Go from a C7 to a C8?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
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Go from a C7 to a C8?
I am just beginning a prayer project: should I go from my current 2016 C7 Z51 with only 6,500 miles and in perfect shape ... to a used (or possibly new) C8? It has taken me a while to get used to the looks of the C8. I've also put off getting the recommended triple flush for my C7 tranny and I'm tired of the shudder at medium speeds. For you who've had both the C7 and C8, how do they compare in driving? Is there a year model of C8 I might want to avoid (I know the first year of any new model is not the best). If I look at and drive a C8, what should I ask about and look for? OR, should I keep what I have and get the tranny flush done (not sure it is a guarantee, though?). Perhaps there are some threads you can point me to that will help. My C7 is my fourth Corvette, so I know them a little ... but the C8 looks to be a very different creature. I know some of this is opinion, but that is fine. Otherwise, be civil... plz.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 2,198
From: Massachusetts
Really only you can decide but asking others can help.
The C7 is a wonderful car. The C7 is holding values due to being the last design model. A 2019 is even better.
Logic would say you don't drive enough to warrant the cost to buy a C8. Logic would say keep your C7.
Cars are not logical, they are a passion. For some, cars are just transportation, for others a dream, hobby, and joy.
You can sell your C7 for good money. If you have extra savings, go for the C8.
The C8 is amazing.
FYI: You can drain and fill your C7 trans fluid, DIY. It is cheap enough. The C7 is cheaper to maintain than a C8.
The C7 is a wonderful car. The C7 is holding values due to being the last design model. A 2019 is even better.
Logic would say you don't drive enough to warrant the cost to buy a C8. Logic would say keep your C7.
Cars are not logical, they are a passion. For some, cars are just transportation, for others a dream, hobby, and joy.
You can sell your C7 for good money. If you have extra savings, go for the C8.
The C8 is amazing.
FYI: You can drain and fill your C7 trans fluid, DIY. It is cheap enough. The C7 is cheaper to maintain than a C8.
Last edited by Ron_Attleboro_MA; Apr 20, 2026 at 06:03 AM. Reason: language correction
CF Community Team
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Your car, your rules...ask yourself why a C8 appeals to you more than your current Corvette
Pro
Joined: Jul 2022
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You keep your C-7 and order a new C-8 with option R8C.
Life is short, go get your new C8 and don't worry about your C-7 as it is perfect the way it is.
Once you see and feel the difference, you can pick which one you like and which one to get rid of (if you don't want them both)
Life is short, go get your new C8 and don't worry about your C-7 as it is perfect the way it is.
Once you see and feel the difference, you can pick which one you like and which one to get rid of (if you don't want them both)
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Indian Harbour Beach
Just about the only thing the 7 and 8 have in common is the nameplate. They are radically different, though both are awesome. You need to drive the C8 to really "understand" the difference.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
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St. Jude Donor '25
I just picked up my C7 about a month ago, coming from 3 consecutive C5's, C7 is a great car and I love it. I will say that I drove a C8 this past Friday and was as equally a great car, one impression going from C7 to C8 back-to-back was that a C8 seemed roomier to me...I wish I could own them all!!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: FORT LAUDERDALE FL
I have been driving Corvettes for 55 years now so it's hard to say that I like one gen more than the other. I have always owned convertibles only so that's my point of reference. My C7 was a wonderful car and I would still have it today but I lost it in a flood event 4/23. I had not thought about a C8 for one moment...until. Three things that I dislike about the C8 have nothing to do with its performance or quality. 1) it does not have the open car feeling that the C7 had or my 911 has when the top is retracted. 2) the wall is very annoying but it's gone now, I have a 24. 3) the rear and side vision is weak at best. Other than that, the 8 is a great car. As a side note I've been looking for a C7 to add back...that's how much I loved that Gen. It's a personal decision that only you can make....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Springfield MA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12, '19, '21
I traded my C7 for a C8 and didn't look back. Wish I was in a position to keep both, but it wasn't possible. The c7 will always be one of my favorites but, the c8 is a whole different animal. It's like driving a Go-Cart on steroids. Really! I've had 5 Vettes and get more comments on the c8 than any of the others. Go for it!
Dave
Dave
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By your statement about the "triple flush" that tells me you have an auto, in which case I would absolutely go for the C8. The only reason IMO to stay with a C7 over a C8 is if you must have a manual transmission, which you don't. The C7 is a great car, but the C8 huge jump over it. The DCT is light years better than any automatic, both in auto and manual mode. And the switch to the rear mid-engine layout has dramatically improved the ability to launch the car as well as the handling feel. Also if you enjoy open air driving, the HTC version of the C8 is a huge improvement over any previous soft top convertible (Before the C8, I'd had 2 soft top convertibles, but all 4 of my C8s have been HTCs).
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 545
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From: New Bern NC
Had my 2017 2LT Z51 for 5 years just step up to a 2024 3LT Z51 and glad I did great car loved my C7 but as they say the C8 is light years ahead of the C7 good luck on which every way you go. The trans flush does help on the C7.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 167
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From: Weston, FL
The C7 is great, I had a 2016 and miss it all the time. Now the C8 is different as everyone said, and just as rewarding but in a completely different way. I would say the best of both worlds is to have one of each! (which I am looking to do).
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: DFW Area TX
I've owned 4 generations. C8 > C7 > C6 > C5. Mine's a first year 2020 Z51, absolutely zero issues. I've had multiple first year Corvette generations and none of them gave my any problems.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,971
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From: Key Largo Florida
I had a 16 C7 Z51 M7 and loved it. It had 90K on the clock and the clear coat failed on it, so it was showing it's age. I ended up with a 23 C8 base car (no options). I miss the manual transmission and the C7 was easier to get in and out of (I'm 67). That said, I've moved up to a Z06 which is just an amazing car in all respects. It's my 8th Corvette and will probably be my last.
That said, if my C7 only had 6500 miles on it, I might have kept it I liked it that much. You'll need to get the tranny serviced, so get that done and see if it's fixed. While at the dealer get a salesman to let you drive a used C8. Get in and out of it a few times and in particular when the door isn't opened up all the way. The 500hp is incredible and the shifting of the DCT is just soo smooth.
You have a tough decision. LOL
That said, if my C7 only had 6500 miles on it, I might have kept it I liked it that much. You'll need to get the tranny serviced, so get that done and see if it's fixed. While at the dealer get a salesman to let you drive a used C8. Get in and out of it a few times and in particular when the door isn't opened up all the way. The 500hp is incredible and the shifting of the DCT is just soo smooth.
You have a tough decision. LOL
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 87
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From: NC
I had a 2017 C7. Beautiful car in every way. But, at that time I had several Porsche's and just enjoyed driving them more. So, I sold the car.
I now have a 2026 C7 Z51 and love the car. Very different driving experience and feels much more "sporty" based on my driving style. I'm very happy with my C8....this is coming from a guy who (in 30 years) has owned 3 Ferraris and more 911's (air and water cooled) than you can count on two hands (and maybe even adding a foot).
The C7 was a beautiful and fast front engine American sports car. The C8 is a world class sports that can hold it's own against virtually any car out there regardless of price. Simply choose the C8 model that has the horsepower to match (and often exceed) the competition and you'll always be in the game.
I now have a 2026 C7 Z51 and love the car. Very different driving experience and feels much more "sporty" based on my driving style. I'm very happy with my C8....this is coming from a guy who (in 30 years) has owned 3 Ferraris and more 911's (air and water cooled) than you can count on two hands (and maybe even adding a foot).
The C7 was a beautiful and fast front engine American sports car. The C8 is a world class sports that can hold it's own against virtually any car out there regardless of price. Simply choose the C8 model that has the horsepower to match (and often exceed) the competition and you'll always be in the game.