Kept my C7 grand sport for tracking after I purchased my C8 E-ray. Absolute night and day difference, but it really depends on what you will use the car for. If its just your fun weekend car, most of the differences don't matter - the C8 wins.

If both are your daily driver I think the internal storage in the people space really sucks. No place to reach anything interior to the car. I worry when I'm the grocery store whether we can fit everything we are buying, especially when it's large things like 8 rolls of paper towels. Those fit in the frunk, but there isn't much space for much else. And I used to not blink about putting a ton of stuff in the back of my grand sport, never even crossed my mind to be concerned. With the C8 that's different.

That's about it on downsides. A little known plus on the E-ray is the small life conveniences. I learned this winter that the steering wheel heater automatically comes on when the temperature is low, along with the heated seats. I was driving in 14 degree F weather, so a steering wheel that didn't freeze my fingers off was quite nice. It's these little small tweaks that bring modern conveniences that the C7 just didn't have. The all wheel drive meant I could keep it going all year, despite liviing in Virginia where I might otherwise have needed to garage her for 2 months.

 

I went from a 2016 Sting Ray coupe to a 2024 Z51 HTC (hard top convertible). I loved my C7, but the difference between it and the C8 is off the charts. The technology is way beyond the C7, the handling and the power too. The 0-60 launches of 2.7 are a blast, and driving the car at Spring Mountain really showed the capability of the car. It's a whole new beast. My C7 was a 3LT trim, and so is my C8, but the interior design and stitching and other features bring this car up to a new level of sophistication. Just some of the tech like blind spot monitoring on the side mirrors and digital rear view mirror make this a much safe and easier car to drive in my opinion.

I had not a minute's remorse after driving the C8 off the dealer's lot. I've learned to like the manual DCT paddle shifting too. But if you're sold on the MT, and that's what you have in your C7, that's the only reason I'd say stick with what you have. Also, if you like convertibles, the HTC is amazing, quiet and convenient--raising and lowering the top with one button. And you can open that rear window to hear the growl of the engine and exhaust anytime you want. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

I traded My 2016 Z51 C7 M7 for My 2023 C8 Z51 and I Love The C8 !!

 

I went in to buy a C7 but ended up getting a Camaro 2SS 1LE as it was a better drive (to me). I drove the C8 and it was the only car I have ever driven I preferred more than the Camaro.

 

My C4,C5,C6 and C7 were all manuals but I absolutely love my 22's DCT. Like the front lift but probably could live without it. My C8 is the best Corvette I ever had (have) packed with an amazing amount of technology. The14 speaker sound system is the first Corvette radio I can actually hear while driving even with NPP. Storage is ok but not from the cockpit.

Many years ago when I gave my father a ride in my first Corvette he said there's no room in this thing. I replied Dad I didn't buy it to haul stuff.

 

Regarding the high wing. Find an example that has one and put a sheet of paper on the floor of the trunk. If you can reach it with both hands and take it out, great. If not, you have something to consider. I didn't like the reach required. Especially if the object would be heavy.

As for front lift, I think it is a requirement after having it available. I travel out of state frequently and I've been to several places that you couldn't negotiate the transition without it. Even with it, I had to go slow not to scrape. For clarity, I have a 5VM front splitter which changes things a bit.

 

Have both. I did. Figured the money I would get for my 2016 Z51 wouldn't be that great since it has 90k on the odometer.
As for comparisons.
The C8 is multiple computers on wheels vs the C7. I know the C7 has such but not as much as the C8.
I can do a lot on my own maintenance on the C7. C8 maybe I can change the DCT fluid and filter.
Room. I've driven both from California to Maine and back with the wife. C7 seems like more room because you can pack it up to the rear window. It also has the ability to 'reach' for something while driving (passenger).
C8 has lots of baggage room. Up front a carry-on case will fit and still have room at the top for soft items. The rear holds another 2 carry-ons with room for more soft items if you want. Then there are all the left over open crannies you can stuff stuff. Problem here is the heat from the engine and exhaust. To lower same most insulate the backside of the trunk liner. I did for my trip and things were a little warm but not hot.


As for performance. 98% of corvette owners will never reach the car's potential. This is true for the C7 & C8. On the twisties you may notice a difference between the two but they are both capable.
I just came back from Ron Fellows. It was amazing what the C8 can do on track. Trying to compare it to the same track time in the C7 9 years ago I just can't recall how the C7 was different. I'm sure it was to a professional but to us plebians, nope.

What it comes down to is perception. Yours and others looking at you in it.

Have fun. I'm driving my C7 to Texas next month.

 

Thanks this seems wise to wait and see what 2026 brings. Some deals on ‘25s already which is what is tempting me.

 

the C8 doors have to open wide to get out??

 

I do miss having a manual, though I like the DCT so much I'm okay with the swap.

Storage was easier with the C7, while the total size may be similar it's two different spaces in the c8 and it won't take things over certain sizes because the dimensions are kind of "weird". My dogs can't go in the back with me either.

On the other hand my C8 is a bit more "polished" and a lot quicker. It's more fun to drive, my C7 which was a stingray didn't quite feel like it had enough power. The C8 feels like it's plenty quick.

You can't really go wrong.

 

I traded in a '19 coupe for a '23 HTC and absolutely love the car but I also kept my '16 Z51 convertible. Both cars offer different driving experiences and have pros and cons. If I had to give up one it'd probably be the C7 but I'd always want another one. They're both just great cars.

 

I miss the storage of a C7, easier to pack for a long trip. They definitely drive different, and I wouldn’t trade my C8 but I do miss the C7. It took me a while to admit it, but I now like the c8 body design more than a C7, I certainly didn’t feel that way when it first came out. But it really has grown on me.

 

I have my 15 Z51 vert and a 23 Z51 HTC. The C7 is a great car, and I keep it for sentimental reasons. It is still fun to drive and looks great, but the C8 is just so much better all the way around. If I had to get rid of one of them, then it would sadly be the C7. The C8 is really that good. My vote is to get a C8.

 

Loved my C7


Love my C8 more. It’s quicker and handles better.

 

I owned a 2017 C7 Grand Sport with the auto trans for 4 years. It was the best sports car I have ever owned, and the first automatic. But it did have a manual mode which I enjoyed. However, the auto trans was subject to hesitations and shudders at times, and the spindly aluminum wheels were prone to cracks and bending. Also, the MRC shocks could develop leaks. All cars have some troubles now and then. My new C8 HTC Stingray is a whole level better in my view. It steers so precisely, it rides better, it has better visibility, and it has all the modern safety items modern cars no have. I don't regret my trade up to the C8 one bit. I read here the DCT has some improvements in oil filtering and capacity that has reduced the shifting failures. The C8 is certainly the best sports car I have owned.
David
edit: I forgot to add my C7 Grand Sport coupe had a ton of road noise. My C8 HTC is much, much quieter.

 

I went from a C7 to a C8 and have no regrets. They are two different cars and are very unique in their own way. Obviously these cars are not designed to haul a lot of items. The only plus side of a C7 would be a manual transmission. The C8 is the clear winner in the performance and technology category. I would highly recommend to test drive and look at several different options that will meet your needs. Either car is a pleasure to drive and own! Best of luck with your decision!

 

I have an “expensive” car with a manual transmission. Not once have I returned to my C8 and felt glad to use the paddles — and I use paddle shifting 98% of the time when I drive the C8. Switching between driving my expensive manual transmission car and the C8 just reinforces how lousy the DCT in the C8 is.

 

These are the responses you would expect in a C8 forum, try the C7 forum!

 

C8. It's awesome in so many ways and if you've had a few (or many) Corvettes you will appreciate that. When I brought mine home I could not stop staring at it in the garage. There are endless "admirers" when out with the C8. I owned 2 2019 C7s. A Z61 and Z06. My Z51 had paint flaws, easy to wrinkle leather seats, and the worrisome trans issue. The Z was better but one of the tires kept losing air and the cc brakes began to squeak loud. Being that there were 2 class action suits I decided to bail and was extremely happy that I did.
I admit I was one of the C7 "naysayers" until all of the positive posts about the C8 proved me otherwise. The justification posts in the C7 forum are comical at best. The C7s, imo, are rehashed (albeit improved) versions of every other Vette before them. Some people will argue that they like that but II already own a C5 that is front engine and quickly became bored with newer copies of the same car. The only thing I preferred in the C7s vs the C8 were the gauges in the dash. I think they looked better and were easier to read. Some people argue about space but the C8 has plenty of it in front and rear. It's just that it's not a "hatch" version and the trunk does get hot so when you get home you can open it and heat the garage. In comparison, C7 engines get extremely hot as well. The only possible reason I could see preference to a C7 would be the manual transmission for the purists and maybe a preference toward the looks. I do not personally like the hatch window profile of the C7 coupe. Too short and strange looking. I always thought the convertible looked great but driving a 650 hp car going sideways with a soft top isn't exactly practical. So how can you go wrong with a newer, better version with a retractable hard top? The C8 looks more balanced with the cockpit toward the middle and I like that. If you can afford it, get the C8.

 

In fairness, I think about the only time I've heard about someone selling a C8 and going backwards, is because they missed gear rowing. Nothing wrong with that. But that seems to be about the only justification I've seen.

C8 is so entirely new/different/better, that it has created an entirely new segment of owners who were never corvette owners before the C8. Including me, thanks to AWD being available.