Blackwing or C8
Popular Reply
Dec 23, 2025, 09:12 AM
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 2,029
From: Columbus OH
For a little over a year, a 2021 Stingray HTC and a 2023 M6 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing lived in my garage at the same time. I sold the Stingray and kept the Cadillac, which probably tells you everything you need to know.
The Blackwing is a ridiculous value for the money. Both it and the C8 share the good and the bad of GM’s global B platform, but a lot of features that are extra-cost options on the Corvette come standard on the Blackwing: 4th-gen MRC, HUD, heated and ventilated memory seats, 360° camera, eLSD, and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto to mention a few.
Yes, the Blackwing is bigger and heavier, and it doesn’t carve corners quite like a mid-engine C8. But it’s still a 668-hp, supercharged V8 with a proper manual transmission, room for adults, and real Cadillac luxury. For something you can daily, road trip, and still terrorize back roads with, it’s hard to beat.
The Blackwing is a ridiculous value for the money. Both it and the C8 share the good and the bad of GM’s global B platform, but a lot of features that are extra-cost options on the Corvette come standard on the Blackwing: 4th-gen MRC, HUD, heated and ventilated memory seats, 360° camera, eLSD, and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto to mention a few.
Yes, the Blackwing is bigger and heavier, and it doesn’t carve corners quite like a mid-engine C8. But it’s still a 668-hp, supercharged V8 with a proper manual transmission, room for adults, and real Cadillac luxury. For something you can daily, road trip, and still terrorize back roads with, it’s hard to beat.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,643
Likes: 7,714
From: NJ
Idk. It depends on what you're looking for out of the automobile. .
Nobody and I mean NOBODY knows what the heck a blackwing V is. Its very plain looking albeit noth are fantastic automobiles for people like us.
If you wanted a manual? Sure.
But they'll always be something special about a corvette especially a new one. I can have any car within reason as a toy and I always end up back at corvette.
When I dont own one? I need to get one.
I wish you luck in your purchase. Either way they're great cars.
Nobody and I mean NOBODY knows what the heck a blackwing V is. Its very plain looking albeit noth are fantastic automobiles for people like us.
If you wanted a manual? Sure.
But they'll always be something special about a corvette especially a new one. I can have any car within reason as a toy and I always end up back at corvette.
When I dont own one? I need to get one.
I wish you luck in your purchase. Either way they're great cars.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 66
Likes: 22
From: Atlanta , GA
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 2,029
From: Columbus OH
For a little over a year, a 2021 Stingray HTC and a 2023 M6 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing lived in my garage at the same time. I sold the Stingray and kept the Cadillac, which probably tells you everything you need to know.
The Blackwing is a ridiculous value for the money. Both it and the C8 share the good and the bad of GM’s global B platform, but a lot of features that are extra-cost options on the Corvette come standard on the Blackwing: 4th-gen MRC, HUD, heated and ventilated memory seats, 360° camera, eLSD, and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto to mention a few.
Yes, the Blackwing is bigger and heavier, and it doesn’t carve corners quite like a mid-engine C8. But it’s still a 668-hp, supercharged V8 with a proper manual transmission, room for adults, and real Cadillac luxury. For something you can daily, road trip, and still terrorize back roads with, it’s hard to beat.
The Blackwing is a ridiculous value for the money. Both it and the C8 share the good and the bad of GM’s global B platform, but a lot of features that are extra-cost options on the Corvette come standard on the Blackwing: 4th-gen MRC, HUD, heated and ventilated memory seats, 360° camera, eLSD, and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto to mention a few.
Yes, the Blackwing is bigger and heavier, and it doesn’t carve corners quite like a mid-engine C8. But it’s still a 668-hp, supercharged V8 with a proper manual transmission, room for adults, and real Cadillac luxury. For something you can daily, road trip, and still terrorize back roads with, it’s hard to beat.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 2,029
From: Columbus OH
Idk. It depends on what you're looking for out of the automobile. .
Nobody and I mean NOBODY knows what the heck a blackwing V is. Its very plain looking albeit noth are fantastic automobiles for people like us.
If you wanted a manual? Sure.
But they'll always be something special about a corvette especially a new one. I can have any car within reason as a toy and I always end up back at corvette.
When I dont own one? I need to get one.
I wish you luck in your purchase. Either way they're great cars.
Nobody and I mean NOBODY knows what the heck a blackwing V is. Its very plain looking albeit noth are fantastic automobiles for people like us.
If you wanted a manual? Sure.
But they'll always be something special about a corvette especially a new one. I can have any car within reason as a toy and I always end up back at corvette.
When I dont own one? I need to get one.
I wish you luck in your purchase. Either way they're great cars.
I’ll agree the Blackwing can look a little plain in base form. It really needs the Stage 1 carbon fiber package (front splitter and ducktail spoiler) to look right. The Stage 2 carbon (rockers and diffuser) is just icing on the cake.
The Corvette will always be iconic, no argument there. But there’s something appealing about driving a 668-hp, manual-trans, super sedan that flies completely under the radar while still delivering the goods when you lean on it.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 672
hawk02
Yes they don't compare one is this and one is that for me I wish I could have both I am a CORVETTE person on number 7 or 8 I forgot
Rumor has nit that the V6 is gone after this year and big brother will have a variant of the new engine that GM is developing can you say 700 HP?
One here is Black/Black $123,000 on the sticker Big Boy
Yes they don't compare one is this and one is that for me I wish I could have both I am a CORVETTE person on number 7 or 8 I forgot
Rumor has nit that the V6 is gone after this year and big brother will have a variant of the new engine that GM is developing can you say 700 HP?
One here is Black/Black $123,000 on the sticker Big Boy
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 1,334
From: Kingston, Ontario
CT5-V Blackwing all the way over a C8 Stingray, especially if its manual. I've owned both and the Caddy is an amazing vehicle. It will also retain its value unlike the Stingray.
In the current car landscape a manual CT5-V Blackwing is probably one of the best vehicles you can buy period.
In the current car landscape a manual CT5-V Blackwing is probably one of the best vehicles you can buy period.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 742
Likes: 473
For some of us, the fact that most people don’t know what a Cadillac Blackwing is is what makes it special. In my area, I’ve maybe seen five Blackwings total. The number of C8 Corvettes is now in the thousands.
I’ll agree the Blackwing can look a little plain in base form. It really needs the Stage 1 carbon fiber package (front splitter and ducktail spoiler) to look right. The Stage 2 carbon (rockers and diffuser) is just icing on the cake.
The Corvette will always be iconic, no argument there. But there’s something appealing about driving a 668-hp, manual-trans, super sedan that flies completely under the radar while still delivering the goods when you lean on it.
I’ll agree the Blackwing can look a little plain in base form. It really needs the Stage 1 carbon fiber package (front splitter and ducktail spoiler) to look right. The Stage 2 carbon (rockers and diffuser) is just icing on the cake.
The Corvette will always be iconic, no argument there. But there’s something appealing about driving a 668-hp, manual-trans, super sedan that flies completely under the radar while still delivering the goods when you lean on it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,832
Likes: 2,149
From: Kelso, Wa
Shortly after I picked up my C8, I saw that they were making the Blackwing. I had a touch of buyers remorse. I'm fine now, nearly 5 years later, but still. Some points to consider.
There's a Corvette Tax. There's a Cadillac Tax too. That is, they stamp the name on a part and double or triple the price.
The Caddy seats four. The C8 seats 2. How many people do you plan to carry?
Back to Parts. There's an aftermarket for the C8, not so much for the Caddy. How much modding do you plan to do?
Even more Parts. The limited number of Caddys made means that even factory parts will be harder to come by than the higher number of C8s.
How incognito do you want to go. The C8 draws attention. The Caddy, not so much. .. a Sleeper.
Insurance rates? I'd ask your agent to compare before buying.
Your $$ your decision, just some things to consider.
There's a Corvette Tax. There's a Cadillac Tax too. That is, they stamp the name on a part and double or triple the price.
The Caddy seats four. The C8 seats 2. How many people do you plan to carry?
Back to Parts. There's an aftermarket for the C8, not so much for the Caddy. How much modding do you plan to do?
Even more Parts. The limited number of Caddys made means that even factory parts will be harder to come by than the higher number of C8s.
How incognito do you want to go. The C8 draws attention. The Caddy, not so much. .. a Sleeper.
Insurance rates? I'd ask your agent to compare before buying.
Your $$ your decision, just some things to consider.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 3,971
Likes: 1,821
From: Western WI
Agree with those saying it really depends on what you're goal is. If you want/need a back seat or manual trans? Easy choice. You want a mid-engine sports car? Easy choice. After driving one the experience for me is that of driving a sedan, yes a fast sedan but just not that special a feeling vs other options that I would consider a bit more "special" than a Caddy of any stripe. Yes, these options are going to cost more but so do what most consider to be a bit more "special" than a C8.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 2,029
From: Columbus OH
Shortly after I picked up my C8, I saw that they were making the Blackwing. I had a touch of buyers remorse. I'm fine now, nearly 5 years later, but still. Some points to consider.
There's a Corvette Tax. There's a Cadillac Tax too. That is, they stamp the name on a part and double or triple the price.
The Caddy seats four. The C8 seats 2. How many people do you plan to carry?
Back to Parts. There's an aftermarket for the C8, not so much for the Caddy. How much modding do you plan to do?
Even more Parts. The limited number of Caddys made means that even factory parts will be harder to come by than the higher number of C8s.
How incognito do you want to go. The C8 draws attention. The Caddy, not so much. .. a Sleeper.
Insurance rates? I'd ask your agent to compare before buying.
Your $$ your decision, just some things to consider.
There's a Corvette Tax. There's a Cadillac Tax too. That is, they stamp the name on a part and double or triple the price.
The Caddy seats four. The C8 seats 2. How many people do you plan to carry?
Back to Parts. There's an aftermarket for the C8, not so much for the Caddy. How much modding do you plan to do?
Even more Parts. The limited number of Caddys made means that even factory parts will be harder to come by than the higher number of C8s.
How incognito do you want to go. The C8 draws attention. The Caddy, not so much. .. a Sleeper.
Insurance rates? I'd ask your agent to compare before buying.
Your $$ your decision, just some things to consider.
As for attention, the C8 drew a lot of eyes in its first couple of model years. By year three, the novelty started to wear off, and now it’s just another C8. Even the Z06 doesn’t turn many heads these days. I attend 90–100 car shows and cruise-ins each season in my area, so I have a pretty good sense of what’s hot and what isn’t.
Interestingly, my Cadillac gets a lot of attention at events. People either don’t know what it is and are shocked to learn it’s a Cadillac, or they do know and take a long look because of how rare it is to see one.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 2,029
From: Columbus OH
CT5-V Blackwing all the way over a C8 Stingray, especially if its manual. I've owned both and the Caddy is an amazing vehicle. It will also retain its value unlike the Stingray.
In the current car landscape a manual CT5-V Blackwing is probably one of the best vehicles you can buy period.
In the current car landscape a manual CT5-V Blackwing is probably one of the best vehicles you can buy period.
It strikes an incredible balance between performance, usability, and character. I’m genuinely interested to see what Cadillac does next, especially as this era of cars comes to a close.