C7 vs C5
Scientific Negotiator
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,728
Likes: 2,034
From: USA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'10, '14
Must be something wrong with my eyes 
because I look at the C7 as a step down from a C5 in looks. The C7 might have the technology that some people are looking for but all of those electronic marvels that impress people today will be tomorrows nightmare. There are more electronic parts in my C5 than I would prefer but very limited compared to the new Corvettes. But bottom line is that the C5 has it all over the C7 in the looks department.
because I look at the C7 as a step down from a C5 in looks. The C7 might have the technology that some people are looking for but all of those electronic marvels that impress people today will be tomorrows nightmare. There are more electronic parts in my C5 than I would prefer but very limited compared to the new Corvettes. But bottom line is that the C5 has it all over the C7 in the looks department.
Still love the C5, and for the cash it is king, but man the C7 is sweet IMO
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
I never saw the C6 as enough of a change/improvement to buy one, so I held on to my 97 C5 for 17 years. When I was driving it to the dealer for a trade in I thought I would really miss it, however, once I got into the C7 I never looked back. As nice as it was, and with all the right mods I put on it, it was starting to nickel and dime me to death, including several ignition switch/lock cylinder issues (ain't that a coincidence!). It was time to move on especially considering all the parts that are no longer available. It was like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. I thought it was best to let it go while everything was still working properly on it. I hope none of you guys get into the same predicament, but what I am saying is, it was an old car despite being a pampered Corvette...it was just time to move on and drive something with a warranty and everything new.
). It was time to move on especially considering all the parts that are no longer available. It was like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. I thought it was best to let it go while everything was still working properly on it. I hope none of you guys get into the same predicament, but what I am saying is, it was an old car despite being a pampered Corvette...it was just time to move on and drive something with a warranty and everything new.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 666
Likes: 2
From: western springs illinois
I never saw the C6 as enough of a change/improvement to buy one, so I held on to my 97 C5 for 17 years. When I was driving it to the dealer for a trade in I thought I would really miss it, however, once I got into the C7 I never looked back. As nice as it was, and with all the right mods I put on it, it was starting to nickel and dime me to death, including several ignition switch/lock cylinder issues (ain't that a coincidence!). It was time to move on especially considering all the parts that are no longer available. It was like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. I thought it was best to let it go while everything was still working properly on it. I hope none of you guys get into the same predicament, but what I am saying is, it was an old car despite being a pampered Corvette...it was just time to move on and drive something with a warranty and everything new.
). It was time to move on especially considering all the parts that are no longer available. It was like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. I thought it was best to let it go while everything was still working properly on it. I hope none of you guys get into the same predicament, but what I am saying is, it was an old car despite being a pampered Corvette...it was just time to move on and drive something with a warranty and everything new.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 263
I would give up my Z for a C7 in a heart beat, so long as some criteria were met
Arctic White
2LT Kalahari w/Fay (still torn between standard and comp seats)
Auto 8L90 which should be available in later models
Z51 w/silver wheels
Red calipers
NPP
paint matched mirrors and spoiler
exposed carbon roof with white "spears/side strips" then gloss black wrap the small halo beam
and I think that about covers it. Now if in my wildest dreams I could ever afford a new Z, check the same items but to be honest the exterior color may be a toss up between the new Tiger Shark Grey and the blue that was on the drop top Z. The reason I say the blue on the drop top, is because after watching several videos, I noticed it didn't seem like a gloss finish. From almost any angle the paint seemed to be a satan finish, not matte, nor gloss and if that was the goal, I'm diggin it. However if you look at press release photos, the blue looks glossy, so I'm not sure what the deal was with the NYAS Z.
Arctic White
2LT Kalahari w/Fay (still torn between standard and comp seats)
Auto 8L90 which should be available in later models
Z51 w/silver wheels
Red calipers
NPP
paint matched mirrors and spoiler
exposed carbon roof with white "spears/side strips" then gloss black wrap the small halo beam
and I think that about covers it. Now if in my wildest dreams I could ever afford a new Z, check the same items but to be honest the exterior color may be a toss up between the new Tiger Shark Grey and the blue that was on the drop top Z. The reason I say the blue on the drop top, is because after watching several videos, I noticed it didn't seem like a gloss finish. From almost any angle the paint seemed to be a satan finish, not matte, nor gloss and if that was the goal, I'm diggin it. However if you look at press release photos, the blue looks glossy, so I'm not sure what the deal was with the NYAS Z.
Last edited by nvusgt; Apr 18, 2014 at 12:03 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 217
From: Victoria tx
I think the sharp lines of the c7 fit it in a way of moving forward. of course I think the c5 is smoother but that was in the c5 era. times change. there was a magazine article 10 years ago about car designs and the journalist noted that the cars at that time (03-04) looked as if the designers were trying to hard, and that the only car that looked effortless and timeless was the corvette. I agree. I love my c5, and the simplicity of the interior. I do not like too many gadgets and everything getting in my way. I do agree that it has way too little power, but go drive a 79 and you will see little power. you cant compare the new and old because it isn't apples to apples. they each have their era. would I trade mine for a c7? hard to say because mine has a lot of miles so in that sense yes, however I looked for a white frc for 4 years and finally got one. I would say im more pressed to keep mine and just save for a c7. as of right now I cant let mine go. its too smooth and timeless and clean
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
In my opinion, If I had the extra cash around the C5 would be gone and a C7 Z would be in my garage.
I have always liked the C7 after seeing my first one last year in person.
This...
Or this?
I have always liked the C7 after seeing my first one last year in person.
This...
Or this?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,309
Likes: 13
From: FW/d Texas
I think the sharp lines of the c7 fit it in a way of moving forward. of course I think the c5 is smoother but that was in the c5 era. times change. there was a magazine article 10 years ago about car designs and the journalist noted that the cars at that time (03-04) looked as if the designers were trying to hard, and that the only car that looked effortless and timeless was the corvette. I agree. I love my c5, and the simplicity of the interior. I do not like too many gadgets and everything getting in my way. I do agree that it has way too little power, but go drive a 79 and you will see little power. you cant compare the new and old because it isn't apples to apples. they each have their era. would I trade mine for a c7? hard to say because mine has a lot of miles so in that sense yes, however I looked for a white frc for 4 years and finally got one. I would say im more pressed to keep mine and just save for a c7. as of right now I cant let mine go. its too smooth and timeless and clean
except for mine doesn't have high miles so I wouldn't considered trading at all. Who needs more power unless you're taking it to the track ? For my driving / cruising it has more than enough power to get me in trouble !! Besides loving the look of the C5 .. I don't want any high payments just to drive a new Vette. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 332
From: USA
I just decided to dump another $15 - 20k into my C5Z. After driving C6Z's and looking at C7's (which I love), I just can't fathom losing the money I've already put into my C5Z. What I'd get with the C6 or C7 doesn't justify it for me (yet).
Mine is already heavily modified and with a bit more, it'll be a unique, SICK, SICK, stand-out C5Z. I'd prefer this over a fairly stock C6Z or C7, where I'd just start many of the mods over again. I'd love a C6Z or C7 but I prefer money in the bank and a happy household (wife would be pissed if got a new car - but mods I can get away with).
Mine is already heavily modified and with a bit more, it'll be a unique, SICK, SICK, stand-out C5Z. I'd prefer this over a fairly stock C6Z or C7, where I'd just start many of the mods over again. I'd love a C6Z or C7 but I prefer money in the bank and a happy household (wife would be pissed if got a new car - but mods I can get away with).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 332
From: USA
To be honest, I'm not sure many of us would want to see you do some of that to a C7 anyway.
Hope you took that in stride...couldn't resist...and just ribbing you man.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 156
From: Huntington tx
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
There are many threads on this subject....the earlier cars, 97-98, are in the worst situation....have to depend on used parts...GM no longer supplies the EBCM, the PCM, which are 2 important ones. I have an extra PCM for sale right now for a 97-98. I don't have a complete list, but it can be put together from many of the earlier threads....most are just a bunch of nuisance items you can find used, but not new. I stockpiled a ton of spare parts over the years, and have been selling them off on the forum...lots more to come.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
I knew the EBCM for the earlier C5's weren't available, but I never heard other parts weren't available. In the case of the PCM this is where I become a socialist. They should be forced to provide parts that are required to make a car function.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
And for a C5/C6 owner, it's just a question of degree, rather than the full-blown "WTF?!?" that a C1/C2/C3/C4 owner would face.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
it's broken with tradition, the c7z is another heavy semi luxury car marketed toward old men
i LOVE the c7 seats but really don't like the direction they took the car. it's heading more BMW and less lotus
i LOVE the c7 seats but really don't like the direction they took the car. it's heading more BMW and less lotus
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
the pcm is a maybe...the ebcm for the c5 is the only i would worry about. no one has been able to figure those out
with prices where they are, could always sell out and buy a c5 z06. may not even cost you all too much