what’s the difference between the grand sport and the z06?
The Corvette C6 Grand Sport and C6 Z06 are two very different flavors of performance—think of the Grand Sport as the ‘best all-rounder’ while the Z06 is the hardcore track weapon. Here’s how they stack up:
| Spec | Grand Sport | Z06 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L LS3 V8 | 7.0L LS7 V8 |
| Horsepower | 430 hp (436 with manual) | 505 hp |
| Torque | 424 lb-ft | 470 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual OR automatic | 6-speed manual ONLY |
| Redline | 6,600 RPM | 7,000 RPM |
The Z06’s 75-hp advantage comes from the legendary LS7—a 7.0L hand-built small-block with titanium rods and valves, dry-sump oiling, and a racing pedigree. If you want an automatic, the Grand Sport is your only option here!
| Feature | Grand Sport | Z06 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Steel (same as base Corvette) | Aluminum - saves ~150 lbs |
| Body Width | Wide (Z06-style) | Extra wide - 2 inches broader than Grand Sport |
| Suspension | Uses Z06 brakes & suspension | Unique track-tuned suspension |
| Wheels/Tires | Wide Z06-style | Even wider, more aggressive |
The Grand Sport borrowed the Z06’s brakes, suspension, and wider body panels—it’s essentially a base Corvette chassis with performance hardware. The Z06 went further with a full aluminum frame for better weight distribution and handling.
C6 Z06: Average around $51,147 across all variants; base models average $46,592
C6 Grand Sport: Average around $41,305
The Z06 commands roughly a $10,000 premium on average, though high-mile automatic Grand Sports can be found for significantly less.
Choose the Grand Sport if you want:
Choose the Z06 if you want:
Your 2010 Grand Sport 3LT at $149k is priced well above typical market values—likely due to low miles (under 9k) and the custom touches. A comparable low-mile Z06 would typically command even more!
Want me to show you some current listings for either model? Or curious how the ZR1 fits into this mix?