When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a very nice 2009 Jetstream Blue Z-51 coupe, manual I bought/ ordered in 2008, one owner low mileage.
Now that more C8's are available and prices seem to be stabilizing I'm thinking of a C8, Riptide and not sure if I'd be happy. Some concerns/ questions...
The front lift option. I lowered my C6 as low as it goes and scrape the driveway every time I leave, even at an angle. But the plastic air dam is only about 2" off the ground. I would get the C8 splitter, and it looks like it has a lot more ground clearance than I would need but does it really?
I have to get 2LT to have heads up, correct?
I have grey interior on my C6 but the grey on the C8 looks a lot lighter, how does it hold up in general use?
Noise and comfort compared to the C6? Having the engine right behind you, noise? Vibration? Heat?
Coupe or convertible?
Z51 or not...
GT2 seats?
Lack of cargo space.
Over all the years of sports cars I've never had an auto. I did drive an auto C6 before I ordered mine...
I went from a C5 to a C8. I love it! It runs and rides great! I have a 3lt, rarely need the front lift. I love driving this car.
Not sure why but drive the C8 with the top up more than I did the C5.
I hope this helps.
Larry
I had a 2013 C6 Grand Sport and even though I wasn't looking for one, ran into a deal I couldn't resist on a 2023 Stingray. To be honest I DO miss the grand sport (6 speed manual) but love driving the C8. My best advice would be to keep the C6 and Buy the C8 also, If you can afford t!!!
Here is my take from owning 2009 C6 until we got our 2022 C8 HTC, Much better ride, better shifting if you have an A6. Handling is also better out of the box. I went with Z51, Mag Ride, and front lift. So glad I got the HTC as I seldom took top off our C6 Coupe. Also the front lift for me on Texas roads is a good option. My C6 was also lowered and my air dam did drag quite a bit. Hands down the C8 is an upgrade over the C6. Do it you will not regret it.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Definitely do the C8. I went from a 2012 ZR1 with 700+whip directly to a 2023 Stingray HTC, and sold the ZR1 within a month after because I knew it just wouldn't get driven much anymore. For the approach angle comparison, I have a really steep driveway and I had to remove the front splitter completely from the ZR1 and raise it all the way up on stock bolts to get in the driveway. The Stingray with front splitter just barely scuffed in normal position, and with front lift up cleared with zero issues. My new '24 Z06 with front lift clears as well in the up position with front lift (but I don't think it would clear down). Honestly, I doubt seriously you would need front lift on the C8, it has way better approach angle than the C6.
Yes, you need 2LT to get HUD, and you really want 2LT for all the other things it includes. It's not absolutely nescessary, but they are all things you'll use if you have them. For lighter interior, I had the white on my '23 Stingray, and it showed no wear at 8K miles when I traded it for the Z06. I did 2-tone back & sky cool gray on my Z06 and really like the look.
Comfort on the C8 is way better than the C6. Ride quality, especially MagRide non-Z51 like my Stingray, is incredible. And honestly even the C8 Z06 is not bad, and better in comparison to my C6 ZR1 that had the Jim Mero tuned MagRide. Noise isolation is much better on the C8 than any previous Corvette, so much so that you may find yourself thinking the exhaust is too quiet. There can still be some tire noise depending on pavement type, but it's significantly reduced from previous gens. There's no issues in the cabin with vibration or heat, and while you'll see people complain about the trunk heat, it's not that bad (we've done several trips with full day driving, and never had any issues with toiletries, wife's makeup, etc. As to cargo space, you have to plan/pack a little better than a C6 where you can just toss everything in the hatch, but there's easily enough space to fit enough for 2 people for a weeklong trip.
GT2 seats? Yes for me, have had them on both C8s and really like them. Supportive but very comfortable for long drives. They are also required on some of the color combos, 2-tone and for Alcantara. For me, HTC (convertible) was a must and I've been very happy with the choice. So much easier to put the top down/up vs having to manually remove the targa everytime to you stop somewhere. Plus you don't loose any storage with the top down, and you can drop the rear window with the top up to be able to hear the engine/exhaust better.
As to Z51, I wanted it on the Stingray, but it was on constraint, and I'm actually really happy I got to experience the car without it. Like I said, my Stingray was non-Z51 but did have MagRide, and it was honestly all you would ever need for a car that will only see street use (or even 1-2 track days a year). The handling on the C8 is incredible and so usable, and the push by many to get Z51 for street driven cars is just not needed. Obviously if you are going to track it more definitely get it, but if it's for street use, do not feel like you need to have it.
Last the DCT. It's not an auto, although it does have an automatic mode, and can be driven in auto 100% of the time if you want. If you do that though, you are really missing out on a lot of the enjoyment of the car. I spent the first 2 months with my Stingray mainly in auto, including trying it in Track mode for the shifting. The car was ok, but I felt like I was missing something from my previous manual Corvettes. Then I started driving it all the time (other than max accel runs) in manual mode, and it really turned into a much different car. Much more engaging and fun, to a similar level as driving a traditional clutch/stick manual.
Sold my C6 Z06 and bought a C8. No regrets whatsoever, new car is just as fast. Well I do have one sort of regret, I couldn't take a liking to the new yellow over Velocity Yellow, but red mist tint eased the pain. As to the front lift, it really is an essential accessory, you may not think you need it but wait until you get to the next parking lot berm and can't angle in or out.
I'm biased but love my build, see sig below.
I've priced out an eray and as I'd hate to buy the same car the only thing I'd consider changing was going from ELB to HSG, but I love the blue.
Can't justify the money to go eray.
The plain gray seats are terrible imo, close to white. I went two tone black/gray and love it.
The DCT is great.
I use the lift a lot.
Good luck.
Front lift... If $$$ not too tight, better to have and not need than need and not have.
The "grey" interior is really slightly "off white". .. (I have it) It's not at all hard to care for tho I have heard of some coloring from those who sometimes wear blue jeans. I don't. I have taken no special care or precautions and it still looks "new".
I traded my 2008 Jetstream Blue convertible on a 2019 Z06 convertible that I sold for my 2024 Z51 HTC. The C8 is a totally different beast. It is like they went out of the way to make sure nothing visible inside or out was even remotely similar to the prior generations. I am very happy with the C8. It reminds me a lot of my also recently sold 1988 Fiero GT, only without the manual transmission.
The front lift option. I lowered my C6 as low as it goes and scrape the driveway every time I leave, even at an angle. But the plastic air dam is only about 2" off the ground. I would get the C8 splitter, and it looks like it has a lot more ground clearance than I would need but does it really? WE use our lift often here in MT
I have to get 2LT to have heads up, correct? AFAIK
I have grey interior on my C6 but the grey on the C8 looks a lot lighter, how does it hold up in general use? Yes, the grey is lighter - just keep it clean.
Noise and comfort compared to the C6? Having the engine right behind you, noise? Vibration? Heat? Quieter for us; less noise with the AS tires instead of Z51 su onlies
Coupe or convertible? Coupe at our age - too much sun not tolerated but top off occasionally
Z51 or not... not this time - tired of brake dust and su only tires
GT2 seats? ???
Lack of cargo space. Def drawback - the frunk does not allow the same convenience as reaching behind the seat while underway
Over all the years of sports cars I've never had an auto. I did drive an auto C6 before I ordered mine...[Paddles are great but already had on C6
Keep your C6 as well if you can afford it - we really miss our 2013 GS! The C8 is gut-wrenching power!
The last Corvette I owned before the C8 was a C6.
The front of the C8 has far better ground clearance than a C6. I do have front lift but have never had t use it. Front lift also effects the ability to lower you car and the warranty per GM.
I find the cabin noise to be less.
There is no torque tube heat on the right. leg.
All you need to do is ride in the C8. Case closed. You will buy a C8 and will not miss your C-6. When I purchased my C8 I planned on keeping my C7 but after riding in my C8 for a week, I decided my C7 was not going to be used very much and I sold it. The C8 is a mid-engine and you don't have much weight on the front end and the clearance is enough for most situations. My C7 scraped a little leaving my driveway and my C8 has plenty of clearance and has never scraped. Find a C8 2LT and never look back.
Like you I had my 08 from new and really enjoyed rowing through the gears. For me it was a really hard decision. I drove mine over 181,000 miles and had to do a lot of maintenance. I think my biggest concern was the possibility that a computer would fail and not being able to replace or repair it. That was what caused me to make the move to the C8.
Keep C6 or get C8?
