Just replaced one mid engine sports car with another. Previously had a 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS for 12 years and just replaced it with my first Corvette, a 2024 Corvette Stingray LT2, Red Mist Metallic with Natural, two tone interior and Magnaride. Overall, very impressed with the build quality, dealer delivery (MacMulkin Chevrolet in Nashua, New Hampshire) and drivability.

Some thoughts:

I had the Ferrari for 12 years and did a complete restoration and enjoyed it while it lasted. As I got older, I just wanted to go into the garage and just drive the car, without working on it. A new Corvette seemed to fit the bill. The Ferrari had a 3.0 L transverse mounted, flat crank V8 with four, dual throat Weber carburetors. Essentially, one carburetor per cylinder. The overall driving feeling was raw with great road feel due to the manual steering, quick throttle response and great sounds. The "noise" that the Ferrari made was unmistakable. On the right side intake the air fed the airbox and the sound of the Webers sucking in the air, especially when the throttle was pushed was fantastic. On the left side, you could hear the whine of the transfer gears. Behind you, the engine noise was primarily mechanical: four cams and 16 valves racing to 7500 RPM. Behind it all was a custom exhaust slowly building with each bit of RPM until it wailed until the next shift. Glorious sound, but loud. After two hours, it alway seemed too loud.

I replaced all the suspension bushings with the original rubber ones and kept the original Koni shocks and springs and used the original size tires and wheels (205/70 x 14). I fitted high performance tires and because of the original setting of the springs, shocks, new bushings and 70 sidewall ratio, the car was very smooth over bumps and rough roads. When the 308 was being fine tuned during development, it was actually developed more as a GT car than a pure, track sports car. My car was a GTS with a removable targa top, much like the Corvette Stingray coupe I ordered. There was also a hardtop coupe, the GTB, which was a bit stiffer due to the solid roof. Once the deferred maintenance is taken car of and the car is set-up, they are dependable and bullet proof. but they are still a 45 year old sports car.

When I decided to replace the Ferrari with a new sports car, I wanted a modern, comfortable car, mid engine configuration, reasonably priced and one that I could cruise in all day. I also wanted something a bit quieter and it had to look good, both inside and out. The C8 seemed to fit the bill, however, its styling is totally different from the Ferrari. Personally, I think the Ferrari 308 and Jaguar XKE are two of the prettiest cars ever made. Essentially, it's all about the curves and the flow from front to back. It's smooth with no sharp edges, the car openings and scoops are fully integrated into the body and don't distract from the overall design. The C8, on the other hand, is full of lines, angles, scoops, intake grills, vents and black out accents. It is certainly a very modern, 21st century design. but overall, it works. It's a sharp looking car and boy does it turn heads. As I reviewed which options I wanted (of which there are so many), I decided to get the black accents in body color. I am not a fan of the black edge on the side scoops. I think the black looks good on some colors, especially white, but I think it doesn't complement the Red Mist Metallic. Also the back end is busy with the upper and lower black vents. The body color option only leaves the bottom vents black while the upper ones are now red, but now there is too much red on the top half of the back end. To provide some contrast, I ordered a black, full width license plate holder which completes the back end and has matching vents holes on the ends that match the rear vent pattern. I choose the natural tan interior in the LT2 and the GT2 seats and went with the two tone option as tribute to my Ferrari, which was Roso Corso Red (Racing Red-equivenent to Torch Red) with a saddle interior, equivalent to Natural. I thought the full natural seat had too much natural color and needed to be broken up somehow. The two tone seemed to be the best compromise, although the headrest, which is now black should have come with a natural cover. It would have balanced the overall seat configuration much better. I will probably buy a natural headrest cover and switch out the black one.

One of the hardest decisions to make when you buy a Corvette is deciding how you are going to really use it. Do you want a track car, sports car of GT car or a combination of all three? Luckily, Chevrolet gives you several models from which to choose and many options within those models. After driving the Ferrari for 12 years, I wanted to configure my Corvette like a GT car, not a true sports car or a track car. I wanted a comfortable and quieter car and one that can be a daily driver. I opted for the LT2 with GT2 seats, magnaride suspension, black mirrors (as opposed to the body color and black stock version-a bit busy) body color accents and several small appearance options. I did not need the ZR1 or exhaust option. My memory of the Ferrari, flat crank engine winding out to 7500 RPM with those Webers singing will always be one of those automotive sounds I will never forget, though it was glorious, it was very loud. I'm sure the stock exhaust at 6000 RPM will make me smile once my car is broken in fully.

Technically and from an engineering standpoint, the car is exceptional, especially for the money. It truly is a bargain. Chevrolet has produced a winner. With only two days of driving and the snow coming to New England I only have 100 miles on the car and have played with some of the driving modes and paddle shifters. Can't wait to get past the 500 mile mark. Before i even got the car, I started buying parts to make some modifications. Lots of aftermarket parts available. Next up is to paint the engine cover red to match the valve covers.

Obviously, the 45 year old Ferrari was totally analog, although I did replace the points ignition with a modern computerized ignition system. Otherwise, everything was mechanical and direct connection either by cable or hydraulics. As with all modern cars, everything is controlled by a computer and control module. I must admit that the drive by wire systems do provide some feel like old hydraulic or cable systems. Going to the Corvette, especially with all the drive modes and dashboard display options takes some getting used to. I think I will still miss seeing analog dials in front of me move and fluctuate with each shift and warm up cycle. The new dashboards with their computerized screens are just not the same. Eventually, I will probably have one or two favorite settings and just settle into some spirited driving, which is really why we own these cars.

I had a great buying experience at MacMulkin of Nashua, New Hampshire. I would highly recommend them, even if you live far away.

 

Welcome!

 

Great show and I know the feeling. Enjoyed both in my years of driving. Good luck with the new ride.

 

Had this one back in 68.

 

Welcome, and moving this to C8 General as it seems like it would be a better fit there.

 

nice

 

Welcome Joe!

My dad had a 72 Dino 246 GT. Before that he had a 66 XKE Series I, 4.2 Roadster Jag. Personally, I like the lines of the Dino, but I certainly wouldn't turn down a 308!

 

My '83 308 was great to look at and hear, and a blast to drive, but I got tired to trying to keep it running right. Replaced it with a C6.

 

keeping those cars running right is a continuing chore. I finally got to the point where I just wanted to go to the garage, start the car and drive.

It did take me about 6 months to fully decide to sell the Ferrari. Then another 9 months to wait to get the Corvette. Long time without a sports car.

 

+1 The Dino is one of the prettiest cars ever made.