C8Z vs CT5BW

[Clubracer6]

I posted this in the Corvette Forum, but posting here as well.

I know there are some of you that have both the CT5VBW and C8Z and just wanting to hear your thoughts on both.

I have a CT5VBW manual and I absolutely love it, but here I am about to close a deal on trading it for a C8Z.

Why?

• My commute is 4 miles and I regularly haul twin 8 year old boys who tend to destroy anything they come in to contact with.
• Speaking of them, they never want to go drive in it, just for the sake of driving, but I know that would be different in the Z and that would force some one on one time with them.
• As much as I would like to track this car, it’s still 4100lbs at the end of the day. The brake dust is already horrific in daily driving, my bronze wheels would never recover.
• Between work and family I don’t always have the time to handwash the BW and with daily use here in Chicagoland, it just does not stay nice as I’d like it to. Especially that brake dust. I clean the wheels more often than the whole car.
• The C8Z kind of checks that supercar box off that I have had since I was kid. The Italian stuff I grew up lusting after, is getting expensive to buy and maintain/repair these days. Plus I like that there are so many C8’s that it won’t exactly shock the neighbors like a 430 or Gallardo would.
• I’d feel better about going to Chicago itself or ORD in a not a nice daily.

I was not a big C8 fan and am a die hard manual guy, but I recently drove a C8Z and was blown away. It was the first time I didn’t care about a sports car not having a 3rd pedal.

So, for those who had both, would love to hear your experiences. Is the C8Z a more special driving experience? More engaging, even with the DCT?

I will miss this thing a lot, but if too much, I would another with the options and color I want.

 

[flipray]

Honestly, thats an all on you conversation. Other peoples reasoning for going from one car to another may not match whats happening to you. You already said, the whole you dont have to have both kids in the car already give you a leg up on people that decided to go with the C8z. The manual being only on the 5BW is really the only other thing. So question is, how important is that to you?

My personal situation with kids forces me to stay in a sedan. Me missing driving my old manual C6 Z06s is the other reason why I cant get rid of this thing. So this is the most logical car for me.

PS: if you decide to keep it, brake dust is only a brake pad change away. There's a few options out there now that will cut down dust by a good 70-80% and help keep your sanity.

 

[Clubracer6]

Honestly, thats an all on you conversation. Other peoples reasoning for going from one car to another may not match whats happening to you. You already said, the whole you dont have to have both kids in the car already give you a leg up on people that decided to go with the C8z. The manual being only on the 5BW is really the only other thing. So question is, how important is that to you?

My personal situation with kids forces me to stay in a sedan. Me missing driving my old manual C6 Z06s is the other reason why I cant get rid of this thing. So this is the most logical car for me.

PS: if you decide to keep it, brake dust is only a brake pad change away. There's a few options out there now that will cut down dust by a good 70-80% and help keep your sanity.

Thanks and good advice for sure! I was more looking for feedback on the driving experience of both cars. If I don’t trade it, I’ll be looking into the brake pad thing right away. 70 % reduction with negligible performance or feel reduction would be amazing.

 

[blkout]

I've owned both, a 2023 C8 Z06/Z07 and my current 2024 CT5 BW. Honestly, from a performance perspective, the C8 Z06 is a better car unquestionably. The best argument for the CT5 Blackwing is 4 doors, rear seats, and manual trans option if you prefer it. If I had my preference, I would probably own both.

And not that it matters to most people, but the gas mileage is actually MUCH worse in the C8 Z06 than the CT5 Blackwing if you can believe that. You'll get a solid 14-15mpg in the city with the BW, and about 11-12 in the city with the Z06.

 

[Clubracer6]

I've owned both, a 2023 C8 Z06/Z07 and my current 2024 CT5 BW. Honestly, from a performance perspective, the C8 Z06 is a better car unquestionably. The best argument for the CT5 Blackwing is 4 doors, rear seats, and manual trans option if you prefer it. If I had my preference, I would probably own both.

And not that it matters to most people, but the gas mileage is actually MUCH worse in the C8 Z06 than the CT5 Blackwing if you can believe that. You'll get a solid 14-15mpg in the city with the BW, and about 11-12 in the city with the Z06.

Thank you! I know it is quite a bit faster, but did you find it as or more fun and engaging at all speeds compared to you BW?

 

[Kicks&Guitars]

I have both. A 2025 Z06 1LZ convertible and a 2026 Blackwing with the manual transmission. If I could only keep one it would be the Z06, but more for the convertible than the driving experience of either car.

Z06
Need to be high in the RPM range to really feel the power which can be touch around town. Car sounds amazing and handles amazing. Paddle shifting in manual mode is very satisfying. The car feels much more raw than the BW. Being a 1lz it does not have a ton of creature comforts, but I cant say I miss them while driving the car. If you are decent sized lad the Z06 is tight fit, but once you are in it's like being in a cockpit. Z06 feels faster and 0-60 time agrees.

BW
Instant torque down low, really refined driving experience, manual transmission is awesome. It's way more comfortable to drive than the Z06. Last of dying breed.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

 

[blkout]

Thank you! I know it is quite a bit faster, but did you find it as or more fun and engaging at all speeds compared to you BW?

Different experiences really and the sound of the Z06 NEVER gets old. I enjoy both quite a bit.

 

[Clubracer6]

I have both. A 2025 Z06 1LZ convertible and a 2026 Blackwing with the manual transmission. If I could only keep one it would be the Z06, but more for the convertible than the driving experience of either car.

Z06
Need to be high in the RPM range to really feel the power which can be touch around town. Car sounds amazing and handles amazing. Paddle shifting in manual mode is very satisfying. The car feels much more raw than the BW. Being a 1lz it does not have a ton of creature comforts, but I cant say I miss them while driving the car. If you are decent sized lad the Z06 is tight fit, but once you are in it's like being in a cockpit. Z06 feels faster and 0-60 time agrees.

BW
Instant torque down low, really refined driving experience, manual transmission is awesome. It's way more comfortable to drive than the Z06. Last of dying breed.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Thank you, great feedback. When just driving around town, do you find the C8Z as engaging as the manual 5BW. I had a 4BW and around town it was a bit boring, but I find the CT5 is fun at any speed. Might just be the rumble of the V8 and the manual. Also, the steering in the C8Z did not seem as connected as my BW, but admittedly, I’ve only had two short drives in one.

 

[blkout]

Thank you, great feedback. When just driving around town, do you find the C8Z as engaging as the manual 5BW. I had a 4BW and around town it was a bit boring, but I find the CT5 is fun at any speed. Might just be the rumble of the V8 and the manual. Also, the steering in the C8Z did not seem as connected as my BW, but admittedly, I’ve only had two short drives in one.

This is going to be up to you. I found the Z06 very engaging but I've also heard a lot of people complain all C8 variants can be boring with the DCT. I also heard the same complaints with the Shelby GT500 DCT but I owned one of those too and I never found it boring. I also don't think you'll find the C8 Z06 lacking torque either. It doesn't make the same torque as the Blackwing but its geared very low and the engine revs super quick so you never feel lacking for power. I think that's why the gas mileage is so bad in them though because you're always revving the engine a bit more during normal driving.

This was mine and I do miss it quite a bit. I love my CT5 Blackwing also though. If we didn't own so many cars already, I would have both, but I can't justify it with some of the other cars we own too.

 

[nix6speed]

I went from C8Z to a manual CT4 BW. Ordered new from Macmulkin. Proceeded to put 15k miles on it in 18 months. Plus did Spring Mountain. C8Z is a fantastic car. I think it's the best sounding factory V8. Some guys do high flow cats I always thought it was plenty loud stock. Here's a sound clip taken by my sound engineer friend using professional gear.

You'll hear some folks say C8Zs are slow for their power level or in comparison to xyz car. I never cared and always thought it was more than fast enough despite owning faster cars in the past. Tall gearing in them is unfortunate with 4th gear going to 145 MPH. Doesn't give you much opportunity to click off shifts for those good flat plane noises. Had the best license plate.

Reason for trading was wanting a cheaper car. I didn't miss having a manual. Used paddle shifters most of the time. Annoyances were GMs software bloat in them pushing Google suite, the random false CELs, abysmal fuel range even if you're highway cruising, and obscene tire costs ($2300 for PS4s). Insurance costs weren't too bad. You'll be happy with the choice.

 

[Kawman]

The C8 won't do this!

 

[Carguyshu]

If you watch the most recent savagegeese video over the CT5 BW with PP Jack (who owns a c8Z) says that on track he prefers driving the BW. The weight difference really isn't a large as you'd think either. A 3LZ convertible with standard wheels, front lift, no CCB or carbon wheels is pushing 3,800 lbs. The BW is actually lighter than a GT500, but people track those all the time. If you have a passenger in the Z the weight is going to be pretty close to the Blackwing. I track my BW often. Both cars are going to be hard on consumables and if you're complaining about dust that means you have the iron brakes on the BW. If you stepped up to a Z with CCB even though its lighter its going to have a much higher running cost on track than an iron braked BW. The iron braked Z actually uses the same front pad shape as the CT4 BW and 6th gen camaro SS 1LE.

 

[blkout]

If you watch the most recent savagegeese video over the CT5 BW with PP Jack (who owns a c8Z) says that on track he prefers driving the BW. The weight difference really isn't a large as you'd think either. A 3LZ convertible with standard wheels, front lift, no CCB or carbon wheels is pushing 3,800 lbs. The BW is actually lighter than a GT500, but people track those all the time. If you have a passenger in the Z the weight is going to be pretty close to the Blackwing. I track my BW often. Both cars are going to be hard on consumables and if you're complaining about dust that means you have the iron brakes on the BW. If you stepped up to a Z with CCB even though its lighter its going to have a much higher running cost on track than an iron braked BW. The iron braked Z actually uses the same front pad shape as the CT4 BW and 6th gen camaro SS 1LE.

Having owned both a C8 Z06/Z07 will absolutely outperform a CT5 BW on a road course. It is also quicker to 60 and 1/4.

 

[quikag]

I have a regular C8 Z51 and my 5BW six-speed and I'm wondering how often you can really leave one of the twins at home and take the other out in the Z? I have two boys (5 and 8) and its pretty hard coordinating taking one kid out on a drive in one of my two Vettes leaving the other one at home complaining with Mom.

So, practically speaking, I don't drive the Vettes as much because I can't take both boys and its a logistical issue. I can easily toss the boys in the BW and go out for a nice, fun, enjoyable drive.

Then you talk about driving more of a beater as a daily. You need to consider what percentage of time you do fun/track driving versus normal daily driving. The C8Z will be an event every time you drive it, but practicality will be way less for your family and commute.

I think you'll really miss having a 5BW six-speed to drive ALL THE TIME. Fix the brake pads and/or trade in for another 5BW with carbon ceramics as they're sublime.

Anyway, my humble opinion:

5BW six-speed 100% of the time > 20% C8Z plus 80% Honda Accord

 

[Sledge Hammer]

I think quikag hit the nail on the head. A few months ago I traded my C8 Z51 for the CT5V BW. I know a Z51 is not the same as a Z06, but it is a pretty rare occasion when you can use the extra a Z06 offers over the Z51. From a looks stand point the Z06 definately looks better than than the BW. Practicality the BW wins hands down. The manual in the BW is definately engaging, but the DCT doesn't make the Vette boring by any sense. I throughly enjoyed the C8 and I am currently enjoying the BW. Just can't get enough of that low end torque and banging gears. My age also played a role as getting in an out of the Vette was more of a challenge. Frankly, you have got the itch and will probably have to scratch it. The kids won't mind the Accord, but you will. Choice is yours obviously.

 

[Tuna]

I don't have a 5VBW or a C8Z but I do have a CTS-V Wagon stick shift and a C8 Eray in the garage next to my '13 427 Convertible stick shift Vette. I don't have any kids to chauffer around, so that's not an issue for me. I'm glad I have a wife that lets me buy all these fast cars. The V Wagon is just too much fun to let it get away and a total sleeper. The 427 Vert is a keeper also and more of a daily driver (82k miles). The Eray is a blast to drive with all-wheel-drive and 655 combined HP. Talk about acceleration - WOW.
I'm sorry but I had to toot my horn!

 

[Clubracer6]

So if I am hearing everyone correctly, I need both! . I truly don’t care about numbers, I really just care about smiles and I have to say, the 5 delivers that in spades, every single drive. The color and wheel combo is not my favorite, but every time I see it, I get the feels. I also test drove another C8Z late yesterday and I decided I do enjoy my car more. At a minimum, I do deal with the brake pads and maybe pick up a winter rig to avoid putting it through a Chicago winter. Maybe trade for one with the color and options I want, including CCB’s. If I end up tracking more than a couple times a year, I’ll probably just start do a few races in a rental Spec Miata instead. 76 cars in and maybe I finally found a keeper. Thanks all!

 

[1Evil55]

Looking at a white one? In Naperville by chance?

 

[Carguyshu]

Having owned both a C8 Z06/Z07 will absolutely outperform a CT5 BW on a road course. It is also quicker to 60 and 1/4.

no doubt, but if his concern was just about weight that weight isn't as large of a difference as one would think. the BW is more comparable to the Z51 on track. on some tracks its faster and on others slower.

 

[blkout]

no doubt, but if his concern was just about weight that weight isn't as large of a difference as one would think. the BW is more comparable to the Z51 on track. on some tracks its faster and on others slower.

In fairness you did compare the heaviest version of the Z06 too though. That being said, the weight of the Z06's center of gravity will be lower due to the height of the vehicles which also affects handling. The Blackwing is relatively light for a modern high performance sedan though.