N4Speed

I have been driving my C8 for over a week and put about 320 miles on it I have always liked corvettes and owned a C5 & C7 Z06/Z07, I enjoyed both. Let me start by saying that I absolutely love my C8!

I thought I draw some comparison between C8 and my other sport/exotic cars, 2018 Avent S, 2018 AMG GTS & 2017 Cali T. I understand that I maybe comparing apples to oranges, but I am so impressed with C8 and I think it’s right up there in many categories with more expensive cars.

I’m a car guy and brand agnostic. As you read this comparison, please know these are just my opinion. Also, if I were to take price into consideration, C8 would win in every single category. I think we are very fortunate that GM has given us an awesome exotic/sport car with base at $60K.

Here are my assessments in the following categories:

Value for Money: By far and without a doubt, C8 rules. GTS takes 2nd place, Avent 3rd and Cali T 4th.

Handling & Road Compliance: . My C8 doesn’t have Mag ride but I am so impressed with it’s ride quality. It's just a pleasure to drive it! I can't emphasis enough how NICE the ride is! I have not notice much of body roll either. I did some spirited driving on the back roads and C8 feels like it’s is on rails! Inside the cabin is quiet and nice, no noise, no rattle. C8 1st, GTS & Avent. 2nd, Cali T 3rd.

Technology: C8 tech is so far advanced when compared to Italian and most German cars. I love Camera/mirror, a must have for mid engine cars as visibility is so poor with tiny rear window. I really like the PDR. I used My C7 Z06 PDR extensively on the track to improve my driving skills. No other production car has anything close to it. Even if I compare the tech in my old 2016 Z06 to these European cars, Corvette still wins by a big Margin. Kudos to GM for being on the leading edge of technology. C8 is a clear winner when it comes to tech. C8 1st by a big margin! GTS 2nd, Avent & Cali T 3rd.

Interior: C8 interior is absolutely beautiful, well designed with quality material and good workmanship. It is as good as European cars. Gone the smell of plastic and epoxy, instead it’s subtle smell of leather and newness. GT2 seats are awesome, comfortable and good looking. Avent. 1st, C8 2nd Cali T 3rd & GTS 4th.

Exterior Style: I like C8 from A pillar forward, from B pillar backward, it has not grown on me yet. IMHO, the intake vents on quarter panel/door don’t flow and It doesn’t do the overall design any favor. In fairness to GM, I think they tried to accommodate the need of those who like to carry 2 golf bags and that probably impacted the design/style. Avent 1st, Cali T 2nd, GTS 3rd, C8 4th.

Transmission: Based on my limited time in the car I am very impressed with C8 DCT! It’s HUGE improvement over my 2016 Z06 A8. It’s very smooth, quick and crisp in up shifts. It's a little abrupt when you down shift in certain modes. When it’s in manual and sport mode, if you don’t manually down shift for example when you approach a red light, it will shift for you to prevent stalling and it is a bit abrupt from 3rd to 2nd, however if you manually down shift, it’s smooth and quick. Down shifts are also smooth and quick in auto mode. I guess I am just nitpicking. Also, you hear a nice but subtle pop when up shifting in certain RPM range. I like it! I have not noticed a difference in C8 DCT behavior when I change driving mode. With Italians, you will notice distinct difference in shift points/behavior when you change mode. GTS DCT behaves the same in all 4 modes. C8 has wheel mounted paddles, I prefer Italian style column mounted paddles, you always know where to find them. I have not had a chance to try it above 4,500 rpm, but I am sure it will be just fine. GTS 1st, C8 2nd, Cali T 3rd & Avent. 4th.

Exhaust Notes: I have the NPP option, but it’s a bit too quiet for my taste. Fortunately, aftermarket exhaust are being developed. Avent. 1st, GTS 2nd, C8 & Cali T 3rd

Exclusivity: Right now and for the rest of this year, C8 is very exclusive. I get thumbs up and waves all the time. Avent 1st, Cali T 2nd, AMG 3rd, C8 4th.

Daily Driver: C8 is clear winner here. I went to Costco 1st night I bought the car. I kept putting stuff in our cart and my wife wasn’t sure it could all fit. We had a full cart, C8 had room to spare! Also, because of it’s composite body panel, the chances of door dings are slim. Smooth ride and comfortable seats are a big plus! C8 1st, GTS 2nd, Cali T 3rd & Avent 4th.

Once I put the break-in miles, I will track it and report back.

bigblock427

Thanks for the write up. I think you presented a very subjective opinion.

punky

Great write up Man. Best use of a 2 car garage I have ever seen. Is that a marble floor in there? Quite a stable of vehicles you have.

john91498

I'd prefer your Lambo and/or Ferrari. The Corvette looks like a Toyota Corolla next to them.

IdRatherBGolfing

Just curious. Why didn’t you do z51 and mag ride? Beautiful cars btw.

steve0415

Nice write up. Thanks for the comparisons.

Steve

punky

Do you really think so? Most people would see your thoughts here as a gross exaggeration and a dose of C8 hate.

EasyLivin

Car looks great in that color with the body color accents ! Glad to hear about the ride on the standard suspension... Looking forward to your updates. Thanks for the write up

quick04Z06

Interesting and thoughtful write-up. Thanks.

Hitman227

Nice write-up, interesting.

kong

I have had all those cars plus a Ferrari 599 and a current F12. When I sold my Aventador 700 I said I would never buy another one until they fixed that IRL transmission. Just terrible especially compared to my Huracan whose DCT blew me away. Agree that the C8 is terrific and cant wait for the higher HP Z06!

rrsperry

Just wait for the ownership cost advantage. THe C8 can be serviced almost everywhere, by a guy with a rock and and a hammer. (it's a SBC) You can buy oil, filters, wipers at Wally World if you want too.

Since I could afford to buy almost any car I want, (no I couldn't afford a Bug, or a Koenigsegg) but I'm not stupid, The C8 made the choice easy.
I was looking at used F430's or 360 6 speeds. Eh, no.. older, slower, less tech, expensive parts and maintenance.. Nope...

And yes the golf clubs not having to ride shotgun is a huge deal for me....

Waiting on my C8 HTC, Z51 FE4, in Long Beach Red, Edge red calipers, 2lt, GT2 seats, jet black suede, gray trident wheels... For $86K... It's a no brainer. Mike Furman says, if the world doesn't end, I'll get it this summer.

Rgali1

Thanks for your write up. I have an order on a C8 but was toying with the idea of picking up a used GTS or California instead. Prices have plummeted on both. I believe they are at a point where the depreciation curve will stabilize. I have to wonder how much your opinion is skewed because of the newness of the car. It’s definitely the hottest car out there right now . Please give us a follow up. Thank you!

N4Speed

Z51 & Mag ride are great options and I think you get a lot for the money! Unfortunately I don't care for the rear spoiler on Z51. Just a personal preference.

punky

Yeah the Aventador is pretty sick is it not. A friend of mine bought a new one recently and let me drive it. Not real comfortable for me but Jeeeezzuuus is that thing scary fast. You sure do have a collection there.

tooold2race

GREAT comparison! We've got a Cali, AMG GT and an i8 Roadster and can't wait for our C8 'vert' which should be coming sooooon. People always ask me which one is the 'best' and I tend to tell 'em "the next one". In my opinion they all have very unique traits and strengths. While I tend to think of 'em as clothes.... different garb for different occasions, my wife who drives them all, considers 'em 'accessories'.

My dad taught me a real long time ago, you have to drive something so make sure it's something that makes the drive fun!

sTz

Good write-up. Any views on comparative power and acceleration... including your previous Z06?

N4Speed

Kong, I read your thread on comparison of C8 and F12 and enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to drive a friend’s F12 and what a joy!

You have a point with regards to ISR gearbox on Avent, it’s an old technology. Although it is very quick, it’s is also abrupt and jerky when up shifting. Down shifts on the other hand are heavenly! I have learned to drive it like a manual and ease of gas when up shifting.

I had the 1st generation Avent (2015 model) The ride quality was so poor borderline punishing. The Avent S is a major improvement with Mag ride and rear wheel steering. It makes this big and heavy car feel nimble and agile. I wish Lamborghini switched to a DCT when they did the mid-cycle refresh with the S.

I also had an Huracan and the DCT on that car is my all time favorite specially in sport mode. Unfortunately, I suffer from small p**** syndrome and need the scissor doors to make up for the deficiency, so, I traded the Huracan for an Avent S.

Thanks! Floor is 12x24 ceramic tiles, slippery when wet :-) Her are 2 more pics that shows the floor & back area.

michael510

Ah, so like your hate when you say how ugly the 911 is....got ya.

michael510

Excellent thread! Thanks for sharing. The one thing pretty much everyone that has taken delivery has said, is they love this car ! I'm so excited to finally get my own "first impressions ". I have loved all of the vettes I have owned. The C7 Z06 being tied for top2 for me.