Having driven an S2000 and owning a Corvette, I can honestly say....well, I own the corvette. I think that says it all.

In my life time I have owned over 35 Corvettes, and loved every one of them.

I own a C6 and my girl has a S2000. That’s how it should be.

The C6 is still attractive.

you went from rice to steak.

Solid review! I've always had a sweet spot for the Vette. Never owned one, but perhaps one day I will. The LS is a fantastic motor. No wonder they get swapped into everything.

It's nice to see an Asian car aficionado who can also appreciate American muscle cars. I think with the steering wheel, what you get might depend on which trim level your car is. I owned a 2006 Chevy Monte Carlo with 3LT trim level (the highest non-SS trim) and mine had a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls on the wheel.

"There's too much power, I don't know what to do with it..." Welcome to the real, non-sewing machine performance world. And that's only 400hp...

Corvettes are streetable race cars, s2ks are sport cars you can race.. slowly.

a better question is why did they put a corvette steering wheel in a cobalt?

This is a very good review. The torque ban of LS engines are crazy. I think GM smallblock LS engines are some of the best v8 engines ever. When you factor in performance for the dollar also physical size.

Thumb nail said “better than S2000?” Wow!! It’s not even debatable.

The Vette is always going to be the fastest bang for your buck! 🇺🇸👌🏼

Coming from someone that went from an 00 s2k to an 03 z06 to a 11 zr1 the main takeaway is the vettes lack a little soul from the s2k but more than make up for it in performance. If you drive even a base model c6 at the limit it's going to force you to improve your driving skills tremendously over the s2k at the limit, that's just my takeaway

Good honest, unbiased review. Respect.

Funny - the problem with the car is that it's too fast! I just bought an 07 Z51 a few months ago and LOVE it! I don't care about being the fastest guy on the road, but it certainly does outclass over 99% of the cars on the road. You should feel the upper end power on mine with the MSD intake manifold and 1 3/4" long tubes with the full 3" system.

My 2007 Z51 has tremendous grip, I have hit curvy, swerve type of transitions at 80-90 mph and had it slide and grab , it would throw you out of the car without belts and a roof! It happens now!, I admit I had the traction control off, not a great idea cornering at 80 mph, maybe 30 or 40 but you beter be lightning fast and 100% correct or lucky as I was!

I had both and beleive me S2000 has no grunt, no torque in every rev. The C6 6.2 was the best car i ever had. S2000 is a bicycle against the C6. And i'm living in Europe, top speed is 304 km/h on german Autobahn measured by navigation System, S 2000 made just 240 km/h Now i'm looking for the C6 ZR1. Its a lot faster than C7 Z06 especialy from 200 km/h to 300 km/h

im buying mine 2007 white z51 tomorrow. wish me luck 40,783 for 20,500$

The C6 is just beautiful. So clean and pure.

Nice review. I’m lucky to own an original NSX, and when the new one came out, I drove it...and bought a new Corvette Grand Sport with a manual transmission. 465 lbs of torque lets me pass anyone on an enjoyable back road, no need to wait.

It would be a lot faster if you took the emergency brake off. lolol

Have a 06 C6, Z51 convertible 6 speed with all options and 13,000 miles. I was a hugh fan of S2000, was going to buy one until I drove the C6. I added the carbon fiber- like center stack and 2013 steering wheel to update the look Corsa extreme exhaust, cold air intake and tune. Spins the tires at 40mph in second gear with traction control on. Treat yourself you'll love it. There is no better sports car value, 25-28k will get you a ultra low mileage beauty.

Z-51 is a package that makes the vette track ready.

What a deal! Loved your presentation, honest and fun. I'm envious, loved the Borla sound. Lots of luck with it. And with your family!

S2000 isn't anywhere near the 'vette in terms of sportiness. The only time they'll compete comparably is an autocross. Drag, road, and street, the 'vette competes with supercars. S2000s are for hipsters that are 'too good' for an MX-5.

It's a good thing that they didn't jazz up the steering wheel, it allows you to be less distracted and concentrate on not killing yourself. You are forced to enjoy the car's capabilities performance-wise rather than messing with electronics.

Great S2000 review!

In the UK...i have always gone to Classic and American car shows..i was told by a classic C3 iwner that the best thing about Corvettes..obviously the looks and style is fantastic but the low end torque is amazing..yeah the high end speed is great but you can't do those high speeds most of the time. So low end torque..infact torque throughout is brilliant. Good review great looking car..V8 engine is amazing.

Why is there so much performance? Too much power? Que? I will take my 2012 Grand Sport ANYDAY over any Honda

That's why you see so many LS swaps with folks ditching the JDMs. lol

I own both a grand sport C6 and a 2013 Camaro SS 1LE with mgw shifter, big cam and bolt ons. It's a monster of a car It's at over 500rwhp at the moment. I'm a Corvette guy but that damn 1LE is more fun to drive on track days as well as daily driving. It feels glued to the road. I'm perplexed because on paper, the Grand sport is supposed to be better due to it's center of mass being so low and it's lower weight. I've had the Grand sport ever since it was new and it only has 34k miles. I bought the 1LE new and it has 76k miles. I've taken both cars to Tail of the dragon and even in the tight curves, it feels better. I drove a buddy's lightly modded Grand sport C6 there and it still wasn't there for me. It kills me that my dream car isn't as fun to drive than my Camaro. I think part of the reason that 1LE more fun is because of it's sheer predictability at it's limits. The C5 and C6 never inspired that same level of confidence for me when you're in the sweeping and undulating turns. It just feels like the car is trying to hard to remain stabile. Call me a crazy but my Camaro is the better car for me. I'll be selling the Corvette in spring but I won't forget some fond memories I've had with it. I may try out a C8Z ad my next new vehicle within the next few years

Thanks for the honest review 👍 As an S2K owner, it's kinda slow, and by the time you get into its power range in any gear you're well over the speed limit already, this is frustrating in public roads, it's gotta be driven at the track to enjoy it.

I actually had sold my s2000 for a c5 corvette. I soonly sold my corvette months after I bought it just because of things like the steering feel and the fact that even that was too much power for back road fun. I still love the look of them and I get why people love them so much, but I still think the s2000 provides much more feedback and fun in terms of just a driving experience. I miss my s2000 everyday.

Great review. An actual personal perspective given by someone who can organize their thoughts logically. Thorough and interesting. I think I'm ready to get one.

I've had everything from Evos turbo CRX RSX , 240 SX and liked them all. The C6 is a very special car and more.

The “too much power” problem you mention is a very real problem with this car and many modern sports cars. You simply can’t ever use this power on the street - ever. Especially not if you’re into backroad driving. I have a 370z - it is not as good a sports car as a corvette but I find it to be more fun since i can wind out the v6.

This was a very fair review, I think. I have owned a 2008 C6 Z51 for the last three years and have enjoyed it very much. My previous car was an Acura Integra that I drove from new in 1996 for nearly 20 years. The Acura was great fun but it was also pretty noisy; the Corvette (with some additional sound-deadening material in the back) is super comfortable on long trips but when you get off the Interstate and onto the twisties it handles very well. I would not characterize it as a nimble car but smoothly powerful through the corners. The car has been exceptionally reliable but I have done some interior improvements--all C6 owners need a padded console cover in their cars! I also switched to a beautiful flat-bottomed steering wheel with matching leather stitching for US$600, so that complaint is easily solved. Incidentally, the 2008 C6 not only brought in the LS3 but also a better manual transmission and improved steering.

Wait, didn't the insight and s2000 have the same steering wheel?

My wife and I own a 2003 S-200 with 70,000 miles on it. We just bought a 2010 Corvette LT-1 base with 6 speed manual and it has just under 7,000 original miles. Both are stock unmolested cars. The best part of the S-2000 is exclusivity. Ours has the optional hard top with stand and hard top cover. I prefer the look of it with the hard top. The rag top is new O.E.M. It was a daily driven and garaged every night and the headlights are looking a little faded. Not bad enough to replace them YET. Its a semi retired garage queen now and driven maybe once a month. It still looks new. What I am coming to understand about the Corvette C-6 base is that the ride is very smooth and the interior is large and very comfortable. They are both wonderful vehicles. But if it were a choice for purchase and not daily driven I choose the S-2000 because it's unique. Want a comfortable daily driver? Get the Vette.

I have a 2005 C6 z51 and a 2004 S2000. S2k is more fun and more enjoyable car to drive but the corvette is faster in all aspects and more comfortable. Most people would rather have the C6, but it doesn't have the soul or passion of the S2k.

i just found one that's 2007 with 13k miles on it. It looks brand new inside and out. They're asking 29k for it. Probably could get it for less. And it has a manual. perfect.

Thank you for the great review, and your thoughts. I was having trouble deciding between a C5 Z06 and a Z51 C6. My minds made up now! C6 please as a daily driver, I don't plan on visiting the track.

This was a good review I enjoyed it. I agree with you that an S2000 + the Corvette would make a great combination in the garage.

i experienced this with motorcycles. i rode 1000cc sport bikes for a long time, then took a break for years until a buddy twisted my arm to buy another bike. i said ok but just got something small under 500cc. i had a flippin blast pushing that thing to its limits. unfortunately someone ran it over in a parking lot when i wasn't around. instead of buying another one i picked up another 1000cc sport bike. turns out the bike was just too much for the roads. i could barely tap a fraction of what it could do and found myself longing for the little bike again. enjoyment has a lot to do with the roads that are available to you. have to pick the right tool for the job

Great review feller

Thanks for the review been looking for more info on this model

Hey, great review of the C6. The good, the bad and ?? LOL I just bought a 2009 Vette, LS 6.2 V8 with the Z51 performance package. It's a convertible and is a Red Metallic Tint exterior. Has 45K miles on it. We noticed a "squeek" when doing a hard turn, so the dealership found a defective flex plate (I think), and it's on order. They will deliver it to us next week, no charge. I noticed this vid is from 5 years ago and makes me feel good based on your overall review. Stay safe! Cheers, Bob {btw, it has a sewn leather steering wheel over)

Silicone will fix all your squeaks. My 2011 GS Convertible is smooth like butta all thanks to copious amounts of silicone applied everywhere. It’s good for plastic, rubber really any surface won’t be damaged by silicone. Much better than oil which can damage many types of material. Silicone just stops rust and restores almost all materials in a car. Keeps your rubber seals from cracking as well. Love my CORVETTE!

Everything is about taste..i would always take vette over any other car

Just got an 09 z51 package car for 20k. I own a coyote mustang that I mountain drive as well. The c6 was my favorite car since the moment I saw it when I was 15 back back in 05, I can say I’m pretty well satisfied. It’s once hell of a car. My only complaints are the factory non tuned throttle response which is pretty much every drive by wire car, and there are more buttons than I’d like in the interior (I’m a simple man). I intend to do exhaust and a small cam to try and get the power closer to 460-470rwhp. Probably will do a turbo kit down the road to push her further but I’d like a nice boost controller so she can be dialed way back for the mountain cruising. The car is stiff as can be, previous owner lowered the car down probably all the way on the stock lowering bolts. It’s a mean car that was made for one thing, driving hard.

So are you saying Japanese cars have better quality interiors? lol....I've owned many Japanese cars in my old age and believe me the difference in quality with current automobiles isn't much.....and if you're saying, "Oh my God...way too fast!" well....lol....look - - we all love cars and have different tastes. I love Japanese cars - - I've had 240 Zs, 280 Z, 280 ZX, 300 ZX Turbo, 370 Z and I've love everything about them and still do, but i've also had Mustangs - - - 1987 5.0 GT, 1990 LX 5.0, 1995 GT, and now a 2013 5.0 GT and there's something about a 5.0 32v V8.....or an American V8 like the Vette as well - - - basically I just love Fn' cars...LOL. When you're sitting in a V8 car and you feel that raw crazy power its epic!! that same power in a Japanese car is great too but it's in my opinion just a bit more subtle....and not as raw. The Corvette is an ICON, the "Z" is an ICON ....the S2000....not so much.

Excellent review. I don't understand why the hateful comments. Sign of the times, I guess. Thanks.

I agree about the steering wheel. I'm about to put a leather cover on mine.

"That's the problem when you put your foot down, you cant be a coward"

Very interesting on the comparisons. In the later years, various aspects of the car was improved. And when the C6Z/LS7 came out, it was a real game changer. The shifter improved dramatically when the TR6060 was introduced, then further improved. The shift quality blows away any cable based shifter. After a quick warmup, one can flick the lever gear to gear with 2 fingers. The C6Z is like a bargain basement AMG SL. It's got nearly as many German/Swiss parts in it..lol...After over 5 years and 56Kmi, the car is still very tight, buzz, squeak (except on very rough roads) and rattle free. Having a fixed roof helps a lot, here.

S2000 are fun cars. The disadvantage they have is the lack of torque but great cars on great roads..very light and quick! C6 Vette is a quiet giant. Very quiet on the streets but pulls you back hard once you smash the pedal.

Great Job , I am thinking of getting a 2008 or newer 6 Spd . soon . Thanks for posting. Excellent Video .

Great review! I have a 2005 Z51 convertible with Corsa exhaust and Vararam intake with a manual trans and this car is ridiculous. You are absolutely correct about the acceleration and not having to downshift for power. I've had a 2012 and then a 2013 Camaro RS convertible and traded it in for the Vette. I actually like the 05 because of the steering wheel. I bought a 2007 Solstice GXP when it came out and I loved it, but I was surprised to see the same steering wheel in the 06 and up Vette's.

I just bought mine! It’s an amazing car!

Got my c5 z06 at 80k miles for $16.2k and it's always been my dream to own one. I also have a honda grom which is a street legal mini bike, and if there's anything I learned from owning the bike, it's that it is more fun to drive a slow vehicle fast than it is to drive a fast vehicle slow. This is one reason why the miatas are so successful.

The C5 Z06 is even more of a raw experience than the regular C6's even though they make similar power.

I really see what you mean about the power being too much. I have a c6 base as my personal car, which is rated at 400hp, but I drive a late model Honda fit for work. The Honda fit, with its 120hp and cvt transmission is so much more satisfying because I can keep the throttle planted for a good 15 seconds before I even have to worry about speeding, all the while listening to the engine's steady drone at a constant 5k rpms. The corvette, on the other hand is just so irritating the way it goes as fast as I tell it to go using modulation of my right foot. I honestly don't know how I deal with it from day to day.

There is a Top Gear review from nine years ago. Torque? Jeremy puts the Vette in 5th gear at a standstill and proceeds to accelerate from that standstill to 175mph as he shouts “IN ONE GEAR.” That is torque!!!

Hey Man, I like your review.. lots of good points and helping me make a decision

Great review..C6 Corvette is such a cool car.

Even my 96 LT4 has the skip shift. These cars are incredible values.

Corvettes are everywhere around here in NC, I would rather have an S2000 because it's better looking and a roadster with 9,000 RPM'S . A quality sports car not a suped up cobalt.

Love my C6 ! I recently paid $30-k for a 2007 Convertible Z51 , 6 spd manual transmission. The car only has 24-k actual miles on it, the tires looked brand new, but we’re 8 years old. I put on a set of Continental DWS 06+. I can break them lose in 3rd gear. I may have paid a little too much, but this Black Beauty 3LT rag top looks & drives like a brand new car. It even came with Corsa exhaust!

Great vid. I'm a Japanese car lover also, I know the feeling. That will for sure be my next car

Comparing a c6 to a s2000? Really

Your reviews are the best man! Always look forward to hearing your perspective as a fellow JDM enthusiast. How about a 300ZX (Z32 obviously)?

A fair review, bro. Although I don't own one yet, I do love how the vette is so versatile as a daily driver and the LS engine delivers the power so well. Another great Japanese car that runs well against your Honda is the Subaru BRZ.

I sold my C5 Z and I regretted it every day until I bought my C6 Z

I agree, this is why I bought a c-5. It's a great car. I had it for 5 years and 40k miles without a problem. Any corvette, starting with the C5 is a great car. Of course, I would be happy to put up with a big block, 66.

C6 rules! Opt for 2008 and up for awesome power!

100 % I agree with you...for the price of this vette, you get everything you need .👍👍👍👍👍

@Zygrene have you reviewed the BRZ or 370Z? Curious on which one you would pick? Love the review!

I got a C5 Corvette I was a Honda guy but after modding my Vette I never looked back .

Very fair and detailed review here.👍

The 2005-2007 LS2 was 6.0L not 6.2 the 2008-2013 had the 6.2 LS3

So basically sounds like the comparison of a boys car vs a mans car

You are actually not off on the statement about the torque in the corvette at 1000rpm vs the s2000 at 6000rpm. Looking at various dyno curves, the corvette has about 250 ft-lb at 1000rpm, while the s2000 has about 125 ft-lb at 6000rpm just before V-tec kicks in.

Dude honda s2000 is full of plastic interior what u complaining about vette

10x the car an s2000 is. Not even a comparison lol. Drive both and you will know LOL

Last car was an S2000, loved the way it handled. But it was lacking in low end grunt as everyone says... Never had an American (or German) car because I've always seen them as unreliable junk.. But I'm craving power! And powerful Japanese cars like Supra, or GTR, are crazy pricey. SO, I am really considering getting a C6 vette. They say LS's are pretty reliable, I hope so.

Sounds like, from what your saying, you would be even happier in a VW Beetle. You can "floor it" all day!

I just last week picked up a 2011 C6 Grand Sport 6 speed manual, convertible for $35K. She has 40K on her. Runs great. The price of all of these Corvettes has gone up since 2017 when this video was made. You are not picking this example up for under $25K anymore.

yeah but steering wheels are seats are easily upgraded. It's just so much cooler than any japanese car at that price. I'm looking at either this, or a used 370z. They're both cool. Still haven't decided yet but I'm leaning 2 the vette. The engine note alone is worth it. It's just more menacing and bad ass. Japanese and most euro cars aren't really "bad ass". They're kinda like a bit wussy compared to the vette.

It's not an overhead valve V8 , it's a pushrod LS motor

The Z51 has a close-ratio transmission, which is probably why yours seems so fast. Base vettes ran the T56 transmission, and they can really drag out 1st gear. I'm not sure what the Z51 uses, but it's definitely not the same. 1st gear on a Base vette will go well over 60mph.

I just got an 05 c6. Black on black. Thing rips.

They are powerful and the LS motor is legend, however they have had harmonic balancer since the C5, they had recalls but never really fixed the problem , its $1,700 at the dealer and some guys have had it done twice! The shifter is sloppy going out of 2nd into 3rd and out of 4th into 5th, its easy to shift from 2nd and get 5th, it is very hard to get out in and out of, it would be a death trap if you ever went into water, no way you are getting out even if not stuck in the mud upside down with doors stuck shut, the windows are electric as is the door locks, there is a lever to use if the power fails but its almost under your left butt cheek on the floor and if you have a belly no way you are reaching it with the door closed! I wish I bought a convertible with automatic transmission, its quicker in the 0 to 60 times cause you have no shifts like the stick needing 2nd gear to do it! They are cool and handle like a go cart and you can feel the G's which can abruptly change which feels as if the thing could throw you out the window if not buckled it! But when that car does lose traction like when pulling on a sweeping ramp at high speed, you are into the wall so to speak, NASCAR speak for into the guard rail or sailing off into an underpass

I just traded my S2000 AP1 in on a 2006 Corvette 3LT. No looking back. My 3rd corvette after trying all kinds of "Top ten sports cars"

S2000 owner: "My car will rev to 9K RPM!" Corvette owner: "My car doesn't have to!" I like both cars but prefer the Vette as a car to live with. Tons of storage space (great for touring), great gas mileage, reliable and cheap to fix if it does need repairs, comfortable, fast and great handling when you want to tear up the road.

Dark side? U lost me right off!

Great video of Pescadero, 84, and a few other SC mountain thoroughfares.

I feel like the interior material quality stuff is way overblown. Yeah some reviewer said that so now everyone repeats it. Does the S2000 have better materials, Does the NSX have better plastic? The steering wheel is basic GM wheel of the era. Admittedly that is plain and GM could have done better. It is leather wrapped though. There are a lot of aftermarket wheels available made out of whatever material you want as long as you want carbon fiber and leather lol. Upgrade to stereo to apple car play with backup cam and if you want upgrade the steering wheel. The rest is just basic and not ugly. The interior is part of why I like the C6 over the C5. I think it has aged well.

I know this is an old video but I LOVED my 2008. And I KNEW what to do with it!

Damn. I recognize those roads you were on. Great driving roads.