)
C7 model year comparison
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 325
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
C7 of Year Winner (track prepared) 2019
The notable differences from my perspective
2014 - no PDR available
2016 - flat bottom steering wheel
Aside from the above & color selections available I can't really think of anything else that would persuade or dissuade from any C7 year model.
2014 - no PDR available
2016 - flat bottom steering wheel
Aside from the above & color selections available I can't really think of anything else that would persuade or dissuade from any C7 year model.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5,363
Likes: 4,108
From: New England
Just a few:
2014 had a 6 speed automatic
2014 Z51 package did not include the performance standard but you could add it
2015+ has an 8 speed auto
2015+ Z51 includes the performance exhaust but costs more
2016+ Flat bottom steering wheel standard on all trims
2016+ CarPlay and Android Audio standard for all models
There are different color options across the various years too
2014 had a 6 speed automatic
2014 Z51 package did not include the performance standard but you could add it
2015+ has an 8 speed auto
2015+ Z51 includes the performance exhaust but costs more
2016+ Flat bottom steering wheel standard on all trims
2016+ CarPlay and Android Audio standard for all models
There are different color options across the various years too
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,978
Likes: 2,595
From: Gettysburg PA
2020 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Quick snapshot of what pops into mind.....
2014 A6 auto transmission
2015 A8 auto transmission .... Z06 model added
2016 front camera added, less factory warranty 3 years 36000 miles and a 5 year, 60,000 powertrain warranty
There are also several color changes by year too.
2014 A6 auto transmission
2015 A8 auto transmission .... Z06 model added
2016 front camera added, less factory warranty 3 years 36000 miles and a 5 year, 60,000 powertrain warranty
There are also several color changes by year too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,333
Likes: 1,311
C3 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
C2 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
Level of depreciation
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 332
Likes: 85
From: Frisco Texas
^^^ If you can find a GS (Grand Sport) for your price range that is the best of both worlds, just a correction on the post i referenced above, there is no GS with Z51 . . . here are the different levels
C7 Base
C7 Z51
C7 Grand Sport
C7 Z06
future C7 ZR1
C7 Base
C7 Z51
C7 Grand Sport
C7 Z06
future C7 ZR1
Last edited by Steve Garrett; Feb 11, 2017 at 11:17 PM. Reason: No need to re-quote the previous post, especially if you're the next person posting.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,020
Likes: 3,427
From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 5
From: Merritt Island Florida
I guess I never realized that the GS includes or upgrades all the elements of the Z51 package. Thanks for pointing that out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5,363
Likes: 4,108
From: New England
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,893
Likes: 1,161
From: Keswick, Virginia
I am totally happy with my brand new 2017 Stingray 2LT.
I ordered it exactly the way I wanted it - and the car will never see a track. No need for the Z51 package.
The nice thing about the Corvette is that you can find one suitable for anyone's taste.
Last edited by JK 23112; Feb 12, 2017 at 09:17 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 5
From: Merritt Island Florida
It would be good fortune to find a C7 Grand Sport for $50K - so stepping down from there I am very happy with the (2015) Z51 + MSRC. I think you can find one of these. There comes a time IMHO, when every owner gets that urge to go to the track and stretch a cars legs. I think you should be prepared for that. The nice thing about the Z51 is it gives you increased braking and the MSRC is it gives you lots of options for street (and track - even if you never go). Believe me, you will feel the differences.
I've driven and instructed in LOTS of street (and race/race prepped) cars on the track. I would not trade my C7 for very many and NONE in the $50K range.
I've driven and instructed in LOTS of street (and race/race prepped) cars on the track. I would not trade my C7 for very many and NONE in the $50K range.
Last edited by g8rbob; Feb 12, 2017 at 09:39 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,893
Likes: 1,161
From: Keswick, Virginia
While the C7 Stingray is not exactly "cheap" by any stretch, my bottom line price on my factory-ordered 2LT with NPP, black painted wheels, red brake calipers, carbon flash badging and the 7M transmission was less that what a fully-loaded Silverado 1500 crew cab pickup truck costs.
I was honestly considering a loaded Ford Mustang GT - which was about 15 grand less than the 'Vette and definitely gives good "bang for the buck" in comparison. However, I have already owned four Mustang GT coupes and felt as though it was time to step up the game. After ten days now with this beautiful car, I believe I made the right decision.
As I said above, Corvettes are built in enough flavors to please anyone. My "base" Stingray 2LT is fine for me, but someone set on a Grand Sport or Z06 would probably look down on my 'lesser car' -- but it serves my purposes just fine and I will never push it even remotely close to its limits. It's my 'garage queen' for those nice days. My 2015 Altima - not a bad car in its own right - serves commuter and daily driver duties.
The main thing about a 'Vette is that you get one that suits YOU and YOUR TASTES.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
A heartfelt thanks to all who provided their wisdom/opinions. I believe the takeaway from all the posts here is, that you can't go wrong with ANY C7! Which is just what I was hoping to hear. Since I'm just an ol' fart who finally saved up a couple of bucks, and because I mostly drive like an ol' fart, I'll most likely decide based on looks and options (kind of partial to the 3LT interior). I rode with a "test pilot" at the Barrett-Jackson event in W. Palm Beach last year and the C7 we we're in was freaky fast. Luckily I had a change of underwear in my car. Thanks to all once again!