stevenschwartz

Hi Folks,

Newby here - just starting to think about buying my first Corvette. So like many I will be deciding between a Stingray and a Grand Sport. I am not at all sure the difference in performance will matter that much to me - this will be a daily driver and a road trip car, not taking it on the track.

Here is my financial thinking. If I get the stingray, I would definitely add the magnetic ride option. That still leaves the car about 8k less than the grand sport.

On the other hand, if I add both magnetic ride and Z51 package, then I'm pretty close to the grand sport, and I may as well go for that. So for me it's Stingray with just suspension option or Grand Sport. This thinking valid? If so what do you think I should do?

Thanks,

Steve

GS1960

Assuming money is not an issue, do you prefer the look of the Stingray or the Grand Sport?

Steve Garrett

Steve,

Your dealer will tell you that you won't need the Z51 package if you're not tracking your car. I've got it-I don't track-I'm glad I have it!



Welcome to Corvette Forum.

stevenschwartz

Well money is always an issue ... but I want to do this right. Not 100% sure - G.S. is more aggressive, Stingray a bit sleeker. Stingray is also 4" narrower, so easier time in garage ...

I just would HATE to spend all this money then wish I had spent a bit more for the "top".

Steve



Steven, can you expand a bit on why you're glad you have it? Also curious why you made the "tricked out" Stingray choice over the G.S.

Thanks,

Steve

C82LT

IMO the stock suspension is great as-is. I drive my 2LT around to work and for fun. I don't go to the track either. I would rather spend a little extra on the 2LT package on a Stingray and not worry about the Z51 package. Not saying it's not an awesome suspension upgrade, but if you're daily driving, you probably will want more of the modern creature comforts. Grand Sport will probably cost a little more to maintain (gas, tires) over time. I'm assuming at this price though, consumables are less of a consideration.

pkincy

The difference between the wide body and narrow body Corvette's is very visible. You will regret not getting the GS.

stevenschwartz

OK, you guys are great - looking forward to hearing more ...

Steve

grandsport2017

Another important consideration is the tire cost and availability of all-season tires. The cost to replace the Grand Sport MPSS is about $2k installed. There are currently no "good" all-season options which may limit daily driver status during the fall/winter months depending on where you live. There are currently only three tire options for the GS - MPSS, Cup 2s, and a set of Continental front tires. The Stingray OTOH has numerous, more affordable, tire options.

If you're not going to track the car, then cost and the wide-body appearance seem like the deciding factors.

cls33

I like the styling on the Stingray more than the Grand Sport, seems more... aggressive and modern to me.

That's why I decided on the Stingray Z51 myself. (the fact that I was able to save a few $$ was a nice side benefit)

rmorin1249

I like the looks of the Stingray and use my car just as you plan to use yours. I do not track it but use it almost daily and have been on many road trips several of more than 500 miles in a single day. I also skipped the Z51 package and opted for a 2LT with Navigation. JMHO

Kevin A Jones

If you like the narrower/sleek look then go for the Stingray. To me, the wider vented "bad-***" look of the GS is worth the extra 10 grand on it's own. I can't imagine 4" will make a significant diference with your garage unless you have custom made narrow doors for some reason.

You also get some nice options included in the GS package that are not included with the Stingray, NPP exhaust (a must), larger wheels/tires, Mag-Ride, just to name a few. Also drive both.

JNess

I was messing with the Chevrolet page the other day, I'm not sure that this is the case in 2017, but for 2018 it appears as though Mag Ride is only available in the Z07 package for the GS... Which is a considerable increase in price.

Maybe I just missed the option.


My personal opinion... I'm happy with my Z51 Stingray with mag ride, 2LT and Nav, on a car I don't track.

red62vette

I decided to buy a 1LT GS and I’m glad I did. I really like the look, the suspension calibration, and the active exhaust. Going with the 1LT saved me some money, but it has everything I need. The seats are comfy and I use CarPlay for nav. Go for the GS.

Kevin A Jones

I'm a 100% sure that FE6 Mag-Ride is standard with the 2017 GS package and about 90% sure it's also standard with the 2018 GS package.

redman76

Same here for me. Loved every thing about the GS, so I bought the base 1LT package and added about $8K in options I wanted . . . comp seats, PDR, Aero 2 package. I never planned to track, but after doing touring laps at NCM track and taking Corvette Owner's School at Spring Mountain, I'm hooked and will be doing some HPDE track events next year. I decided to spend a little more and get exactly what I wanted and I've never looked back. Good luck with your decision, it's a tough but fun one to make . . . enjoy

ExRedRacer

For the record, the width of all Corvettes is exactly the same, tip of left outside mirror to tip of right outside mirror. No difference whatsoever and that's the widest part of the car.

Get the Z51.

stevenschwartz

The last is a good point - the fender width matters little if you don't want to bash your mirror on the side of the garage.

This is not an easy decision.

Steve

JNess

Just checked again. It appears it is not available on the GS until you select the Z07 package, weird... I could still be blind though...

Z07 SUSPENSION WITH MAGNETIC SELECTIVE RIDE CONTROL™
Tuned for ultimate performance handling
1.2g capability
Magnetic Selective Ride Control stiffens the suspension for high-performance driving without sacrificing a smooth ride
Adjustable with Driver Mode Selector

mschuyler

You will unlikely regret not getting a GS. I certainly do not. Normal people, i.e.: Non-Corvette people, can't even tell the difference. It's 3.5" wider at the rear end (Mirrors are the same on both.) It's an aesthetic decision, of course. And if your garage space is tight, as mine is, you'll love having that 3.5" more to negotiate the space. You really don't need Z51 if you are not going to track the car. That's what Z51 was designed for. You've obviously got the basics down. Your money; your choice. Which ever one you get, you're gonna love it.

stevenschwartz

You guys are fantastic - 19 total replies (including some of mine) in under an hour. Really appreciate this!

Steve