c3 Vs c7

Make things clear and easy, i will write what I "kinda" want


1.Considering a purchase either C3 or C7 stingray
2.budget is 60k + @ cash or finance for C7
3.really debating between c3 and c7 (c3 was the plan before c7 cameout)
4.If going with C3, early C3's with LS2 or Ls3 swap
5.what i think of cons and pro of both cars

Pros of C3, Rare, not purchasing by Trend. maybe cheaper than c7, maybe not
Cons of C3, reparing and maintanace fee? breaking down ,RUST

Pros of c7, NEW Stringray, no worry till warranty. better Tech, complete package
cons of c7, maybe just another version of corvette, not rare as C3

It really depends on personal preference. (like what i really want.)
However,""" i just want to hear what would you go with."""
its going to be 2nd car, i have 1 SUV

wannna build somehting like this if i go with C3
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/...42a89148_m.jpg

 

C3 is nice for what it is but it ain't even close to a C7 (let alone C4, 5 or 6!) in power (depending on year), handling, creature comforts, etc.

It completely depends what you're after but, quite honestly, there is no comparison between a C3 and C7. Not even close

 

I have owned around 25 vettes from all of the first 6 generations and owned 6 C3's starting with a brand new 68 convert in the fall of 67 and ending with a 81 in the fall of 1980. The C3 was a huge improvement over the C2's but not nearly as good as any of the following 4 generations.

As far as rarity, here in Tucson Corvettes are very common and see many every time I go out including C3's on a fairly regular basis but to date I have only seen 1 C7 on the road.

If you are planning on spending the same amount for a C3 as you could buy a C7 for I would go with the C7 every time. Here in Tucson rust free C3's that have spent their life in the desert can be had for under $10k in fairly decent driver condition.

 

I had a 68 427 convertible all original with documentation, and was a member of NCRS and was into 68-72 vettes. From an investment standpoint 60K is way too much for any C3 that does not have an original engine. The chrome bumper C3 cars 1968-1972 were the collectibles and the size engine determined the value-all other things being equal. I personally would not sink 60K into a C3 without the original engine if you have any plans for resale as you will get hosed.

Regarding rust-obviously check the frame and the entire birdcage-- a good area to thoroughly check is the windshield pillars as they are often overlooked in the cosmetic coverup of rust. Plus the air flow in a lot of these cars did not accomodate large engines and were prone to overheating issues.

 

Do you like to drive Pick-up trucks?....There's your decision.

Personally, other than the Nostalgia I can't go back...The old cars were such turds to drive compared to modern mechanics and technology..

 

haven't driven any pickup truck. to be honest with you
I've been pretty much import car guy
sti, rsx-s, g37, etc...always new car.
but I figured, value of car DROP DOWN substantially as time goes by. like crazy. but don't care about any comfort on driving. b/c sport car should be like that in my opinion. just pure driving fun

 

If you want pure driving fun the C1's were a lot more fun to drive than the C2's or C3's and will hold their value better than any other generation that followed.

The biggest regret I ever had was when I sold my 57 fuelie to buy the new 63 split window. It was hot, noisy and terrible to drive because of the poor visibility, regretted it in less than a week and ended up trading for a new 64 convert after only 6 months.

The 57 still ranks in the top 3 fun to drive out of 25 I have owned behind the 2007 C6 convert and the 86 Pace car convert.

 

Why would you want this over a C7????????

 

If it were me, I would pick up a nice used C6 (or even a clean C5 Z06) and a nice average driver C3 and enjoy them both for 60K.

that way you get the LS engine tech in a nice package to drive (C5+) and have a nice C3 to tinker with, after owning a few C3s tinkering is almost mandatory.

 

I just bought a C7 and, in looking at my avatar, you might surmise that I have a C3 (also have a C5 in the garage and owned a C6). I agree with the sentiment that every generation of Corvette has been an improvement on the previous but would disagree that driving the C3 is like driving a pickup truck (I also have a '13 Silverado and an '83 S15). The C3 can be made to handle quite well, I installed the Vette Brakes and Products Grand Touring suspension kit in mine and it's quite capable, being let down primarily by the wheels and tires (easily remedied if you wanted). I also put in a Tremec 5 speed which makes it much more relaxed at highway cruising while giving it a bit more acceleration due to the revised ratios in the lower gears. My L82 is basically stock, but does have a true dual exhaust, thus eliminating the terrible dual Y-pipe/pellet converter it came with. In all, while the '75 is no match for the '14 in any performance area, it is a thoroughly enjoyable drive. Looking out over the hyperswoopy (made that word up) fenders and gripping the skinny steering wheel is just a completely different driving experience. And I get LOTS of thumbs-up and hand waves in my '75 - for a significant fraction of people the shark body style epitomizes "Corvette". But as mentioned in previous posts, I can't conjure up in my mind any significantly modified C3 that would be in the $60-70K range.

LarryS

 

I hate to break it to you.......


There is a Stingray and then there is everything else.

 

Why is C3 PO'd?

 

I hate to break it to you......... My C3 says Stingray right on the front fenders.

 

Because that old technology couldn't even finish a Rubic's cube......

 

Which is really awesome.....

If you plan on going to the roller rink with bell bottom jeans and a fro.....groovy bro.

 

I hate to break it to you,

But pre '77 C3 Corvettes say 'Stingray' on the side too lol

 

I think the decision comes down to do you want performance (C7) or nostalgia (C3). From a power, handling, performance and fun-to-drive perspective there would be zero comparison. Going with a C3 would solely be about owning an antique/collectible car IMO.

 

I get the nostalgic reference.

But if you are about to buy the new flat screen TV at Costco are you going to pause and say......yeah......but......I could buy that sweet black and white Zenith and polish it up.........

The good ole days.....I get it.....butterfly collars and shirt buttoned down to your belly button, a fat gold chain that sparkles in the sun and chest hair so mammoth that it looks like a rabid honey badger jumped you.....far out bro.

 

You say you want to build something like this:



Except for being made by the same manufacturer and being called the same model, there is no comparison between that and a C7. Do you want a collector car that you can drive occasionally and show, or a modern car with all the creature comforts that you can drive anywhere, anytime, in comfort?

 

I agree, except for the fun to drive part, my favorite C3 was a stripper LT1 '71 and that thing was a blast to drive.

I've had many 60-70s fun to drive cars, depends if you equate 'fun' with pretty dangerous I guess