I find the C8 to be a well-balanced & civilized GT car, which is why I bought it. It's a 5-tool player that does everything well.

If you want a brute horsepower car that's exciting and difficult to control, perhaps you can look into getting a Viper. There are plenty for sale that have been totaled or near totaled for that reason.

 

I hear this constantly and have always disliked the Miata (and failed to experience its fantastic driver feedback and handling).

My wife's MX-5 (with only 3k miles) was so underpowered and the steering had such a terrible feeling at high speed that it lasted about 2 months before trading it in on a 4C. It replaced a Mini JCW, and was sold for the 4C due to it being far slower and worse handling/braking than either of the other two cars. For driver feedback and experience of lightness, I don't think you can beat the 4C for a factory car.

It was FAR more "boring" than the C8 in my opinion, but a good looking and nice driving commuter car.

I understand that others think it's the epitome of a true driver's car though, so no disrespect to those that do.

 

Would a c8z51 dct be more fun than a c7z06 automatic?

I test drove a c7 z06 auto and was bored out of my mind...at least the c8 got the dct righr

 

That's FUNNY

 

The M7 would have solved that.

My neighbor bought an auto Z before I got my M7. He said he did regret going auto 🤣

 

Yes I enjoyed the c7 m7 but also drove the auto when conapring them a few years ago....I ended up not pulling the trigger and instead ended up with a m4 manual which has been fun...now going to a c8 and wife is ok with it bc she can drive it...just hope it's more fun than the c7 z06 automatic I tried

 

Other than highway pulls the C8 should be more fun. I had a 16 M3 DCT. It was nice for awhile until I got bored with the auto. Then went Z06 M7. It was a great car for having young kids and needing the backseat though.

 

I had the same issue with my Mercedes SL55 AMG, as it was fast (202 MPH in stock form all the way back in 2003) but so competent that it was boring. With the hydraulic suspension, it would corner hard with zero body roll, but the utter lack of body roll somehow took the thrill away. Moreover, the exhaust was too quiet, adding to the boredom. Needless to say, all of this, combined with terrible reliability and shocking repair costs, caused me to sell the car after only 11 months of ownership.

 

Depends where and how you drive. If you're fortunate to have safe places you won't be bored. Just drive in Z-Mode Power set to Track (SEE PICS.)

SIDEBAR
Every DD I had had for 62 years prior to my C8 Z51 w/MRC had been a standard shift. Heck enough of a purist did not have hp robbing AC until I moved South in 1985. Lived with a modified, black turbo compact for almost two years coming home soaking wet in the summer! Bought my 1st Vette a 1988 that had a "7" speed trans. Well an old GM 4 speed Doug Nash and old Detroit Hot Rodder made for GM with electrically operate OD in the tailshaft. OD could be operated with a button on top of the shifter in all but 1st gear. So could split shift and get 7 spaced gears! Only 15% of use opted for the standard shift that year as it was the exact same price as a "slushbox" (Corvette Black Box #s.)

Built my 1st car when in high school a '41 Ford coupe I stuffed in an 1/8" bored '50 Olds engine. 1st new car was a modified 60% rear weight 1967 that I raced. Was light and fun dealing with a tail wagging oversteering car. But my lightweight 1974 260Z after body mods to reduce lift, headers, dumped the air pump, modified the carb and added performance wheels/tires was great fun and good for long trips. Was living in NE OH at the time so Z stayed parked for the winter and a 1974 V8 Rag Top Jeep (modified with headers, carb/ignition modes with large offroad radials was great fun.

When we moved to CT because of gas shortages (only could buy every other day) bought Mitsubishi built compacts for my wife and I.) My Dodge Colt Turbo, modified with Plus 1 Pirelli P7s, suspension and exhaust etc was a fun car. Had to use a quick stab of the emergency brake to accelerate out of an apex (like folks race Minis.) That got the rear to slide out so you were pointed in the right direction before you accelerated, or you plowed front 1st off the road!

Has been Vettes as DD's since the '88. My 5th prior to the C8 was a 2017 Grand Sport. Drive mostly in my rural area, seldom the Interstate so was it was usually not past 5th gear. The C8 DCT drives and shift by itself in Z-Mode just about the way I drove the Grand Sport. Seldom past 5th gear. Great fun If You Drive Aggressively. For a casual drive just set up MY Mode properly (mine is set to Sport.)

One concern I had was my usual downshift in the Grand Sport was 5th directly to 3rd. BUT found the C8 is even more fun. No need to even use the downshift paddle. Leave a 4-lane divided highway with ~70 mph often heavy traffic in front of the 25-mph speed limit rural road I live on. I just apply the brakes aggressively (so folks behind don't have to slow for me) and the car downshifts several gears in the blink of an eye rev matching each! Much faster than anyone can stir a stick! Great sound.

Bottom Line
The C8 is as much fun as you want it to be. Ready for my E-Ray with 160 FWD hp and torque vectoring accelerating out of an apex (for my street driving) will be even faster. If you're a Track Rat get the C8 Z06!

If you have safe places with no homes, people and frequently no cars like I do, lots of fun. This is my 25/30 mile rural road trip to town



BTW, for folks living in a more populated areas this is a great video by a fellow driving normally and ONLY uses Z-Mode power set to Track. It feels like a different more aggressive car. In my case, 5th gear is already 0.66:1 OD. 8th gear is 0.33:1 OD and along with V4 is so GM can get best EPA mpg #'s! Your choice to use or NOT!

You Tube

 

Bored with a C-8, huh?

Guys can get bored with things other men would be thrilled to have and enjoy.

For example.....

 

Glad I found this thread, I thought I was the only one who isn't super thrilled with the C8.
I picked up mine one month ago today (7/5/2023),
Its just not a car that when I park and walk away, I look back and go "Oh hell yeah!".

 

What did you have before?

I had a c7z51 m7 and always got that feeling...waiting on my c8 and i have a m4 competiion manual and its fun but dont love it....i dont know how im going to feel with the c8 every day but corvettes are still my favorite

 

i guess the mileage just got to high for his tastes? Looks like a front engine setup, maybe he switched to a mid engine?

 

Let me guess…you love your C6. So cute.

 

I've never driven a c6 but always read the "raw" comments on here...don't really understand it and I always enjoy the newest tech so I'm going to guess i would prefer the newer versions...however to each their own....I still think the pinnacle of the front engine ice car was a c7 z06 m7

 

Flame away but is it the fact that some rush to buy one to be "the first" that they neglected to actually drive the car before they purchase it?

 

Possibly, I think the lack of the manual is a huge detractor for many...i know by me none of the chevy dealerships will let you test drive a used one...i got so pissed when i sat in 3 of them and then wanted to do the test drive and they told me no bc of liability...I was like uh you have suvs on your lot worth much more....and they gave me some line to which I told them they wasted my time and left....luckily I have a buddy with one to drive

 

I've never understood that issue of having to "test drive" a performance car! How can you possibly expect a dealer to let you wring it out to see, "how it handles?" Lots of mags with pro drivers reviews from where they did on tracks.

Have had many performance cars since I built my 1st, a '41 Ford Coupe I stuffed in an 1/8" bored '50 Olds when I was 16! When I retired (23 years ago) built a ProStreet Rod with an 8.2 Liter BB (see pics.) My 1st new car was a 1967 Chevy with every HD option GM offered to which I added headers, carb mods, Plus 1 wheel/performance tires etc. Raced it. Did not test drive it or any of my 6 Vettes, even my 1st, a 1988 where I could have a similar one in the dealer inventory.

SIDEBAR
The one time I did "test the limit" because the salesman said to, is just before I order my 2008 C6 Z51 by phone from Kerbeck. Was near the Nissan dealer in town and loved my modified Datsun 260Z I bought new in 1974. (Funny was trying to buy a 1974 Vette and my Uncle was GM at a large Chevy dealership. He had been Service Manger when I stuffed the Olds into my '41 Ford and helped torque the bottom end and rod bolts with a torque wrench he brought from work. He could not get a '74 Vette as it was a crazy year, GM was sold out! They sold 37,000 Vettes (Corvette Black Book data) when because of EPA new rules the hp lowered to ~200 for the 350 cid and had to get the 454 cid to get 275! Bought the Z off the dealer's showroom.)

The Nissen dealer had several 300ZX's in stock I could have driven. BUT no standard shift. Since every DD I had for 62 years prior to my C8 was a standard shift would not bother driving a "slushbox." Salesman said I have a 1-year-old used one that is standard you can drive it. I did with him in the passenger seat. He could tell I was not impressed. From my light weight 260Z I had added hearers, carb and other engine mods It not feel at all the same. He said get in I95. He said there is an on-ramp to I95 up ahead use it. Knew that on-ramp, it was long and essentially parallel to the highway. Shape 90 degrees turn to get on. As we approached, he said get on it! I did, *** end stepped out I pulled it back and kept my foot on the floor. He never said a word but bet he had to change his shorts.

No way anyone is going to allow me to hit 1.3 peak "gs" as the pic below shows I recently did- OR SHOULD THEY!

1st Car built when in high school. Bought the '50 olds engine from a friend all in pieces for ~$10. Put every dime I made working part time in that car! Assembled the engine without a manual from how to articles from Hot Rod etc How Too Articles I had been buying every issue since I was 13!


Had enough small blocks, when i retired in 2000 built my street rod with a set-back 8.2 Liter GM Crate motor that came in ~30 boxes! Have >1000 hours in wiring, interior, exhaust etc etc. Still going to Shows winning trophies. With 53% of its 3000 lbs on the rear wheels, 4 bat link adjustable suspension launch is great BUT C8 faster to 60!


No way would or should a dealer let you hit 1.3 peak "gs" to ring out the C8! never drove any of my 6 Vettes or that model year before buying. All 6 were spec'd by me and built just for me in BG. Who wants a car some sales manager things I might like!
BTW, as I college used a K&E slip stick. When I managed an R&D Lab used a Ti-59 programable calculator. For my current part time Internet business use two PCs. and iPad and iPhone. Needed to produce and continually update my Website. Yep was over my 62 years of only having standard shifts in a month! Won't go back (well maybe if I can swap my street rod for a fully restored 260Z )

 

"luckily I have a buddy with one to drive"
Which is exactly what I was referring to. I can't think of one dealership that would agree to let you push any car to the limits, which is why I said "drive" not beat the snot out of it.
With refinement and advancement in technology you get compromise.

 

not flaming, I ordered mine and drove it before I bought it. A lot of it was excitement about having the car finally. This has been a really interesting thread, it seems like a lot of people feel the same way, but the overarching conclusion is that in exchange for the refinement, and how good the car is, you give up some of that rawness and soul. I took mine out and drove it hard yesterday. It’s impressive. That’s why I think the solution is adding something older that has a little more drama.