roadbike56

Went from a C5, that I loved, to a C7. Considered buying a C6 on a few occasions, actually got down to a final price with C5 trade in on at least a couple times. They're nice cars, but it wasn't enough of a jump from the C5 to justify the expense. With the C7, I loved the technology upgrades and the way better interior. The traction control on the C7 is lightyears ahead of the C5. When my C5 rear tires broke loose, the reaction to gain control of the car had to be fast because it became unwieldly quickly. The only time the C7 has broken loose is on a sharp turn, in cold weather and recovery is quick with just some light feathering of the throttle. The C5 couldn't handle what I dished out in spirited driving, so I always had to hold back. The C7 can handle way more than I'm willing to dish out, I have total confidence in the C7 that I never had in the C5.
The C5 coupe has the roomiest interior of any Corvette. It's larger than both the C6 and the C7. I carry a road bike in my Vette from time to time. With the C5 it just fell into the rear compartment, no problem. With the C6 I could get it in the compartment (I tested it), but it was a very snug fit. The C7 is a tighter fit than the C5, but easier to work with than the C6, at least it is for me.
One drawback to the C7 is the blind spot on the right hand side. You'll want to set your right hand mirror very carefully. The A-8 transmission was introduced in 2015 and newer C7s and it had initial issues with shuttering that is associated with the transmission dealing with the fuel management program that shuts down 4 cylinders. However, this problem has been overcome with a new fluid that was introduced 2 years ago. Since then, there have been far fewer complaints on this forum about that issue. Also, you can buy a "range" device that eliminates the fuel management engine change and leaves the car in 8 cylinder mode all the time, or you can drive the car in manual mode and that will keep the car in 8 cylinder mode. You should read up on this, but don't let any nay sayers talk you out of buying an A8, it works great with the new fluid or with a range device or both. The 2014 C7 auto is the A6 that was used in the C6. It is problem free. If you buy a wide body C7 (GS or Z06) be aware that there is a wheel cracking issue with those models that can be pricey to correct. The base model and Z51 do not have this issue. However, coming from a C5 I'm sure you are well aware of wheel cracking issues (the 5 spoke, polished C5 wheels). Don't let the issues with the C7 discourage you as the C6 has a number of issues too including the leaking gas tank (there's a sticky on that forum).
As for getting in and out of the C7, I didn't detect much difference between the two models, C5 or C7. If had to pick one as easier, it would be the C5, but not by much. If you are into the newest electronics then you might want to find out what newer C7s offer over the early 2014, 2015 models. I'm not into any of that.
Hope this helps.

Mineolajoe

Thanks for the advice. I mentioned possibility going with a C6 and my wife (the bargain shopper) immediately started surfing the web for C6s. Hearing all this feedback tells me a C7 with the new ATF will be my best choice. The sale of my 142,000 mile spotless C5 went without a hitch today and the sale of my ‘70 coupe a few months back have the kitty primed for a sizable purchase. Tomorrow I may check out the Nightrace Blue 2LT I spotted. I am currently without a Corvette so I’m anxious to refill that spot in the garage.

vetteright

C3
C3
C3
C3
C3
C3
C3
C5
C6
C7

Agree. C7 by far.

Vetteman Jack

Had 3 C5s and now a C7. I liked my C5s a lot, but hands down, at least to me, the C7 is a much better car. Yes, the C5 had more passenger and cargo room, but the advancement in technology, handling and power between the two generations is vastly in favor of the C7.

eseibel67

Replacing torque converter is major surgery that was performed by who knows who. I would recommend getting one that was screwed together by the ladies in Bowling Green using their error-free torquing fixtures. C7s are mechanically durable so it should be very easy to find one that has not been disassembled.

Kehraus

Mirrors that tilt, LOL!
I have the #2 button setup like that and simply touch the button and it does that. I use it when somebody tailgates me so their lights aren't shining in my eyes. After they're gone, hit button #1 and its back in business.

Biggest adjustment for me coming from a C5 to a C7 was that the C5 was more like you're riding 'on' the car, the C7 is more like riding 'in' the car. They just 'feel' different.

Corgidog1

and has 110 less hp....

rtruman

C3
C2 big block
C2
C2
C2 Split window
C2 side pipe 67
C6 Z06
C2 split window
C7 Stingray 1LT

Wanted the C7 tired of working on them.
Wanted the last manual shift found a new 2019 with 2000 miles jumped on it wanted the NPP exhaust .
Made the choice very low mileage 2019 Stingray last front drive and M7
Didn't drive the Z06 much traded it for the last split window ,
I like the C7 hands down just the way it is getting used to driving it.
More power than enough power for sure styling also .
Great spot to be in .

JMoore5196

I went from a C5, which I loved and kept for 7 years, to a C7. The C5 is roomier and easier to access, but the C7 driving experience is far superior.

If you enjoy the creature comforts the C7 offers, like the digital displays, CarPlay, heated seats and so on, it's a lovely car. I just sit and smile every time I'm in mine.

Still, I would not hesitate to buy another well-maintained C5 with the thought of keeping it for a decade or so. The quantum leap Chevrolet made between C5 and C7 is very evident, but the C5 is still a very dependable and more nimble car to own and drive.

NorthernProducer

I'll add my 2 cents here since I'm a few years older than you. I don't see the need to repeat a lot of the advice already given, but having owned a C4, C5 and now a C7, I find the C7 to be more comfortable, less of worry relative to scraping over driveway approaches and I especially enjoy the added horsepower over my C5. I know you are concerned with getting in and out of the Vette you may choose, and I believe my C7 is much easier to enter and exit than my C5....and I have broken back. Good luck with your shopping and enjoy what ever you Vette end up buying.

Zjoe6

Went from a C5 Z06 to a C7 Grand Sport and absolutely loved the C7. Don't miss anything about the C5.

MSG C5

I also went from a 2004 C5 (convertible) to a 2019 C7 Z06 (coupe) with the Z07 package. Like many have already commented, I skipped the C6 generation and purchased the last production year model for both the C5 and C7. You won’t be disappointed in the change as the C7 is really an improvement in platforms and IMO is the best of the front engine designs.

My C7Z is the fire breathing beast I’ve always wanted. It’s a blast to drive and with the Competition Seats, I feel as though I’m part of the car when driving it. The M7 makes me feel even more connected and adds to the fun of the driving experience.

I kept my C5 and couldn’t let it go as I customized it over the years and really improved it in every way over stock. Performance, lighting, stereo system, interior leather trim, etc., all got upgrades. It drives incredibly well although noticeably louder (road noise) as it’s a convertible. I try to drive it at least once each week and usually choose it if I plan to drive in heavy traffic to give my left leg the day off.

Zeek

I have owned 17 Corvettes in my life. Everything from a C1 to now a C7. (see list on my profile) I hated the C6, loved the C5's but I am totally crazy about my C7! I would advise you totally skip the C6 and to to the C7....but what do I know...

Just sold my wide body C5 and got this '15 3LT C7.

Goat 2 Vette

Go on the C6 forums and ask the same question.. You'll get the opposite answer..

Gixxerman

Love the C5 great all around car.. great touring car..that being said I would not give up my C7 for dollars or doughnuts.. I feel they are the apex of the front engine Corvettes.. they should have made them along with the new cars in my opinion,, just can't beat the looks of the front engine cars for some folks. Design cues are obviously very different in a front vs. rear engine design.. but they are all Corvettes at the end of the day no matter what you go with.. be happy

Zeek

You're probably right....but in their hearts they know there is no comparison between the C6 and the C7.... The C7 is light years ahead of the C6 in looks and performance...

roadbike56

One other consideration. I know this is hard to believe, but the C6 is only two years from reaching the 10 year out of production mark where GM can discontinue required support.

iclick

I haven't been keeping up with the litany of A8 issues and changes that have been going on now for five years, but I was under the impression the TC wasn't the root problem with earlier cars. In fact, it was the earlier ATF chemistry that allowed too much water absorption, which may have been corrected with the latest Mobil1 formula. Not sure, but if I purchased another A8 (I wouldn't!) I would make sure it had the newest ATF variant. If you get the 2016 it might have some power-train warranty remaining, which would be insurance for A8 problems, but if so it wouldn't last long. If I bought another A8 (did I mention that I wouldn't?) I would certainly invest in an extended warranty.

There were other issues with the A8, like delayed engagement and/or hard shifting when cold, that involved o-rings that isn't fixed with a fluid change. Only pulling the tranny, which is major surgery, can rectify that. My 2015 A8 had both issues: shudder and delayed engagement, but GM wouldn't fix the latter when the tranny was already out of the car for the TC swap because I couldn't demonstrate it to a service tech, as it would do it only sporadically when cold. After two years of the hassle I had the TC replaced and two weeks later traded it for my current 2017 M7, which restored the good life once again. YMMV, and I sincerely hope your experiences with the A8 turn out better than mine.

rfh928

Totally agree with you on the dual line Corvette...that was always rumoured up to the launch of the C8. That way it would've given those of us who aren't interested in a mid-engined model and want a manual transmission, an ongoing choice. Not at this point sadly.

Mineolajoe

I’m hoping they changed to the new ATF when the torque converter was replaced but haven’t seen any records on it yet. An M7 would be my preference but my wife wants an auto. She can drive a manual as well as I can, just doesn’t want to. I told her about the rev matching feature and she perked up but it didn’t change her mind. The delay when cold I can probably live with. I looked at the car in person today and it is spotless for a ‘16. A 3 year/36k mile bumper to bumper warranty at Chevy dealers is about 2k so I’ll spring for it if I buy the car. One odd thing about it is having Michelin run flats on the back and Pirelli non-run flats on the front, all very new. It may not be an issue but I haven’t mixed brands since I was in my teens and bought whatever I could find and afford.