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C7 or C6?

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Old May 9, 2024 | 07:05 PM
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Default C7 or C6?

Good Evening All. This is my first post on the forum so my apologies if this is in the wrong discussion category. That being said, I've found myself in quite the conundrum, I can't decide between a Late model C6 or C7.

I've only owned Cadillac SUVs, a Mustang GT, and a 392 Challenger once. I've always wanted one since I was a kid but don't feel like I know enough about them to make an informed decision. Can anyone provide any insight to what owning one, either or both is like, are there any common issues in specific years? Anything to be wary of with the Automatic Transmissions in either generation? Any insight would help! Thank you so much
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Old May 9, 2024 | 07:35 PM
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I'm biased, but C7 all the way. The C7 Z51 is faster around a track than a C6 GS. with some simple bolt ons you will be in C6 Z06 output. Headers/X pipe, ported intake, CAI and a tune puts me at 445 RWHP. Right ont he heels a C6 Z06. Buddy has a C6 GS. We are both manuals transmission. We go out to play and I always let him lead. He can't run from me, but I could loose him.

Interior. Sit in both, or just look at them online. That is what made me walk away from a C6 Z06. The interior of the C7 is soooo much better. Better features (get the 2LT package). Mag ride and NPP exhaust are well worth it. The Z51 package is always debated. I like mine simply for the electronic limited slip diff. The car is more capable than me and I keep that in mind. I'll turn traction control off, but never stability control.

There was a book written about the C7 Corvette, its engineering and processes that went into its development. The C6 is a gussied up C5 according to many. The C7 is a while nother car. You will never hear the C7 is a dressed up C6. Just as the C8 is a more capable car than the C7, the 7 is to a 6.
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Old May 9, 2024 | 07:50 PM
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good book!! an amazing amount of testing!!

+ 1 on z51 package...one of the main reasons i added the 2014, with the bullet proof a6, to my '04 c5!!

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Old May 9, 2024 | 07:56 PM
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We've had 2 C6's and now a C7. All automatic Z51.
The C7 is more advanced in many ways, but also full of "WTF were they thinking?" issues; stuff that was just right on the C6 and now a PITA on the C7.
But overall, the C7 is still the better car. I wouldn't go back.
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Old May 9, 2024 | 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Gearhead Jim
We've had 2 C6's and now a C7. All automatic Z51.
The C7 is more advanced in many ways, but also full of "WTF were they thinking?" issues; stuff that was just right on the C6 and now a PITA on the C7.
But overall, the C7 is still the better car. I wouldn't go back.
Out of curiosity, what are some of the ownership quirks/pain in the bum parts of owning a C7?
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Old May 9, 2024 | 08:12 PM
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They are both fine vehicles. Go look/drive them both and go with what YOU like. Everyone likes different things. Don't just "jump"! Make a list of what you want and stick to it! Since we moved to SW Fla, I wanted a vert. HAD to be blue, HAD to be a manual, and preferably low miles. Took a bit of looking and time but I now have a '15 3LT Z-51, blue vert with a manual. Has 12.5k on the clock

Good luck
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Old May 9, 2024 | 08:20 PM
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Owned five different C6 's great Corvettes . On my second C7 and it is the best Corvette I have ever owned. It is so great that I will never trade it in for a C8 or future electric C9.


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Old May 9, 2024 | 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted by ^&right
I'm biased, but C7 all the way. The C7 Z51 is faster around a track than a C6 GS. with some simple bolt ons you will be in C6 Z06 output. Headers/X pipe, ported intake, CAI and a tune puts me at 445 RWHP. Right ont he heels a C6 Z06. Buddy has a C6 GS. We are both manuals transmission. We go out to play and I always let him lead. He can't run from me, but I could loose him.

Interior. Sit in both, or just look at them online. That is what made me walk away from a C6 Z06. The interior of the C7 is soooo much better. Better features (get the 2LT package). Mag ride and NPP exhaust are well worth it. The Z51 package is always debated. I like mine simply for the electronic limited slip diff. The car is more capable than me and I keep that in mind. I'll turn traction control off, but never stability control.

There was a book written about the C7 Corvette, its engineering and processes that went into its development. The C6 is a gussied up C5 according to many. The C7 is a while nother car. You will never hear the C7 is a dressed up C6. Just as the C8 is a more capable car than the C7, the 7 is to a 6.
If modern looks are important, my vote is the C7. C6 is a.good car showing it's age.
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Old May 9, 2024 | 09:09 PM
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Old May 9, 2024 | 09:48 PM
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I loved my C6 but my C7 is better in every way. They have pretty much the same issues except the C6 transmission is more reliable.
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Old May 9, 2024 | 09:52 PM
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LS3 C6 is better performance value but C7 is a truly awesome car. Most basic model is a wicked performer and rides like a dream. C6 and C7 are both mechanically reliable and if anything ever goes wrong they are common enough that parts and fixit knowhow are in every town. Can't go wrong with a C7 just be sure to get at least 2LT to get heads up display it's a must for a little car with so much power.
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Old May 9, 2024 | 10:10 PM
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6 is afraid of 7
Because 7 8 9
Get the 7, won’t regret it
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Old May 9, 2024 | 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by l86.nick
Out of curiosity, what are some of the ownership quirks/pain in the bum parts of owning a C7?
Longer, wider, heavier. Bigger on the outside but smaller on the inside. Poor visibility.
Iphone electronics- can do anything, but the stuff you want is buried deep in menus.

Do an Advanced Search under my user name for "C7 one year report card" for many more details.

Last edited by Gearhead Jim; May 9, 2024 at 10:59 PM.
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Old May 9, 2024 | 11:05 PM
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I've had both a 2012 C6 and now a 2015 C7.

The C7 is superior overall.

I think the C6 seats are better than the C7 though.

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Old May 9, 2024 | 11:27 PM
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At one point I had a C4 and a '12 GS convertible, then I traded the C4 in on a '19 coupe. Loved driving the C7 so much I traded the C6 in on a '16 Z-51 convertible and never regretted it for a moment.
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Old May 10, 2024 | 12:02 AM
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I have never owned a C6 (have owned C3s, C4s, and C5s) and I can honestly say that my current C7 is simply an amazing vehicle that just does everything well. I am sure the C6 is a very nice car, but I just do not see going back to a prior generation at this point.
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Old May 10, 2024 | 03:03 AM
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I spent many time to choose C6 or C7??? I test C6 auto and C7 auto than, C6 M6 and C7 M7... first response in my mind is: MANUAL, C6 or C7 but MANUAL!

The big problem (here in Italy) was the very small numbers of C7 (manual more rare) and I start to find the good C6 manual (not red, better yellow or blue)... but one day appears on the "used cars website" the C7 Z51 M7 arctic white with red interiors... no story, I bought C7 and I have no regrets: C7 much better interior than C6 and the "shape" is more modern.
I think if the price between C6 and C7 is more competitive I still search C6 but for 10.000 Euros between C6 '08 and C7 '14 no way...
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Old May 10, 2024 | 04:54 AM
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The 2014 - 2019 Corvettes are way advanced in every way over anything that came before them. Between model years 1979 and 2013, Corvettes held no appeal to me. I bought a new 1977 Corvette in 1976, so I was clued in on the Corvette. In 2013 when the 2014s were being delivered is when I took a closer look at the C7. i decided that I wanted a new one and bought a 2017. Very satisfied with the car.
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Old May 10, 2024 | 07:02 AM
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I never did warm up to the C7 body design, it's tough to beat the looks of a C6 wide body
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Old May 10, 2024 | 08:27 AM
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I think you really need to drive both. They are different enough where you will know. Your budget is something to consider also. The C6 GS and base C7 have become very close in price. I always thought of going from C6 Z51 base to C6 GS but it almost seems foolish when I compare the pricing on C6 GS vs C7 base.
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