mbaessler

Hi Guys, I'm new to the forum. I have been looking at and trying to get a feel about the C7. I own a 2010 Dodge Challenger RT Classic 6 speed with 8000 miles. Great car and pulls really well and corners flat. I have some mods on it. Strut tower braces front and rear, CAI, catch can, etc.
I have always liked Vettes. Had a 79 L-82 4 speed and a 1985. But found those unrefined.
A couple of my My neighbors have new 2017 C7's. I rode in them, they are nice but seem a bit confining and the seats seem to push on my hips and it's kind of difficult to get in an out. I guess I need a technique on how to do that. I'm not big 5-10 180. Enjoyed the speed and braking and the mag-ride controls. And of course they look great! I'm wondering if anyone has come from a Challenger RT or SRT and regret buying the Vette. I see so many C7 vettes for sale. I'm thinking about a 2015-2016 Z-51 3LT or just a 3LT. I won't be tracking the car. Do I need the Z51? If you don't have Z51 does that mean no Magnetic shocks? If so, does the base suspension ride like the touring suspension on the Z51? Need to get educated. Any responses will be appreciated.
Thank You.

Zaphod B

mbaesslerr - I'll do my best, and hopefully others will join in.

My previous "performance" sedan was a Pontiac G8 GT that I think is comparable to your Challenger RT in terms of performance and accessibility.

I own a 2017 Grand Sport. It is a completely different animal than the G8 or, I would think, any of the "sport-ish" sedans.

The cabin and seats can either feel confining or cosseting, depending on your point of view. I find it "cosseting." You will not be able to stretch out sideways so if you are not comfortable being locked into position, this is not your car. BTW, I have competition seats and did successive 8-hour days in the driver's seat with no issue.

Entry and exit is a challenge compared to a normal car.

Magnetic selective ride control is available as an option independent of the Z51 package.

I cannot speak to the ride qualities of the non-MSRC suspension.

Good luck!

rmorin1249

My base Stingray is perfect for my driving. Rides well enough to be comfortable on long road trips. In sport mode and the exhaust set to Track it sounds and performs like a true sports car. No complaints or second thoughts.

Oldfalguy

First off, the C7 is a far cry from a Dodge...anything. period.
I had a couple of 69's, an 89 and current 2015.
I enjoyed the 69's and the 89, like your 85 was nothing to write home about.
But that is water under the bridge so to speak.
If you can't fit in the seat forget about it. It will bother you too much.
I am 5 9" 205 and it fits me fine. IF can open door far enough its no problem getting in and out.

witch hunt

seats are fine, go for it---no matter what year, type, or option package C7 you end up with, will be a major upgrade over what you're currently driving.

Kent1999

Given what you've said -- with all seriousness and respect, I'll vote "no" -- you should shop for something other than a C7.

A true sports car will require compromises in comfort, size, ingress/egress, etc, that I'm not sure you will appreciate making in the longer term if you are not truly in love with the car. You've mentioned that you are used to cruisers that are not "sports cars", but rather "sporty cars" -- big difference.

In my personal experience, if you are not smitten on the first drive of a Corvette with a "gotta have one!" feeling, the compromises that come later will soon tire you out, and you'll trade it away and move on.

Just 2 cents of Free Advice from someone who has happily been into Corvettes for over 4 decades. Others' experiences may be different than mine, so this is just some food for thought.

Good luck in your choice, regardless of which way you decide. If you buy a C7, I'll be one of the first to welcome you here... this forum really adds a lot to the Corvette ownership experience!

curve65

Close to the same boat as OP. I presently am driving a Miata and a Charger RT with the semi and ones been my beer, the other my wine. Though I keep trying to make the wine have a lot more kick. For the last 14 car changes, I have bounced between Mustang GT's, Dodge Hemi's, and numerous Miata's. My days with a vett were with a 65 coupe though it handled like a truck. I've told my friends it's a character flaw, but, maybe I've just needed a C7?
Thoughts?

vbdenny

I haven't found much yet not to like. I especially like the magnetic ride as the adjustable suspension can give you Lexus smooth or track ride. Perhaps a little too fast if your self control is as weak as mine.

Gary barnes 1098

Now own a c7 z51.Previous car was a challenger srt8 with a kenne bell supercharger on it. Both cars manual trans. While the srt8 was a more comfy car,softer ride,bigger interior etc,it was not half the car my c7 is!!!!! I tell my wife every time we're in it how much more I love it!!! I will NEVER buy another dodge after owning this car. The challenger had way too many parts on it that it shared mechanically with the v6 model chassis.Every time down the 1/4 mile it would be something else failing. Drive shaft,rear end whine,half axles and plenty more things were replaced.wheel hop was a Huge problem also that I had countless hrs in and big money trying to cure to No luck. The difference is like comparing a TRUE performance car to a family sedan with some power. Honestly,you won't regret it. P.s. However getting in and out is kinda a pita. Lol GOOD LUCK!!!!

rkhegler

Get the C7. You will never regret it. End of story.

rkhegler

Same here! Excellent vehicle. Best I have ever owned. Great ride, good milage and lots of fun.

white90conv

I love my 2017 C7. I thought the first year might have problems and then in the second year I was worried about the A8 transmission. I was ready by the third year but got going late and ended up with one of the first 2017. So far, with 2K miles I just love the car. I think the seating is a little tight, but (at 6' 2") I do fit for long drives. I replaced a C5 and this new car has a number of great features. The front and rear cameras are just great! I like the NAV system, a huge improvement over the C6 system (almost as good as Garmin). And the NPP exhaust in wonderful. The dash display gives a lot of information all the time. For me, the performance data recorder is a waste. The C7 is a great car!!

robertbruce

Buy now. You will love it.

Rooster OG

It's a really nice ride. This car is happy to cruise, happier to get on it, plus it looks great. To top it off, it's a fantastic time to buy right now.

Tom/99

This is my fifth Corvette since 1991. I only went two weeks without one during that time. I enjoy my 2015 coupe. The problem I have been seeing with mine, and other owners cars, are replacement parts. I have been waiting over two months (ordered Oct 3) for windshield. I've seen owners needing A8 torque converters, waiting three weeks for parts. Several C7 club members are having the same parts problem. Everything for the C7's, seem to be in short supply.

dvilin

You have seen many C7's have rode in a them, and question whether it is a good choice for you. I would say no, after looking at the C7 and riding in one the question should be where can I get the best deal.

bearphoto

OP, I have several of the challengers, a 5.7 shaker hemi and the 6.4 Scat Pack. These are large cars, great ride and look good. I also have a C7 Z51 convertible. They are definitely two different rides. And someone mentioned they have a Miata. We have a 16 Miata. Also a great car. For me at 6-2, 220 the Miata for me only works on short runs. Too small. As for the C7, there are two types of seats, standard seats and the Competition seats. I have no experience with the competition seats but that may have been what you rode in where the standard seats might be fine for you. The C7 is more confining if you will than a challenger but its not as small as the miata which is confining to me. At your height and weight you should be fine with the standard seats and I would whole heartedly recommend the C7 for you. Great looks, incredible power and there is actually quite a bit of room in the back. Not as big as the huge challenger trunk but very acceptable. I put on car tours all over the west and the corvette always leads the pack!

RMS73

I traded in my 2014 Mustang GT for my 2016 Z51 non-MRC. The Mustang was more roomy and a little quieter - a little nicer interstate cruiser. The C7 is low to the ground and requires a little effort to get out and out of, but the driving enjoyment is worth it. Fun to Drive factor the C7 is far ahead; better acceleration, cornering, road feel, you name it. The only negative in the C7 is the road noise coming from the rear hatch area. In the Mustang this area was separated from the passenger area by the rear bulkhead. Some folks have added a sound deadening material under the carpet to lessen the road noise.

JonMN

Our C7 is by far our favorite car so far. We came from the overpriced German side of autos . . .

I have a non-z51 with mag control. The mag ride is really nice. There is a very wide range of adjustments--you can really feel the difference. Just a suggestion: unless you need the extra space, test drive a convertible too!

Zaphod B

Calling the Tour mode "Lexus smooth" is creative license on your part, methinks.