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I've owned and driven a lot of sports cars, including 3 others that I own right now, including a 911, 335i and MR2.
The Vette was always on my "bucket list" and I've test driven quite a few of them (C5's & C6's) over the years but none of them ever said BUY ME, except the 460 HP convertible 2014 C7 Z51 Stingray 3LT, 7MT MRC & PPP w/only 29k miles on it that I found 3 months ago, which I did IMMEDIATELY!
Love just listening to the exhaust note when I start the car and enjoy it even more when I drive it. It's just "fun" and does everything I want it to do, when I want to do it. Doesn't hurt that it just looks "fast" when it's sitting still and that a lot of people will just move out of the way when they see you coming.
Interior: Hands down the C7. This was one of the major upgrades of the C7. Superior design and superior materials. The C6 interior is reminiscent of the C5, launched in 1997. That's just too dated. Big advantage C7
The C7 is my first Corvette for this reason alone. All previous generations had the typical and terrible GM interiors. I just couldn't stomach looking and touching those sub-par parts every time I got in the car.
So I currently own both - 2012 C6 Grand Sport and 2017 C7 Grand Sport Vert. The C6 is an amazing car, but the C7 is better in almost every category (speed, handling, quality, technology, looks, etc.). Get yourself a C7 and you can thank me later...I promise.
Went from a '12 GS Conv 3LT, with 6 sp manual to my current/last/retired '14 C7 7 sp. manual, Z51 1 LT Conv. (both Torch Red). The C6, in relation to the C7 drives more like a GT car/cruiser. The C7 "shrunk" around me, feels smaller, tighter (both had about 16,000 miles), more precise, more a sports car. Aside from missing some of the options (HUD, heated seats and variable exhaust) the C7 is CLEARLY more of a sports car.....but as the GS was chromed and my C7 blacked out I definitely had more looks (and people wanting to race) with the C6. Enjoy(ed) both and happy with the destination......my 6th and final Vette
Last edited by dbirdhouse1; Dec 22, 2020 at 04:24 PM.
Short answer... Buy the newest lowest mileage Corvette you can afford... Long answer is you are comparing apple's to alligators... a nice C6 GS is $10k cheaper than a nice C7 base... so not really a fair comparison...
I'm more then happy to answer questions regarding the nuances between C3, C6 and C7, but they are really totally different cars when it comes to performance per dollar spent.... and if your intentions are just to get old ladies panties wet you already know the C3 is king of the kingdom....
Went through this same decision back in 2015/16.
Here's one person's analysis. Engine: It's a toss up. The LS-3 is only 30 HP less than the LT-1. Some would argue that for only a few dollars, the LS-3 can be improved to have more HP than an LT-1. Slight advantage to the C7. Exterior: Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I like the front and sides of the C6. Then there's the rear end of a widebody C6. UGH!!!! First time I saw the rear of a wide-body C6 parked next to a C7 pretty much killed any purchase of a C6 widebody. To me, it just looks tacky, like an afterthought. But that's just my opinion. Some don't like the tail lights on the C7, but I think they're great. No advantage to either C6 or C7 Interior: Hands down the C7. This was one of the major upgrades of the C7. Superior design and superior materials. The C6 interior is reminiscent of the C5, launched in 1997. That's just too dated. Big advantage C7 Computer Controls: This is another area where the C7 excels over previous Corvettes. GM finally got the traction control module right. The C7 has never failed me no matter how hard I've pushed it. For me, the computer controls on the C7 put the fun back in pushing the Corvette. Then there's the rev matching if you go with a manual, one of my personal favorites. Big advantage C7.
OP the best thing you can do is drive a few of each, then make up your mind. PS: I went with a manual, Z51 with mag ride and 2LT interior.
Everyone has an opinion, but this post is the 1st one I've read here on the forum that likes the C7 rear end better than the C6
So I currently own both - 2012 C6 Grand Sport and 2017 C7 Grand Sport Vert. The C6 is an amazing car, but the C7 is better in almost every category (speed, handling, quality, technology, looks, etc.). Get yourself a C7 and you can thank me later...I promise.
I agree! I've never owned a C6 however drove one which made my decision to purchase a C7 GS much easier.
Last edited by Kevin A Jones; Dec 27, 2020 at 08:29 AM.
I have a 2019 Base convertible and a 2007 Z06. It will be tough for me to go to something smaller than the 427. I absolutely love the brute force of the bigger engine. The C7 is definitely more refined, but the C6Z is way more fun to drive. Part of it might be that the C6 has a cam and 616rwhp.....but it was still more fun before the upgrade.
I know these aren’t the exact models you asked about, but I personally would consider the naturally aspirated 427
Having owned a 2011GS 4lt 6 speed manual and now a 2017 ZO6 2lz 7 speed manual I agree with all above. The C7 is indeed a huge leap a head of the C6. The only things I liked better on my GS are the seats were much more comfortable and it was a lot quieter. Coupes are not as quiet as Verts . Buy what you like I don’t think you can go wrong with either one low mileage is a big deal. Good luck
Thank you all again for the advice. Have decided to look for c7 z51 2lt. Probably white or blue manual. 73 convert already gives me so many smiles per miles i cant hardly stand it. Looking for c7 for road trips,track day,regular nice day driver.Going to start serious shopping in couple of months, unless great buy pops up sooner. Not in hurry now so going to be real picky on purchase.Thanks again, but keep posts coming. Never get enough of CF.
How was the Carvana experience? They seem to have quite a few attractively priced Vettes but buying sight unseen with little review of mechanicals scares me.
I just bought my 14 Z51 off Carvana. Great Experience. Every was just as pictured on the site, the small imperfections were indeed small. The 7 day guarantee is for real. Every used car dealer and private sale is AS IS. you got what you bought the minute the money changes hands. Carvana gives you the 7 days. SO I get the car on a Tuesday, already have appointment at a Lingenfelter associated shop for an inspection on Wednesday. By the end of Wednesday, the car is completely inspected, heck I even did a dyno and I have complete assurance that I bought a great car, rock solid.
If you don't know what you want and need to test drive cars, then Carvana cannot help you. But if you know exactly what you want, then the Carvana experience is superb. I will definitely do it again.
I saw someone said buy the most your budget will allow and I'm always a firm believer in "do it once do it right". You seem like someone that likes to keep their cars (at least your Vette(s)) for a number of years. When I was looking (March of this year), I was entirely new to the Vette world but knew I wanted a C7. I looked at a white Z51 and then later looked at a white 'wide-body'. I tell you... the wide body just has that sexy look that can't be replaced. So if you could even delay your purchase for a short time (months not years) and end up with a wide-body, I think you'd appreciate it all that much more. Of course everyone's opinion differs but damn the wide-body is sexy! I got lucky in March, just before the used market went crazy and found a low mileage (12k) Z06 with all the options I wanted for $53K. I know you can't find that deal today, but 2021?? Maybe?? Or at least a Grand Sport for sure. I know a budget is a budget so I appreciate that too... good luck with your search, exciting times!
Carvana - I also bought my 2014 Stingray from them in March 2020. Very positive experience and the 7 day return policy is very good. I would do it again.
Do ENJOY whatever you decide, though! 
Purchased in March 2020 1800miles 45500. My third Vette 77(sold) 97(have) Best car I've ever owned.
