KittyHeart

even though i'm likely buying a c8, i strongly prefer a c7 (most likely grand sport). "best deal" i found is this deal, which is not that great of a deal tbh:

https://www.misarmotors.com/details/...vette/93161506

(looks like a shady dealership)

but, here are my top 3 reasons for wanting a c7 over a c8:

1) front engine: easier to fix than mid engine, lower cost of ownership, can see everything and top fluids easily

2) can use 3-channel dash cam (c8 has issue connecting rear camera), connect to rear window

3) can take to any mechanic (c8 i only trust chevy mechanic); i feel i can take the c7 to "bob's auto repair" but a c8 i feel i get only chevy, expensive

that's my top 3 reasons for wanting a c7 over c8

are my reasoning reasonable, or are they inaccurate?

Vette Jockey

I like my C7, but, with all the craziness with car jackings, I have started thinking about the C8 HTC.

I have a warranty, so all the work is done at the trusted Chevrolet Dealership. They also top off the fluids.

I guess it would depend on the deal.

Pineapple

We all have our own reasons for our preference but yes, all your points are understandable. Sure, there's a bit animosity between C1-C7 owners however one common ground shared is the Corvettes characteristic long hood front engine layout. Many people have stated the C8 just doesn't look or feel like a Corvette anymore, for many reasons but perhaps the layout change being the biggest one.

My tops 3 reasons for deciding to keep my C7 over getting a C8 are as follows:

1. MANUAL transmission. Putting my bias aside, I test drove a C8 on a few occasions to see if the C8's DCT would be enough for me to not miss the manual. Potential tranny issues aside, the DCT is a GREAT transmission however I could already imagine myself missing the manual. Even though it's slower, the extra layer of involvement is something I'd rather not part with yet.

2. The rawness and analog feeling of the C7. Superior rear midship layout that offers better traction, smooth DCT, better suspension geometry all work together to make the C8's for sure faster and more capable, however the overall experience is muted compared to the C7. Still present but greatly diminished is the exhaust noise, complaint harshness and old school chassis feeling of the C7. Again, all subjective. I know that if I got a C8 Z51 I'd need exhaust, coilovers, pads/lines/fluid, forged wheels and perhaps harder bushings to get some of that harshness back. I've been hearing very good things about the C8 Z06 though..

3. The cost benefit just isn't there coming from a C7. I can get maybe $50k for my lowly C7 as it sits and the C8' I'd want comes out to $102K OTD plus I know I'll put in another $12k to get the essentials out of the way (forged wheels, exhaust, intake) and perhaps another $15k for it to be done (bbk, coilovers, bushings). For me, the C7 does exactly what I want it to and for the most part I am quite content with it. Sure, getting a C8 would be awesome because it's faster and a new platform to play with, but so far in my mind I don't think i can justify paying double or triple what my C7 is worth. Perhaps when C8 Z06's can be had at MSRP, I'd reconsider.

Vetteman Jack

For me, this is the biggest factor in why the C7 is my choice. Yes, the C8 is an amazing car with stellar performance, but the C7 is no slouch and is still a hoot to drive.

edspec

First of I have 2019 2LT Grand Sport with an A8. As she's my only car she's my daily driver (plenty of room in the back for a month's worth of groceries). While the C8 is an awesome car I feel that it's more a lambo clone and not a Corvette. I love my interior, as the C8's wall of buttons really turns me off. My stepson and I recently took a road trip to Cooperstown NY (Baseball HOF) and he was easily able to reach into the cooler in back for cold water during the trip, try doing that in a C8.
I'm not a track guy so the 460 LT1 engine is more than enough for me. Hell, most of the time I'm cruising the streets of Brooklyn and rarely get above 30 MPH any way. I've heard the C8and in my opinion I love the growl coming out of my performance exhaust much better.
One final thing ... I think my 2019 GS looks far prettier than the C8.

Catfish4818

I can't imagine owning/driving a Corvette in Brooklyn! Good for you!

Dreamer2

Just can't warm up to the look of the C8. Does not wow me.

C7nut

The photo speaks a thousand words. Absolutly beautiful and my #1 reason for keeping the C7.

lassie

Can GM Produce mid engine Corvette and front engine Corvette side by side like Ferrari?

dvilin

No way at this time can I fathom giving up my 2019 Z06 M7 Convertible for the C8. Not in love with the looks of the C8. Some views of the C8 look good like the front end but the side and rear view leave a bit to be desired. I realize the dct on the C8 is quicker than the M7 but it just for me takes away some of the sports car driving experience.

joemessman

The C8 is a great car! But....it's a nonstarter for me because of the styling. Of course that's just me. I understand that. But if I did like the looks the storage capacity is a deal breaker as well a the cabin configuration. When I wear out my Z06 with 113,00 miles on it I'll buy another C7 Z06. A black one this time around.

corvettezman

I felt the same way when I was driving C5s and C6s several years ago and the C7 came out. Do you remember the uproar about the C7 not having round taillights??
I am sure that if I live long enough, the C8 will grow on me just like the C7 did.

Punisher44

Any reason you personally don't like the C8 is valid, it's your money. I don't care what others think of my reasoning. That being said, that car looks fantastic and even though I paid 58,000 for my 2019 GS brand new that is a smoking deal especially with the low mileage. I would jump all over that if the car looks and runs as good as the pictures look. As far as shady dealer Google reviews are 5 stars if that means anything to you. Me personally I would jump on this fast at that price.

C7nut

Took a long time but the C8 grew on me. It has a racetrack look while a C7 has more of a daily driver street look.
They are completely different animals, both beautiful but different.

103FamilyRacing

I'm a C7 Grand Sport nut myself, however I still think the C8 looks beautiful. Great body lines, very aggressive styling, and great straight line performance. My opinions are based on track performance for my reasons to own so I know most would not be thinking the same way I do however its another outlook on a good thread here
My reasons for choosing the C7 GS over the C8 was performance based only. I've been competing in competitive time attack against C8's since they came out and I've raced some very heavily modified cars and so far have not been beaten by a C8 yet. We'll see how fast the Z06 will be when people start getting them to the tracks here in the Northeast. The C8's I've raced are typically very fast on the straights but due to a more narrow front tire as well as a lot more weight they do not stop as quickly and have much more understeer in the turns. I've noticed they do not handle as well as the C7's do as long as both cars have good drivers that is. The C7 is much lighter and more nimble of a car. Better weight balance and has great front end grip for sharp turn in. Loose is fast, understeer scrubs a lot of speed. The LT1 is a great engine, reliable on track and easily modified to make 500hp (ish, mine is 456whp) which for a lightened up C7 grand sport(3161lbs) is great on track.
I really enjoy the manual transmission, even though it might be a tenth or two slower per lap I enjoy shifting. The stock shifter is **** on track, I love the Tick Performance shifter and its easy to install and makes the transmission much better.
Either way, both are great cars!! Both are corvettes and whether you like one or the other we're all corvette people and I respect them all and love to see a corvette no matter the year.

ersatz928

The C8 is a great car, but I won't buy a C8 to replace my C7 for two reasons:
1) No manual transmission
2) C8 styling versus C7 styling. One looks goofy...and out-of-proportion.

I suspect my next high performance car will come from Stuttgart......

Max_7k

Was thinking about that as well.
С7 is more raw, way more menace in the looks, angrier. You feel that the car is based on 20-year old chassis. But it's really fast on track though, plus you have right version - GS, n/a engine with all the handling from z06.
C8 is ultra-modern. Good car, but it was already mentioned that you'll need quite some money to liven up the roughness of a car. Not as focused as well; and z06 is unattainable mostly.
Ultimately if you want dual-purpose/street car, and you like manual - it's C7 GS all the way. Even if you don't like it specifically, you force to have M7 in C7. Otherwise just buy C8, because A8 in C7 cancels pretty much all good things about the car and ruins it. Drove C8 Z51 and C7 GS A8 back to back, and it was even more terrible than c7 gs a8 alone. C7 gs M7 is completely different - brilliant - and it occupies my parking lot for that.

FLX C7

My three reasons:
1. Less luggage space in C8, too little
2. Styling - C8 has too many angular slants and openings
3. My wife could not handle that angular wall between passenger and center console and controls.
Ken

joemessman

I understand, but I don't want a car that has to grow on me. It's love at first site for me! Just like the C3 and the C6, and most of all the C7.

C7nut

I had a 1976 C3 & a C6. The C8 is a stark contrast to all previous vettes. For some like myself it took time to fully appreciate it, but it's not for me.
I love my C7. it's modern, beautiful and the last of the F/E classics.
Plus, if you notice, no surprise to me, it's held it's resale value great. I guess others think like me.