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C7 Differences??

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Old May 8, 2022 | 10:14 PM
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Default C7 Differences??

I'm considering buying another Corvette. Had a C5 and really liked it...smooth driving, great mileage. But did'n't like the column lock, pop-up headlights with the nylon gears and then came an issue after battery was allowed to run down. Car would start and then die after about three feet. Solved that issue thru the forum...directed me to module that plugged into the ECM. That did it for me....what if I had been three hundred away from home.
But now I want a new toy....Corvette or Mustang GT...haven't driven a Mustang yet. so am considering another Corvette. A C6 looks similar to a C5.and I tend to like that look over the C7. But it seems that the C6 has similar problems. Has GM fixed these issues? I'm trying to decide between C6 or C7?? All responses would be appreciated.
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Old May 8, 2022 | 10:47 PM
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C7 is definitely much improved over the C6. However, as with every other car, each model has its own "possible" problems. Are you looking for base? Z51? GS? Z06? What years are you considering?
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Old May 8, 2022 | 11:50 PM
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I’ve had a C5, C6, and a C7. Love the C7. You will too. I had the column lock bypass on my C5. I’ve never heard of an issue with that system on C6 or C7.
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Old May 9, 2022 | 12:03 AM
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I do have a budget....low to mid 50's, probably Z51 would be the most I could afford
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Old May 9, 2022 | 01:40 AM
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If you like to go fast on canyon roads, definitely a Z51!

A C7 definitely is faster, has a better ride with Magnetic Ride Control, and handles better than a C6.

The only problem I have is on a canyon road, is the idiot doing 40 on a rode designed for 55 MPH, and braking for curves that are posted at 55!
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Old May 9, 2022 | 02:12 AM
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I'd add to the mix the intended use for the car. If you intend to track the car regularly, then the Z51/GS makes sense 'cuz it has the track oriented systems. If you plan mostly cruising with an occasional track day, the Stingray will do well, as the Stingray has great power and handling but not the track goodies, and if it ain't on the car, the initial cost may be lower and those parts won't need repair, replacement or maintenance. In normal times the dollar difference between the Stingray and Z51/GS could be enough to get a newer model Stingray.
I bought the Stingray for road trips and an occasional track day, and am very pleased with it, as I can't legally wring it out to its max potential except on the track - moreso for the Z51/GS.
IMO the sweet spot for a road car is the 2LT Stingray. I'd look for a 2016 or later to get the upgraded improvements - IIRC 2016 was the year that Car Play/Android Auto were added, along with the auto shutting rear deck lid, and a '16 2LT would include the HUD and front parking camera, both of which are must haves for me.
Good hunting!
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Old May 9, 2022 | 08:49 AM
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OP, I am on my 18th Corvette in 48 years. I have had C3s, C5 and C6s and this is my second C7.
Comparatively speaking, the C3s are like trucks compared to a C6 or C7. My C5 wasn't bad. I never had any issues with it.
Sold it to a forum member. I believe he still has it.
To be honest about it, I would prefer the C6. It was easier to tell the difference between a narrow body and the GS.
To me it is roomier than the C7. The C6 electronics may be dated but the C7 can be a bear once the battery gets low or there is a failure in a module.
And I find the 7 speeds relatively useless. I rarely get beyond the 5th gear. The C7 does offer a lot of flash and jazz but I still liked the fact I could control
radios and options on the C6 without having to scan through menus while driving 70 mph. Also I still am skeptical of the Camaro tail lights.
That is only my opinion.
Will you be disappointed with a C7? Definitely not! It is probably the best bang for the buck out there. And the prices of a decent C6 GS
are off the wall.

2016 Z51 M7 Current ride

2004 CE M6 coupe and 2012 GS IOM vert A6


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Old May 9, 2022 | 10:22 AM
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I've owned a C5, (2) C6's and (3) C7s - although the C6 is a great car - there is no comparison to a C7. The only advantage a C6 has, is its roomier interior. So if you are a tall / large individual, a C6 may "fit" you better - other than that, a C7 is just so far ahead of the C6 in every category (speed, performance, technology, quality).



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Old May 10, 2022 | 12:55 PM
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I agree with your points.
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Old May 11, 2022 | 12:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Mayor111
I've owned a C5, (2) C6's and (3) C7s - although the C6 is a great car - there is no comparison to a C7. The only advantage a C6 has, is its roomier interior. So if you are a tall / large individual, a C6 may "fit" you better - other than that, a C7 is just so far ahead of the C6 in every category (speed, performance, technology, quality).



To be fair, both generations have more headspace in a Vert version.

Both gens are pretty darn close to equal coupe to coupe, and vert to vert on all interior space. Usage on a practical level using luggage and groceries and such.
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Old May 11, 2022 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by sojo
I do have a budget....low to mid 50's, probably Z51 would be the most I could afford
I owned a 2014 Z51 Vert before my current 2017 Z06 Vert and it was a fabulous car and a lot more enjoyable than the 5 different C6 Vettes that I owned.


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Old May 11, 2022 | 01:32 PM
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I had a C6 before the C7, and I miss the the C6's better rear vision sight lines from the wraparound glass.

I also preferred the C6's slightly smaller size, but the C7 is so improved in so many ways. Standard seats are significantly better in terms of lateral support, even if the seat heaters suck!
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Old May 12, 2022 | 02:12 AM
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I still have my C5 and a C7 (among others). Now really, what did you expect the typical C7 Forum member to recommend? And, for good reason I should add.

(btw, get an M7 without doubt , and enjoy)
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Old May 12, 2022 | 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by owc6
To be fair, both generations have more headspace in a Vert version.

Both gens are pretty darn close to equal coupe to coupe, and vert to vert on all interior space. Usage on a practical level using luggage and groceries and such.
I was talking about the cockpit. The C6 is roomier than a C7 - regardless if its a vert or coupe.
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Old May 13, 2022 | 12:05 PM
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Default C6 or C7

I had a C6 Z51 M6 and I have a C7 Z51 M7. The C6 was a beautiful car, very classy. Both were loaded. Sold my C6 to my bother. Wish I hadn’t, I loved it. My C7 I ordered just the way I wanted it. And I love it too. Differences, in looks, I thought the C6 was pretty, but the C7 had a meaner look. Performance, seat of the pants, the C7 feels faster, but are fast. The C6 got better gas mileage, but both are good. On long hwy trip both got 28-32. If you get a C6, get ‘08 or up. Now because we see them more than we drove them, by that I mean, you see it ever time you drive your other vehicles. I would look at them side by side. Pick the one you like best. Then look for the best deal you can get on either, because you can’t go wrong with either one. They are both great cars that do it all. Good luck and enjoy!


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Old Jun 23, 2022 | 10:01 AM
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Have decided to go C7...thanks for all the reponses. Question regarding GS's. I can see the differences between a C6 Base and a C6 GS. What is the differences between a C7 Stingray and the GS. Couldn't see a GS option in 2016 or 2017. Probably also going to increase my budget by $10K TO $60K. Any info on GS's would be appreciated. Sojo
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Old Jun 23, 2022 | 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by sojo
Have decided to go C7...thanks for all the reponses. Question regarding GS's. I can see the differences between a C6 Base and a C6 GS. What is the differences between a C7 Stingray and the GS. Couldn't see a GS option in 2016 or 2017. Probably also going to increase my budget by $10K TO $60K. Any info on GS's would be appreciated. Sojo
I don't know all of the differences but here are a few ,
1. Wider body
2. Bigger brakes
3. Dry sump oil system
4. Bigger tires
5. Not sure about this one but I think it has some sort of electronic differential
I'm sure others will either correct or add differences !
I bought the GS because I liked the wide body looks !



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Old Jun 23, 2022 | 11:16 AM
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If you’re not sure you like the looks of the C7 maybe stay with a C6 as the rear view is polarizing to some Corvette purists. For me, the first time I saw a C7 in traffic it literally made my heart skip a beat. Not many cars have done that in my life I thought it was unobtainable. Yet here I am today with my own C7 Z51 - I’m truly blessed. The C6 is a beautiful car and I almost bought one, but the C7 is next level in terms of design style to me. I have never owned a vehicle where I wouldn’t change something design wise - until this car. Every line is intentional and perfect. I just stare at it in the garage and anywhere I go and can’t believe it’s mine. My friend who owned a C6 drove my car and said it was so much improved over what he had - I can only take his word for it. Whatever you decide, I hope you experience the same thing. The ONLY car I would trade it for is a C7 Z06 as the extra 200 HP would be a kick.







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Old Jun 23, 2022 | 11:48 AM
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Flattman, is you white C7 a GS? Also what year is yours .....and what year did they offer a GS C7 ? thanks for the responses.
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Old Jun 23, 2022 | 12:13 PM
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@Cruising no, I was writing as you mentioned you wanted a GS.
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