997 Turbo v. C6 Z06

[Got-Boost?]

Now that it's official:

 

2012 M5

http://www.zulva.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2012-BMW-M5-High-Performance-Sports-Car-590x444.jpg

The new generation brings a high-revving 4.4-liter V8 engine with an M TwinPower Turbo package that delivers an impressive 560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 502 lb-ft from 1,500 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and, when the speed limiter is removed, is capable of hitting an impressive top speed of 190 mph. Despite these impressive performance numbers, the car will deliver an estimated fuel economy of 28.5 mpg.

 

Just a few days after the BMW’s official launch, TeamSpeed reported that the 2012 BMW M5 has just become the fastest sedan around the Nurburgring race track with an impressive time of 7:55. With this new time, the M5 will be placed above models like the PorschePanamera Turbo (7:56) and the Cadillac CTS-V (7:59). This new lap time also matches the ’Ring time of the Ferrari F430.

http://autoconceptcar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2012-BMW-M5-Concept-Photos.jpg

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/bmw/2012-bmw-m5-ar100010.html

 

 

2012 E63 AMG

http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/gallery.php/d/364129-4/2012+Mercedes+E63+01.JPG

With a displacement of 5,461 cc eight-cylinder engine develops a maximum power of 518 hp and torque of 516 lb-ft. In collaboration with the AMG performance option, the numbers of up to 550 horsepower and 590 lb-ft. The two variants of the Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 obtain exceptional performance: acceleration from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and 4.3, respectively, and the maximum speed is 155 mph or 186 mph with the performance AMG (electronically limited).

http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/d/364146-4/2012+Mercedes+E63+03.JPG

 

http://infocargallery.blogspot.com/2011/06/2012-mercedes-e63-amg-review.html

 

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/2252422246_3b94d50e4d_z.jpg

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2317/2276915088_701ebf82cd_z.jpg

 

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/jpg/201009/porsche-997-turbo-rm-1w.jpg

 

http://www.dieselstation.com/wallpapers/albums/Techart/Porsche-911-Turbo-997/TechArt-Porsche-911-Turbo-997-widescreen-05.jpg

 

http://www.rpmgo.com/cars/d/33808-2/porsche_997_turbo_tuning_roock05.jpg

http://www.rpmgo.com/cars/d/33816-2/porsche_997_turbo_tuning_roock09.jpg

[Got-Boost?]

http://autoaddicts.net/pictures/l/273067_autoaddicts.jpg

 

http://autoaddicts.net/pictures/l/273083_autoaddicts.jpg

 

http://autoaddicts.net/pictures/l/273087_autoaddicts.jpg

[Ackbar00]

Viper?

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/REDUCED-V10-DRVIERS-STRIPE-ACR-COUPE-FINAL-SALE-BAXTER-/200656003499?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2eb807a1ab

 

http://images2.auction123.com/92368dfb-6e9b-4d92-a1dd-619d8b17bec3/1B3JZ69Z79V500625/04.jpg?webimage001l

[Ackbar00]

Oh yeah!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-Plymouth-Cuda-Hot-Rod-TV-Car-Viper-Engine-/150665239065?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2314591a19

[CRed05]

GT2

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/3272808448_501a23fa85_o.jpg

 

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/entries/icons/original/000/005/939/Fap%20Guy%20Meme.png?1306539683

[Dr. Apex]

Was wondering why the Viper hadn't been mentioned yet. Price point should be in your area, exclusivity on level with the 997 imo, gobs of power and enough aftermarket to do whatever you want.

[Dr. Pomade]

John, come over and we will take the GT2 out for a spin. Maybe give you a second opinion of the Porsche and also give you an idea what they feel like modded. I don’t think you can go wrong with either car though.

 

 

What exactly are your intentions with the car????

 

DD? Weekend/nice weather only car? Track car? 1/4-mile? Roll racing? 1-Mile? Autocross? Roadrace?

 

That is going to be the deciding factor....

 

If you just want something cheap to mod/race, then I would go with the C6Z. If you want something more special then I would look at the Porsche or something else. You can buy a LOT of cars in that price range.

 

If you just want looks and to look like a baller (but otherwise a turd), get an Aston Martin or something in that class. If you want something fun but a DD, then get the new M5 or E63 AMG, etc.

 

If you want something that will do ALL of those things and drive in the winter, get the 997-Turbo. However, I would wait a few more months. Now that the 991 has hit the lots prices will DROP and once the 991-Turbo comes out, they will drop even more. If you were doing more track day type events I would look at a 997-GT3.

 

I have been doing the same shopping and really can't decide. I just haven't found anything I just HAVE to have. At this point with my schedule it will just sit in the garage so what's the point. Go drive them ALL and take notes on the good/bad of each.

 

The only reason I wouldn't buy a C6Z is in Houston they are EVERYWHERE. They are like Mustangs use to be years ago. Now that the prices have dropped and used ones are cheap, they just aren't that special "to me" when I see one on about every corner. If you are going to mod it and beat on it, you can't beat the price/performance....but if you want something rarely seen forget it. They are worse than Terminators use to be...

 

For whatever car I buy (regardless if it's one these two or something else), it's going to stay stock for a really long time (and probably indefinitely). It will be a weekend car, so no DD. It won't see much of a track.

 

Also, Josh, thanks for posting up the stuff about the M5 and other stuff. The M5 I would consider buying for a DD.

[Dr. Pomade]

P.S. Thanks for all the suggestions, but really this thread wasn't intended to be a suggestion thread. (Though one of those might be coming.) Rather, I just wanted opinions on what all of you thought about how much more expensive the Porsche is in comparison to the Corvette and how that could be. Seems like, with the Porsche, you're buying exclusivity, a gorgeous car, and an engineering/driving marvel. However, to me, minus the exclusivity, the Z06 is pretty much even with the Porsche. The Z06 is aesthetically pleasing and is every bit the performer. So, for me, I don't think I'd pay an extra $40K for exclusivity.

 

Also, Josh, I'm with you - so far I haven't come across I absolutely have to have. I guess that's a great reason to just keep looking.

[CRed05]

I think that just like the new Porsche commercials, Porsche's are cars that you can drive daily because it will be comfortable, quiet, AWD, etc. For a toy, and for the price...a Z06 is a good choice.

 

Clarkson seems to feel that way too. A Z06 is not a car that you could live with daily.

[PRD2BDF]

I would go for the C6Z.

 

It's the bargain bomber that can kick everyone's asses and for 4 or so thousand dollars in mods, it can be faster than literally everything short of the Veyron.

 

Plus the Porsche is just a glorified VW Bug

[Dr. Pomade]

I think that just like the new Porsche commercials, Porsche's are cars that you can drive daily because it will be comfortable, quiet, AWD, etc. For a toy, and for the price...a Z06 is a good choice.

 

Clarkson seems to feel that way too. A Z06 is not a car that you could live with daily.

 

Yeah, you can daily drive a Porsche. However, I'd be kidding myself if I said I would drive a 997 Turbo daily year-round (i.e., in our shitty winters). Of course, it would be a wonderful way to get to work the other seven or so months out of the year. And, for the price of the Porsche, it should be daily drivable.

[Forrest Gump 9]

 

 

 

For whatever car I buy (regardless if it's one these two or something else), it's going to stay stock for a really long time (and probably indefinitely). It will be a weekend car, so no DD. It won't see much of a track.

 

 

Well then, here you go

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2012-Ariel-Atom-3-w-supercharger-400-miles-Street-Legal-very-hard-find-/190581885110?pt=Other_Vehicles_Everything_Else&hash=item2c5f90c8b6#ht_500wt_1182

[BigOxley]

Well then, here you go

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2012-Ariel-Atom-3-w-supercharger-400-miles-Street-Legal-very-hard-find-/190581885110?pt=Other_Vehicles_Everything_Else&hash=item2c5f90c8b6#ht_500wt_1182

 

i wish these things were affordable for poor people, like me.

[JuicedH22]

So I didnt bother to read the whole thread, so if this has been said, then whatever.

 

If money isnt 'really' an issue, then what it really boils down to is what you want to do with the car.

 

As someone who has driven, been in and/or around on the track (road course), they are both terrific cars, but feel miles apart. The torque, growl, and corner exit of the c6z is hard to beat, but the handling and refinement of the porsche in the turns is hard to ignore. Having followed One Lap the last few years, I can tell you it is always a battle for the overall track between a porsche, a vette, and now the skylines. All three are typically right on top of each other. 2011 was kind of wacky with break down etc.., but in 2010 a couple 911 turbos and a couple c6z's were battling it out almost every track event and the porsche guys took it more often.

 

So they both perform neck and neck, so it really is more of a feel thing there. I, for one, prefer the brute force of the corvette, just puts a bigger smile on my face.

 

Now if it isnt for racing, and is for just driving around town, 7 out of 10 yuppies would choose the porsche. The porsche feels and looks more refined, but depending on your size may be less comfortable. One of my problems at 6'4" is that w/ a helmet my head hits the headliner in most porsches. Porsche has the name and look for the exclusive feel to and/or if you feel the need to impress people by telling them what car you drive.

 

If the car is for a little bit of both, more more for making 'you' happy.... I think the c6z is a very hard car to beat. and the extra $40k can get you a lot of other goodies to make the grin even bigger.

 

 

Oh and another thing, not that it matters if you ahve the cash to drop anyway. But the maintenance requirement and cost for the porsche is exponentially greater. And if you like to work on cars yourself, the 996 is a PITA to work on.

[Not Brian]

The people I've known with higher-end Porsches always smell like Roasted Hazelnut.. and they never move their eyebrows when they talk. Not that that is a good or bad thing, it's just noticable.

[kirks5oh]

It will be a weekend car, so no DD. It won't see much of a track.

 

 

if its not a car you'd daily drive, then i'd avoid the m5, AMG, or any other 4 door cars. its fun to own a 500+hp 4 door car that can haul groceries, and 4 other family members, all the while blowing the doors off most other cars out there. smooth, quiet ride, almost like sitting on a sofa. awesome for highway cruising. but you can still feel the weight of the car---1000 more lbs than the vette.

 

if you're looking for a weekend warrior, that you can absolutely wring the shit out of all day long in stock form, but still take the other half to a nice restaurant in, and look awesome in the process, the vette will fit the bill.

 

i also love the fact my car came with a 5 year, 100k mile warranty. i can absolutely mod the piss out of it, and if all goes to hell, there are plenty of shops comfortable with lsx motors, and the motors themselves are not insanely expensive (compared to the other cars mentioned here)

Edited October 3, 2011 by kirks5oh

[Got-Boost?]

Speaking of Porsches.....whatever happened to I think it was Renner that had the 993 Porsche that put a BIG Turbo on it???

 

Haven't seen/heard anything about that car in a while...

[Got-Boost?]

Something different:

 

http://www.supercarworld.com/images/fullpics/055f.jpg

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=293723146&dealer_id=66020195&car_year=2001&systime=&doors=&model=ESPRIT&search_lang=en&start_year=2001&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=500&min_price=&rdm=1317626028068&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=y&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=HOUSTON_NE&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=77304&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&make=LOTUS&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=401&standard=false

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=303065338&dealer_id=66444105&car_year=2001&systime=&doors=&model=ESPRIT&search_lang=en&start_year=2001&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=500&min_price=&rdm=1317626028068&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=y&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=HOUSTON_NE&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=77304&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&make=LOTUS&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=185&standard=false

 

 

Or wait for the new one to come out...

[Got-Boost?]

My wifes coworker seems to like his V10 model:

 

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/06_r8v10red_opta.jpg

 

Prices on the V8's are down:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=296944931&dealer_id=57645971&car_year=2008&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&model=R8&showZipError=y&pager.offset=25&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&dma=HOUSTON_NE&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&body_code=0&first_record=26&isFlashPlugin=true&distance=500&default_sort=priceDESC&address=77304&rdm=1317626961664&marketZipError=false&sort_type=priceDESC&make=AUDI&num_records=25&seller_type=b&cardist=41&standard=false

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=303497465&dealer_id=87061&car_year=2008&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&model=R8&showZipError=y&pager.offset=25&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&dma=HOUSTON_NE&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&body_code=0&first_record=26&isFlashPlugin=true&distance=500&default_sort=priceDESC&address=77304&rdm=1317626961664&marketZipError=false&sort_type=priceDESC&make=AUDI&num_records=25&seller_type=b&cardist=400&standard=false

[Got-Boost?]

With the 458 out, prices will continue to drop on these...

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__b57G1h37Fg/TReh9_m0ccI/AAAAAAAAAFA/G7ZWB6qoVpg/s1600/Ferrari-F430.jpg

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3216741326_e3650a3a81.jpg

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=307558466&dealer_id=54463915&car_year=2005&systime=&doors=&model=F430&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=&rdm=1317627164169&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=HOUSTON_NE&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=77304&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=120000&make=FER&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=48&standard=false

 

 

I don't like them as much but the 360's have come down a lot...

 

http://px6.streetfire.net/0001/46/10/1866401_600.jpg

[Got-Boost?]

USED I would look at a GT2, they are close to $120k though...

 

http://www.autospecifications.org/car-reviews/wp-content/uploads/porsche-911-gt2.jpg

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=307333079&dealer_id=98756&car_year=2008&model=911TURBO&pager.offset=25&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&keywordsrep=071084050&keywordsfyc=__R1Qy__&search_type=both&distance=0&rdm=1317628903853&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&keywords_display=GT2&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&dma=HOUSTON_NE&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&first_record=26&isFlashPlugin=true&default_sort=priceDESC&address=77304&sort_type=priceDESC&make=POR&num_records=25&seller_type=b&cardist=1326&standard=false

[Got-Boost?]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpyRZOsXLbk/TUwPpeJAlAI/AAAAAAAAAGs/grFZd8k7ucY/s1600/blkford1.jpg

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=307633701&dealer_id=57125830&car_year=2006&systime=&doors=&model=GT&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=&rdm=1317628524509&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=y&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=HOUSTON_NE&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=77304&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&make=FORD&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=85&standard=false

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=302689439&dealer_id=66419881&car_year=2005&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&model=GT&showZipError=y&pager.offset=25&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&dma=HOUSTON_NE&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&body_code=0&first_record=26&isFlashPlugin=true&distance=0&default_sort=priceDESC&address=77304&rdm=1317628524509&marketZipError=false&sort_type=priceDESC&make=FORD&num_records=25&seller_type=b&cardist=1360&standard=false

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=305456587&dealer_id=66577409&car_year=2006&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&model=GT&showZipError=y&pager.offset=25&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&dma=HOUSTON_NE&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&body_code=0&first_record=26&isFlashPlugin=true&distance=0&default_sort=priceDESC&address=77304&rdm=1317628524509&marketZipError=false&sort_type=priceDESC&make=FORD&num_records=25&seller_type=b&cardist=83&standard=false

[acklac7]

Seems like, with the Porsche, you're buying exclusivity, a gorgeous car, and an engineering/driving marvel. However, to me, minus the exclusivity, the Z06 is pretty much even with the Porsche. The Z06 is aesthetically pleasing and is every bit the performer. So, for me, I don't think I'd pay an extra $40K for exclusivity.

 

 

If you buy the right Porsche you get to have your cake and eat it too; essentially you get paid to drive. Late model year 993's will only appreciate in value, especially the '97's. You get to roll a bad ass car and literally get paid to drive it..

 

Never forget the story of the old man's 911: drove it everywhere, dated basically whomever, spent a couple thousand in repairs.... Then, 6 years later, sold it no-problem for $6500 over the inflation/repair-adjusted bb purchase price...can you say the same thing about the Vette?

Edited October 3, 2011 by acklac7

[kirks5oh]

If you buy the right Porsche you get to have your cake and eat it too; essentially you get paid to drive. Late model year 993's will only appreciate in value, especially the '97's. You get to roll a bad ass car and literally get paid to drive it..

 

Never forget the story of the old man's 911: drove it everywhere, dated basically whomever, spent a couple thousand in repairs.... Then, 6 years later, sold it no-problem for $6500 over the inflation/repair-adjusted bb purchase price...can you say the same thing about the Vette?

 

who wants to roll out in a 15 year old 1997?? not me. pretty sure the op is married with kid(s), so he's probably not looking to date whomever. i'd steer clear of anything older than 3-4 years, but that's just me. trust me, before i got my caddy, i was looking at the exact same cars---turbo porsches, GTR's, m5's, AMG's, etc. for me, it came down to the ability to put 5 people in the car, and not drive over an hour to have it serviced.

[JuicedH22]

P.S. Thanks for all the suggestions, but really this thread wasn't intended to be a suggestion thread. (Though one of those might be coming.) Rather, I just wanted opinions on what all of you thought about how much more expensive the Porsche is in comparison to the Corvette and how that could be.

 

Oh?