When it comes to gearheads, each has their own, unique interests and wants. One may be all about tuner cars and JDM models, another could be totally obsessed with classic American models from the 1950s. However, one uniting aspect that virtually all fans of petroleum can agree on is their penchant for speed. Until you've truly felt what it's like to barrel around a racetrack, or get a car to perform at its absolute maximum during a drag race, you're missing out a bit.However, one of the most limiting aspects of getting your fix of speed is money. Most fast cars are simply more expensive, with some ultra-performance cars – such as supercars or hypercars – being priced out of reach of most folks. It doesn't necessarily have to be this way, though, and Chevrolet has an answer. It's the 2005 Corvette C6, and its 400-hp self can be yours for much, much less than many other, higher-end cars that provide a similar pony output. A Cheap Thrill With An Iconic Name Chevrolet For many of us younger gearheads, the '05 Corvette was released when we were still in school. It was the first model year of the Corvette's sixth generation, also referred to as the "C6". It marked the Corvette's transition from the old-school, flip-up-headlighted sports car that it had been since the early 1960s. The C6 was a new, refreshed model with more sophisticated engineering, fixed headlights, and a mission to prove that it could handle like a European sports car. Its 400-hp LS2 V8, though, was still all-American, and proud of it.Chevrolet Over 20 years on, the C6 Corvette is still one of the best-favored generations thanks to its modernity, looks, and well-bridged gap between the futuristic Corvettes of today and the old-school. However, the best part of the '05 C6 Corvette is its current used price. According to Kelley Blue Book, you can pick one up in its convertible body style variation these days for less than $20k, around $18,950, to be exact. If you're more in favor of a coupe, you can expect to pay about $20,180. What You'll Pay For One Chevrolet Less than $20,000 for 400 hp and sports car handling is quite a steal these days, and few other models can contend with the '5 Corvette's bang-for-your-buck. To paint a better picture of our Corvette's value, we'll list some of its competitors below that boast both a two-seater configuration and a powerplant producing 400 ponies or more along with their respective average used prices:2012 Jaguar XKR-S (550 hp): $32,500 2023 Nissan Z (400 hp): $35,380 2016 Jaguar F-Type R (550 hp): $36,900 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (414 hp): $111,690 In 2005, virtually all two-seater sports cars either didn't produce more than 400 hp, or were far more expensive than the C6 Corvette, giving the model a unique advantage in the market both back then and today. That's also why we needed to do some digging to find just three comparable models in both power and seat count. While it's worth noting that the market isn't exactly flush with two-seater sports cars that produce over 400 hp, it's obvious that the few currently available on the used market are decidedly more expensive than the humble, blue-collar C6 Corvette. What The 2005 Corvette C6 Has To Offer ChevroletUnlike later C6 model years, wherein there were three trim levels ranging from 1LT to 3LT, the '05 model made do with just two grades. At base level sat the 1SA trim, and with it, owners were granted little in terms of tech or creature comforts. The only standard features were ones you'd expect in a modern car, such as power windows, lock, and mirrors. Along with those, air conditioning was standard, with manually adjusted seats being featured, too. A standard radio with a small digital screen was found, as well.Chevrolet For an extra $4,360 – or $2,995 for convertible models – buyers could spring for the 1SB package. Equipping your Corvette with the grade upped the luxury by quite a large margin. For starters, the standard leather seats were replaced by heated, perforated leather ones. A memory function was also introduced, which could be programmed for the driver's seat, mirrors, and steering column adjustments. A head-up display (HUD) was included, along with a seven-speaker Bose sound system.ChevroletOn the outside, the '05 C6 Corvette was similar, yet very different, from its previous generation. It retained its Sheet Filler Compound bodywork, but each panel was different. It was also shorter and narrower than its predecessor. Its fixed headlights ended the Corvette's 41-year streak of offering flip-ups from the factory, a choice that was, reportedly, met with some scrutiny in 2005. Both the C6's 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels gained an inch of diameter over the C5, as well. Mechanical Specs ChevroletTaking center stage under the C6 Corvette's long, clamshell hood is its 6.0-liter V8. The mill itself is called the LS2, and it belongs to GM's famous LS-based small block engine family. The LS2 was the first major update from the LS family, as the LS1 was phased out of use by the Corvette a year prior. The new mill gained 0.3 liters in displacement, along with new tech and features like a stronger block casting, higher flow rate cylinder heads, and a higher compression ratio.Chevrolet Backing up the LS2 is a standard T-56 six-speed manual transmission produced by Tremec. Alternatively, buyers could spring for a four-speed 4L65-E automatic gearbox. Its rear differential could be geared a total of three different ways. For automatic-equipped models, a 2.56:1 or 2.73:1 ratio was seen, with manuals making exclusive use of a 3.42:1 ratio. The '05 C6 Corvette's suspension consisted of a double-wishbone front end with transversely mounted, composite leaf springs. Around back, a multi-link setup is seen which also uses those sideways leafs. Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock capability came standard.Those with a stronger need for performance could have opted for the Z51 performance package. While engine power remained the same, the Z51-equipped models received larger brakes, better cooling, and a fine-tuned suspension.Chevrolet Why You Should Buy One ChevroletIf it hasn't become obvious yet, this author feels that the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is a great buy in its base form. Let's look at why. For starters, its power-to-dollar ratio is off the charts, with its two-seater, 400-hp competitors not even coming close in terms of value for money. In addition, it looks great, and it also offers a great amount of standard kit, so long as you buy one equipped with the 1SB option package. The '05 Corvette is also moderately reliable, scoring a 7.3 out of 10 according to CarSurvey.org.However, it's hard to ignore the sheer "cool factor" that surrounds Corvette ownership. As we learned, it's hard to come across a powerful, two-seater sports car, and the C6 seems to fulfill its smiles-per-dollar duties best.
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