I need your input: I'm really torn between buying an '02 S2K and adding an SC to it or buying an '02 Z06 and leaving it stock. I've driven both cars, but not an S2K with an SC.

Price-wise, they'd be about the same given the added SC cost. I know pros/cons for each. But...

My real question: How does overall performance of SC S2K compare to a Z06?

I know approx. 1/4mi times for both, braking distances, etc., but I'm looking for folks who have "butt-experience" with both. Does the S2K handling with lighter weight make up for the power advantage of the Z06?

Many thanks!

 

sorry i can't give you the advice you need but keep in mind that the s will be much cheaper on insurance.

 

I would guess the Z06 would take the S at any speed (in a strait line). If you also upgraded the suspension slightly on the S, I'm sure you'd lose the Z06 in the turns... But the Z06 is a beast of a car.

Which is more fun to drive? S.
Which looks better? S.
Which isn't American? S.

 

Go for the s2k s/c. Something different on the road. Every time you turn a corner you see a corvette.

 

i was able to drive a z06 breifly at speed, it goes and handles very well, reminded me of my S, only with more power...but....the chevy is just that...quality wise in the longer haul it will be problematic at best...whereas the honda has better built quality and if the super charger is done right should prove to be the better car...if you want plug and play with a warranty...the chevy works best.

 

The Chevy will not have any more quality issues than the S2000. Both are the companies "premier" car. Both are built in a factory were only the best work. A Corvette is NOT a Cavielier. If you want to compare the Civic to the Cavilier, then the quality issue is much more real, but at the level of the Vette and the S2000, it's a non-issue.

Even with a SC the S2000 still gives up at least 70 HP to the 'Vette and, well, a LOT of torque.

If you get the S and supercharge it, you can expect your warranty to be gone. The Z06 untouched would still carry a factory warranty.

If you want to know which car will be faster on the racetrack, it will be the Z06.

Now, most people can't tell the difference between a Z06 and any other 'vette, and there ARE 'vette's at every stoplight. The S2000's are still pretty rare.

The S2000 is convertable.

I love the looks of the S2000, it's classic and awesome. The car handles great and is a blast to drive. The choice (for me) would be S2000 stock or Z06 stock. In a race the Z06 will win, but there are a LOT of intangibles for the S2000.

In the end the choice can only be made by you.

 

hah! masterfully said.

 

Thanks for all the input. I know I'll be happy with either car. I guess that's what makes it a tough choice. For those who care, my take is:

S2K
-----
Pros: Size (I like the smaller, lighter, more nimble nature), convertible (very nice to have here in San Diego), reliability, ergonomics of driving position fit me better such as shifter position, etc., shifter much nicer, steering wheel better

Cons: No torque, lower power (even with SC), SC would void warranty, harsher ride

Z06
-----
Pros: Massive power and torque, handles great, still a somewhat lightweight car, HUD is kinda cool, surprisingly comfortable ride given the performance, intangible factor of having better performance than 95% of cars on the road

Cons: Shifter throws too long (probably fixed with short shifter), driving position ergonomics don't fit me as well as S2K, outdated design with new C6, still has undue stigma of "bald guy with gold chains" car

There are definitely more pros and cons for each, just thought I'd touch on some of the main ones in my decision process.

Feel free to add to either list.

 

The Z06 is a complete package from the factory. The S2k is just as much of a package as well just from another spectrum. The Z06 is all about power, grip, and brute force. It holds almost a G on the skidpad, has 405hp, and in the hands of a capable driver, is a very lethal weapon. The most important thing out of this analysis is that you get a warranty with a stock Z06....there is no such thing in an SC S2k. With that said, the S2k has it following as well. A perfectly balanced car with a fun to drive factor up there with some of the exotic cars available def. has a following among the $30k crowd. It may not have the power of the Z06 or the grip, but it does have the small stature, the tossable nature, the prefectly balanced rwd platform that requires a driver to be behind the wheel to extract its complete capabilities. Personally, I would take the Z06 even though I love my S2k. That will be my next car most definitely, but I love my S2k.

 

the overall reliability of corvettes are not too good...average at best. i was debating getting one until i found out the insurance was just too much...couldn't justify it in our budget. but the s has gotten very good marks for reliability in all aspects. the corvette gets good marks for drivetrain but build quality of the electronics and interior components are inferior.