thoughts on my z06 and rx8..
10-02-2010, 07:37 PM
#1
Registered
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: California, Chula Vista, Otay Ranch
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
thoughts on my z06 and rx8..
As strong as my faith in my renesis engine was, it broke down last week and is being repaired under the 100k warranty. To cope with the reality of what happened, I had to force myself to consider alterative ideas.
Since the rx8 has so many different types of cars built into it, it is impossible to drive another vehicle and not miss at least one of those aspects of the rx8. I had to accept that fact first, before I could progress any further in my search. All options were on the table. With my own engine broken, I realized that I could no longer hold things against other vehicles, calling them "truck engines" or what not.
The top two contenders became the 2009 Cayman series (no IMS), and 2006 Corvette C6 Z06 series (ls7). In the end, I decided that the z06 was a better value, and possibly hardcore enough even for a rotary snob as myself. The Cayman was simply too safe of a choice for me, and I needed a car that would bring back the batmobile feel of my rx8 circa 2005. But really, when I heard the sound of a cammed corvette on youtube, with its off-rhythm idle like a ported rotary, the decision was sealed in my mind.
Refinement:
By far the rx8 is more refined. The z06's shifter has a dry, scraping feel. In the rx8, a grinding sound is bad; in the z06 there are strange grinding and creaking sounds all the time with regard to clutching, changing gears, and the suspension. Driving it is a bit of a chore; the rx8 feels much more natural and advanced.
Technique:
Driving an rx8 requires a ***** to the wall approach. In contrast, driving the z06 I am usually between 1000-1500 rpm. The rx8 requires little skill to accelerate from a stop, and flooring the gas is no problem. With the z06, that is never an option and requires throttle modulation to accelerate from a stop, feeling for the gripping point, and never reaching 100% potential. Otherwise the tires would be gone in a week.
Driver-side blind spot:
I try to get a glimpse of the rear glass when changing lanes, but both cars have just a small sliver to show you when driving.
Ground clearance:
The rx8 is pretty good, except for my Helix exhaust which can scrape in the rear. The z06 is opposite and scrapes in the front, which is why the piece of front lip there is flexible rubber. Can't take the speed bumps head on like the rx8 can. This is also a problem when crossing intersections with dips in the middle, causing the cars behind me to honk/whatever.
Power:
On the freeway, both cars are the same while in 6th gear at 65 mph. Floor it and you get nothing. Both cars require use of the dowshift to unleash their acceleration potential. I thought 505 horsepower would be a much bigger difference than it is, but it feels more like sitting passenger in a G35 than what I imagined "supercar performance" to be. On both cars on the freeway, 4th gear is adequate to get moving in a hurry. 3rd gear on the rx8 if needed, but I have not needed 3rd gear yet on the z06. Power delivery seems smooth and linear on both, although I have not redlined in 1st gear or anything. Around town, the z06's power comes online better, with the use of 2nd gear. It keeps going and doesn't want to stop. Overall, the v8 has linear power delivery like the rotary engine, not a "leave your guts behind" feel. I feel like an ice cube skating across glass, not like a soccer ball being kicked. Almost like being teleported.
Sound impression:
I thought it would be louder, but the z06 is much quieter inside during acceleration compared to my rx8's prototype exhaust. A unique feature of the z06 is a two-stage exhaust. It is supposed to be quieter during idle and low speed driving. Fortunately, there is a fuse that I can pull to disable that, and keep it open at all times. Much easier than trying to disable the rx8 vfad. Some drivers prefer to install a switch to go from one mode to the other, in case you are stuck at a traffic light in the vicinity of a bass head and need to turn the heat to level 10. But even at full throttle, the z06 is too tame on the inside. I feel like I can barely feel or hear the exhaust note. Once the fuse is pulled, the z06 becomes much louder, especially at idle, making the rx8 sound very tame.
Gas:
I expect between 11 and 40 mpg. rx8club is not the only car forum with widely varying mpg claims.
Crimefighting:
The rx8 is okay during the day, but has a superior interface when driving at night, dishing out rotary justice against those who would oppress the helpless. The red-lit theme and overall design is better suited for this application. The z06 feels like a normal car on the inside, more batmobile-like in its exterior proportions, but drives roughtly like his early tank version that was a rough piece of crap. I could easily jump out of the rx8 and put the real world hurt on a perpetrator, but my confidence in the z06 is not so great as far as being able to perform those same maneuvers. That's why he got his *** handed to him by the Joker, he should have been driving rotary.
Unique feel:
The digital speedometer on the rx8 is very good, and contributes to its unique feel. I don't think I could drive a car without a digital readout, because it allows me to split the margin in 1 mph increments between getting a ticket and sneaking by. Luckily the z06 has a hud with digital speedometer, but it looks like 1980's video arcade technology. Although it is on the windshield, it requires more attention to look at during driving, compared to taking a glance below into the rx8's dash.
Parking:
Wide and long, parking the z06 feels like suicide.
Ergonomics:
A standard rental sedan is more loose and comfy compared to the strapped-in feel of the rx8. By the same token, the rx8 is more loose and comfy compared to the deep coffin feel of the z06. The bottom door sill is fairly wide on the z06 and a challenge to clear, especially if there is not enough room to open the door fully. This leads to much scraping and denting of the side door speaker grille. The shifter and steering wheel in the rx8 are skinny; the same items are fat in the z06.
Doors:
The rx8 has a wide catch on the door, wants to open very wide before it will stay. Usually, from a seated position it is impossible to push the door open. 9 times out of 10 it will slam back on you. Fortunately the z06 has a shorter catch. The actuation is a tossup between mechanical handles and electronics. The z06 uses a rubber sensor pad to enter, and electronic button to exit. Fallback handles are located on the floor to exit, and in the trunk to get in. Not sure if this is a good thing yet.
Insurance:
If I were to drop my rx8, insurance increase on the z06 would be $27.
Tires:
More expensive, and doesn't seem to be any all-seasons available.
Oil change:
You can run 5w-30 Mobil 1 without looking over your shoulder. Access is underneath, but I don't think there are any body panels to remove.
Maintenance
Oil is recommended to be checked at every fill-up, just like the rx8. There are a few more maintenance items outside of the normal maintenance schedule, but pretty light for the performance.
Clutch pedal:
The rx8's clutch pedal has more resistance, but it is at a fairly reachable height. The z06 however, has a higher clutch pedal and requires more ankle flexion to reach. I recommend bringing two types of footwear so that your good leathers don't get scuffed up.
Trunk:
Although the rx8's trunk entrance is small, at least it has a plastic guard at the top. The z's trunk has no rest at the top; the top being the unprotected body itself. Also the rear body threshold is wide, and one must use fully extended arms at times to set items inside for frear of marring the body. Items sliding around in the shallow trunk is another problem.
Style design:
I like good design. Overall, interior and exterior the rx8 is 50 years ahead in good design and pleasing aesthetics. But fortunately,for the exterior, the rx8 is not the only car with prominent wheel arches. I did not realize it from photos, but up close and also from the low-sitting driver's seat, the front arches do figure prominently on the vette. Z06 wide-body panels and additional vents really help to improve the stock vette's look. Over time, I eventually warmed up to the exterior body shape. It is suitably quasi-exotic, for an rx8 driver needing another good-looking vehicle. If I couldn't have either rx8/z06, then the Pontiac Solstice coupe wouldn't be too bad.
Attention:
There are plenty of corvettes and rx8 on the street, but between the two the corvette gets more attention. In some places the rx8 is very, very common.
Rage factor:
Because of the rx8's cuteness, other drivers think they can drive like they own you. In the z06 it doesn't happen like that. It is easier to drive calmly, the rx8's engine I think contributes to a more high-strung attitude. But the street racers out there looking for trouble, somehow they magically disappear when driving a c6 z06.
Stop and go traffic:
Here, the z06 is easier to drive since there is more "coast" in the transmission. The rx8 starts to bog down earlier, necessitating a downshift. To give you some idea of the difference, the z06 has a 1->4 shift feature. This means, between 15-19mph, using low throttle, you can only shift from 1st to 4th gear, bypassing 2nd and 3rd.
Features:
Useful features: Independent tire pressure readout, oil life indicator, instantaneous mpg readout, oil temp readout...
Fun factor:
The rx8 is actually a good complement to the z. It is fun from the pleasure of smooth driving, and a great across-country mover. The z on the other hand is fun from an over-the-top aspect. Hugely impractical and ridiculous, as in Top Gear ridiculous. And I would not want to drive it across country due to the wear and maintenance.
There are some positives and negatives, hopefully I covered some of the reality-based factors rather than the usual magazine 0-60 nonsense.
It definitely brings back the feel for me, that I had when I got the rx8 as my first car. This is in contrast to the feel of driving a rental, while seeing other rx8s drive by. The feeling cannot be put into words, but it is not a good feeling when it happens.
In the end, only you can decide which route to go between a Porsche or Chevy. A good choice either way, for those who are looking to trade in their Pontiac GTO 2006 perhaps...
odometer, higher than my rebuilt renesis is going to be:
Looks like an economy rental:
Ok from above:
Actually an economy rental:
94 inches...
But it fits
Since the rx8 has so many different types of cars built into it, it is impossible to drive another vehicle and not miss at least one of those aspects of the rx8. I had to accept that fact first, before I could progress any further in my search. All options were on the table. With my own engine broken, I realized that I could no longer hold things against other vehicles, calling them "truck engines" or what not.
The top two contenders became the 2009 Cayman series (no IMS), and 2006 Corvette C6 Z06 series (ls7). In the end, I decided that the z06 was a better value, and possibly hardcore enough even for a rotary snob as myself. The Cayman was simply too safe of a choice for me, and I needed a car that would bring back the batmobile feel of my rx8 circa 2005. But really, when I heard the sound of a cammed corvette on youtube, with its off-rhythm idle like a ported rotary, the decision was sealed in my mind.
Refinement:
By far the rx8 is more refined. The z06's shifter has a dry, scraping feel. In the rx8, a grinding sound is bad; in the z06 there are strange grinding and creaking sounds all the time with regard to clutching, changing gears, and the suspension. Driving it is a bit of a chore; the rx8 feels much more natural and advanced.
Technique:
Driving an rx8 requires a ***** to the wall approach. In contrast, driving the z06 I am usually between 1000-1500 rpm. The rx8 requires little skill to accelerate from a stop, and flooring the gas is no problem. With the z06, that is never an option and requires throttle modulation to accelerate from a stop, feeling for the gripping point, and never reaching 100% potential. Otherwise the tires would be gone in a week.
Driver-side blind spot:
I try to get a glimpse of the rear glass when changing lanes, but both cars have just a small sliver to show you when driving.
Ground clearance:
The rx8 is pretty good, except for my Helix exhaust which can scrape in the rear. The z06 is opposite and scrapes in the front, which is why the piece of front lip there is flexible rubber. Can't take the speed bumps head on like the rx8 can. This is also a problem when crossing intersections with dips in the middle, causing the cars behind me to honk/whatever.
Power:
On the freeway, both cars are the same while in 6th gear at 65 mph. Floor it and you get nothing. Both cars require use of the dowshift to unleash their acceleration potential. I thought 505 horsepower would be a much bigger difference than it is, but it feels more like sitting passenger in a G35 than what I imagined "supercar performance" to be. On both cars on the freeway, 4th gear is adequate to get moving in a hurry. 3rd gear on the rx8 if needed, but I have not needed 3rd gear yet on the z06. Power delivery seems smooth and linear on both, although I have not redlined in 1st gear or anything. Around town, the z06's power comes online better, with the use of 2nd gear. It keeps going and doesn't want to stop. Overall, the v8 has linear power delivery like the rotary engine, not a "leave your guts behind" feel. I feel like an ice cube skating across glass, not like a soccer ball being kicked. Almost like being teleported.
Sound impression:
I thought it would be louder, but the z06 is much quieter inside during acceleration compared to my rx8's prototype exhaust. A unique feature of the z06 is a two-stage exhaust. It is supposed to be quieter during idle and low speed driving. Fortunately, there is a fuse that I can pull to disable that, and keep it open at all times. Much easier than trying to disable the rx8 vfad. Some drivers prefer to install a switch to go from one mode to the other, in case you are stuck at a traffic light in the vicinity of a bass head and need to turn the heat to level 10. But even at full throttle, the z06 is too tame on the inside. I feel like I can barely feel or hear the exhaust note. Once the fuse is pulled, the z06 becomes much louder, especially at idle, making the rx8 sound very tame.
Gas:
I expect between 11 and 40 mpg. rx8club is not the only car forum with widely varying mpg claims.
Crimefighting:
The rx8 is okay during the day, but has a superior interface when driving at night, dishing out rotary justice against those who would oppress the helpless. The red-lit theme and overall design is better suited for this application. The z06 feels like a normal car on the inside, more batmobile-like in its exterior proportions, but drives roughtly like his early tank version that was a rough piece of crap. I could easily jump out of the rx8 and put the real world hurt on a perpetrator, but my confidence in the z06 is not so great as far as being able to perform those same maneuvers. That's why he got his *** handed to him by the Joker, he should have been driving rotary.
Unique feel:
The digital speedometer on the rx8 is very good, and contributes to its unique feel. I don't think I could drive a car without a digital readout, because it allows me to split the margin in 1 mph increments between getting a ticket and sneaking by. Luckily the z06 has a hud with digital speedometer, but it looks like 1980's video arcade technology. Although it is on the windshield, it requires more attention to look at during driving, compared to taking a glance below into the rx8's dash.
Parking:
Wide and long, parking the z06 feels like suicide.
Ergonomics:
A standard rental sedan is more loose and comfy compared to the strapped-in feel of the rx8. By the same token, the rx8 is more loose and comfy compared to the deep coffin feel of the z06. The bottom door sill is fairly wide on the z06 and a challenge to clear, especially if there is not enough room to open the door fully. This leads to much scraping and denting of the side door speaker grille. The shifter and steering wheel in the rx8 are skinny; the same items are fat in the z06.
Doors:
The rx8 has a wide catch on the door, wants to open very wide before it will stay. Usually, from a seated position it is impossible to push the door open. 9 times out of 10 it will slam back on you. Fortunately the z06 has a shorter catch. The actuation is a tossup between mechanical handles and electronics. The z06 uses a rubber sensor pad to enter, and electronic button to exit. Fallback handles are located on the floor to exit, and in the trunk to get in. Not sure if this is a good thing yet.
Insurance:
If I were to drop my rx8, insurance increase on the z06 would be $27.
Tires:
More expensive, and doesn't seem to be any all-seasons available.
Oil change:
You can run 5w-30 Mobil 1 without looking over your shoulder. Access is underneath, but I don't think there are any body panels to remove.
Maintenance
Oil is recommended to be checked at every fill-up, just like the rx8. There are a few more maintenance items outside of the normal maintenance schedule, but pretty light for the performance.
Clutch pedal:
The rx8's clutch pedal has more resistance, but it is at a fairly reachable height. The z06 however, has a higher clutch pedal and requires more ankle flexion to reach. I recommend bringing two types of footwear so that your good leathers don't get scuffed up.
Trunk:
Although the rx8's trunk entrance is small, at least it has a plastic guard at the top. The z's trunk has no rest at the top; the top being the unprotected body itself. Also the rear body threshold is wide, and one must use fully extended arms at times to set items inside for frear of marring the body. Items sliding around in the shallow trunk is another problem.
Style design:
I like good design. Overall, interior and exterior the rx8 is 50 years ahead in good design and pleasing aesthetics. But fortunately,for the exterior, the rx8 is not the only car with prominent wheel arches. I did not realize it from photos, but up close and also from the low-sitting driver's seat, the front arches do figure prominently on the vette. Z06 wide-body panels and additional vents really help to improve the stock vette's look. Over time, I eventually warmed up to the exterior body shape. It is suitably quasi-exotic, for an rx8 driver needing another good-looking vehicle. If I couldn't have either rx8/z06, then the Pontiac Solstice coupe wouldn't be too bad.
Attention:
There are plenty of corvettes and rx8 on the street, but between the two the corvette gets more attention. In some places the rx8 is very, very common.
Rage factor:
Because of the rx8's cuteness, other drivers think they can drive like they own you. In the z06 it doesn't happen like that. It is easier to drive calmly, the rx8's engine I think contributes to a more high-strung attitude. But the street racers out there looking for trouble, somehow they magically disappear when driving a c6 z06.
Stop and go traffic:
Here, the z06 is easier to drive since there is more "coast" in the transmission. The rx8 starts to bog down earlier, necessitating a downshift. To give you some idea of the difference, the z06 has a 1->4 shift feature. This means, between 15-19mph, using low throttle, you can only shift from 1st to 4th gear, bypassing 2nd and 3rd.
Features:
Useful features: Independent tire pressure readout, oil life indicator, instantaneous mpg readout, oil temp readout...
Fun factor:
The rx8 is actually a good complement to the z. It is fun from the pleasure of smooth driving, and a great across-country mover. The z on the other hand is fun from an over-the-top aspect. Hugely impractical and ridiculous, as in Top Gear ridiculous. And I would not want to drive it across country due to the wear and maintenance.
There are some positives and negatives, hopefully I covered some of the reality-based factors rather than the usual magazine 0-60 nonsense.
It definitely brings back the feel for me, that I had when I got the rx8 as my first car. This is in contrast to the feel of driving a rental, while seeing other rx8s drive by. The feeling cannot be put into words, but it is not a good feeling when it happens.
In the end, only you can decide which route to go between a Porsche or Chevy. A good choice either way, for those who are looking to trade in their Pontiac GTO 2006 perhaps...
odometer, higher than my rebuilt renesis is going to be:
Looks like an economy rental:
Ok from above:
Actually an economy rental:
94 inches...
But it fits
Last edited by User24; 11-13-2010 at 11:56 PM.
10-02-2010, 09:35 PM
#2
SiNoEsRotorNoEsMotor
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Philly! ! !
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nice write up, i can appreciate your points of view...come back to your rotary roots, i can tell by reading your experience that this is where your real passion is!
10-02-2010, 10:22 PM
#3
Piston-free 07.11.2007
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good stuff, probably the best comparison I've ever read.
To replace my 8, I would love to see the 16X issues worked out and put into a 2-seater RX7 platform, but that is a pipe-dream at this point in time. Other than that I would like to get a 6 or 3 to replace my Escort. It's almost time to get that **** out again. Oh how I hate thee.
To replace my 8, I would love to see the 16X issues worked out and put into a 2-seater RX7 platform, but that is a pipe-dream at this point in time. Other than that I would like to get a 6 or 3 to replace my Escort. It's almost time to get that **** out again. Oh how I hate thee.
10-06-2010, 02:23 PM
#8
350Z Killer
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As someone who originally owned an RX-8, eventually a C5 Z06, and came back to the Mazda world, I thought I'd chime in on a few of these. I agree with a ton of what you said, and a lot contributed to me getting rid of the Z. (Granted a C5 Z is nowhere near the monster the C6 Z is, I had a lot of these same issues.)
Refinement:
By far the rx8 is more refined. The z06's shifter has a dry, scraping feel. I'll have to read the manual and see if I can put a better lubricant in there. In the rx8, a grinding sound is bad; in the z06 there are strange grinding and creaking sounds all the time with regard to clutching, changing gears, and the suspension. Driving it is a bit of a chore; the rx8 feels much more natural and advanced.
I wholeheartedly agree with you here. That T-56 tranny is brutal and not even close to as precise as the rx8. Granted that is how it is supposed to be, but I much preffered the more precise feel of the rx8. This combined with the creaks and rattles might have been the tipping point making me sell my Vette.
Driver-side blind spot:
I thought the rx8 was bad, but the z06 is much worse.
I agree with this but I got used to it very quickly. Never found myself moving over on anyone.
Ground clearance:
The rx8 is pretty good, except for my Helix exhaust which can scrape in the rear. The z06 is opposite and scrapes in the front, which is why the piece of front lip there is flexible rubber. Can't take the speed bumps head on like the rx8 can.
THE most annoying part of owning a Vette right here. I had to make a 3 point turn and back into my driveway while going over my grass just to keep from taking off my front bumper.
Power:
On the freeway, both cars are the same while in 6th gear at 65 mph. Floor it and you get nothing. Both cars require use of the dowshift to unleash their acceleration potential. I thought 505 horsepower would be a much bigger difference than it is, but it feels more like sitting passenger in a G35 than what I imagined "supercar performance" to be. On both cars on the freeway, 4th gear is adequate to get moving in a hurry. 3rd gear on the rx8 if needed, but I have not needed 3rd gear yet on the z06. Power delivery seems smooth and linear on both, although I have not redlined in 1st gear or anything. Around town, the z06's power comes online better, with the use of 2nd gear. It keeps going and doesn't want to stop.
6th gear is definately for cruising in the Vette. I honestly couldn't notice how powerful the car was unless I was over 5K RPM because the acceleration was so linear. I realized after a few weeks that there wasn't enough public road to even get close to taking advantage of the full power.
Sound impression:
I thought it would be louder, but the z06 is much quieter inside during acceleration compared to my rx8's prototype exhaust. A unique feature of the z06 is a two-stage exhaust. It is supposed to be quieter during idle and low speed driving. Fortunately, there is a fuse that I can pull to disable that, and keep it open at all times. Much easier than trying to disable the rx8 vfad. Some drivers prefer to install a switch to go from one mode to the other, in case you are stuck at a traffic light in the vicinity of a bass head and need to turn the heat to level 10. But even at full throttle, the z06 is too tame on the inside. I feel like I can barely feel or hear the exhaust note.
Can't really compare here. C5 and C6 Z06 were completely different sounds. Personally I loved the raw sound the C5 Z engine and exhaust gave me. (It was all the creaking and rattling sounds that ruined it for me)
Gas:
I expect between 11 and 40 mpg. rx8club is not the only car forum with widely varying mpg claims.
I found my C5 Z and RX8 to be pretty much identical for fuel costs.
Crimefighting:
The rx8 is okay during the day, but has a superior interface when driving at night, dishing out rotary justice against those who would oppress the helpless. The red-lit theme and overall design is better suited for this application. The z06 feels like a normal car on the inside, more batmobile-like in its exterior proportions, but drives roughtly like his early tank version that was a rough piece of crap. I could easily jump out of the rx8 and put the real world hurt on a perpetrator, but my confidence in the z06 is not so great as far as being able to perform those same maneuvers. That's why he got his *** handed to him by the Joker, he should have been driving rotary.
Word
Tires:
More expensive, and doesn't seem to be any all-seasons available.
Thank god my brother works at Michelin! Employee discount baby!
Are you thinking about getting rid of the Z?
Refinement:
By far the rx8 is more refined. The z06's shifter has a dry, scraping feel. I'll have to read the manual and see if I can put a better lubricant in there. In the rx8, a grinding sound is bad; in the z06 there are strange grinding and creaking sounds all the time with regard to clutching, changing gears, and the suspension. Driving it is a bit of a chore; the rx8 feels much more natural and advanced.
I wholeheartedly agree with you here. That T-56 tranny is brutal and not even close to as precise as the rx8. Granted that is how it is supposed to be, but I much preffered the more precise feel of the rx8. This combined with the creaks and rattles might have been the tipping point making me sell my Vette.
Driver-side blind spot:
I thought the rx8 was bad, but the z06 is much worse.
I agree with this but I got used to it very quickly. Never found myself moving over on anyone.
Ground clearance:
The rx8 is pretty good, except for my Helix exhaust which can scrape in the rear. The z06 is opposite and scrapes in the front, which is why the piece of front lip there is flexible rubber. Can't take the speed bumps head on like the rx8 can.
THE most annoying part of owning a Vette right here. I had to make a 3 point turn and back into my driveway while going over my grass just to keep from taking off my front bumper.
Power:
On the freeway, both cars are the same while in 6th gear at 65 mph. Floor it and you get nothing. Both cars require use of the dowshift to unleash their acceleration potential. I thought 505 horsepower would be a much bigger difference than it is, but it feels more like sitting passenger in a G35 than what I imagined "supercar performance" to be. On both cars on the freeway, 4th gear is adequate to get moving in a hurry. 3rd gear on the rx8 if needed, but I have not needed 3rd gear yet on the z06. Power delivery seems smooth and linear on both, although I have not redlined in 1st gear or anything. Around town, the z06's power comes online better, with the use of 2nd gear. It keeps going and doesn't want to stop.
6th gear is definately for cruising in the Vette. I honestly couldn't notice how powerful the car was unless I was over 5K RPM because the acceleration was so linear. I realized after a few weeks that there wasn't enough public road to even get close to taking advantage of the full power.
Sound impression:
I thought it would be louder, but the z06 is much quieter inside during acceleration compared to my rx8's prototype exhaust. A unique feature of the z06 is a two-stage exhaust. It is supposed to be quieter during idle and low speed driving. Fortunately, there is a fuse that I can pull to disable that, and keep it open at all times. Much easier than trying to disable the rx8 vfad. Some drivers prefer to install a switch to go from one mode to the other, in case you are stuck at a traffic light in the vicinity of a bass head and need to turn the heat to level 10. But even at full throttle, the z06 is too tame on the inside. I feel like I can barely feel or hear the exhaust note.
Can't really compare here. C5 and C6 Z06 were completely different sounds. Personally I loved the raw sound the C5 Z engine and exhaust gave me. (It was all the creaking and rattling sounds that ruined it for me)
Gas:
I expect between 11 and 40 mpg. rx8club is not the only car forum with widely varying mpg claims.
I found my C5 Z and RX8 to be pretty much identical for fuel costs.
Crimefighting:
The rx8 is okay during the day, but has a superior interface when driving at night, dishing out rotary justice against those who would oppress the helpless. The red-lit theme and overall design is better suited for this application. The z06 feels like a normal car on the inside, more batmobile-like in its exterior proportions, but drives roughtly like his early tank version that was a rough piece of crap. I could easily jump out of the rx8 and put the real world hurt on a perpetrator, but my confidence in the z06 is not so great as far as being able to perform those same maneuvers. That's why he got his *** handed to him by the Joker, he should have been driving rotary.
Word
Tires:
More expensive, and doesn't seem to be any all-seasons available.
Thank god my brother works at Michelin! Employee discount baby!
Are you thinking about getting rid of the Z?
10-06-2010, 05:51 PM
#9
Keep in mind, the Z06 was meant to take on the world's super cars. Ergonomics and nifty high tech features were not in its design process. GM however did try to make the car "meet in the middle" as far as performance and comfort goes and for that they did pretty good. They do make some strange noises (LS engines sound like sewing machines as they tick along on the highway) and it takes getting used to. As far as how brutally efficient the hardware is, its to be expected. A Z06 is not a Civic. It really is just a detuned race car, but it'll get your groceries for you getting 30 mpg at the same time like a Civic, it just won't smile about it like a Civic would. Good luck finding that somewhere else. My dad has some bickers about his Z06 (too wide for Germany's roads and my mom says its too much of a "race car" with what my dad has done to his) but over-all he adores it and has a blast destroying cars that cost 4 times as much in any aspect of performance. Be sure and check out the Corvette forums. There's a huge amount of info and very knowledgeable people that can help you with things that bother you about your Corvette (the transmission fluid for example). And try and find a Corvette club near you. Its a blast to attend all the events, especially the Wild Flower Corvette run in Texas every year. 50+ Corvette's deep, ranging from bone stock to twin turbocharged or monster cams.
10-07-2010, 10:25 AM
#10
Very good write up. I have been in the same boat looking for another car to have as a daily driver that is a fun drivers car. Its tough once you get a taste of what an RX8 has to offer. I still love to drive my buddies C5 Z06 once in a while when he lets me. But it seems that he has a lot more to talk about and get excited about driving my RX8 than his Vette once we conclude our switch around. The new C6 seems nicer on the outside and has neat features...but I don't thing its enough for me.
Tough decision. Good perspectives on the write up. Enjoy the Vette...awesome car. I decided to have 2 RX8s.
-Adam@THM
Tough decision. Good perspectives on the write up. Enjoy the Vette...awesome car. I decided to have 2 RX8s.
-Adam@THM
10-07-2010, 11:36 AM
#11
The C6 Z06 has a VERY NICE interior--compared to all prior Corvettes. I don't see how an Rx-8 owner could complain about it--I'd say it's on the level of the 04 Rx-8. Ever driven or sat in a C5 or C4? Now those are crap interiors. Even the C5 Z06 is just ugly parts bin crap, just like my old 2001 Cavalier. I guess you could still say the C6 Z06 is "parts bin" or "rental car." But GM parts bin interior plastics got a lot better around the time the C6 came out. It all comes down to your expectations.
As for the power of the C6 Z06: put it in the correct gear, look at the speedometer and hit the fun pedal and you'll understand. The torque delivery is pretty flat; you don't get the "top end rush" of say a modified car with a big turbo or the "torque smack" of nitrous. So that makes the power and torque delivery of the LS7 deceptive.
As for the power of the C6 Z06: put it in the correct gear, look at the speedometer and hit the fun pedal and you'll understand. The torque delivery is pretty flat; you don't get the "top end rush" of say a modified car with a big turbo or the "torque smack" of nitrous. So that makes the power and torque delivery of the LS7 deceptive.
Last edited by arghx7; 10-07-2010 at 11:42 AM.
10-07-2010, 11:58 AM
#13
Registered
Awesome write up and congratulations on a great car! I'd suggest taking it to the track, it seems to be the most popular car at the track from the few times I've been there. I bet you'll have a blast.
What did you mean by this, not enough raw power or something? I'm curious because I think I would like to have a Cayman for my next car.
The Cayman was simply too safe of a choice for me,
10-07-2010, 12:15 PM
#14
Sad to see your Rx8 go.
You know, you could always upgrade to a Series II Rx8, probably for less money than the Z06 if you really miss your Rx8.
I used to been a corvette fan boy until I realized about 10 of my neighbors alone have a corvette and they seem too common now, it's like seeing a civic. I would go with the Cayman. Porsche's have an exotic sound to their engine and they're usually way ahead of other cars in technology. While American cars are... well... you know.
Plus the interior is a lot nicer on the Cayman, which is where you would be spending most of your time driving the car anyway.
You know, you could always upgrade to a Series II Rx8, probably for less money than the Z06 if you really miss your Rx8.
I used to been a corvette fan boy until I realized about 10 of my neighbors alone have a corvette and they seem too common now, it's like seeing a civic. I would go with the Cayman. Porsche's have an exotic sound to their engine and they're usually way ahead of other cars in technology. While American cars are... well... you know.
Plus the interior is a lot nicer on the Cayman, which is where you would be spending most of your time driving the car anyway.
10-08-2010, 04:00 PM
#17
I don't remember
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My friend of 40 yrs has a zo6, I have an 8. We both track the cars and have swapped vehicles on the track, he loves the 8's interior, balance and handling, I love the POWA.
HMMM, How to make a ZX8.
for 30k
HMMM, How to make a ZX8.
for 30k
10-08-2010, 04:19 PM
#18
I divide by zero
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Spring Hill, FL
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I loved my 98 C5, especially boosted. I enjoyed my Rx8, especially boosted. My 03 Z06 is my dream car, even without boost. Its going to get cam and bolt ons and be enjoyed for many long years
The Rx8 is a great car! It just didnt have enough grunt for a V8 guy like me. If Mazda ever comes out with an Rx7/Rx8 with a 3 rotor. I'll get one to park next to my Z06
The Rx8 is a great car! It just didnt have enough grunt for a V8 guy like me. If Mazda ever comes out with an Rx7/Rx8 with a 3 rotor. I'll get one to park next to my Z06
11-11-2010, 11:46 AM
#24
Registered
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: whitehall, MI
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
the reason why it dos not pull on higway better then your rx8 is because it is in very low rpms 1,800 rpm in 6th Gear at 73 mph - what did you expact - 6th is for fuel economy only
More rugger feel in clutch and suspension - is so the car can hold all that torque and corner better then rx8.
More rugger feel in clutch and suspension - is so the car can hold all that torque and corner better then rx8.
11-11-2010, 11:55 AM
#25
I do like the Z06. I've contemplated it a few times, but the ergonomics and fit-n-finish always turned me off.
On the track, it is hit or miss. A well-driven Z06 is hard to keep up with, but the vast majority I've come across (see my videos) are either under-driven or just can't turn-in.
On the track, it is hit or miss. A well-driven Z06 is hard to keep up with, but the vast majority I've come across (see my videos) are either under-driven or just can't turn-in.