sjalal

I am looking forward to get a C7 this year (if all stars are aligned :-)). Can you guide me in the right C7 model to get. I have a simple question

If looks are most important which C7 is the best to get ? I mean Grandsport or plain StingRay. i will be using it as a daily driver only and to me wow factor is more import tbh. it will be not used on track at all

Thanks in advance
SJ

Hikerr

This is easy. The Grand Sport is better looking than the Stingray if that's all you care about (wow factor).

CPB

If you don't need the track capability, then the stingray seems like the best fit. The ride quality and noise will be slightly better due to the smaller wheels and narrower tires. The running costs will also be lower with the smaller tires and smaller brakes.

Identical power levels between the two and the stingray actually has a bit more lively oversteer than the grand sport. Both are a lot of fun.

BAT

For me and many others, strictly on looks, the wide body of the Grand Sport has a mean look to it. Granted, not everyone likes it, but in my opinion, the looks of the wider fenders and the wider tires are stunning.

You'll often have different aero that adds to the overall look too. You can add it to the Stingray, but things like the rear spoiler will require drilling. And without it, to me the Stingray without a spoiler doesn't have the same appeal as a stage 2 or stage 3 spoiler.

zipity

SJ
Welcome to the madness! The hunt was half the fun for me in my search for my pre-owned C7.

Here are my thoughts and experiences. My 2019 Stingray Coupe is my daily driver and I live in New Jersey, so we do get cold and some snow. I have the option to work from home when we have a bad snow storm, so I am not worried about driving in the snow.

I wanted a fully loaded 3LT Trim, Z51, Mag Ride, Manual, Coupe and since these were my must have options and I knew my price range, the Stingray was in my budget. I wanted the newest model year and highest options, so I went Stingray instead of a low optioned older Grand Sport. The Stingray works for me, as the wheels and tires are smaller and can offer a better ride quality and less expensive to replace.

There is no doubt the wider bodied Grand Sport is more aggressive looking. So to help my Stingray have a slightly more aggressive look, I added the Stage 2 Aero with the GM front splitter, full length side skirts and Stage 2 rear spoiler. This gave my car a more aggressive look and am I thrilled with it.

Best of luck in your search for your perfect Corvette!!

sjalal

Hello Zipity,
Thanks for taking time and writing a detailed message. Since I am also in NJ (the greatest state !) I am very interested to know your approach for buying the C7.

I am looking for single owner and no accident history. What is a sweet spot in mileage I should get and any particular year model from C7 perspective I should be looking for ? As I mentioned I am looking for the C7 as a weekend driver (I will be driving max 6k miles per year I am guessing), Any advise is welcome

Thanks , i will be looking out for your C7 on GSP ;-)

SJ

2019yellow

Grand Sport

aadadams

I bought a base, but color was more important to me than the aggressive look look, I suppose. While I have not done it yet, Oracle LEDs, a spoiler, poverty splitter, and side skirts are in my future... If I'd found a grand sport vert in black on black, I'd have gladly bought it... Something to aspire to I suppose, LOL!

Kevin A Jones

Strange question, as if looks are most important, then what's most important is which looks best to you.

SGM Snake

Well since I have a GS, my thoughts are tainted.
I like the wide body agressive look of the gs.
Its the Z without the horsies.
But everyone will have a different opinion.
Drive both if possible and go from there.

Cryptoboy

I originally had a C5Z (2002), then went with an 90 base (both in yellow). Honestly I regretted not getting a C6 in a Z06 or GS - mine next to one of those I liked the look less after seeing that.

I sold the C6 and started looking at a C7. I didn’t want to feel like I wasn’t going to like the narrower body, so was focused on either a GS or Z06. I found my 17 GS (ironically in NJ), and it was also in the same color as my dads 74 Stingray (white with a tan interior). In my case I also had to have a manual.

So if you think you have any hesitation, I would recommend springing for the GS or Z.

Gixxerman

I would go for Z06, but bias aside I'd say go for GS

shakinrock

I agree and would suggest the Z51 package on the stingray. You (OP) are the only opinion that counts on curb appeal. On that note, you should consider a convertible as well as it has a very different look than the coupe.

Carvin

Do a search on cracked wheels. There is a decent chance you will have to deal with this but it very rarely affects base models.

AnotherNorskie

As I understand it, the OP wants to know what looks good to other people and so impress them. Kind of like jewelry or other items used to display status.

Notover

Go with the GS. Based on your comments you'll end up spending $5-6K (quality adds) making the Stingray look more agreesive. Just go for it now and get the GS.

Rky Mtn C6

Nothing against the Stingray, but when I got my C7, it was an easy decision for me. I went with the Grand Sport. My first Corvette was a 2006 C6, which was totaled less than a year after I bought it. I replaced it with a 2012 GS, and was immediately impressed with it. Handling and ride were so much better. Basically with the Grand Sport, you have a ZO6 with a base engine.

rfruscel

Hi had a 2017 stingray and now have a 2017 grand sport. To me, the wide body of the GS and Z06 is so damn beautiful. A C7 in any form will make you smile.

Steel City

Lift weights and make YOURSELF look more aggressive, lol! That way you wouldn't have to worry about how aggressive your ride looks. You can avoid endless sword fights with others who think your car looks less aggressive than theirs. . Just sayin.....

Gearhead Jim

Cracked wheels can be a problem on the GS/Z06, but rare on the base/Z51 cars.
If you get a GS, you should budget another ~$5k for a good set of forged wheels. Maybe you won't need to get them, but it would be a bummer to need them and not have the money in reserve. And the GS/Z06 wheels are so wide that our club has even had people who cracked the forged ones.