Funny, I started looking into the Z06, but after driving a Porsche C2S there is no way I could accept a Z06! And, I'm a former L-88 Vette owner ('69) and which I still had that monster. Yes, the Vette has gobs of HP and Torque, but interior SCREAMS GM, steering feels like you're driving a much bigger car and not as responsive. Oh yea, it is noisy, hot and after you park it, enjoy the smell of melting plastic! The interior gets alot of road noise from tires and other noises, it gets hot as hell in there. I guess it's from using balsa wood floor wrapped in carbon fiber. BUT... If you're a muscle-car person, then the Z06 is for you. Next, try to get a test drive...Most dealers have them in showroom and will not let most test these things.
I myself love to drive fast around corners, handling and feel is what I like. OK, so maybe It's not as fast off the line, but in the twisties, it's damn fast, sounds great, looks great, interior is the best "P" car yet. Steering is by far, the best feel!
As for price, well, how much HP stuff do you want? Let's see, I added Sport Exhaust, Sport Shifter, Adaptive Sport Seats, Sport Steering Wheel, Porsche Ceramic Brakes, Aerokit, Sport Chrono, Bose, Nav, and a few other items. Now the C2S starts at $82K. Add all that... $117K. And thats not with the X51 power upgrade another $17K for only 26HP... NOT!
So the Vette is a bargin, but if you want to drive it all the time, be ready for noise, hot and unresponsive steering feel. But you have 500HP! BTW, don't believe all you read in Motor Trend. That rag is HEAVY GM influenced! Besides, compare 500HP to 355HP...Now if it was a GT3 or Turbo, now you have a better match!
My "P" car will be a WE car for now. Oh yea, no ceramic paint. Soft as hell Porsche paint!
Regards,
Deanski