md99337

Planning to join the ranks of Corvette owners. Want a fast, COMFORTABLE, GT, not a track car. At my age my interest in such activities have diminished, But I just sold my '64 GTO and have alway wanted a vette. I've been told by some corvette club members that there's no difference in the ride of a base versus grand sport. True?

rkj427

NOT true................ depending upon if the base car has the Z51 option, which has more performance suspension components, as well as other items, the springs, shocks, and tires will make the "standard" base car ride softer than a GS................

your first post, so welcome to the forum

spdkilz911

I had an 08 w/Z51 and moved to a 12 GS and noticed no difference. Not a true comparision but thats as close as I can get.

phileaglesfan

I actually owned both so I can tell you the difference.

With F55 (magnetic suspension) there isn't a noticeable difference in either setting based on having the same tires. Without vs F55 the F55 wins hands down. Non F55 vs non F55 depends on if base has Z51, Z51 is about equal in ride to non F55 GS. Base suspension vs base GS suspension will be better for the base. I had a non F55 GS and I didn't care much for it to be honest.

F55 is an amazing system (you can tell if the car has it by the switch on the center console says Tour/Sport settings. If you want a cruiser than F55 is the best option, base also since its tires are cheaper and provide a better ride. Nothing wrong with a GS though and you can now get the A/S 3+ Michelins which are excellent.

Then you have non runflats vs runflats to confuse everything, non runflats provide a rougher ride because the sidewalls are designed to support the car without air if needed. I've owned both and both have their pros and cons that is literally beaten up in other threads.

Base does provide better gas mileage since it can reach 30mpg with an auto, cruising at 75-80mph my 13 GS averages 22-25mph. Base averaged about 27-28mpg on the same trip.

md99337

Thanks for the welcome. Hope to be a legitimate member in the near future.

md99337

Thanks,

md99337

Thanks for the info. Currently looking for a 2012 or '13. Would love to find one with the F55, but they're scarce.

phileaglesfan

You can also get GMEPP extended protection plan which covers the F55's shocks/computer. I'm not sure what percentage Vettes are F55.

Oh Boy

NOT true..He asked the difference between a base 2012 and a Grand Sport. There is no Z51 option on a 2012 because the Z51 is the Grand Sport! So to answer your question from my perspective because I had a new 2012 and traded it for my new and current 2013 Grand Sport there is a slight difference in ride quality, not much. The GS is a little better in handling because of the beefier suspension and wider tires but performance wise nothing earth shattering as I thought it would be. But overall the GS is the better performer, not to mention the looks which when both cars are side by side the GS is far superior in looks due to the widebody and tires. If you have a choice go GS and never look back, you wont be sorry.

Oh Boy

BTW to take the GS to the next level that you can feel I put on Johnny O'Connell sway bars and Bridgestone RE-11's (pretty much the stickiest street tire you can get although they are now discontinued) and the difference was quite noticeable.

buckmeister2

You will be fine with a base, non-Z51 car. The base Vette handles/corners better than about 98% of the cars on the road, maybe 99%. Unless you want the look of the GS, or plan to track your car, just get a base, you will be very happy.

But, do make sure you can get in and out easily. If not, the 3LT option helps that with EZ access and exit.

C6KWJ

88redconvert

I have a base 2012 and a friend has a 2011 GS. I think mine has a more comfortable ride than his but I also think I have better tires. Mine has all the power and handling that I will ever need although on a track I'm sure the GS is superior. If I were to consider a GS it would be because it's a better looking car.

Cuckoo

The words "comfortable" and "Corvette" don't go together. Unless you are "young' and less than average sized then maybe its less uncomfortable.

LowRyter

I think the base model is the best compromise for comfort and performance. And the fewer options, the better.

When I was looking for a C6, I wanted just the opposite. After I got into it, the base stick shift model with fewer do-dads was best for me.

md99337

You've just thrown me a curve. The only suitable car that I've found (for my needs) after several weeks of searching, is a 2LT. What is EZ access and exit?
Thanks for the info.

windyC6

I think the poster may be refering to how easy one can get in and out of the car. These are sports cars. While the manufactures try and make some considerations for comfort...it usually isn't high up the list simply because most people wanting a true sports car realize their short comings....and as one post kinda mentioned....if you want comfort then buy a Cadillac. The most common annoyances in these Corvettes, as in many true sports cars is.....rough riding.....not so easy to get in and out of.....not exactly quiet.....smallish interior......etc....etc. One can of course take it one step further and pick at the C-6 deformities....cheap interiors....several common problematic areas.....etc. Heck....just find one you like and buy it. They are a lot of fun regardless of their short comings.....good luck....

marinablu67

I'll add my 2 cents!


For the most part I agree with Low Ryter about the base car. When I started looking for my C6, I pretty much knew what I wanted. 08 up, vert, Z51 6sp manual. I road tested 3 different cars that had manual trans to see if the clutch was comfortable to drive without my left foot falling off. In the process, I had the opportunity to drive a 60th anniversary 427 vert with 15K miles, 09 Z51 coupe with 19K miles, and my car 08 base vert with 17K miles.
Driving all 3 were very similar as far as ride and handling. This was just on the street under normal driving conditions. I'm sure, if you track the car, you would see a difference. I ended up with a base vert, 6sp manual 3LT that is totally stock, very fast, goes into corners and stops extremely well. I love this car!



The most important part is that I'm very comfortable and I drive a Corvette! Hear that CUCKOO!

md99337

I'm a long ways from young, and I'm a little taller than average (6'2"), but I still want a Vette. Believe me, after my '64 GTO, it will feel like a Cadillac.

Randy_in_MD

I don't think there is much difference in ride quality. The differences between base and GS are pretty much cosmetic.

The base might be a little quicker due to weight and aerodynamics.

Good luck.