Z06 guys are lucky

[CBH]

This goes back to the age old comparison we've seen in many threads - if you don't demand 3 pedals, your choices expand exponentially.

The Z06 was phenomenal. I was especially surprised by the ride quality - it was very comfy for daily driving. I didn't think ow-end torque (or the lack thereof) was an issue. That's one area the DCT shines - it'll hit low gear and away you go with just a slap of your right foot.

I've been trying to figure out how to get that phenomenal engine into something else. Chevy Performance doesn't sell it as a crate engine, but think of that sound and 8,600 RPM redline in a Cobra...........that would be perfection !!

But the 5 BW is the only way you can get the best of all worlds.

 

[minn19]

I also had a C8 Z06 for ten months and miss it every day. Unfortunately my dad bod/old man knees from sports/work didn’t agree with the more cramped cockpit and exit wasn’t the easiest. My gawd though what a car! Every car guy/gal should have the chance to experience that thing. I had no issues with visibility as others who’ve owned them and got used to it. Set your mirrors correctly and the rear view camera mirror covered the blind spots. I also don’t really get the no low end torque complaints. A simple push of the right foot in the correct gear and you are going to out accelerate pretty much everything on the road. Even the annoying as hell Tesla drivers who think their ugly ass jelly bean looking cars are sports cars. The LT6 is almost reads your mind, it’s the most responsive engine I’ve ever owned, only one that came close was Porsches N/A 4.0.

 

[RiptideHTC]

I’ve never driven a C8 Z06. However, it still has the same crappy DCT that’s in my C8 Stingray. Plus if you’re a torque junky like myself, you may find the lack of low-end torque disappointing, especially for street use. I think people forget the C8 Z06 is the “track focused” model of the C8 line-up.

Now comparing my C8 Stingray to my M6 5BW, the BW is the way better car. The only area the C8 is better than the Cadillac is handling. The mid-engine design does make a significant difference in that regard. But the 5BW wins on ride quality, power and build quality. It takes something really special to beat 670 HP, a manual transmission, and Cadillac luxury.

Personally the only C8 I would consider as a daily driver would be the ERay. The AWD and All-Season tires give it the advantage in that regard. If you live in an area that has the potential to get more than 4 inches of snow, no sports car not even the Cadillac is a good choice as a daily driver. That’s when you look at a 4W drive pickup or Jeep as a daily.

The programming and performance of the DCT in the ZO6 is significantly improved over the Stingray.
I don't think anyone will really drive a Eray in bad weather, especially with 345 rears and the MSRP. With that said, the ERAY is ridiculously overpriced, overweight, and overcomplicated for what it is.
Once DCT tuning is available, a Stingray with turbos or a 2650 will be a hell of a car and good deal.
Until then, I think the ZO6 and 5BW stick are great options.