Earlier this week, I was out giving a co-worker a lift from another facility when I stumbled across this interesting sight, just on the other side of the fortified security gate. Due to time constraints I was only able to get this one shot, but in this case it worked out perfectly. Almost immediately my mind started making an apples-vs.-oranges comparison. Aside from the fact that they are both front engine, rear wheel drive, two-seat sports cars, no two vehicles could be more different.
Over 10 years, drastically different cultures, and completely different design and engineering philosophies mark these dueling icons. And yet, their core mission is the same- deliver pure driving satisfaction to their enthusiastic owners.
The screaming red ‘Vette is a 2001-2004 z06. The Z06 model is the ultimate incarnation of the C5 platform which originated in 1997 all the way until 2004, when C5 production ended. Motivation comes from a 7.0 liter LS2 engine that originally pumped out 385 horsepower, but jumped to 405 ponies in its second year. Other performance-enhancing tricks on the Z06 compared to the standard ‘Vette include bigger brakes with functional cooling ducts, thinner glass, super lightweight magnesium alloy wheels, and a titanium exhaust system. All Z06s come equipped with a 6-speed manual transaxle. No automatics were available on the z06.
The cool blue 300ZX appears to be a 1987-89 model. The 87-89 is the later, facelifted version of the Z31 platform which originated in 1983. The 1983-1986 version was blockier and chunkier in that 80’s Japanese way. The 1987 upgrade, with its smooth sides and more rounded corners, was Nissan’s way of modernizing the now-aging platform. Power came from one of two versions of Nissan’s venerable 3.0 liter V6, making 160 HP in normally aspirated trim, or 200 HP in turbocharged form, turning either a five-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. In 1990 an all-new Z, sporting dramatically different exterior styling and the availability of a hot new 300 HP twin-turbo engine, would make its debut.
America’s only true sports car has experienced its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but has basically stayed true to its original formula- providing butt-clenching performance and brash, in-your-face style at a ( relative ) bargain price. Today’s C7 is the best ‘Vette ever. And the future only looks brighter. By contrast, the Z has gotten steadily bigger, plusher, more refined, and more expensive with each subsequent generation. The Z has had its ups and downs as well, but it continues to be a smooth, sophisticated, and refined sports car for the thinking man ( or woman ) enthusiast- the Fast And Furious crowd notwithstanding.
Our feature Corvette makes its bones through a combination of pure brute force and raw sex appeal. Our feature Z wins its fans through its overall refinement, civility, comfort, and mechanical precision. It’s no secret that in an all-out performance contest, the Yankee Z would leave its older far-east competitor in the dust. Even so, the Nissan would probably be much more pleasant to live with on the daily slog to work, or driving an elderly female relative to church. In my lottery dream garage, I’d have plenty of room for both.
According to no less than Enzo Ferrari, the Jeep (military, CJ, Wrangler, obviously) is the only true American sports car.
The LS2 is 6.0, the 7.0 came around in the C6 generation
Personally the Z lost me when the 350 iteration came out, they used to be so low and sleek like the Vette but then that generation made them look like nothing more than a shortened G35. My friend’s Dad had an electron blue LS2 powered Z06 like this, I always liked the no frills packaging of them, with the functional brake ducts and it’s rather unsporty looking but lightweight notchback roof. These were/are the only C5s that catch my attention.
Side note: I remember my friend and I detailed that car in exchange for rides, I cleaned the wheels and remember thinking how HUGE they were – this would have been circa 2002ish remember – now looking at this car with my brain adjusted to 2017 sensibilities those same exact wheels seem almost tiny in the wheel openings!
I had a C5 ZO6 back in the day and it was a wonderful piece of kit – very different to a 2004 automatic coupe I had at the same time. It sat much lower and handling was way sharper. The brakes were easily as good as my 996 Porsche and it weighed under 1400 kilos with half a tank of gas (UK Government weigh bridge). The ride was surprisingly civilized and only the width was a handicap in Europe. The interior was cheap and nasty and the seats nowhere near the Porsche’s. Fuel economy was similar to the 996 (3.6) – around 10 lyres/100 or 25mpg whilst using the German autobahns -excellent considering the performance advantage. I parked it on the Kings Road in London once and had people posing with it in preference to Astons and Lambos. It was “Millenium Yellow”, which no doubt helped it stand out…..
Not sure if that was a factory color, but the ZX sure looks good in that blue. While I can appreciate the ’83-’86 cars, this ’87 refresh was an excellent job that ended up looking far better (to me) than the original design. The Z06 on the other hand looks purposeful, like it will put up with city driving but really wants to be out on the track. Not a lot of extraneous stuff.
The C5 Z06 was equipped with a 5.7L LS6, but the listed power ratings are correct. The 6.0L LS2 didn’t come out until 6th Generation, and was later replaced with the 6.2L LS3. The C6 Z06 used the 7.0L naturally aspirated V8 engine.
I’d argue that the C5 Vette would be as easy or easier to live with day to day compared to the 300ZX., even in the Z06 configuration. The C5 was a vast improvement in the Vette’s civility, as well as huge improvements in interior space, ingress/egress, structural rigidity and ride. While everyone swoons over the C7, it is really just an evolution of the C5.
It’s not much of a comparison between a newer 2000+ Corvette against an 1987 Nissan 300zx. I had several early Zs plus a ’92. Comparing them against their contemporary Corvette models would be more telling. They were very close and in many categories the Z was considered more refined. When the Z was reintroduced after a hiatus it was no longer a stand alone model, it was based upon a sedan’s and even a crossover’s platform. The Infiniti G35 and the Nissan Murano. During the previous cycle of the early 1990s, the 300zx, the Mazda RX7 and especially the Toyota Supra had explored the higher price reaches of their market. Their just weren’t enough sales to sustain continued development and production and they all vanished. I will admit that the Corvette has been the subject of continual development and improvement. Of course the price has risen steadily through this time. The 350z has been steadily improved, but it has a much lower pricepoint. The Nissan competitor to the newest Vette would have to be the Nissan GTR. If I could have a current high performance car that would be my choice.
The 300 ZX is a quality automobile through and through; whereas the Corvette is constructed of typical cheap GM bean counter materials. I had a 1997 Corvette and the interior materials were a joke. The cheap bonded leather peeled away on the seat bolsters after 2 years. I’ve owned 20 year old BMWs with leather interiors still looking new.
Looks just like the ’88 300ZX I had for about a year, color and all! What was I thinking, with New England winters and such…..I did a complete 360 one day when it was flurrying out and nearly got hit head on by a cement truck! It was put right up for sale after that. Needless to say, for the rest of the time I had it when the weather was nice I really enjoyed that car. I have to say, that 300ZX was a very comfortable 2-seat cruiser. It was rattle-free, very refined and overall a very well-made car. Even the t-tops fit well and did not leak at all. It wasn’t a fast car, and for some reason it was horrible on gas. I even had the local Nissan dealer go through it to make sure nothing was wrong and there wasn’t. But I actually got more money for it when I sold it than what I had paid for it a year earlier so I was happy.