drive on my 911.
Just like the GTR is a "great bang for your buck", that comment to me is translated as " you will sacrifice a lot of everything else, for a fast car".
Maybe my view has changed with age, but refinement and great quality is just as important as performance.

 

I dont know if I would call the GTR unrefined though. They have pretty good build quality.

 

Personally, I find the 996 interior to be no better than the Z06.

 

I dont understand why the interior of a C6Z06 would be "falling apart" unless someone has broken some of the panels inside. My C6 is 5 years old, has 75k miles on the odo and the interior is absolutely perfect. Everything looks & works exactly as it did when the car was brand new. "Horribly built" is a laughable statement.

The C6 may not have a luxurious interior, but it does have a simple and modern layout that provides all the information and adjustments one would need for any type of driving. The controls and dials are about as ergonomically perfect as you can get, and the HUD is immensely informative and worth every penny. With the complicated layout of so many vehicles.. I definitely appreciate the minimalist design the C6 uses. You can figure out what every button does without having to pull over and consult the owners manual.

The only real gripe I have found about the C6, is the seats. Yes.. they suck for extreme performance driving.. driving that you would generally do on a road racing track. The seats are have poor support, weak foam filling and you will slide/move around alot when pushing the limit. Even then, the seats work fine for any type of driving you'd dare attempt to do on a public street. So if you aren't taking your C6 on the track.. then the seats aren't a huge deal. If you are doing track days.. seat upgrades are available starting at a couple of thousand.

At the end of the day.. test drive both vehicles and make the choice for yourself. I think the answer will be pretty easy which vehicle you will want to own.

This is the interior of a 2009 model, but from what Im aware there were no design changes from 2008 models:



This is the interior of a 996:

 

^^ You have a very nice example of one, great car. My statements are generalizations that are true to me, not everyone else....thus IMO.
In this comparo it was the feel of the controls of the interior and the feel of the car as a whole while being driven which felt poor quality.
For example the seats felt like they were coming loose as they made noise and moved around while driving or just entering the car. The buttons for different controls, some were flush and some were not, some were faded and some did not work. The drive it self was, well you have to drive them back to back.
Obviously, many will differ from my opinion and they are right too.

 

For starters the interior of the C6Z is NICER than the 996. Also, its a no.brainer.that for the same dollar spent you can.get a "nicer" Z than.you can.a. turbo. I sold ine of the nicest Z's ever built and.bought my 996 GT2...I.have to say if I would.have bought...even a really nice one..a standard 996 Turbo I wouod have been unhappy w my decision. For $45K find a nice well.cared for Zand dont look.back.

 

I fixed it for you. Still can't believe you sold the Z, but can't wait to check out the GT2.

Steve K.

 

Owned both. Both are great cars, but I would choose a 996TT over Z06. It's simply the better car.

Lastly, if you don't have to have a manual, the GT-R is better than both of them.

 

Yea it is...but it isn't 45k.

 

Salvage title lol.

Btw thanks Steve! I have no.doubts you will.find the GT2 a worthy reppacement for the Z.

 

The 996 looks dated.Either use the 45k for a downpayment on a 997tt or get the vette.

 

1slow97 does make a lot of sense! Porsche can get very expensive in a hurry & if you only have 45k to spend, you'd better have a good bit more left over for any lil' repairs (unless of course you do the work yourself, that will definitely help)!

 

I still own an '03 Z06 and a '99 Porsche Carrera C2 coupe. I love them both. Their characters are different in every way and I can't see why people are comparing a Corvette to a Porsche. My Porsche isn't a TT. It's bone stock with 296 hp and 130k miles. My Z06 is bone stock also with 405 hp with 30k miles. If you're looking for flat out speed, go with the Z06. If you're looking for a refined European car, go with the Porsche. Keep in mind that engine/trans repairs to the Porsche are going to cost much more than the Corvette. Whichever way you go make sure to have a reliable PPI done.

 

i pretty much have both. so i say get one of each! they both have different characteristics

 

Doesn't look dated to me.
I've owned both, both are COMPLETELY different.
The z06 is very raw and unrefined, imo. Fun to drive, fun to get loose but in all accounts is still an "old mans" car.
The 996 was incredible, flawless, fast, tight, had it to 197mph and it was smooth like I was floating on water. It's refined, luxurious, easy to drive (for anyone that might be driving it like your wife etc...unlike the z06 who I wouldn't let anyone else touch it) It's just a better car and will retain a better resale value and a quicker haggle free sale when you want to upgrade in the future.