C4 vs C7
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
I agree on both counts. I didn't mean to imply that the late GTA's were bad looking...just that they did add some functionally worthless styling cues to keep the nearly 10 year old body relevant. I also think they look great, even though some of the features are borderline; the rocker "ground effects" for example are a little foolish. But over all, the car still looks handsome.
What I was pointing out is that at the end of the 3rd gen, the car pictured above has all the additional doo-dads, vents, scoops, aero bits that were ever added to that model. It still looks fairly clean and sleek (to me).
The C7 looks like it does today; in it's first year. Where can they go with it, styling wise? I can't imagine how adding more vents, scoops, or wings would help it look better? IDK. Maybe it could?
What I was pointing out is that at the end of the 3rd gen, the car pictured above has all the additional doo-dads, vents, scoops, aero bits that were ever added to that model. It still looks fairly clean and sleek (to me).
The C7 looks like it does today; in it's first year. Where can they go with it, styling wise? I can't imagine how adding more vents, scoops, or wings would help it look better? IDK. Maybe it could?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 895
Likes: 3
From: toledo ohio
i see your point now 
i agree, after the widebody there isnt much more to do to the c7.... the c6 made some different fender vents and ill bet they do that this run too. maybe the c7 will have a shorter production style than previous generations. hopefully gm has learned its important to keep their lineup relevant and at the rate style changes these days they cant milk their sports cars for 10+ years anymore
i agree, after the widebody there isnt much more to do to the c7.... the c6 made some different fender vents and ill bet they do that this run too. maybe the c7 will have a shorter production style than previous generations. hopefully gm has learned its important to keep their lineup relevant and at the rate style changes these days they cant milk their sports cars for 10+ years anymore
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 895
Likes: 3
From: toledo ohio
kind of along those lines, i heard when the camaro switches to the alpha platform in a couple years that it is going to look fairly similar to what it does now. the original 5th gen camaro concept came out in 06, that is wayyy too long to carry on a body style!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,772
Likes: 177
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
On the other hand, the C4 Corvette lasted for 13 model years.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
But I really do like this new one. I've seen a few on the road, and I think the blend of curves and muscular cuts in the body are just about perfect, especially for the market out there today. The only two things that I would have done differently is that I would have just left the useless quarter windows out of the design. I would also have made the hood vent and the upper side vents molded into the body panel, and not seperate add on pieces. But I think this is the most aggressive looking Corvette to date, fitting of the performance level that lies underneath. I like it alot, and will own one just as soon as I can swing it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 44
From: NC
I agree on both counts. I didn't mean to imply that the late GTA's were bad looking...just that they did add some functionally worthless styling cues to keep the nearly 10 year old body relevant. I also think they look great, even though some of the features are borderline; the rocker "ground effects" for example are a little foolish. But over all, the car still looks handsome.
What I was pointing out is that at the end of the 3rd gen, the car pictured above has all the additional doo-dads, vents, scoops, aero bits that were ever added to that model. It still looks fairly clean and sleek (to me).
The C7 looks like it does today; in it's first year. Where can they go with it, styling wise? I can't imagine how adding more vents, scoops, or wings would help it look better? IDK. Maybe it could?
What I was pointing out is that at the end of the 3rd gen, the car pictured above has all the additional doo-dads, vents, scoops, aero bits that were ever added to that model. It still looks fairly clean and sleek (to me).
The C7 looks like it does today; in it's first year. Where can they go with it, styling wise? I can't imagine how adding more vents, scoops, or wings would help it look better? IDK. Maybe it could?
Better displays, functionality etc.
Then again, maybe hopefully we're finally away from the era of 10 years between generations.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: St.Johns FL
No, it doesn't. The other thing they can never recreate is the smell. My mom's daily driver when I was in elementary school was a red '62. That smell is burned into my brain. I was in the showroom of a local "high end" dealer once in my early 20's looking at a '62. I asked what the price was and with a real attitude he replied "what do you think it's worth". I picked the car apart, told him the market value and and what I expected they were asking which was apparently spot on. He stared at me wide eyed and asked "how did you know the carpets have been replaced?". I said "the smell". Anyway...
I agree. I think the C7 is a remarkable car, but I am not sold on it. I love the C6 Z06 and would love to have one someday, but the C4 has a special place in my heart. Doesn't hurt that a white '85 was in the garage a couple years after the '62. The character is undeniable and has slipped away in the pursuit of function. Plus I'm cheap so if so could afford a new C7 I would instead have a C4 ZR1 and a couple various base models. And gas money, rent, food, baby shoes, etc..
I agree. I think the C7 is a remarkable car, but I am not sold on it. I love the C6 Z06 and would love to have one someday, but the C4 has a special place in my heart. Doesn't hurt that a white '85 was in the garage a couple years after the '62. The character is undeniable and has slipped away in the pursuit of function. Plus I'm cheap so if so could afford a new C7 I would instead have a C4 ZR1 and a couple various base models. And gas money, rent, food, baby shoes, etc..
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 715
Likes: 21
From: Ontario California
We have two 94's in the household ,coupe and convertible . Try as I may, I just can't warm up to the back end on the C7. It looks one of those bizarre, young , Japanese car designers was given the job of designing the rear end...just trying to make it look "different" not better. I would love to see one of the established aftermarket companies come out with a replacement rear panel...with ROUND taillights. I'm sure they would sell a lot of them.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: St.Johns FL
So I saw another C7 yesterday ( can't believe how many of them are on the road here!) and after this conversation I was looking at it a little harder. First off, these cars, much like the new Camaros, are very different looking depending on the color. The one I saw yesterday was black and seeing it in side profile I was surprised at the similarity to the C4 shape. Bit of a C4/C3 hybrid almost.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 27
From: Monroe Twp, NJ
The public is wild about it. When I was buying my Malibu I asked the salesperson if I could see one. He said we have none. As soon as they come in they are sold. And I think they were going for around 60 grand a pop.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 69
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 7
From: Madison, MS
I haven't owned a c4 in a couple years but I have to agree the c4 in my eyes looks better then the c7. I know the c7 is brand new and has better quality just the c4/c5 cars are like everyone said, timeless. Maybe it's because I am 33yrs old and grew up with the c4/c5? Who knows. I know after sitting in the c7 the dimensions are very similar to my old c4 then to my c5/c6..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
And C3 and C2 which then leads to this question: why do most Corvette enthusiasts still call big block C2's and early C3's "muscle cars"?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: mesa az
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
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From: CLT, North Carolina
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
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From: Park City Utah