We recently had the opportunity to test two different versions of America’s best car … the 2008 Corvette.
First, we had the potent Z06 with 505 horsepower, six-speed manual transmission and a trunk full of fun.
Next, we had the convertible version with 436 horsepower and an auto/manual transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Depending on your skill, taste and desires, it would be a hard choice to make.
The Z06 is a handful with that thumping power. However, because of the sports suspension, the ride is a bit jolting. But this car is meant to be on a race track, not I-75. The convertible is much more comfortable with an adjustable suspension for sport or touring. This could be a daily driver.
The 2008 version has subtle improvements over the previous year, notably, improved steering and a better interior.
We say this is America’s best car because it combines sportiness and comfort at an affordable price. The convertible is in the $72,000 range and the Z06 was just under $80,000, which is a bargain when you consider a Porsche 911 is almost twice as much.
The Z06 is a hardtop coupe with a lightweight, aluminum chassis, hand-built, 7.0-liter engine and no-nonsense feel for the road. Thankfully, it comes with heads-up display on the windshield so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to monitor your speed, which is a challenge at times.
The Z06 stands out with special badging and a small air intact scoop at the front of the hood.
The cabin of the Corvette is snug but still roomy. The center console offers a small storage area near your elbow and two, useable cupholders in front of the shifter column. The German-made sports cars haven’t figured out how to do that yet.
Our convertible tester came with the optional dual mode exhaust system that provides an extra six horsepower over the normal 6.2-liter V8’s output. It’s not much, but well worth the extra $1,195 if for nothing else the exhaust sound it creates.
The Corvette body also offers a huge trunk area that can accommodate bags for a weekend trip or two golf bags with room left over.
One of the surprising things about the Corvette, is that even with all that power, you can still get decent fuel mileage of around 15 in the city and 25 on the highway. The powerful engines only pull about 1,500 rpms at freeway speeds. With the six-speed manual in the Z06, you can go from first to fourth in one step and not miss a beat. The auto/manual offers the comfort of fully automatic shifting or the fun of doing it yourself with the paddle levers on the steering wheel.
If you’re a racer-type the Z06 may be your cup of tea. If not, the convertible or coupe with slightly less horsepower but a softer ride might be the answer.

Ryan’s Ride – As my neighbor said after a brief spin around our neighborhood, “this is a mid-life crisis waiting to happen.” I couldn’t agree more. Both Vettes were fun to drive and impressed all the neighbors.
Much as I love the power and raw, brute strength of the Z06, I’d probably have to go with the convertible. The ride quality is much more relaxing, meaning you could drive this car to work every day. The Z06 is a fun machine for occasional use if you don’t have the bucks to become an amateur, weekend racer.
One of the best things about the Vette are the brakes. They’re huge and do a tremendous job stopping the 3,000-plus pound vehicles.
We have heaped praise of the Corvette before and will continue to do so if GM doesn’t mess it up. And, it doesn’t look like they will with the forthcoming introduction of the “Blue Devil” Corvette SS coming with 650 horsepower, thanks to supercharging of the already potent engine.
Now, that will impress the neighbors.

Marilyn’s Moment – I’m not sure I need a car that will go from 0 to 60 in four seconds, but it sure is fun, even if you don’t go that fast.
I’m not a big convertible fan and getting the top to release with a manual handle before using the power button to lower it was a bit of a hassle. But when the top is stored behind the seats, the car takes on an entirely different nature. The low slung profile makes the car look like a huge slot car.
Despite the somewhat cramped cabin, there are several places to store things and the dual cupholders are appreciated. The trunk is huge and even comes with a cargo net.
The Corvettes were a lot of fun to drive, especially the convertible version. It was much smoother to drive and the ride was certainly more comfortable. The Z06 was a handful and the ride was jarring to put it nicely.
There are a lot of things to like about either version. The heads-up display is a necessity, the handling is incredible and you can literally stop on a dime.
The Corvette may not be my favorite car, but for a week, it’s a ball to drive.