Which Corvette to get?

[RRfireblade]

Originally posted by manike

I want a 'vette, because I have always wanted a 'vette, sorry no substitutes will be concidered.

Z06, There is no substitute.

And T-Tops are for chicks,be a man.

Jay.

[Eric Cartman]

Not so much for the speed and acceleration, but for the deceleration, cornering and handling I'd never want to give up the stick shift. I just feel so much safer with one - a real one with a clutch pedal and not one of these autostick things.

It's your cash, so do what makes you happy, but I don't think these cars should even be offered with an automatic unless you can prove you're over 60 and have at least one plastic hip. There would be no other excuse to have an auto in a car like this.

[Mango]

**Puts on Corvette Fanatic Hat

Ok first of all, C5 corvettes do not have "T-tops". They have a removeable roof you can get if you like the Coupe body lines. HOWEVER, if you get the convertable, you will lose NO structural regidity in the C5 because that car was designed AS A CONVERTABLE first and the hydroformed body is stronger than the SL mercedes, long considered the benchmark when it came to rating the strength of automobile frames. The C5 corvette trumped it. If you like the removable roof panel then go for it, but I will tell you, in Dallas I would go convertable. You only gain a marginal amount of weight but once again, the car was designed for that.

Second, the Cadillac XLR is NOT the same as a Corvette. And it shares the same Sigma Platform body/frame as the upcoming C6, NOT the C5. Differences? Well first of all the ENGINE. The XLR uses the Cadillac Northstar 32 valve V8 and is grossly underpowered. You pay out the but for Cadillacs goofy styling, a hard top retracable roof, an underpowered V8 and Magnetic Ride Control. Some other components come out of the same parts bin but thats where the similaries end.

If i were you Simon, I would wait a few months until the new C6 comes out. We're talking a completey new Corvette with more horsepower and more options availible than ever before. The facts about it can be found here and the Magnetic Ride Control will be standard on all C6 corvettes. It's an amazing system that adjusts the stiffness and reactivity of the shock absorbers in real time through a series of sensors that monitor pitch, yaw, cornering G's and braking and allows for insane handeling possiblities.

And to answer your question automatic is great for a daily driver. There is nothing wrong with it.

[SlipknotX556]

I wouldnt get a vette, Esclade is the gangster ride for me.

[vf-xx]

Blah blah blah.

Moving to Dallas EH? Well as a Fort Worth native I have to suggest going with the automatic. If you're going to be battling DFW rush hour traffic it really is the best bet.

And I realize that you said that this is going to be a normal daily car, if you buy a vette, you WILL get a hankering to play with it a bit. Thats ok, there are some really nice roads to test it on in Texas. Since you're moving here, I'm sure you visited, but contrarty to what some people said, we have twisty roads here. Texas is spread out not up like the east coast.

As for the snow thing. If you're living in DFW don't expect it, ever. Once every couple of years it'll snow, but it always ALWAYS turns to ice almost immediately (trust me I lived there 18 years).

If you have any other questions do feel free to PM me, I don't mind.


Crazy brits are invading!! run for your lives!!!

[FalconGuy016]

MANUAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU CANT HAVE A COREVETTE WITHOUT MANUAL

[manike]

Originally posted by vf-xx
Moving to Dallas EH? Well as a Fort Worth native

Cool... I didn't spot that.

Were you at the last PACS event? Where Texas Storm won the event? I was

I actually just got back from a week in Dallas. I have my apartment sorted out (2210 Canton street within Walking Distance of Deep Ellum...) and am waiting on my visa to return ASAP.

I'll be back and living there permanently within a few weeks. :tup: I have my office half built in Irving and it's all coming together nicely!

[JesseB]

Oh forgot to mention most of the roads in The Dallas Metroplex suck ***... and as low as a vette or any sports car sits its gonna get annoying bouncing around... Just driving down I-20 in a full sized SUV is hardly bareable...

hopefully you will go with the vette as a toy and a sensibl everyday car. unless you have the green to comute in one because in the dallas area the bulk of the population works in the city and commutes from outlying rural cities and townships, but you prolly know all that...

[manike]

Originally posted by JesseB
unless you have the green to comute in one because in the dallas area the bulk of the population works in the city and commutes from outlying rural cities and townships, but you prolly know all that...

I'm lucky enough that I will be doing just the opposite of that

I'll live in the City (by Deep Ellum) and commute out to Irving.

[JesseB]

Right on...

good rent there? or are you purchasing?

[manike]

Renting. A GORGEOUS apartment. Might purchase in a year or so depending on how things go.

[billybob_81067]

Auto vs. Manual

Automatic transmissions can take high torque better than a manual... so if you are going to be doing lots of peeling out and nasty launches then you might consider the automatic. Also the automatic would definately be better in stop and go traffic...

Then again, it is a chevrolet automatic and therefore there is a higher chance of you blowing out the pinions on your forward planetary gearset...

If you like the feel of a standard though and would be comfortable driving it in rush hour traffic, then go for it. You'll probably find yourself going through some clutches and throw-out bearings with that kind of stop and go traffic...

There is pros and cons to each, so it all just comes down to what you like best.

[vf-xx]

Originally posted by manike


Cool... I didn't spot that.

Were you at the last PACS event? Where Texas Storm won the event? I was

No, I haven't made any events recently. I'm a poor college student and I'm currently out in lubbock. Also known as west hell.

[Jon/xpm]

manike-Trans Am has T-Tops...

i have a friend who might be selling
his red trans am with t-tops
in very great condition
he lives in the D/FW area...
let me know if your instrested

how about the
Corvette Commemorative Edition Z06

[Lohman446]

Buying new... assuming (and understand I have not seen the most recent spec sheets).

First off, your going to put a ton of miles on it, you said (and either keep it long term or trade it in before its out of warranty - I assume). This kills long term value that collectors and enthusiasts (where the manual MIGHT increase value) are. For either of these I have to recommend an automatic - I am assuming you are not going to be street racing or any racing for that matter. Its just convenient.

I have a tuned out Porsche 924 stick, awesome car, fun as hell. Factually when I walk into the drive I more often take my Taurus to work, its just easier.

Factually, the Joystick six speed is overrated. The last spec I saw top speed was attained in fifth gear, sixth gear was rather worthless and just there for looks.

As for the suggestions of Cadillacs (and I work on cars all day) if you are ever going to let it get out of warranty run away. Cadi's are GMs testing ground for new ideas, if they don't work well, hold up, whatever they are generally handled by warranty and most Cadi owners trade them in before warranty expires - this interestingly also applies to the Olds brand as far as testing - GM has said that the majority of Olds drivers (older) just ignore options they don't like.

Then again, your looking at an automatic and you call yourself a European... I think you have been a closet American all this time.