The Chevrolet Corvette has evolved from a sports car to a modern supercar over the years. Still, while the newest C8-generation plastic fantastic is a performance benchmark, some of the previous generations of Corvette have top-tier performance to offer. Enter the C6 Corvette, C6 Z06, and C6 ZR1, a performance bargain generation worth your consideration. 

Is the C6 Corvette fast?

The Chevy Corvette from the C6 generation is fast regardless of which trim you choose. The base models and wider Grand Sport pack a 430-horsepower 6.2L LS3. Pair that kind of horsepower with a curb weight of just 3,208 lbs, and the later C6 models were seriously swift. For instance, the 2010 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport could hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. 

Moreover, earlier Corvettes from 2005 to 2007 packed a 6.0L LS2 powerplant with 400 horsepower on tap. According to Car and Driver, the 2005 Corvette could hit 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, about as fast as a brand new Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack or Ford Mustang GT base. Right from the beginning, the C6 Chevy Corvette was a lightweight, powerful performance car with a removable roof panel and a dedicated convertible option. 

Which C6 Corvette is the fastest?

While the base models and Grand Sport Corvettes were fast, the fastest C6 generation cars were the Z06 and ZR1. A C6 Z06, like the 2006 model, packs a 505-horsepower 7.0L LS7. With power like that in a car so light, you know the Z06 will be fast. However, it’s still fast by today’s sports car standards. The 2006 Z06 could hit 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Speed like that puts the 16-year-old car ahead of a brand-new Toyota GR Supra 3.0. 

Also, the supercharged C6 ZR1, with its stratospheric 604 horsepower, managed similar acceleration times. The 2010 ZR1 could hit 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, on par with the Z06. Whichever plastic fantastic you choose, you’re getting a performance bargain. 

How much is a C6?

Performance bargain hunters can get excited about the prospect of a used C6 Chevy Corvette. For instance, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says you can snag a 2013 base coupe with average mileage for around $25,190, depending on location. If you want to save some money, opting for an older base model is even more wallet-friendly. A 2005 Chevy Corvette with around 70,000 miles has an average value of about $20,476. 

Of course, if you want the most powerful performance bargains in the lineup, you’ll have to find a Z06 or ZR1. KBB says that a 2006 Z06, with its 505 horsepower 7.0L V8, has an average value of around $34,136. That makes the blisteringly fast Z06 one of the best bargains in the used performance market. 

How does it stack up to other generations?

The C6 Chevy Corvette admittedly shows its age compared to the C7’s supercar-esque proportions. However, with budget-friendly used values and face-melting performance, the C6 is a screaming deal. Moreover, the supercharged ZR1 was an evolutionary step for the Bowling Green brawler. We wouldn’t have the cutting-edge mid-engine C8 without the C6. 

Be sure to keep up with MotorBiscuit for the latest in automotive content!