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Looking at making the change, my C5 is awesome in every way and dread the change, but looking to go C6 or C7 soon.
anyone make the change and regret it?
any advice regarding skip C6 and go straight to C7/C8 ?
C8 seems out of my league for now but C7 is reasonable to some extent, but feeling since I love my C5 so much as is, the C6 is really all I need for now for an upgrade.
I sold my '04 Z06 a few years back, and made the move to an '09 ZR1. At the time, and even to this day, I preferred the C5 to the C6 (narrow body). It just has more character, what with the flip up headlights and smooth body lines. The base C6 feels a bit flat, IMO. Widebody C6's are where it's at. They do command a premium, but also have consistently better resale value. Good luck, in whatever you decide. Wish I knew more about C7's, but I don't fit.
Last edited by Verrückt ZR1; Feb 10, 2021 at 09:16 PM.
I kept my C5 and went to the C8. I drove lots of C6 & C7, but was really only moved by the C7Z06 and C8. The C8 is such a different animal that’s why I went that way. I think the C6 is disappointing coming from a C5 and the C7 is nicer, but still lacked something for me. Depending on budget I would totally say skip the C6 and go to minimum a wide body c7 the Z if you can swing it. Just my $.02. How big/tall are you btw? I’m 6’3 230 fit fine.
Last edited by WalterSobchak; Feb 10, 2021 at 09:21 PM.
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I made the jump from a C5 to a C7. I really liked the C5 (I did have three of them), but the C7 is so different in terms of styling, technology and performance that I do not regret at all making the leap.
Had a 2015 c7 beauty. Wife made me part with it. (She said it was too showy). So I went back to a C5 03 Anniversary (which, ironically, is in fact my show car). C7 is great, but the c5 just feels right to me. I guess I like the more sophisticated smooth flowing body lines of the c5. Had a c4 and c6 too. C5 easily better than 4 or 6. I'd have stuck with the c7 if given the chance though. But no.... I'd not go back to a c6.
I have a modified 2000 FRC, 2013 ZR1 and a 2019 CTS-V. The C5 is used as my daily driver and occasional track car. The C6 is a better vehicle in every way especially in the GS, Z06 and ZR1 trims and I would not hesitate to move to a C6 from a C5. I purchased the CTS-V because I just never liked the C7 exterior or interior. If you need anything more practical the CTS-V is the best compromise. However, if you look at an automatic C7 or CTS-V you better make sure the transmission does not have any chatter before making the purchase. Many have this problem and it really did not get better until the last few years of production. My 2019 CTS-V is almost flawless, but at low speeds I can still feel some weirdness from the transmission. This is only a problem with the 8-speed automatics, so the C6 never had this issue. Good luck with your search.
Last edited by chevyave; Feb 10, 2021 at 11:21 PM.
Reason: double wording
I sold my C5 in July 2019 and bought a C6 mostly because I wanted a newer Corvette for a daily driver. I started out looking for a C6 convertible but couldn't find one with a manual transmission so I started searching for a C7. Then I came across a beautiful barely used 2006 Victory Red with black top and a 6spd manual transmission and I just had to have it. I have zero regrets. I enjoy my commute to and from my office every day and always look for reasons to drive it. I love driving it so much that we never use my wife's car on the weekends. And I really love the looks of it.
I had my Black1999 M6 Coupe for nearly 14 years until it was 20 years old and suspect that I will have this one for at least another 5 years or so, at least until it turns 20. I will eventually move on to a newer Corvette some time after I pass 100K miles. Since I am already more than half way there it will be more like 110-120K miles. My next Corvette will most likely be a C7 Convertible with a 7 speed manual but I will always love the C5's and I have owned several of them.
Looks are subjective but you can't go wrong, C5-C7 Corvettes are all beautiful cars. Performance and technology has increased since 1997 but there are modifications to remedy that if you really want to.
All good points and making it harder, love the lines of my C5, but she is getting up in mileage and want something rides a bit better.
I am looking at a wide body GS so the body design I feel is comparable and should keep me happy for a while just want to make sure it’s not less comfortable or has too many inherent issues that might make me regret it.
the couple test drives to me felt it was more refined and comfortable and drove amazing so not sure the downside if any? Tough choice!
Ive had an 02Z(current car), 07 base, 07Z and a 19Z...
The 19Z was a GREAT GREAT car, but the monthly payment for something that sat in the garage 95% of the time was killing me... not financially, but mentally... just felt like I was flushing money down the drain every month. So last fall with prices crazy high I sold it... basically drove it for free for ~18 months.
I think my 07Z was my favorite car, but I had done heads, cam, intake, manifold, headers, injectors, etc... and it had ~600whp... That car was just a monster. I would love to build another C6Z06, but the prices are stupid right now.
This 02Z I have now is also a REALLY fantastic car and once I am done getting it sorted out, it will be hard to part with.
I go through cars because I get bored with them to easily. I might keep this 02 because I dont have much money into it and I have done a lot of little things to it to bring it back to life after it sat 4 years in the previous owners driveway. It should turn out to be a really nice car when its all said and done.
The 6 and 7 have not managed to temp me. If a 6, then the Z. I have no passion for the 7 other than the drivetrain it is built around. The C8 will someday get my money. No doubt in my mind, and I have yet to drive one.
Let us not forget the venerable Gen2 Viper GTS or their Gen5s as equitable brethren. I do love my blue Z06 build, but I would have put a few more dollars in for a GTS had I thought the engine would die upon delivery.
I’d go C7. Selling my 99 this spring and hoping to score a 15 or 16 C7. If you can swing it, buy as much Vette as you can. The C7 has grown on me and a cruise last year with some sweet cars sealed it. Some nice 2013 models are available which with 435hp get you close to C7 performance but are in the high $30s. C7s in the $40s.
C5 to C6 ?
