almarlowe

I'm 72 and come from the 60's etc. and always loved Chevrolets, raced them built them etc. Now I only own and drive them. In the last 10 years I've owned a C7 Zo6/Z07 and a C8. I loved them both., obviously I don't race or track them, now I just drive them and enjoy them. I still have the C8 and am looking at a C8 Z06 or an Eray. I am not asking whether buying either this is a good decision I'm just curious if any other old guys have the same dilemma. Finances are not an issue. It's in my blood but I will never experience the capability of either but at least I'm driving it.

sowega

I've got a few years before I catch you, but I would upgrade to a Z06 if I didn't have to drive downtown Atlanta once or twice a week. With the non-Z51 mag ride, my C8 is okay, but my old M2 used to beat the absolute hell out of me over the bad pavement. I have to imagine the Z06 would be the same, if not rougher. The ERay may be the way to go, but every day GM has me waiting on a valve body to repair my car makes it less likely that I buy another Corvette.

I love the idea of all wheel drive and being able to stealth out of the garage in the morning (the wife and dogs don't love the cold start as much as I do, haha), but I think I'd rather hear that flat plane exhaust note.

hyprsprt

Well if finances are not an issue then get one of them and enjoy, life it’s short and I’m sure you worked your whole life so why not enjoy the fruits of it but between the 2 options in my opinion the E-Ray will fit your needs better being AWD and you are not going to track it or do spirited driving and even if you do the E-ray will be more than enough and will be probably more comfortable for what you are going to use it on the other hand the sound of that Zo6 its amazing

dale fehrenbach

We are the same, OP, only I’m 73. I had two SS 396 in the 60s and 70s. And last 20 years five corvettes. The two prior to my current 24 SR were Z06, a C 6 and a C7. I really wanted a Z06 in my latest, but $30 grand or more over list plus 2-5 year wait, seems utterly ridiculous. Financials are not the issue, but common sense prevailed. I’m done looking for a Z06, period.

Inferno24

As far as I'm concerned, you've already solved your dilemma.

Walter Raulerson

This is FINALLY my 8th 76 in May Everyone I talked to said "You only live once" if it's not a burden to own and the other half agrees do it and go as long as you are able

john91498

I think everyone on this site feels the same as you

mike1999z51

In 2 months I will turn 80. My 6th Corvette was delivered 1/3/24. Enjoying it does not mean that you need to explore its performance limits. When I listen and feel it going thru its gears at a moderate pace it reminds me of the times, years ago, when I could really explore the cars limits. I am a true " car guy" who loves driving the best Corvette yet. If you have the resources and the true desire then buy the model that you will really like the most. All the best to you in your quest.

traronf

I just turned 70 and bought my first corvette a 2014 C7 10 years ago and just got my 2024 C8 and am on a wait list for an eRay. Life is short and as long as you can afford it keep it going. I’m retired now and enjoy taking care of my C8 and if I can still get in and out of one when the C9 comes along I will probably get one of those also.

GOLD72

I am where you are at but I have already decided to pony up the deposit to MM and wait my turn to get an allocation and order an E-Ray. The kids are going to inherit enough as it is!!

sTz

Life is short. Buy what makes you happy and ignore any perceived stigma.

TD20

Buy it! Spend it while you can and enjoy things while you are in good health.

You cant take money with you.

2TONE82

I'm a youngster; Lord willing, I'll turn 60 this May. I'm at the point where I'm starting to look at life a bit differently as I have less days in front of me than behind. I've lived a good life, 20 years in the Marine Corps, 10 years in public office, a father, grandfather of three and married to my high-school sweetheart for 39 years now.

Wait, what were we talking about? Oh, Corvettes. My Corvettes have to have a connection to me and selling my '82 and '04 Z16 will be my kids/grandkids problem. I graduated high school in 1982 and retired from the Marine Corps in 2004. I'm keeping them both and put about 1k miles a year on them. I started dabbling in old Jeeps (old to me) a few years ago. Picked up a 79 and 70 CJ5s. I'm having a blast. That's what matters.

BTW, the last Corvette that was introduced and caught my eye was the C5Z back in 2001. I still look around, like when the C8 came out. Helluva car but just not my liking. The styling is lost on me. Just my two cents, but I can buy a bunch more old Jeeps and have way more fun for that kind of coin.

Cheers 🍻

3LZR21U

I'm way younger, and I'm increasingly convinced that life can be snatched away at any moment. So I'm going to do the stupidest thing I've ever financially done--after 20+ years of doing pretty much everything right.

I would still be on the frugal and penny-pinching path if GM hadn't woken up and offered an AWD Corvette (and an HTC to boot). And if I am buried in it--so be it. I had my heart ripped out by my previous attempt to build a 600 AWHP daily-drivable car. I'm going to be smarter about it this time around.

Rocketmanwpb

They are both amazing cars I would be more inclined to get the C8 Z06 because of the amazing engine. The Eray is just a Stingray with an electric motor.

trumanjd1

SAME HERE...I AM GOING ON 73, wanted, and finally was delivered after a years wait a 24' C8..Red Mist Z51 after 3 different C7's. Finding out I must of slept thru Computer Class!
Programming and utilizing all the different options/settings on my C8 will probably take to the end of time..the Google Radio is another issue in itself..Who the hell comes up with these improvements ..when the demographics show most of the owners who can afford the C8 are the older generation ..and most lacking the knowledge & finesse to maneuver all the programs and settings, not to mention charging $$ for navigation.
Note..I didnt realize how much I appreciated and enjoyed my 2019 GS!

gdb069

I am barely using half the capability of the C8 as is. The Z06 would be totally wasted on me but I may consider an Eray. At 72 I still have a few motorcycles for the "thrills"

Vetteman Jack

If you have the finances and want to upgrade, then by all means go for it. Every day you wait is one less day that you could be enjoying either a Z or an Eray.

VegasDan

8, 18 or 80 - (as long as no one is harmed {seriously}) Life is too short to regret ANYTHING that you have the ability to do and enjoy.

I got my first personal Corvette at age 20 (parents had a few before that) but this one was MINE.
A white T Top 76 automatic in 1986.
A nice enough car - but higher mileage, no horsepower to speak of. But it was pretty.

I used to have "old" men (probably guys much younger than I am now) come up at gas stations and admire it - talk about how they had always wanted one; but life precluded it.
This always made me so sad.
And I promised myself that I would never place myself in that position - so I worked pretty hard; probably have been luckier than I deserve. And I don't have nearly as much money in the bank as I should; but I have had adventures and I have had toys and I have made memories.

When I die - I will hope that I have been a good husband, a good father, but the eulogy should be a simple, "He had fun".

Now I just have to figure out how to afford an Eray.

Semifighter18

Man there are some deep thoughts on this thread.........