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Is the C7 the best Sports Car under $80K

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Old 08-24-2015, 10:44 AM
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Default Is the C7 the best Sports Car under $80K

Just curious to get opinions.

I've been a Corvette guy for many years, and never questioned the "bang for the buck" the Corvette provides. However seems like in any head to head or three-way comparison, Porsche seems to always garner top honors.

Are they really that good?
Old 08-24-2015, 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by 1SG_Ret
Just curious to get opinions.

I've been a Corvette guy for many years, and never questioned the "bang for the buck" the Corvette provides. However seems like in any head to head or three-way comparison, Porsche seems to always garner top honors.

Are they really that good?
Top Gear picked it over the Porsche Cayman S. You would have to spend another 20-30K more for an equivalent 911. Check out the video and see how high up on the board the Stingray lands.

Top Gear Singray vs Porsche Cayman S


http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2qac2e_top-gear-chevrolet-corvette-stingary-vs-alfa-romeo-4c-rome_auto
Old 08-24-2015, 11:29 AM
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Yes
Old 08-24-2015, 11:31 AM
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Default Is the C7 the best Sports Car under $80K

Road and Track picked the C7 over both the Cayman and the new M3, so yes.
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Old 08-24-2015, 12:01 PM
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Good to know, last review I read compared the Corvette to a Porsche (not sure which model) and the F12 Berlinetta. Porsche did not finish first in any one segment but was chosen #1 overall. Which shocked me

I always assumed there was a love affair with the Porsche by every magazine test group, but to finish 3rd overall and still get picked as overall winner made me ask the question.

The comparison was rather old (and it was that article that pushed me to buy a C7 after seeing it with the F12 Berlinetta. The C7 is drop dead gorgeous when compared to others costing the same or more.

The video of the Alfa and the C7 on track was rather revealing. The Alfa being significantly under-powered and still being close to the C7 with on track performance begs to question the argument over usable horsepower vs. performance (especially if one doesn't track or race their cars).

Love the "Top Gear" guys. They are quite amusing.
Old 08-24-2015, 12:45 PM
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A C7 will mop the floor with a Cayman, get real.
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Old 08-24-2015, 12:46 PM
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P cars will win most of the time in the biased comparison tests. As it is made on their side of the pond there is a bit of "it's ours" where the C7 is the foreign invader. Can'y have any American trash beat the Euro's pride and joys.
The P car is well made and has great tech in the tranny and control systems, but it is really getting long in the tooth. For a comparison of the cars they should take them to Uruguay and do the test there. Might be a bit more unbiased.
The C7 is better looking than most of the other cars, sounds better, corners as well as most and is quicker out of the turn than most of the others, they have been remarkable well mannered on the road since the C4s were put out.
50/50 weight distribution and great balance...but what do we lowly Americans know about making cars?
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Old 08-24-2015, 12:52 PM
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I own both cars that are being discussed. A 2015 Corvette C7 and a 2014 Porsche Cayman 981.

Both pictured below.

I also own a rare 2009 Jaguar XKR Portfolio Editon Convertible

The C7 and 981 are both fantastic cars, but both so different.

The C7 has the power vs the re-designed 2014 Cayman 981.

The Cayman has better handling than the C7.

Both have their own design and of course the Porsche brand is so well known for their overall quality.

Paint on the Porsche Cayman is far superior to the C7 paint.

Overall build of the Porsche Cayman 981 is better than the C7. My C7 has some minor rattles, was delivered with several screws or washer screws missing, body panels aligned on the 981 is far superior than the C7. The Porsche Cayman 981 is an all aluminum body and chassis.

I personally believe that a Corvette C7 priced under the $60,000 to $62,000 range is a "great value".

The telemetry on both the C7 and Cayman 981 are great. I lean towards the C7 for the better telemetry and features that are available.
The Cayman 981 does come very close on the instrumentation.

The sound system of the Cayman is better than the C7, and overall quietness is better in the Cayman 981. The ride is smoother.

Both are fun to drive. The smoothness of the Cayman 981 re-designed body is very smooth, while the design of the C7 has that Italian look.

Both cars turn heads.

In the end, I paid $66,000 for the Porsche 981 and paid have $58,000 into my C7.

If I had to choose between the 2 cars, just buying one brand, I would take the C7 over the Porsche even though I have mentioned a few negatives of the C7.

Keep in mine these perspectives are from a real owner of both cars.

Both are beautiful and both real sports cars.

My only caveat is I would not spend over $70,000 to $72,000 for the C7. The C7 in this price range is a bit too rich for me. The best value is under the $60,000 to $62,000 range which menas should be able to purchase a new 2016 C7 with an MSRP for $68,000 to $70,000 for this lower price I suggest.

Just my opinion since you asked.

I am very fortunate to be able to own 3 great premium sports cars.
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Old 08-24-2015, 12:58 PM
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On a track, the Cayman is likely superior. It's lighter, has more direct, responsive steering, and there are few track where you can wind out a Corvette to anywhere near top speed. Speed out of the corners is what matters, and light weight offers a huge advantage in cornering speed.

How often do you track your car? On the street, either one offers more performance than you can really use, and the C7 offers more street oriented equipment than the Porsche does at the same price point. It's also about a zillion times better looking.
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Old 08-24-2015, 01:31 PM
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C7 easily over the wannabe a 911 Cayman. Have owned 4 Porsches and what you get is perceived value but it is not real value when compared to the C7.
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Old 08-24-2015, 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by nmvettec7
I own both cars that are being discussed. A 2015 Corvette C7 and a 2014 Porsche Cayman 981.

Both pictured below.

I also own a rare 2009 Jaguar XKR Portfolio Editon Convertible

The C7 and 981 are both fantastic cars, but both so different.

The C7 has the power vs the re-designed 2014 Cayman 981.

The Cayman has better handling than the C7.

Both have their own design and of course the Porsche brand is so well known for their overall quality.

Paint on the Porsche Cayman is far superior to the C7 paint.

Overall build of the Porsche Cayman 981 is better than the C7. My C7 has some minor rattles, was delivered with several screws or washer screws missing, body panels aligned on the 981 is far superior than the C7. The Porsche Cayman 981 is an all aluminum body and chassis.

I personally believe that a Corvette C7 priced under the $60,000 to $62,000 range is a "great value".

The telemetry on both the C7 and Cayman 981 are great. I lean towards the C7 for the better telemetry and features that are available.
The Cayman 981 does come very close on the instrumentation.

The sound system of the Cayman is better than the C7, and overall quietness is better in the Cayman 981. The ride is smoother.

Both are fun to drive. The smoothness of the Cayman 981 re-designed body is very smooth, while the design of the C7 has that Italian look.

Both cars turn heads.

In the end, I paid $66,000 for the Porsche 981 and paid have $58,000 into my C7.

If I had to choose between the 2 cars, just buying one brand, I would take the C7 over the Porsche even though I have mentioned a few negatives of the C7.

Keep in mine these perspectives are from a real owner of both cars.

Both are beautiful and both real sports cars.

My only caveat is I would not spend over $70,000 to $72,000 for the C7. The C7 in this price range is a bit too rich for me. The best value is under the $60,000 to $62,000 range which menas should be able to purchase a new 2016 C7 with an MSRP for $68,000 to $70,000 for this lower price I suggest.

Just my opinion since you asked.

I am very fortunate to be able to own 3 great premium sports cars.
Great response, Thanks for your perspective as an owner of both.

Cayman S has piqued my interest, but going to the "Build Yours" on Porsche USA, the Cayman S comes in over $75K to get what I have in my 1LT C7 Auto/navigation $61K MSRP car (bought at supplier pricing for mid $50K).

$20K is a huge slice of pie to dish out for something comparable to a car I already own and is paid for.

The Regular Cayman w/ similar upgrades is about $10K more than my C7 but lacks the on paper performance.

On the practical side, 455 HP with 460 Lb Ft. of torque is way more than is needed for regular driving (even the spirited type). That being said the even regular Cayman should be plenty of car for the average driver. Driving my wife's 2015 Cooper S, I find myself 10-15 MPH over the limit most of the time as I blast around town in it.

Yet the base Cayman still a $10K up-charge for the Porsche badge.

If I had a three car garage, I might just try a Porsche Cayman and still keep the C7.
Old 08-24-2015, 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by [B
1SG_Ret[/B];1590337592]Great response, Thanks for your perspective as an owner of both.

Cayman S has piqued my interest, but going to the "Build Yours" on Porsche USA, the Cayman S comes in over $75K to get what I have in my 1LT C7 Auto/navigation $61K MSRP car (bought at supplier pricing for mid $50K).

$20K is a huge slice of pie to dish out for something comparable to a car I already own and is paid for.

The Regular Cayman w/ similar upgrades is about $10K more than my C7 but lacks the on paper performance.

On the practical side, 455 HP with 460 Lb Ft. of torque is way more than is needed for regular driving (even the spirited type). That being said the even regular Cayman should be plenty of car for the average driver. Driving my wife's 2015 Cooper S, I find myself 10-15 MPH over the limit most of the time as I blast around town in it.

Yet the base Cayman still a $10K up-charge for the Porsche badge.

If I had a three car garage, I might just try a Porsche Cayman and still keep the C7.
1SG_Ret:

You're right on the money. Your price on the C7 is a "great value" for what you paid. I am in the same range, paying $56,010 then adding about $1800 in mods.

My 2014 Porsche Cayman 981 is the base model and has plenty of power. But there is no comparison to the V8 of the C7 which is totally understandable. The Cayman base nor the Cayman S has the power that the C7 has, and we should all know that.

So any comments that that C7 will blow the doors of the Cayman is no surprise, and is really a silly "stupid" comment. The engine displacement and HP do not compare between the C7 and the Cayman's.

Bottom line is ....... even the C7 really doesn't need all that HP. A 2.4L Supercharged Vette would be fantastic. The 6.2L V8 is certainly not needed but is nice to have when needed.
Old 08-24-2015, 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by nmvettec7
1SG_Ret:

You're right on the money. Your price on the C7 is a "great value" for what you paid. I am in the same range, paying $56,010 then adding about $1800 in mods.

My 2014 Porsche Cayman 981 is the base model and has plenty of power. But there is no comparison to the V8 of the C7 which is totally understandable. The Cayman base nor the Cayman S has the power that the C7 has, and we should all know that.

So any comments that that C7 will blow the doors of the Cayman is no surprise, and is really a silly "stupid" comment. The engine displacement and HP do not compare between the C7 and the Cayman's.

Bottom line is ....... even the C7 really doesn't need all that HP. A 2.4L Supercharged Vette would be fantastic. The 6.2L V8 is certainly not needed but is nice to have when needed.
Yes, the OP was asking "Best Sports Car under $80K. But with the available options, $80K is about the top price possible for a non-Z06 Corvette. Even if looking at a Z51 you could call it the "Best Sports Car under $60K" after discounts and if you don't go wild on the options
Old 08-24-2015, 02:42 PM
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C7 great car built in the US by Americans.
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Old 08-24-2015, 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by nmvettec7
I own both cars that are being discussed. A 2015 Corvette C7 and a 2014 Porsche Cayman 981.

Both pictured below.

I also own a rare 2009 Jaguar XKR Portfolio Editon Convertible

The C7 and 981 are both fantastic cars, but both so different.

The C7 has the power vs the re-designed 2014 Cayman 981.

The Cayman has better handling than the C7.

Both have their own design and of course the Porsche brand is so well known for their overall quality.

Paint on the Porsche Cayman is far superior to the C7 paint.

Overall build of the Porsche Cayman 981 is better than the C7. My C7 has some minor rattles, was delivered with several screws or washer screws missing, body panels aligned on the 981 is far superior than the C7. The Porsche Cayman 981 is an all aluminum body and chassis.

I personally believe that a Corvette C7 priced under the $60,000 to $62,000 range is a "great value".

The telemetry on both the C7 and Cayman 981 are great. I lean towards the C7 for the better telemetry and features that are available.
The Cayman 981 does come very close on the instrumentation.

The sound system of the Cayman is better than the C7, and overall quietness is better in the Cayman 981. The ride is smoother.

Both are fun to drive. The smoothness of the Cayman 981 re-designed body is very smooth, while the design of the C7 has that Italian look.

Both cars turn heads.

In the end, I paid $66,000 for the Porsche 981 and paid have $58,000 into my C7.

If I had to choose between the 2 cars, just buying one brand, I would take the C7 over the Porsche even though I have mentioned a few negatives of the C7.

Keep in mine these perspectives are from a real owner of both cars.

Both are beautiful and both real sports cars.

My only caveat is I would not spend over $70,000 to $72,000 for the C7. The C7 in this price range is a bit too rich for me. The best value is under the $60,000 to $62,000 range which menas should be able to purchase a new 2016 C7 with an MSRP for $68,000 to $70,000 for this lower price I suggest.

Just my opinion since you asked.

I am very fortunate to be able to own 3 great premium sports cars.
What about spending the extra 20K on a Cayman GTS or whatever the top line version is?

Wife is interested in a Boxster but the S seems to be the performance model since the 2.7 does not excite either of us.

However your getting into the mid to high 80 thousand range and that makes you stop and think before you buy.
Old 08-24-2015, 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by NoOne
What about spending the extra 20K on a Cayman GTS or whatever the top line version is?

Wife is interested in a Boxster but the S seems to be the performance model since the 2.7 does not excite either of us.

However your getting into the mid to high 80 thousand range and that makes you stop and think before you buy.
If you add $20K for the Caymen GTS, a fair comparison would be to add $20K and get a C7 Z06. Then there is no comparison!
Old 08-24-2015, 04:22 PM
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Cost no object, Porsche is a better car than the Corvette, but when you compare on price, the Corvette offers the same performance for 60% of the price. If I were crazy rich, I'd buy a Porsche GT3 RS, but at $180K, its not the "bang for the buck".
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Old 08-24-2015, 04:35 PM
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I had an E92 M3 which I dearly loved but I honestly enjoy driving my C7 more.
Old 08-24-2015, 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by meyerweb
On a track, the Cayman is likely superior. It's lighter, has more direct, responsive steering, and there are few track where you can wind out a Corvette to anywhere near top speed. Speed out of the corners is what matters, and light weight offers a huge advantage in cornering speed.

How often do you track your car? On the street, either one offers more performance than you can really use, and the C7 offers more street oriented equipment than the Porsche does at the same price point. It's also about a zillion times better looking.
Superior as in faster? I doubt it. The Z51 keeps up with that 730hp Ferrari at Laguna Seca.
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Old 08-24-2015, 05:53 PM
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Ok I'll bite.
Having owned a C7 for three weeks, the C7 is NOT the best sports car under 80k in my book.
I went from a 981 cayman S to the C7 then back to a 981 Cayman S.
The new cayman cost me about 15k more than the C7, it will depreciate faster, has higher insurance, and the service will cost more. I reckon it will cost me about $500 a month more than the C7.
So why would I do it?
Because, simply put, the 981CS brought me more driving enjoyment than the C7 did.
The C7 wins in the rockstar looks and power department, the 981CS can't compare in those areas.
But in a lot of other finer points of the driving experience, sound, precision, responsiveness, feeling connected to the road and the vehicle, the ability to capture your consciousness, the 981 exceeds the C7.
For me, those things mattered more than the power and rockstar looks of the C7. I look forward to driving the 981 much more than I did the C7. How much is that worth?
I guess it's worth a bit to me since I made the move.
But as always YMMV.
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