Lemans Blue

I see great discounts on 2019 vettes right now, those trying to get high dollar for used C7 are going to be disappointed as priced tumble with the C8 just around the corner.

I'm deciding between used, new, base model, Z51, or GS, a Z06 is just out of reach.

What are the advantages of a GS vs. a Z51 any real driving differences ?

Lemans Blue

Also what dealers offer best discounts and best inventory?

Mr Triple Black

What’s your budget?
What are your must haves trim wise? Heated/cooled seats? Heads up display?
are you ever going to track the car?
is it a second car or a daily driver?
Where do you live (winter weather conditions)?

These cars are quite different. I have a C7 GS. Started looking for a Z51, but I just loved the more aggressive look of the GS. And after feeling it’s handling I don’t think I could go back. I was never a fan of the base as it just doesn’t look aggressive enough for me.

pdiddy972

I had a GS and while I liked the handling and looks, I think I'd rather get a base with Z51. Easier to have fun with (get sideways, etc), and much cheaper on tires. Many more manufacturers of tires in that size.

Corgidog1

If you are just looking for spirited street driving, a base 2LT is more than enough. If you want to carve up back roads, get the Z51 or the GS for the wide body look. For the track get the GS.

roadbike56

OP, if dollars are important, but you're OK with either a Z51 or a GS, then let price dictate which one to buy. IMHO, I own a Z51, but consider the GS a better buy as the wide body is generally more desirable. BUT if your buying from inventory, I've seen better discounts on Z51s in some instances. Keep in mind, with Z51 Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) is optional, with GS is standard. If you're buying used, you'll probably see a lower price on the Z51 vs the GS making the Z51 a better buy, assuming all the options between both cars are the same and mileage is the same.

LuisZ51

mrclean1

Just traded my '15 Z51 with 53K miles for a '19 GS. Thought I was getting same car with a different color and the wide body look, turns out it feels like a whole different car! Rides better, feels better planted on the road, and knowing what I know now even if I do trade up to a C8 it surely won't be until a GS is introduced. I too looked at going further up to a Z06, but for a DD that never will be tracked I couldn't justify the additional 17K.

Lemans Blue

STOP beating your wife

BJ67

Get a GS over the Z51 all day long, All of the Z51 and Z06 goodies plus the wide body for only 5k more than a comparably equipped Z51. By the time you take the 15% off MSRP discount, the 5k difference shrinks to 4250

James Dean

A GS would be better on the track but also has similar maintenance costs to a Z06 (tires, brakes, fluids etc)

A Z51 is more than enough for the street. a 2LT Z51 with or without mag ride would be my choice as you get all the goodies in the 2LT trim and the performance in the Z51. You can swap over the GS/Z06 front springs and brake calibers for a monster narrow body car.

Kevin A Jones

Both Stingray and Grandsport are Great sportscars, Choice as to which to purchase depends how much you like the wide-body look and how much you value the performance/handling/breaking aspects. Z51 addresses the performance factor to an extent if you don't care for wide-body.

NPP exhaust and MRC are a must in my opinion.

Below is a little info that may help in your decision:

There's basically (3) reasons the Grand Sport is appealing to so many:

The beautiful and exotic wide-body look is VERY POPULAR.

The exceptional marrying of power-handling-braking makes the over-all Grand Sport driving experience among that of the very finest sportscars in the world.

The GS package offers the most bang for the buck of any C7 package.

Z16 GS Performance Package features ($10,000): Specific front fender inserts; Z06 style grill; wider rear fenders; front splitter; rocker skirts, additional brake cooling vents and wickerbill rear spoiler; GS CUP-style wheels; Michelin super-sport summer only tires (P285/30ZR19” front, P33525ZR20” rear); 6-piston front and 4-pison front Bremo brakes; Slotted brake rotors; Magnetic Ride Control and Electronic Limited-slip differential; NPP exhaust, Dry-sump oil system; Rear differential cooler; transmission cooler.

Z51 Performance Package features ($5,000): Performance brakes; Black painted calibers; Slotted brake rotors; Dry sump oil system; Z51 performance package, specific shocks, springs and stabilizer bars; NPP exhaust; performance gear ratios, Electronic Limited-slip differential; Rear differential cooler; transmission cooler and Areo package. Note: Magnetic Ride Control adds $1800 to $5000 Z51 cost.

V Vette

Good job Kevin....

Lemans Blue

Thank you very informative , leaning towards Grand Sport Kerbeck has one or two listed for 54K on their web sight.

ricmalaz

For the GS keep in mind the cost of aftermarket wheels given the considerable possibility of bent or cracked factory wheels. If you do a search in this forum you will find many discussions about the problem.

rckt

I own a 2lt z51. !st order of preference is 2lt, next would be z51. However, I should have picked up a GS for a few $$$ more (Love the Z & GS look). There will always be another Corvette :-)

JMII

I wouldn't get a C7 without NPP and MRC

While the improvements between various models and options may not be noticeable in street driving (test drive BOTH to find out) there are some clear downsides (aside from cost) to moving up thru the C7 product line. Like the dry sump oil system that confuses people and results in improper oil change procedures. And the already mentioned GS wheels that seem to be made from balsa wood and crack easily.

Quick summary:
Base -awesome car just add NPP and MRC
Z51 - adds the GS performance goodies minus the wider wheels and body.
GS - the looks of the Z06 minus the supercharged engine.
IMHO if you are not tracking the car it really comes down more to visual appearance then anything else.

rckt

Only 1 must for me: NPP perf exhaust. I didn't want a Buick exhaust.