So I play around on Road Atlanta (Road racing track) and even with 305/25/20 and the lowest suspension setting (renntech elm), the car is still 4600+ pounds (with driver). Regardless of how perfect my line is, that car is no match for the lighter (2800-3300 lbs) cars. SL55s fare no better on that track.

On several occasions I test drove a Porsche 911 turbo (2005) and a Z06 (2009). Both have about the same specs(z06 ups it in HP by a tad). I can get the z06 with 3000 miles for 57k. The Porsche with 16000 miles for 65K. While the porsche has the reputation of quality over the years, the 2009 z06 seemed well built and a far cry from the older vets. Also if you are not already aware of it, the z06 is very different car than the C5/6, including brake / suspension system and motor.

The 911 is smoother on the track and takes less skill to throw into the corners. The AWD traction system is awesome and the cars suspension is near perfect for the track. It does not feel as powerful out of the corners but that back end stays tight and allows you a good margin of error. The 911 is a tighter fit if you have broad shoulders.

I never thought I would ever buy a vet but here I am thinking about it. The z06 is just plain old more fun and that wide body is dam- good looking. I hate to say it (yes, I am aware of the stigmas associated with the vet) but that vet is a big hairy chested beast compared to the refined 911. The growl of the 7L (with tuned exht) is pure music. The seats are more comfy and the interior was nice, including hints of carbon fiber, keyless go and a cool headsup display. I was surprised, since the last time I was in a vet (10+ years ago), the interior rattled and had too much plastic. This car requires more throttle steer and if you are not careful, will come out from underneath you and make you pray for a sec or two.

Modifications for both cars are all over the place and HP per dollar spent for modifications get you much further than with V8/V12 MBs.

The vet has a warranty a 2005 911 does not.

Lastly, my wife is starting to race and I am keenly aware, that the vet might kick her butt as apposed to the 911 taking care of her in case of trouble.

Your thoughts are welcome;Obviously I am more interested to hear from those of you who have driven both cars hard and can give me personal experience and comparissons vs resighting what C/D or M/T said in an article (No disrespect meant).

PS> If I buy, I dont plan to just use the car as a track car. I have no intention of adding a cage etc.. but I am very intersted in taking either car to the 800+ HP mark down the line.

 

I belong to the Z06vette forum and found an old link that you might find interesting.

http://www.z06vette.com/forums/f62/n...-996-a-100809/

I own and tracked a C5 Z06 and test driven a friend's C6 Z06 and both are completely different...the C6 Z06 being more refined. However, I have never driven a 911TT. However, it is cheaper to make 800 hp on the Z06 vs the 911TT, and it will also be cheaper to repair. Also, the exhaust sound of a big-block V8 is intoxicating.

My $.02 worth.

 

Never owned a Z06, but have owned a bunch of Porsche Turbos, last being a GT2. I have spent some time on Road Atlanta on bikes and in Porsches before it was changed, and absolutely love that track.
My biased opinion is that Z06s look like every other Corvette, and I think the interior is cheap-looking. While impressed with the performance, I could never own one. Porsches make wonderful track cars, and you can drive them home after a long day. You might want to go to 6speedonline.com and look around. Lots of guys there track their cars, and it's a great source of modification info. They can be built way beyond my track skills.