Why do I think a Corvette is a waste for daily street driving?
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Jeffthunbird (12-15-2018)
12-13-2018, 07:10 PM
#22
Le Mans Master
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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At autox, Miatas are often very competitive with Vettes, especially if there are no straights. On a road course, it's a very different story. I used to do HPDs with a buddy with a turbo Miata when I had an 01 Z06. In the corners we were pretty much equal, but once we hit the straights I'd walk away from him even with his turbo. Typically in a 15 minute session, if I started out in front I'd be back on his bumper by the end of the session (depended on other traffic).
12-13-2018, 07:13 PM
#23
I can not think of too many cars you can drive flat out on the street. As for the Vette my 2019 Z06 Convertible is a pleasure to drive whether using 20% of its power or in selected spots 100% of its power. Sometimes just a taste of its power is enough to make your day.
Using your filet mignon/cheeseburger analogy with the Vette you get both and as much of each whenever you want.
Using your filet mignon/cheeseburger analogy with the Vette you get both and as much of each whenever you want.
If I drive a Miata flat out I can get into serious trouble too. Like land in jail trouble very quick. The difference is sound, fury, and magnitude. You do sh*t that would land you in jail in a Miata, most other bystanders won't notice except for the LEO asking you to step out of the car. You do the same sh*t in a C7 Corvette? Not only will the LEO that ask you to step out of your car notice, so will EVERYONE ELSE.
I've driven my share of sporty cars, both on the street and on track, and to be honest? The power delivery of the Corvette is actually pretty manageable. It's shockingly linear and predictable. It's not like some of the newer turbocharged 4s that kick in unexpected, nor do you need to wind it out to some stratospheric top RPM to get real power (like my S54 equipped Z4 M Coupe). It's there when you want it, there when you don't. Just all depends on how much YOU ask for it.
I find the LT1 equipped car very sedate and civilized on the street. The S54 equipped Z4 M Coupe actually is a lot more of a handful to drive, because of the short gearing and the high-revving, individual throttle bodied cylinders. It's only when you ask for it does it let you know that it's a massive V8 capable of delivering over 400 ft-lbs of torque to the wheels at any time.
It's actually a little like driving my wife's diesel, actually. That little 6 cylinder diesel has over 420 ft-lbs of torque and can go from 60-120mph in a blink of an eye. Just ask the officer that eventually caught me about 20 minutes later (no I weaseled out of going to jail on that one).
Last edited by The HACK; 12-13-2018 at 07:15 PM.
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bimmerborn (12-13-2018)
12-13-2018, 07:18 PM
#24
I turn 74 on Christmas and I put my foot into it in my C7 vert every day.
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obxchartercaptain (12-19-2018)
12-13-2018, 07:20 PM
#25
, Except for "I has a confused????" 
Last edited by F4 Phantom; 12-13-2018 at 07:21 PM.
12-13-2018, 07:23 PM
#26
Burning Brakes
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An ND RF was on my short list when looking for a new car. In fact, I had pretty much narrowed it down to the RF or a Vette.
I test drove an 18 RF (knowing the 19's would have a hp bump, so I was gonna wait for the 19 release) and honestly, coming from our Scat Charger, it just felt so underpowered and it was... So.. Dang... Small... When I got back the salesman said, "Well, did you have fun?"
I answered an honest "No." But if I hadn't been driving our Charger for half a year, I might not have felt that way. But to have 400+hp and that exhaust sound... Man, I just wasn't sure I could give that up!
Add to that no glove box and horrible blind spots and no real storage to speak of... Then there's the unbelievable looks of the C7 Vette, well, that's the direction I went.
I still visit the Miata forum to see what's new. They seem like great cars and their owners adore them. I can't say I don't wonder about owning one still. But I think if I had gotten the Miata, I would have always regretted not getting the Vette.
I test drove an 18 RF (knowing the 19's would have a hp bump, so I was gonna wait for the 19 release) and honestly, coming from our Scat Charger, it just felt so underpowered and it was... So.. Dang... Small... When I got back the salesman said, "Well, did you have fun?"
I answered an honest "No." But if I hadn't been driving our Charger for half a year, I might not have felt that way. But to have 400+hp and that exhaust sound... Man, I just wasn't sure I could give that up!
Add to that no glove box and horrible blind spots and no real storage to speak of... Then there's the unbelievable looks of the C7 Vette, well, that's the direction I went.
I still visit the Miata forum to see what's new. They seem like great cars and their owners adore them. I can't say I don't wonder about owning one still. But I think if I had gotten the Miata, I would have always regretted not getting the Vette.
Last edited by Sconn; 12-13-2018 at 07:25 PM.
12-13-2018, 07:26 PM
#27
Instructor
Miata
I too own a 16 Miata. Its is modified as much as I can and still stay in C street in SCCA autox. It is a ball to drive. Very predictable, and is fun to push to the limit. I also just bought a 2019 Grand Sport.. The first couple of times I took it out it was a little intimidating. It is crazy fast and huge compared to the Miata. I've had the car for several thousand miles now and absolutely love the car. I took it to its first autocross last weekend, and at first it seemed so wide compared to the Miata, but by the end of the day, it didn't seem any wider than the Miata. First time out I, without race tires, I was 14 out 50 and no Miatas were faster.
My point is it just takes some getting used to. I 've had sports cars all of my life, including two Miata's, and I kick myself daily for not owning a Corvette earlier. This is, by far, the best sports car I've ever owned.
My point is it just takes some getting used to. I 've had sports cars all of my life, including two Miata's, and I kick myself daily for not owning a Corvette earlier. This is, by far, the best sports car I've ever owned.
Last edited by TimAF; 12-13-2018 at 07:30 PM.
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Mike Campbell (12-14-2018)
12-13-2018, 07:34 PM
#28
Instructor
I will never put down another persons ride over my own. I have a C7 convertible and love it. I have plenty of power and I respect it too. I went to Spring Mountain class and totally enjoyed the Corvette and the instruction given. Everyone thinks they are racer car drivers until you experience the class. Then you get to ride with one of the instructors, they CAN drive! I was in the faster class and those guys can drive for real. A Maita is in a different class of its own and a C7 Corvette in its own right. Depends on your cup of tea, Corvettes ar not for everyone nor are Miatas. Choice is up to the person, life is short, so enjoy whatever makes you happy.
12-13-2018, 07:35 PM
#29
I too own a 16 Miata. Its is modified as much as I can and still stay in C street in SCCA autox. It is a ball to drive. Very predictable, and is fun to push to the limit. I also just bought a 2019 Grand Sport.. The first couple of times I took it out it was a little intimidating. It is crazy fast and huge compared to the Miata. I've had the car for several thousand miles now and absolutely love the car. I took it to its first autocross last weekend, and at first it seemed so wide compared to the Miata, but by the end of the day, it didn't seem any wider than the Miata. First time out I, without race tires, I was 14 out 50 and no Miatas were faster.
My point is it just takes some getting used to. I 've had sports cars all of my life, including two Miata's, and I kick myself daily for not owning a Corvette earlier. This is, by far, the best sports car I've ever owned.
My point is it just takes some getting used to. I 've had sports cars all of my life, including two Miata's, and I kick myself daily for not owning a Corvette earlier. This is, by far, the best sports car I've ever owned.
Last edited by schappy; 12-13-2018 at 07:36 PM.
12-13-2018, 07:48 PM
#30
12-13-2018, 07:52 PM
#31
Safety Car
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What's the point again?
12-13-2018, 07:55 PM
#32
I currently have a '16 Miata and last weekend I took a test drive in a Corvette Grand Sport convertible. I did this for two reasons. First, I have never driven a Corvette (even though I have owned two Z/28's in the distant past, one of which could do low 12's in the quarter) and I felt I owed it to myself to consider one. Second, I have been very seriously considering doing the LS swap in my Miata from Flyin Miata.
Well, after driving the Corvette, I think I just cured my desire to do an LS swap, as I felt the Grand Sport had a totally ridiculous amount of power for the street. There was no way you can ever drive that car flat out often enough, on the street, to get comfortable with how it reacts at the limit. It also wanted to light up the tires from a rolling start in first gear when I put the pedal down.
What was really interesting was how fast things happen when gunning it. Time and distance seem to contract and I really questioned whether I could react fast enough if I a car next to me decided to do something unexpected.
I can only assume that a Miata with similar power would be even more ridiculous.
After the test drive, I got back into my Miata and, while certainly slower, the difference didn't feel as stark. I attribute this to the fact that I could give myself a feeling of "driving" the car, given the lower power level, a lot more than just feathering around in the Corvette. Yes, at WOT, the Corvette was a totally different experience, but one that could only be enjoyed in small bites.
Put simply, I feel like I would have more fun driving my Miata flat out all the time than I would driving the Corvette around most of the time at 20%. I guess for me I would rather have a huge cheeseburger as opposed to just a fork of filet mignon.
I plan to take another drive in a C7 convertible, just to see if I feel the same after another test drive.
Am I just getting old? Have you ever had these thoughts with your car?
Again, this is purely driving on the street. Obviously track driving is a totally different environment and one where the Corvette is at home.
I would really like to get some feedback from the owners here to see if they ever feel this way. Perhaps it is just my preferred driving style that is not necessarily conducive to driving a Corvette?
Well, after driving the Corvette, I think I just cured my desire to do an LS swap, as I felt the Grand Sport had a totally ridiculous amount of power for the street. There was no way you can ever drive that car flat out often enough, on the street, to get comfortable with how it reacts at the limit. It also wanted to light up the tires from a rolling start in first gear when I put the pedal down.
What was really interesting was how fast things happen when gunning it. Time and distance seem to contract and I really questioned whether I could react fast enough if I a car next to me decided to do something unexpected.
I can only assume that a Miata with similar power would be even more ridiculous.
After the test drive, I got back into my Miata and, while certainly slower, the difference didn't feel as stark. I attribute this to the fact that I could give myself a feeling of "driving" the car, given the lower power level, a lot more than just feathering around in the Corvette. Yes, at WOT, the Corvette was a totally different experience, but one that could only be enjoyed in small bites.
Put simply, I feel like I would have more fun driving my Miata flat out all the time than I would driving the Corvette around most of the time at 20%. I guess for me I would rather have a huge cheeseburger as opposed to just a fork of filet mignon.
I plan to take another drive in a C7 convertible, just to see if I feel the same after another test drive.
Am I just getting old? Have you ever had these thoughts with your car?
Again, this is purely driving on the street. Obviously track driving is a totally different environment and one where the Corvette is at home.
I would really like to get some feedback from the owners here to see if they ever feel this way. Perhaps it is just my preferred driving style that is not necessarily conducive to driving a Corvette?
Your assessment of the power of these (C7) monsters mirrors mine. FWIW, I've never used more than 3/4 throttle accelerating - I've never needed to, I have no complaints about this massive power, even in my base-engine C7. Mine's lit-em-up from a dead stop light with 1/2 throttle, even with the Traction Control engaged! I knew these things were scary quick and fast before ever buying one. I keep the horses under control by not using them. My reasons for buying a new C7 were; I'd owned a new one previously a C3 42 years ago, so I was already Corvette-approved in my mind. That is, I didn't have to sell myself on the Corvette C7 as a model or brand. I was in. Secondly; I wanted a stick shift, manual transmission car. Check. Thirdly, I love the looks of the C7 - esp. the convertible. They're beautiful cars. And of course I could afford any new C7 model I chose. Check, check, and double CHECK! I've never had even one mechanical issue with the two new Corvettes I've bought. I could not have made a better choice.
12-13-2018, 07:58 PM
#33
Melting Slicks
Temps were in the mid-70's, so that was not an issue. However, it was a used one with 8K miles on it. I forgot to check the tires to see how worn they were. But more to the point of my post is that I felt like if I had one, I would be holding back most of the time I drove it as opposed to being able to enjoy winding the car out and going through the gears.
Moving to my C7 I had to re-condition my responses, as in a C7 that same action is likely to cause problems. More power. Less weight. Only two driven wheels.
Having adjusted I find no particular problems with C7 and to my surprise also find that on the highway it is as comfortable a cruiser as the Charger, something I had not expected. C7 likes to go fast and seems very stable and predictable.
12-13-2018, 08:03 PM
#35
One other comment; if you want one (new C7) and can afford one, I wouldn't hold yourself back from buying one just because of their ungodly power. In the wrong hands, the power and "how quick things can go bad," is sobering...…..but if you want one, you'll likely never regret it. Just my additional thought to you there. Good luck on your next test-drive. Keep it between the ditches!!!
12-13-2018, 08:24 PM
#36
If the power is a concern, you could always get a throttle control device and limit it to something like 100% of peddle push is actually 30% throttle.
Can slow that baby right down for you.
On the other hand, you can learn to drive the car within the limits and have just as much fun, if not more, than the Miata.
Can slow that baby right down for you.
On the other hand, you can learn to drive the car within the limits and have just as much fun, if not more, than the Miata.
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Skid Row Joe (12-13-2018)
12-13-2018, 08:29 PM
#37
^^^^ Great advise !!
12-13-2018, 08:41 PM
#38
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Loved driving my Z51 as daily driver.
With 608 miles on the clock, loving my '19 Grand Sport even more
With 608 miles on the clock, loving my '19 Grand Sport even more
12-13-2018, 09:05 PM
#39
Melting Slicks
the problem is you are approaching the corvette as if it fulfills some need for speed, inner desire to go fast on street roads
the reality is, majority of street roads are inadequate for such a kind of car. It isn't fair to blame the car for being faster than traditional roads are designed for.
often you will find many corvette owners never drive their cars fast on street roads, but rather put their blinker on and go slow in the fast lane.
In some ways, corvette is a symbol, a logo, the car itself the way it looks is what counts. Not whatever is under the hood.
In another way, all that matters is what is under the hood. For those individuals it may be more appealing to drive something that looks tolerably slow but packs the punch of two corvettes.
the reality is, majority of street roads are inadequate for such a kind of car. It isn't fair to blame the car for being faster than traditional roads are designed for.
often you will find many corvette owners never drive their cars fast on street roads, but rather put their blinker on and go slow in the fast lane.
In some ways, corvette is a symbol, a logo, the car itself the way it looks is what counts. Not whatever is under the hood.
In another way, all that matters is what is under the hood. For those individuals it may be more appealing to drive something that looks tolerably slow but packs the punch of two corvettes.