Notices
C8 Stingray/General Discussion The place to discuss the next generation of Corvette including the Stingray.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Wheel Design

C8 vs C7

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 06:31 PM
  #1  
Ctevans's Avatar
Ctevans
Thread Starter
Instructor
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 123
Likes: 25
From: Harrisburg PA
Default C8 vs C7

Those of you who have had both a C7 and a C8: is the C8 significantly better than the C7? Is it worth trading a C7 in for a C8?
Reply

Popular Reply

Jan 10, 2022, 07:19 PM
BMadden's Avatar
BMadden
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,240
Likes: 1,879
From: USA
Default

Originally Posted by Dpriceslc
IThe amount of attention (wanted or not) that the C8 draws makes the C7 seem like a Toyota Corolla.
See, those are the kind of comments that make this forum a clown show at times. I can't go for a single drive in my Torch Red C7 Z06 without people staring at it, giving me a thumbs up or taking pics of it. I know the attention the C8 gets is even more insane, but to say the C7 is the equivalent of a Corolla just makes you look stupid.
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 06:36 PM
  #2  
bluman's Avatar
bluman
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,742
Likes: 405
From: Long Island NY
Default

YES !
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 06:38 PM
  #3  
JABCAT's Avatar
JABCAT
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 12,759
Likes: 10,657
From: Prosper TX/Austin TX
2020 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
Default

The only response you're going to receive in this forum is that the C8 is light years better than the C7. It's honestly better to find someone with a C8 who will take you for a ride or even let you take it for a spin.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 06:40 PM
  #4  
Uncle Pasko 73's Avatar
Uncle Pasko 73
Drifting
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 798
From: New Orleans
Default

I'm glad someone has finally asked that question
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 06:55 PM
  #5  
JDSC8VETTE's Avatar
JDSC8VETTE
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,781
Likes: 3,105
Default

I had a 2019 C7 that I absolutely loved. When I ordered my C8 I really wasn’t ready for it because I wasn’t finished enjoying my C7. I figured it would take a long time to get the C8 so I ordered it.
My C7 with a M7 transmission was a blast to drive. I put 18 thousand miles on it before I turned it into my dealer. I turned it in 4 months before my C8 came in only because I got stupid trade in money for it.
After getting a couple thousand miles on my C8 I can honestly say it’s a much nicer car than my C7. The C8 looks and feels like a more refined vehicle. The interior is definitely a step up even though the C7 was a really quality interior.
The handling and overall feel of the C8 is superior. It feels like an exotic car where as the C7 is a little rougher around the edges.
Performance wise the C8 is smoother and the engine responds better.
The C7 is awesome but the C8 is better in every way except cargo space.
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 07:00 PM
  #6  
secondchance's Avatar
secondchance
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 59
From: McLean Va
Default

I had a 2019 GS with M7. C8 is even better than C7 which was a vast improvement over earlier gen.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 07:07 PM
  #7  
Dpriceslc's Avatar
Dpriceslc
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 267
Likes: 290
From: Farmington Utah
Default

In my opinion, they are very different cars. My C7 was much more raw, unrefined and loud (I added a Corsa Extreme Exhaust and X-Pipe), it felt like a dragstrip car. The C8 feels like it was built more for the track. The C7 felt faster (due to being so rough and raw) but isn't. The interior on the C8 is a vastly huge improvement over the C7. The amount of attention (wanted or not) that the C8 draws makes the C7 seem like a Toyota Corolla.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 07:19 PM
  #8  
BMadden's Avatar
BMadden
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,240
Likes: 1,879
From: USA
Default

Originally Posted by Dpriceslc
IThe amount of attention (wanted or not) that the C8 draws makes the C7 seem like a Toyota Corolla.
See, those are the kind of comments that make this forum a clown show at times. I can't go for a single drive in my Torch Red C7 Z06 without people staring at it, giving me a thumbs up or taking pics of it. I know the attention the C8 gets is even more insane, but to say the C7 is the equivalent of a Corolla just makes you look stupid.
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 07:20 PM
  #9  
Kracka's Avatar
Kracka
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 10,709
Likes: 7,102
From: Fulshear, TX
Default

Loved my C7 enough to keep it 7 years and 70,000 mi, but it doesn't even come close to holding a candle vs. the C8.

I thought I would miss the manual transmission since this is my first sports car without one, but honestly I have barely even given it a second thought.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 07:30 PM
  #10  
LouieM's Avatar
LouieM
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 13,638
Likes: 3,584
From: NorCal
Default

If you plan on traveling with actual luggage, then a well-kept C7 is the one to buy.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 07:33 PM
  #11  
Greg00Coupe's Avatar
Greg00Coupe
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 13,281
Likes: 2,509
From: Bluffton SC via Canton Oh
Default

Biggest mistake I’ve made is getting rid of my c7z. Miss the m7 and raw power. The c8 is more refined but that’s not what I want in a sports performance car. Should have kept it and added the c8.



The Z at home.

Reply
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 07:39 PM
  #12  
arcticblast's Avatar
arcticblast
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 279
From: Muscle Shoals, AL
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Default

I had a 2019 Z06 Convertible with 7 speed that I was going to keep forever. Then I got rear ended. The damage was minor, but it was damage. So I traded on a C8 HTC.
Although I miss the 7 speed with 650 HP, the C8 is a different animal. It handles so much sharper. It is as quick as the Z06 from 0-60. Quicker on curves. Just not as fast in the upper speeds. I'm waiting on my 2nd C8 now. Love them all.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 08:02 PM
  #13  
Rapid Fred's Avatar
Rapid Fred
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
Default

I wish I could have both.

I prefer my C8 for the most part, but:
  • I occasionally miss the M7 tranny -- however, the dual-clutch 8-spd is REALLY good and probably better for 95% of my driving, and
  • I have had to be more clever packing stuff into the C8 (though, if you like the top down the C8 HTC has a bit more luggage space than a C7 Vert and (practically speaking) more than the coupe when you stow the targa panel in the hatch)
Clear advantages for the C8 are interior, handling (mid-engine FEEL is so special), HTC, stoplight launches and NVH. Looks are subjective. I'm probably a minority of 1 but I rate the looks as: C8 HTC > C7 Coupe > C7 Vert > C8 Coupe. That's how much I hate the rear window design of the C8 Coupe!!!

As to whether it is worth trading in your C7 -- that's as much an emotional choice as anything. The C7 is a great car and the '22 C8 HTC is NOT "rationally" worth 2X a well-optioned 2015 C7 with 40K miles and a couple years remaining warranty (my situation). But, you only live once, and the C8 will put a huge grin on your face every time you see it in your garage, start it, drive it somewhere, park it, do the "lookback," answer questions from random passersby who are simply gob-smacked by the thing, etc. And it appears it will hold its high value for a while...I probably have another year to decide if I want to unravel the whole thing and get back into a C7 for relatively little in lost funds (I HIGHLY doubt that is happening ). BUT -- If you are ordering TODAY, the situation might well be different in a year.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2022 | 10:59 PM
  #14  
Big Lebowski's Avatar
Big Lebowski
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
Shutterbug
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,361
Likes: 4,800
From: West Burbs of Chicago IL
Default

Originally Posted by Ctevans
Those of you who have had both a C7 and a C8: is the C8 significantly better than the C7? Is it worth trading a C7 in for a C8?
If you want to drive stick, then no. Otherwise, yes. In every way. Having said that, the C7, especially the Grand Sport and Z06 variants, were stupid fun and so versatile. The C7 still looks great IMHO…



BUT I do love my C8…


Reply
Old Jan 11, 2022 | 08:23 AM
  #15  
ea327's Avatar
ea327
Banned Scam/Spammer
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 706
Default

Originally Posted by LouieM
If you plan on traveling with actual luggage, then a well-kept C7 is the one to buy.
Not if it’s a convertible.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2022 | 08:31 AM
  #16  
Z06-MAN's Avatar
Z06-MAN
Pro
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 568
Likes: 841
From: Northeast
Default





All equally a blast to drive!!!
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2022 | 08:50 AM
  #17  
hawk02's Avatar
hawk02
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 2,036
From: Columbus OH
Default

Originally Posted by Greg00Coupe
Biggest mistake I’ve made is getting rid of my c7z. Miss the m7 and raw power. The c8 is more refined but that’s not what I want in a sports performance car. Should have kept it and added the c8.



The Z at home.
I here ya. Fortunately, I’m very blessed. I was able to keep my M6 ‘17 Camaro ZL1 and still afford to add a C8 to the stable. Two different cars and two different driving experiences. There’s just something about a 650 HP supercharged engine mated to a manual transmission that’s hard to give up.

Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C8 vs C7

Old Jan 11, 2022 | 09:00 AM
  #18  
JDSC8VETTE's Avatar
JDSC8VETTE
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,781
Likes: 3,105
Default

C7 or C8 they are both huge head turners and a pleasure to look at.




Reply
Old Jan 11, 2022 | 09:42 AM
  #19  
Don Wallace's Avatar
Don Wallace
Instructor
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 147
Likes: 33
From: Grimes Iowa
Default

I had 2 C7's and now a C8 all auto's but to be honest I preferred my C6 but it probably comes down to manual or auto for you, can't go wrong whatever you do.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2022 | 10:09 AM
  #20  
dvilin's Avatar
dvilin
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,271
Likes: 8,544
From: Rochester, NY
Default

I think the best advice is for you to take a long ride in a C8 and then make a decision. I have done this more than once with my friends C8 and have decided to keep my 2019 Z06 M7 Convertible. The C8 to me looks good from certain angles, does handle superbly, and the interior has a nice look to it. Performance is good and what I would call controlled when compared to the Z.
For those that have owned a Z or driven one know the power and sheer thrill of flat out acceleration of the street beast is hard to explain and very difficult to give up no matter how good the C8 may be.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:06 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE