Perception C5 vs C7
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,055
Likes: 864
From: So Cal
Please do hang with us Evil Twin. Your perspective on C5 design history has often been interesting and quite valuable. Wishing you a good recovery.
Last edited by B747VET; Jan 18, 2014 at 02:34 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 13,300
Likes: 2,510
From: Bluffton SC via Canton Oh
My first Vette was a C5...loved that car..... then a C6 GS now a C7. I like to roam the boards and have read lot of the comments on this thread but not all. So I am a C5 alumni!!
I'd say this..... with my C7 there is not a day I have it out that someone in traffic does not take pictures, if I am stopped somewhere people will pull in, take pictures or wait until I come out to see the car. Even in the dirty Ohio winters with the car filthy this happens in the cold weather. There a post in the C7 section where someone was watching a C7 and ran into a pole!!! Hope they did not get hury. To the OP who does not think the car does not draws attention........not my actual experience.
The car drives completely different then the C5 or C6. To me the C6 was a C5 tweeked. The C7 is a bad aszz car to drive.
The cars interior is tight. If you are a person of stature spend some time trying it on.
For me every Corvette looked good in any color until the C7. It is the first angular corvette...edgie and with the black panels everywhere the colors really make the car look different. For example I love red but not with all those black panels.
I let anyone I know drive my car. Had some on the edge fall in love after a 5 minute drive. Each to their own but its a sweet ride.
I'd say this..... with my C7 there is not a day I have it out that someone in traffic does not take pictures, if I am stopped somewhere people will pull in, take pictures or wait until I come out to see the car. Even in the dirty Ohio winters with the car filthy this happens in the cold weather. There a post in the C7 section where someone was watching a C7 and ran into a pole!!! Hope they did not get hury. To the OP who does not think the car does not draws attention........not my actual experience.
The car drives completely different then the C5 or C6. To me the C6 was a C5 tweeked. The C7 is a bad aszz car to drive.
The cars interior is tight. If you are a person of stature spend some time trying it on.
For me every Corvette looked good in any color until the C7. It is the first angular corvette...edgie and with the black panels everywhere the colors really make the car look different. For example I love red but not with all those black panels.
I let anyone I know drive my car. Had some on the edge fall in love after a 5 minute drive. Each to their own but its a sweet ride.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,769
Likes: 3,697
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
My first Vette was a C5...loved that car..... then a C6 GS now a C7. I like to roam the boards and have read lot of the comments on this thread but not all. So I am a C5 alumni!!
I'd say this..... with my C7 there is not a day I have it out that someone in traffic does not take pictures, if I am stopped somewhere people will pull in, take pictures or wait until I come out to see the car. Even in the dirty Ohio winters with the car filthy this happens in the cold weather. There a post in the C7 section where someone was watching a C7 and ran into a pole!!! Hope they did not get hury. To the OP who does not think the car does not draws attention........not my actual experience.
The car drives completely different then the C5 or C6. To me the C6 was a C5 tweeked. The C7 is a bad aszz car to drive.
The cars interior is tight. If you are a person of stature spend some time trying it on.
For me every Corvette looked good in any color until the C7. It is the first angular corvette...edgie and with the black panels everywhere the colors really make the car look different. For example I love red but not with all those black panels.
I let anyone I know drive my car. Had some on the edge fall in love after a 5 minute drive. Each to their own but its a sweet ride.
I'd say this..... with my C7 there is not a day I have it out that someone in traffic does not take pictures, if I am stopped somewhere people will pull in, take pictures or wait until I come out to see the car. Even in the dirty Ohio winters with the car filthy this happens in the cold weather. There a post in the C7 section where someone was watching a C7 and ran into a pole!!! Hope they did not get hury. To the OP who does not think the car does not draws attention........not my actual experience.
The car drives completely different then the C5 or C6. To me the C6 was a C5 tweeked. The C7 is a bad aszz car to drive.
The cars interior is tight. If you are a person of stature spend some time trying it on.
For me every Corvette looked good in any color until the C7. It is the first angular corvette...edgie and with the black panels everywhere the colors really make the car look different. For example I love red but not with all those black panels.
I let anyone I know drive my car. Had some on the edge fall in love after a 5 minute drive. Each to their own but its a sweet ride.
I fall into the category of enjoying each generation of Corvette for what it is (was). I have a C5 vert and although I appreciate the performance improvements of the C6 vert and then the C6 Grand Sport vert, I never could bring myself into trading "up" because I still think the C5 vert looks better and in my opinion is one of the best looking Corvette roadsters ever. I agree about your comments regarding the C7 and the black panels. Maybe I'm just seeing too many photos online with black wheels that are distorting my views, but I'm definitely leaning towards the darker colors that blend better with the the black trim and air vents.
The new C7Z in "Shark Gray" or whatever GM plans to call it has me drooling!
From the photos, it looks to be the closest color to my MSG so it definitely has my attention. Add the fact that it is a targa and has CF trim just makes my mind explode with Corvette lust. It will be mine and I think they will look great parked next to each other in my garage!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 96,209
Likes: 75
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
As many know, I have been very sick and stay close to home. I was out yesterday and saw my first C7 ( crystal red) on the road. It was dirty from the harsh weather. Several things jumped out at me once I realized it was a C7. I was stopped at a light, and the C7 passed slowly in front of me from the right. it rolled along slowly from a start and made a left turn. I was not impressed because it took me a few seconds to realize it was a C7. it blended in so well with the other cars around it. The thing that jumped out to me was the fact that it did NOT jump out at me.
It sat high to the ground like the other cars and SUV's around it. I think the car is nice but the stance of the car, stock, is Ho Hum for the 70K it demands. Most of the C5 I notice, I notice from 100 yards a way, because of their stance. The design of the C7 is much more Euro than it is American muscle or American sports car. I was turned off a bit by the slightly dirty, ( didn't like the color )high stanced Corvette.
While the interior of the C7 is Euro looking it is visually pleasing to my eye. Its definitely not an American Hot rod.
I would like to think that from my design background in Corvette styling that I can see better than most. But my age may skew my 60 year love affair with the corvette. This Corvette is not my idea of the Corvette Icon of the past. Even the C6 took away( a step down ) from what I thought was the best designed corvette Ever, the C5. Although the wide body c6 Z06 and Grand sport are much better than the standard C6. I would never consider a standard C6. Anyway I was not impressed with what I saw on the road yesterday. But a lowered C5 always turns my head clean or dirty. I rarely post a thread like this. IM wondering if the 25 to 49 demographic likes the new C7 design. I'm sure GM thinks they do.
Bill aka ET
Still looking to see my first lowered C7.
Anyone have any thoughts?
It sat high to the ground like the other cars and SUV's around it. I think the car is nice but the stance of the car, stock, is Ho Hum for the 70K it demands. Most of the C5 I notice, I notice from 100 yards a way, because of their stance. The design of the C7 is much more Euro than it is American muscle or American sports car. I was turned off a bit by the slightly dirty, ( didn't like the color )high stanced Corvette.
While the interior of the C7 is Euro looking it is visually pleasing to my eye. Its definitely not an American Hot rod.
I would like to think that from my design background in Corvette styling that I can see better than most. But my age may skew my 60 year love affair with the corvette. This Corvette is not my idea of the Corvette Icon of the past. Even the C6 took away( a step down ) from what I thought was the best designed corvette Ever, the C5. Although the wide body c6 Z06 and Grand sport are much better than the standard C6. I would never consider a standard C6. Anyway I was not impressed with what I saw on the road yesterday. But a lowered C5 always turns my head clean or dirty. I rarely post a thread like this. IM wondering if the 25 to 49 demographic likes the new C7 design. I'm sure GM thinks they do.
Bill aka ET
Still looking to see my first lowered C7.
Anyone have any thoughts?
I'm 55 and have a pretty good eye and I personally think the C7 is the finest Corvette ever built. It's new generation that was made to stand apart from the C6 and I think they hit a home run in that department.
You know the history of this car and how body angles change. After the C5 and C6 all those years, it was time for something radical and this car fits that bill…...
It's a mean looking car in many ways and it's performance is out standing…..
I like my C5 aways have and I'll keep it. That said, I'd love to be able to own a C7 some day…...
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 96,209
Likes: 75
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
c7 is very popular with the teen to 40 crowd
as a car nut my entire life, i don't mind the c7 but my favorite street cars of all time are not new. they are the ferrari f40 and ford gt
i think those of us who see automobiles as 100 years of history aren't wow'd as much by each new gadget and see cars more like art.
some of the best paintings are not the newest
i can look at each generation of corvette and pick a favorite
the c5 z06 and c6 grandsport/z06/zr1 are probably my two favorite styles of all time when it comes to corvette.
the new c7 just seems too over the top for me. the new z06 has more power than you can ever hope to put down on street tires, the styling is catering to the latest trend. i think gm probably made a good move for marketing and i like the car, i just don't see it as being the car for me.
as a car nut my entire life, i don't mind the c7 but my favorite street cars of all time are not new. they are the ferrari f40 and ford gt
i think those of us who see automobiles as 100 years of history aren't wow'd as much by each new gadget and see cars more like art.
some of the best paintings are not the newest
i can look at each generation of corvette and pick a favorite
the c5 z06 and c6 grandsport/z06/zr1 are probably my two favorite styles of all time when it comes to corvette.
the new c7 just seems too over the top for me. the new z06 has more power than you can ever hope to put down on street tires, the styling is catering to the latest trend. i think gm probably made a good move for marketing and i like the car, i just don't see it as being the car for me.
"This new rock and roll is not for me" is what a lot of silver backs say about the C7….
Oh well, to each their own……
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 2
ET the best way I can describe my feelings is this: I still remember the first time I saw a C5. I actually remember exactly where it was and several other details which I think shows the profound initial impact the C5 made on me. I knew I had to have one. I actually followed the guy for awhile so I could take the car in so to speak. I've never done something like that before or since.
When I saw my first C7 I had none of those emotions. I don't want to go down this road but the only thing that I recall from the initial sighting was I hate the tail lights. When I saw my second C7 I thought if I wanted a Ferrari, I'd buy one. I thought it didn't look Vette enough.
I understand how a lot of guys think the C7 looks great, but I still love my C5.
At Christmas I thought my wife was going to get a C7 for me and while I appreciated her intent, I had to push back hard to convince her I really don't want one.
Maybe it's my age (54) but my next Vette will be a C2.
When I saw my first C7 I had none of those emotions. I don't want to go down this road but the only thing that I recall from the initial sighting was I hate the tail lights. When I saw my second C7 I thought if I wanted a Ferrari, I'd buy one. I thought it didn't look Vette enough.
I understand how a lot of guys think the C7 looks great, but I still love my C5.
At Christmas I thought my wife was going to get a C7 for me and while I appreciated her intent, I had to push back hard to convince her I really don't want one.
Maybe it's my age (54) but my next Vette will be a C2.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,716
Likes: 13
From: Staten Island NY
IMO the C7 looks far better in person than it does in pictures.
Especially so if you get the right color.
My only real gripes are things like the black mirrors and those teardrops around the tail lights. But if they bothered me that much, it would not be a big issue to have painted body color.
That said, I love the styling of the C5 and have always wanted one, so, for my first vette...I decided to go with the C5z to mark it off my bucket list. I may upgrade to a C6, I may not...but the C7 is definitely a nice looking car.
Especially so if you get the right color.
My only real gripes are things like the black mirrors and those teardrops around the tail lights. But if they bothered me that much, it would not be a big issue to have painted body color.
That said, I love the styling of the C5 and have always wanted one, so, for my first vette...I decided to go with the C5z to mark it off my bucket list. I may upgrade to a C6, I may not...but the C7 is definitely a nice looking car.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,309
Likes: 13
From: FW/d Texas
I saw a C7 vert last week here .. looked nice but only reason it didn't stand out to me is that it was white .. to me not the best color for a car like that (or any other 'sports' car). It had the top down and it looked better to me than the coupe - but still not good enough to go out and plunk down that kind of $$$$$$$$$$$ for it !
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 22,727
Likes: 799
From: Hillsborough NC
NC Events Coordinator
Why is it that if you're not impressed with the styling of the C7, you're either "old," "biased," "envious" or "you can't afford it"?
There are more than just a few people who are underwhelmed by the styling. Look at other car boards where the response has been mixed. It's not just a few curmudgeons on C5 General.
There are more than just a few people who are underwhelmed by the styling. Look at other car boards where the response has been mixed. It's not just a few curmudgeons on C5 General.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,769
Likes: 3,697
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
I wonder if the C3 owners had similar perceptions when the C5 came out...
amen
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,055
Likes: 864
From: So Cal
It took me over 6 years to begin to realize that I was quite wrong in any number of ways. Still don't think much of the base C6, but am a true admirer of the C6 ZO6 & ZR1. Also no longer feel that the C4 was anything more than a transitional Vette generation.
Perhaps my initial misjudgment of the C5 helped me to open my mind and greet the C7 from a more neutral and less judgmental perspective.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
My first Vette was a C5...loved that car..... then a C6 GS now a C7. I like to roam the boards and have read lot of the comments on this thread but not all. So I am a C5 alumni!!
I'd say this..... with my C7 there is not a day I have it out that someone in traffic does not take pictures, if I am stopped somewhere people will pull in, take pictures or wait until I come out to see the car. Even in the dirty Ohio winters with the car filthy this happens in the cold weather. There a post in the C7 section where someone was watching a C7 and ran into a pole!!! Hope they did not get hury. To the OP who does not think the car does not draws attention........not my actual experience.
The car drives completely different then the C5 or C6. To me the C6 was a C5 tweeked. The C7 is a bad aszz car to drive.
The cars interior is tight. If you are a person of stature spend some time trying it on.
For me every Corvette looked good in any color until the C7. It is the first angular corvette...edgie and with the black panels everywhere the colors really make the car look different. For example I love red but not with all those black panels.
I let anyone I know drive my car. Had some on the edge fall in love after a 5 minute drive. Each to their own but its a sweet ride.
I'd say this..... with my C7 there is not a day I have it out that someone in traffic does not take pictures, if I am stopped somewhere people will pull in, take pictures or wait until I come out to see the car. Even in the dirty Ohio winters with the car filthy this happens in the cold weather. There a post in the C7 section where someone was watching a C7 and ran into a pole!!! Hope they did not get hury. To the OP who does not think the car does not draws attention........not my actual experience.
The car drives completely different then the C5 or C6. To me the C6 was a C5 tweeked. The C7 is a bad aszz car to drive.
The cars interior is tight. If you are a person of stature spend some time trying it on.
For me every Corvette looked good in any color until the C7. It is the first angular corvette...edgie and with the black panels everywhere the colors really make the car look different. For example I love red but not with all those black panels.
I let anyone I know drive my car. Had some on the edge fall in love after a 5 minute drive. Each to their own but its a sweet ride.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 156
From: Huntington tx
Uuuuuhhhhh..... let's take the calculator out to see how much a C7 would cost to be as fast as mine?
First the car.... about $70,000
rollbar....... $1000
Supercharger......$10,000
Sparco's...... $1000
So it's only going to take $82,000 to get what I already have.......STUUUUUPID.
First the car.... about $70,000
rollbar....... $1000
Supercharger......$10,000
Sparco's...... $1000
So it's only going to take $82,000 to get what I already have.......STUUUUUPID.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 22,727
Likes: 799
From: Hillsborough NC
NC Events Coordinator
For me every Corvette looked good in any color until the C7. It is the first angular corvette...edgie and with the black panels everywhere the colors really make the car look different. For example I love red but not with all those black panels.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 5
From: Germantown, TN
Bill I was not aware you were sick, God bless & I hope you get better my friend. As far as the C7, here are my feelings....
When I first saw it on TV, loved the redisign but was not very exited about the rear of the car as many have stated. Until yesterday, I had ONLY seen 2 in person & from far away. Yesterday I was at Epcot (Disney World in Fl) & after going on the ride Test Track, they had a yellow C7 on display. The car looked great, even from the rear, so I became an official fan yesterday!! The car looked great all around & the interior is stunning!!
You are 100% correct about the stance, they do sit high from the factory, but heck so are most C5's from the factory. If the suspension is the same as the C5/C6 at least you can do that for free as soon as you get home.
I have a good friend who has one & he states the power & total feel/responsiveness of the car is awesome & he has a C5 & a C6!! I hope to get the chance behind the wheel at some point in the future.
Again, I hope you get better & when I saw it up close, it is a stunning car, in my opinion of course.
Mike
PS They are very few things that looked more menacing than a lowered C5 approaching!!!
When I first saw it on TV, loved the redisign but was not very exited about the rear of the car as many have stated. Until yesterday, I had ONLY seen 2 in person & from far away. Yesterday I was at Epcot (Disney World in Fl) & after going on the ride Test Track, they had a yellow C7 on display. The car looked great, even from the rear, so I became an official fan yesterday!! The car looked great all around & the interior is stunning!!
You are 100% correct about the stance, they do sit high from the factory, but heck so are most C5's from the factory. If the suspension is the same as the C5/C6 at least you can do that for free as soon as you get home.
I have a good friend who has one & he states the power & total feel/responsiveness of the car is awesome & he has a C5 & a C6!! I hope to get the chance behind the wheel at some point in the future.
Again, I hope you get better & when I saw it up close, it is a stunning car, in my opinion of course.
Mike
PS They are very few things that looked more menacing than a lowered C5 approaching!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 804
Likes: 4
I still get thumbs up everyday I drive it. I still get a woody every time I start it up.
I had a chance to drive couple of C7's and they are very nice but I have to agree with ET. Much of the trim on the C7 adds nothing but clutter to the visual styling. All the plastic trim pieaces are like fake stick on brake ducts on C5. It just looks fake and for show. I never liked the C6 narrow and tall design. That is till the wide body C6Z06 came out. Might be my age but I like the low, wide stance with plenty of meat in the tires. The new C7 lacks that attitude. It might have the performance of a super car but definitely lacks that intimidation factor to go with it.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,309
Likes: 13
From: FW/d Texas
"Maybe" ... I don't care for the big tach right in front of you with the speedo off to the side .. got that 'Euro' look to it and I guess it's okay if you're road racing it to watch the revs but on the street it's nice to see the speedo a little easier !
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
I hear ya, that's pretty much the only incentive I have to get my HUD fixed: I miss the big digital speedo my Porsche had in the middle of the tach. (Its tiny analog speedo was way off to the left and almost unreadable, given that it went 0-200 in about a 120-degree swing.)