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The C6 is going to be similar to the C2 in future popularity. The C2 was thought to be outdated when the C3 appeared. Now, the C3 looks old, at least to me, and the C2 is outrageously popular. The gen that is going to tank is the C7. It is a nice car in it's own right, but cannot compare to the C8. The C6 is the last of the "beautiful", as opposed to cool, Corvettes. So, the C7 will wind up as just a transition from C6 to C8.
Well, the C3 IS old, so it should look "old" to you. And the C7 Stingray may "tank", but no way will the C7 Z06 with its 650hp ever tank - it's the last of the front engine beasts (not counting the 755hp ZR1 which is already in the $200K+ price range...this car will NEVER tank).
Originally Posted by LS WON
I am not into that the exhaust noise. I don't need to attract unwanted attention here from the authorities. I actually prefer the quiet factory exhaust but the only thing I don't like about it is that pedestrians cannot hear my car when I am behind them.
Unlike another car I used to have which had Flowmaster exhaust system that my neighbors could hear at 5 AM to hear all of my comings and goings..
It's only loud if you stomp on it. Under normal driving it's *barely* louder than stock. And I rarely sneak up on pedestrians, and if I did, and they didn't move, I have a horn for that. And I would never start it at 5am.
Originally Posted by StayinStock
I think c6 has def aged better than the c5s did. I still don't think either look fully dated unless maybe were talking interiors. I think C6 is into the sweet spot right now where the nostalgia factor will have the aftermarket supporting these things for years to come.
Agree 100%. The C5 interior is so "80's looking" - think IROC, Z-28, Cavalier, Monte Carslo SS, etc. interiors with that ugly shifter, Delco stereo, etc.
Originally Posted by StayinStock
Oddly enough, atleast for me, I think the C4 is gaining a second wind. 80s Retro is in right now and C4 is coming back with it. Seeing some of these modernized C4 builds really are hitting different. I personally use to hate a C4 but here lately everytime I see one I think... ooo that looks cool.
My opinion, I don't see the C4 ever coming back in style. 80's retro coming back is mainly in clothing, certainly not cars. The C4 was too under powered (245hp).
Well, the C3 IS old, so it should look "old" to you. And the C7 Stingray may "tank", but no way will the C7 Z06 with its 650hp ever tank - it's the last of the front engine beasts (not counting the 755hp ZR1 which is already in the $200K+ price range...this car will NEVER tank).
It's only loud if you stomp on it. Under normal driving it's *barely* louder than stock. And I rarely sneak up on pedestrians, and if I did, and they didn't move, I have a horn for that. And I would never start it at 5am.
Agree 100%. The C5 interior is so "80's looking" - think IROC, Z-28, Cavalier, Monte Carslo SS, etc. interiors with that ugly shifter, Delco stereo, etc.
My opinion, I don't see the C4 ever coming back in style. 80's retro coming back is mainly in clothing, certainly not cars. The C4 was too under powered (245hp).
I'd have to say I disagree, 80s cars (in general) are the hot ticket right now and the market reflects it. look on bring a trailer, 80s domestics are bringing good money in clean condition. Tons of folks on youtube and tiktok doing retro c4 builds with modern tech, modern wheels, and newer drivelines. Its a huge resurgence right now and seems to be really picking up steam.
But many OEM parts are not being manufactured anymore.
I have been trying to order front lower 2009 Z06 control arms for 3 months with no luck yet. Even GM dealers can not match equivalent part numbers throughout the model years (GS, Z06 & ZR1).
Each model has different part numbers. Are the actual different part numbers actually same part?
Hot tip! Apparently C7 control arms fit (except the lower rears), are inexpensive and are an improvement over C6 because the bushings don't squeeze out from the dog-bones with track use. They have an inner metal sleeve.
hat's especially nice is that you retain OE comfort without going to delrin or monoball.
I haven't gone this route yet, but will...
Hot tip! Apparently C7 control arms fit (except the lower rears), are inexpensive and are an improvement over C6 because the bushings don't squeeze out from the dog-bones with track use. They have an inner metal sleeve.
hat's especially nice is that you retain OE comfort without going to delrin or monoball.
I haven't gone this route yet, but will...
I think c6 has def aged better than the c5s did. I still don't think either look fully dated unless maybe were talking interiors. I think C6 is into the sweet spot right now where the nostalgia factor will have the aftermarket supporting these things for years to come.
Perhaps down the road the C6 will fall in to that category, but today my C5 has a significant nostalgia factor every time I turn on the headlights and the air brakes pop up. Concealed headlights were a staple for the Corvette for four generations. Even my 1999 Trans Am had them, which is why I still love the C5. It reminds me of the C2s and C3s I've driven and the Trans Am I owned. Plus, it's so analog. The only thing missing that my 2002 Silverado had is a cassette player. I still remember all the hatred towards the C6 headlights when it was first introduced. I was running around in a 2003 Z06 at the time. And then the Camaro butt on the C7. And now the mid-engine "Euro" look and lack of manual transmissions on the C8.
I'd have to say I disagree, 80s cars (in general) are the hot ticket right now and the market reflects it. look on bring a trailer, 80s domestics are bringing good money in clean condition. Tons of folks on youtube and tiktok doing retro c4 builds with modern tech, modern wheels, and newer drivelines. Its a huge resurgence right now and seems to be really picking up steam.
We can agree to disagree. SOME '80s cars are going up in value (Grand National, Mustang 5.0 coupes, turbo Trans Am, some rare trucks, etc.). But they have to be mint, low milage, and either rare or high horsepower. I just searched on BAT for C4s...two active auctions, neither of which are setting any records.
Ebay has some in the $20K range, but that's their asking price, not what it was bid up to. Most are in the $8K range.
I'm very happy with my '09 C6. I think it has a timeless sporty/seductive look that holds up . I'm glad I didn't save $$$ and buy a C5, which I've heard some describe its body shape as a "melted bar of soap." We should all appreciate & celebrate our timeless C6s.
We can agree to disagree. SOME '80s cars are going up in value (Grand National, Mustang 5.0 coupes, turbo Trans Am, some rare trucks, etc.). But they have to be mint, low milage, and either rare or high horsepower. I just searched on BAT for C4s...two active auctions, neither of which are setting any records.
Ebay has some in the $20K range, but that's their asking price, not what it was bid up to. Most are in the $8K range.
I'll agree with you there, price wise C4s arent doing as strong as some of the others but they def seem to be picking up in popularity.
I am clearly completely unbiased but I think the C6 is the pinnacle of elegant, beautiful design in the lineage of Corvettes. C5 definitely is looking very, very 90's and the C4's and prior each definitely speak to a certain era.
C6's still look very modern and have a timeless design.
I think C7's and C8's do look more modern but I think the coming years the trendy design will not age well.
New car styling will continue to evolve, and so at some point the C6 will look aged. That doesn't matter, though. All Corvettes of each generation allow you to relive top American sports car design at that time. Nothing wrong with that.
Love my 2008 base convertible. No power top, no NAV, just a 6-speed auto and the Buyers Tour and NCM delivery options when I bought it new. Rides super smooth and quiet. Keeps me from getting C8 fever!
The other JOKE about this term "dated" is that it implies that car styling should move contantly to what is cconsidered today's styling.........has anyone watched traffic go by on a highway or street lately.....EVERY car, truck and SUV looks exactly the same as every other car, truck and SUV. Compared to the generations of cars before the 80's......styling was truly unique and individual. You had many different shapes and sizes to choose from, and the designers actually produced something worthwhile. Today.....everything is the same blob shape. ANY Corvette is set apart from modern car design. So being "DATED" is absolutely a good thing....if its necessary to label it as such. Interior-wise.....if dated means a LAPTOP sitting on the dash.....I will pass. I cannot stand it when people describe Corvette interiors as "dated"...WTF is that? The dramatic interiors of the C8 and C7 are a little over the top in my opinion, with styling that must have been designed by a Star Wars model designer....but I guess some like it. For me,.....C6 and previous Corvettes have everything and anything a sports car driver needs....simple, functional, easy to see. I don't need the BS fluff that "modern" cars, and people obsessed with them, have. Its all just gimmicky nonsense.
Overstyling ages cars. Look at Hyundais and similar design language cars, they look dated after a year or two. Then compare to something like a range rover or a Porsche 911. Those cars have subdued styling, and look current even still. The c6 is the same way.
The c7 and c8, not so much. They're more like those hyundais that are heavily overstyled. They look fresh when introduced, but quickly get to be old looking.
Overstyling ages cars. Look at Hyundais and similar design language cars, they look dated after a year or two. Then compare to something like a range rover or a Porsche 911. Those cars have subdued styling, and look current even still. The c6 is the same way.
The c7 and c8, not so much. They're more like those hyundais that are heavily overstyled. They look fresh when introduced, but quickly get to be old looking.
I guess I am stupid.......but can someone explain to me the defnition of "dated" styling? Do not understand what it even means.....or why it is important to anyone.
The other JOKE about this term "dated" is that it implies that car styling should move contantly to what is cconsidered today's styling.........has anyone watched traffic go by on a highway or street lately.....EVERY car, truck and SUV looks exactly the same as every other car, truck and SUV. Compared to the generations of cars before the 80's......styling was truly unique and individual. You had many different shapes and sizes to choose from, and the designers actually produced something worthwhile. Today.....everything is the same blob shape. ANY Corvette is set apart from modern car design. So being "DATED" is absolutely a good thing....if its necessary to label it as such. Interior-wise.....if dated means a LAPTOP sitting on the dash.....I will pass. I cannot stand it when people describe Corvette interiors as "dated"...WTF is that? The dramatic interiors of the C8 and C7 are a little over the top in my opinion, with styling that must have been designed by a Star Wars model designer....but I guess some like it. For me,.....C6 and previous Corvettes have everything and anything a sports car driver needs....simple, functional, easy to see. I don't need the BS fluff that "modern" cars, and people obsessed with them, have. Its all just gimmicky nonsense.
Well alot of it probably stems from the fact they use the same steering wheel as the Chevy Cobalt... so theres that... Dated is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. I personally love my C6 but I feel the interior is one area its lacking. Luckily thats what the aftermarkets for and theres no end to the options available. Personally I love what GM has done with C7 as far as interior. The cockpit driver orientation is a nice touch. I will say I'm not a huge fan of the C8 "strip o' buttons" but I can appreciate what they've done with it. C6 interiors look like an afterthought when compared to the rest of the cars. Like GM got to the end of the design process and said "Hey we're in a hurry, lets just throw some updated c5 seats and door cards in it, change the dash shape and put an already outdated nav system in it... the kids will love it". They got a little better in 12/13 but still retained the same crappy nav units (really I had the same style in my 06 trailblazer, their we're way better factory infotainment systems at the time), and underneath nicer material was the same boring stuff.
Well alot of it probably stems from the fact they use the same steering wheel as the Chevy Cobalt... so theres that... Dated is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. I personally love my C6 but I feel the interior is one area its lacking. Luckily thats what the aftermarkets for and theres no end to the options available. Personally I love what GM has done with C7 as far as interior. The cockpit driver orientation is a nice touch. I will say I'm not a huge fan of the C8 "strip o' buttons" but I can appreciate what they've done with it. C6 interiors look like an afterthought when compared to the rest of the cars. Like GM got to the end of the design process and said "Hey we're in a hurry, lets just throw some updated c5 seats and door cards in it, change the dash shape and put an already outdated nav system in it... the kids will love it". They got a little better in 12/13 but still retained the same crappy nav units (really I had the same style in my 06 trailblazer, their we're way better factory infotainment systems at the time), and underneath nicer material was the same boring stuff.
I guess we will just have to disagree.......and I suppose its all about personal taste. I think the C5 and C6 Corvette interiors are more than adequate, nice looking, and have everything I want or need to drive a sports car. I really don't see what the problem is, or how it is somehow unsatisfactory. Its a car. A sports car.
If the Cobalt has the same steering wheel as a Corvette......I would say Chevy put a Corvette steering wheel in a Cobalt....so they get a bonus, not the other way around.
I guess we will just have to disagree.......and I suppose its all about personal taste. I think the C5 and C6 Corvette interiors are more than adequate, nice looking, and have everything I want or need to drive a sports car. I really don't see what the problem is, or how it is somehow unsatisfactory. Its a car. A sports car.
If the Cobalt has the same steering wheel as a Corvette......I would say Chevy put a Corvette steering wheel in a Cobalt....so they get a bonus, not the other way around.
It wasn't just the cobalt, GM put then in everything from Corvette to conversion van... its called the "corporate" wheel. To each their own, if you like it and it works for you then thats all you need. But GM for sure cheaped out when it came to C6 interiors until 12/13 and I would go as far to say even that is debatable. GM Interiors didnt really start getting good till 14 and up (and thats all models not just the Vette).
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They got a little better in 12/13 but still retained the same crappy nav units (really I had the same style in my 06 trailblazer, their we're way better factory infotainment systems at the time), and underneath nicer material was the same boring stuff.
At least the crappy nav unit in my 2011 has the factory USB port so I can listen to my 100+ CD collection over my Plex server (or even Sirius XM without activating the car) using my iPhone. I just need to find a mount for it so I can use Waze.
It wasn't just the cobalt, GM put then in everything from Corvette to conversion van... its called the "corporate" wheel. To each their own, if you like it and it works for you then thats all you need. But GM for sure cheaped out when it came to C6 interiors until 12/13 and I would go as far to say even that is debatable. GM Interiors didnt really start getting good till 14 and up (and thats all models not just the Vette).
Yeah.....I don't see it. The car interior has everything it needs to have, looks nice, fits well.....and the finishes are complimentary. I am not sure what is lacking. Whats it supposed to look like? What would be the gold standard in inteior design? Is there one? Is it a defined thing what an interior should look like? I don't think so. And yes....its debateable, because there is no right or wrong about it. If you want to define it by popular opinion......that too is wrong. I own a C3 Corvette.....and frankly, I think there has never been a better looking car anywhere, ever......is that debateable? Just sayin.
Look....no need to continue this back and forth......my point has always been that there actually is no such thing as "dated", or one thing better than the other. Its ALL about personal taste.....yet so many just stubbornly cling to the idea that one styling is defined as "better". over another.......and they just won't stop till you agree. I won't agree. I think often times folks just like to hate things.....or hate companies, like GM, and come from some position of authority over what GM "should" make. Have you ever noticed that GM does not have any problem selling every Corvette they make......I think that speaks for itself.
Last edited by Shovels and Vettes; Aug 30, 2022 at 01:08 PM.
I'm not arguing, I'm just having a discussion, that's what forums are for. No ill will my friend. To me 14 and up GM's brought their interior design to a new level. Your right, we'll never all agree on something that is an appearance thing nor should we. But what is fact is that GM went the cheapest route possible with the C6 interior which they turned around and redeemed in C7 and now C8. We can agree to disagree.
And the C7 Stingray may "tank", but no way will the C7 Z06 with its 650hp ever tank - it's the last of the front engine beasts (not counting the 755hp ZR1 which is already in the $200K+ price range...this car will NEVER tank).
Concealed headlights were a staple for the Corvette for four generations. Even my 1999 Trans Am had them, which is why I still love the C5. It reminds me of the C2s and C3s I've driven and the Trans Am I owned. Plus, it's so analog. The only thing missing that my 2002 Silverado had is a cassette player. I still remember all the hatred towards the C6 headlights when it was first introduced. I was running around in a 2003 Z06 at the time. And then the Camaro butt on the C7. And now the mid-engine "Euro" look and lack of manual transmissions on the C8.
. I'm glad I didn't save $$$ and buy a C5, which I've heard some describe its body shape as a "melted bar of soap." 
