2014 Corvette Stingray Z51 Review

[@marshmallowfluff538]

Oh my god, the Z51 corvette stingray is the car of my dreams. When I finally get one, it'll be the happiest day of my life

[@BrianMakse]

Great car!

[@srtmaggy]

I just bought one I get it next week I'm excited :)

[@ROJIBLANCO828]

I got a 2015 two days ago im in love even thoight i was sad to let my mustang gt go

[@DennisMurphey]

I bought a 2014 Z51 A4 3LT 5 years old with 5,000 miles on it. Now 3 years later 11,000 miles and the smile has never left my face. D

[@BrianMakse]

You need to drive it more often!

[@juliusten6225]

Very nice, honest, review! The majority of us will never take this car to the race track but will certainly enjoy driving it as much as we want.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, Julio! I'm really looking forward to trying the Z51 on track. Corvettes have long been one of my favourite all around track cars.

[@JessShanahan]

I'm taking one of these on a road trip for my show later this week and I cannot wait. The sound of that V8 is immense.

[@sheruwalia7450]

These reviews are exactly the kind of substance I love! Really enjoyed how honest and connected this felt. Especially by not always throwing it on tracks like every other review. Surprised this isn't more popular! subscribed.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks! We really appreciate your feedback. Our little channel is finally starting to become more popular. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@Unscenible]

Drove my friends fell in love instantly...Can't wait to buy one for myself

[@skywarp1]

I sat inside the Corvette and yes those seats feel like that it really fits me like glove.

[@BrianMakse]

The new interior is awesome!

[@skywarp1]

It sure is

[@ZondaF355]

Very informative and chill review. I like the aspect you give thoughts from. Truly enjoyed Brian. Thanks!

[@BrianMakse]

Thank you - and thanks for watching!

[@carbeen2]

Thanks for the great video. I have a 2016 Stingray (Z51) convertible and I love it!

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks! Great car - great choice!

[@conradrr9371]

Great video. I own a 2016 Z51 Stingray coupe as well, and truly love it. Waiting for an early Spring. Stay safe....

[@BrianMakse]

Lovely car, well done! Hope your spring comes soon. We’re getting tons of snow for the next week. (As for staying safe, I’ve done all of the things the media says I shouldn’t, like international flights, dining out in Florida, etc, so I probably should be dead already!)

[@conradrr9371]

Thank you. The paint colour is Shark Grey Metallic, the exterior trim is carbon flash metallic. It's a 2LT, 7 speed, black leather with grey stiching, no mag ride☹️. In fact the car came from the Toronto area, I bought it in November 2018, it's now in Northern Ontario some 9 hour north. LOL It's the only Shark Grey vette in town, so I feel kinda special. I have some friends in Acton, Kitchener and London that I hope to see once we can freely travel once our Premiere lifts these restrictions. Who knows, we might see each other on the 400/401 someday.

[@BrianMakse]

@@conradrr9371 Great spec, well done! Anytime you're down here, hit me up and hopefully our schedules align for a drive!

[@conradrr9371]

@@BrianMakse Will do.👍

[@ZSPEED3000]

I watch reviews on vehicles regularly. This is my first time response. Besides having an outstanding performance platform to share with us, you clearly identified the focal points necessary when making a purchase decision. My 2012 Caddy CTS-V has numbered days till trade in. Now if you could do a convertable Z07 soon....just sayin'

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for watching, John! We'll be getting our hands on the new ones as soon as we can!

[@autofanaticcars]

Drove my friends the other day. Car is outstanding i was amazed it rode over rutted NY roads better than my 2012 CTSV. Main reason i sold my CTSV is the ride quality is horrible around NY and it had the most uncomfortable recarro seats in history. Il only miss the power thats for sure

[@BrianMakse]

I haven't driven one of those in a LONG time. The last one I drove was a wagon, automatic sadly, but it still was capable of some wicked drifts. I don't ever remember driving one on the street. Was it that harsh?

[@galliesanford6176]

I just got 2014 stingray z-51 3 lt package car has 4765 miles on it yes less than 5k Snow White red and black Napa leather interior absolutely love it

[@243wayne1]

How many miles does your Corvette have on it now? Glad you enjoy it!

[@BlueHopi144]

U totally deserve more popularity ! Keep the good work , u rock !

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, Jean-Michel! We really appreciate it! Be sure to subscribe if you haven't yet. We promise you'll see more fun car films!

[@nickbusato7138]

Thanks mate! Glad you are enjoying it, our small team puts a lot of hard work into each and every one of these videos.

[@647killa]

A very well done review. I'm really hoping for your channel to pick up and its also refreshing to see a proper Canadian car enthusiast channel with great reviews. As for the new Corvette, I think its simply a masterpiece in every single way, though I prefer the looks and sheer rawness of the Viper with its V10. Great sportscars and despite the oil crisis, I'm glad America is churning out some proper driver focused cars, even if they are still a bit focused towards emissions, safety, and nanny-controlled to some extent.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks! The new Viper is really a special car. We're testing a cool Chevy next week and I'm looking forward to that one. My kind of car!

[@nickbusato7138]

Thanks for the kinds words mate!

[@Kaiser187]

I'm a Ford guy but damn I want one of these bad. This car is unbeatable for the price, absolutely amazing!

[@Thelionfan11]

Hey Brian the new stingray is absolutely awesome really love this car :-)

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for watching! It is a blast to drive!

[@Kyle7K]

Just sold my C6 Z51 and was planning on upgrading to a C6 Grandsport but a 2014 Z51 presented itself to me today. It's at the high end of my max price range but...anyone have an input between C6 grand sport vs a 2014 Z51? I really like the wide GS body. But I LOVE the C7 interior. C6 is so dated inside. The extra HP wouldn't suck either. My C6 was flawless ownership for 3 years Regular maintenance only. Loved that, too! Thanks!

[@BrianMakse]

C7 GS…

[@alipontiac]

Brian which one is more rewarding to drive which one you do you prefer the C7 or the new Viper ??

[@BrianMakse]

Ah, mate, I get this question all the time! They're two totally different cars, apples and oranges really. Let's put it this way: it takes more talent to be able to get 100% out of the Viper.

[@kbossgaming9426]

WOW! What a bit of kit that is :)

[@KpopNiDontStop]

Still dreaming of one in 2020.

[@BrianMakse]

Grand Sport is the one to get now.

[@BlueHopi144]

very good revieuw ! excellent car . How much does one cost ?

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks! As tested, this one cost just over $70,000 Canadian. Read my full review at www.autonet.ca/en/2014/07/22/test-drive-2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-z51

[@BorisW150]

Great review. Nice to listen to something that is not as hyperbolic as the proliferation of track reviews available on YT. Good to hear someone pronounce 'zed' properly as well.

[@BrianMakse]

Ha! Thanks, Boris! We're glad you appreciate our style!

[@CKDC8]

Brian, you said the m3/4 go with DCT because manual isnt so great. In the stingray is manual a bettter pick?

[@RxSwolldier]

cjc90 no question. The auto is garbage in the c7

[@hayabusa27]

8 years and That car didn't age at all!

[@BrianMakse]

C7 GS is still my favourite Corvette.

[@davidmacgown321]

According to the 2022 consumer reports used car guide, the highest priced 2014 corvette stingray is 10k cheaper than the BASE 2012 porsche 911...and the 2014 corvette has had excellent reliability.

[@BrianMakse]

Do people read Consumer Reports for Corvette data points? That's a new one for me.

[@davidmacgown321]

@@BrianMakse if you're planning on making a car purchase, why wouldn't you?

[@Vi3tFire9]

Awesome review, I love the stealth look

[@JMaherWRX]

Brian, this model here, being the 3LT, according to GMs website the leather used is premium Napa Leather, the same which you would see in Audis and the like. Have you seed or driven a 2LT before? The 2LT comes with Mulan Leather, and I'm wondering if there is a noticeable difference between the suppleness or feel of the different leathers.

[@BrianMakse]

JMaherWRX No, I don't think I've driven the 2LT. Personally, I'd prefer some type of cloth.

[@cmilviper]

Another great review Brian!

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks again! We've got even more cool stuff coming very soon.

[@RichardJoashTan]

I am looking forward to buy the 2015 Z06 soon.

[@BrianMakse]

Have you ordered it yet?

[@RichardJoashTan]

Brian Makse I was just thinking.

[@nickbusato7138]

Look out for our review of that car in the very near future.

[@emrahercan]

Brian would you get 2015 M3 MT or this baby for daily drive ?

[@BrianMakse]

Santiago Emrah Ercan Great question! Do you need a back seat and/or rear doors? How important is a car's sound to you? Also, I would not get an M3 with a manual. Turbo lag is noticeable. Disappears with the dual clutch, though.

[@emrahercan]

Brian Makse - I can live without rear doors and seat. I do have a jack russell and some occasional 3rd passenger and a surf board to carry around. Thats why I was geared towards M3 however thanks for pointing out the lag w/MT. I never drove a performance car without a stick so DCT would be interesting. And who doesnt love the sound..I know Z51's V8 roars much better than artificial inline 6 turbos...so I guess I am getting the vet ?

[@BrianMakse]

Santiago Emrah Ercan Both are excellent cars, so you'll have to give them both a try. You can't go wrong, both are excellent cars.

[@Leonardotheconure]

Very nice ride. Makes one wonder whats next? Love my C6 Z51 Great everyday ride. Makes you want to go to work. And keep driving,,,LOL,,

[@jeffpuha8187]

An excellent, sensible, real world review. Thanks Brian. I was wondering what you thought of the ride quality in the different suspension modes?

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, Jeff! Ride quality is one of the Corvette's qualities. It's never jarring to the point that you're annoyed. In normal driving, I just left it in Tour (I think it's called that in Corvette-speak) and that was fine, even in my poorly paved city. On back roads, you'll want to dial it up, but I still haven't driven the darn thing on the track to see what full track settings are like.

[@jeffpuha8187]

Brian Makse You're quite welcome Brian, and thanks for getting back to me. That's gratifying to hear that the ride is good. Too many sports cars today have suspensions of stone due to the incessant testing on the Nordschleife, and the resultant suspension tweaking, in my opinion. I doubt I'd ever drive my 'Vette on the track, so track performance is just a minor topic of interest for me. I do insist on both tight and compliant suspension performance on the road, however. Thanks again for a fine effort here.

[@BrianMakse]

I think the trouble often is that a stiff ride is perceived by a new customer as a "sporty" ride, since they can immediately feel it. One company, cough Mercedes cough, has cars in Europe that ride beautifully, but when they land here, they're as stiff as boards for no reason but that. On the other hand, there are a lot of Nurburgring-tuned cars that I really like. Strange. As for the new Corvette, its piece de resistance is really that e-diff that's part of the Z51 package. Brilliant stuff.

[@jeffpuha8187]

Brian Makse I think you're right about the perception that an overly stiff ride is perceived as "sporty". That's interesting about the European Merc's. Perhaps Mercedes figures that there are more poor roads in Europe and that all our roads here are freeways. :) I'm curious to see how the new 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S performs and rides. She looks great on paper, and should be two-three hundred pounds lighter than the out-going SLS Coupe.

[@BrianMakse]

Jeff Puha I'm actually a big fan of the SLS and I keep thinking about buying one, setting the suspension right and getting a tune done on that transmission. With a little tweaking, it would be perfect. Truly perfect. The GT is a compelling alternative to the 911, etc. Hoping to test it sooner rather than later!

[@entrepreneur_journey7]

What is the name of the song at the end 6:22 Btw I knew from right from the beginning it was Toronto :D

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for watching! All of the music on this channel is by Russell Soares, russellsoares.com. We don't hide the fact that we're from the Toronto area! Our next couple of films were done in California, actually.

[@entrepreneur_journey7]

Brian Makse Thanks I was looking for this particular but couldn't find it :-( Do you know the exact name?

[@spoonie1972]

saqib1786 Hey there. I'm in the process of putting a bunch of material together, and i'll include that track in the listing. I'll repost here when that's done. The track in question is called "Callie". I'm glad you enjoyed it - I enjoyed the Corvette :)

[@entrepreneur_journey7]

Russell Soares Awesome - thanks Russell. You make some good tracks. Perhaps I can swing by and visit you guys when I'm in Toronto. P.S. I'm really looking forward to the 2015 Corvette Z06 actually :)

[@spoonie1972]

saqib1786 Retitled to "See Seven" - you can find it here: russellsoares.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-cars Cheers!

[@SuzukiKid400]

Great review. Where in Ontario did you film this?

[@BrianMakse]

+SuzukiKid400 For the most part, it's in the city limits of Toronto.

[@rd5991]

+Brian Makse where exactly?

[@BrianMakse]

+rajan dhaliwal Scarborough.

[@sagisstar4553]

Why is it outstanding? Revs the engine as he goes through the gears ⚙️ Yeah, that’ll do! Lol 😂 my favorite part of the video👍🏾👍🏾

[@BrianMakse]

You rolled in here to be a jerk about an eight year old episode? 🤣🤣🤣 You know what to do.

[@ked4]

ZEE 51

[@garysimpson7326]

Brian Makse: I am commenting in Oct of 2018. Your comments regarding the Corvette competing against the BMW M4 and the Porsche 911 and right on. It also competes in my mind against the Mercedes AMG. I recently placed an order for a 2019 Corvette Z06 and I had considered the other cars mentioned. Ultimately, it seemed to me that the Corvette quality has improved tremendously while still maintaining outstanding performance. That made it my choice. Plus I could buy American. MAGA!

[@BrianMakse]

Good choice, Gary. Did you catch our Z06 review from a few years back? We're finally going to try the ZR1 soon. Anectdotally, I think the Z06 engine is made in my hometown...in Canada.

[@garysimpson7326]

Brian Makse: No sir, I have not seen that video but I have seen numerous reviews of the Z06. It is a beast:-)

[@soprano4ny]

Hi Brian, you did an awesome job describing everything that I wanted to know. I am seriously thinking of the Z06 for purchase. However, I am not going to race it or drag race in it. The Z06 has every option and it's awesome in every way. Here's my question, have you driven the Z06? I would be very happy with the Stingray, I truthfully do not want the huge dept that goes with the Z06 but I really want your opinion. It's a significant amount of money more and I want to know from an expert like you. Thank you and take care! Tony

[@BrianMakse]

+soprano4ny Thanks, Tony! I'm sure there's a longer conversation to be had here, but I'd go with what you see here - a Z51 Stingray and option it the way you prefer. Yes, I've driven the Z06, check it out here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqfZoWmVe5Z_sKs - but the Stingray is more than fast enough to paint a smile on your face every time you drive it. Feel free to shoot me a note at brian at makse dot com if you have any more questions. Cheers!

[@theteknician8458]

+soprano4ny Just fyi bc I was having the same issue as yourself. I will soon be in the market for either a Z51 or Z06. I've gotten much advice and I've settled on the Z51. This article helped me. www.motortrend.com/news/2015-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-z51-review-long-term-update-5/

[@Badassvidsz]

Really awesome car :-)

[@PatrickMichael2002]

No complaints? Clearly you didn't take the roof off and drive on the highway. The aerodynamics are horrible. There is even noise and concussion simply driving with both windows down. Very disappointing. Otherwise, the car is phenomenal. Great "Bang for the Buck" over the new ///M4.

[@BrianMakse]

I had the roof off as often as possible during my test. I guess I just like open cars.

[@PatrickMichael2002]

Yes. I have a BMW hardtop convertible. I was hoping the targa top on the new C7 was going to give me that same "open air" feeling. It did not. You can barely carry on a conversation at highway speeds. Very disappointing...

[@nico74321]

are there any issues you have with the c7? cus i'm going to get one soon and i need some negative feedback on this car since most of them are positive ..

[@PatrickMichael2002]

Funny you should ask. Here is my review on the Corvette Forum. It includes my "Extended Test Drive" video on KZbin as well. Enjoy... www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c7-general-discussion/3522494-video-my-extended-test-drive.html

[@nico74321]

finally a review that is absolute unbiased. thx for your time and effort i will take all tho cons into consideration, good review and well done !

[@enntense]

A really impressive car, but I have to say, and this is of course opinion..But. Who at GM thought red leather would be a really cool thing in the interior?...Blarg.

[@BrianMakse]

For one, their interior designers who 1) graduated design school and 2) are good enough to be employed as interior designers.

[@enntense]

Brian Makse Well if they keep this job up GM will need another bailout.

[@BrianMakse]

enntense Huh? GM has sold over 27,000 Corvettes YTD in the US this year. Not sure how that translates to a bailout. Or red interiors, for that matter.

[@enntense]

Brian Makse Let me simplify it for you..Red leather interior=bad. Red leather is a big sign waving around telling everyone all your taste is in your mouth. It's like having zebra striped sheets on your bed..Or gold spoke hubcaps..Bad bad bad..The engineering of this car was done in a most excellent manner, but then it looks like it went to the marketing department who decided Santa Clause should influence the interior. They should have just outsourced to Recaro.

[@BrianMakse]

enntense Red like this Bentley? 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S Auto Exotica Road Test - Bentley's also having a record sales year. Or this 911? 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet - AUTO EXOTICA ROAD TEST - Porsche is doing just fine, regardless of the colours of their upholstery. Also, marketing departments don't spec the interiors of any of these cars. Designers do. Recaro would have been pleased to supply red leather seats if that's what the designers specified, but Lear has done a great job with the new C7 seats.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

RIP FR Corvette Millennials will never understand history

[@BrianMakse]

What?

[@pontiacGXPfan]

@@BrianMakse they'll never understand that the Corvette goes way back to before it was reduced to a cheap-ass pretend Ferrari for pretend KZbin millionaires

[@BrianMakse]

Whatever floats your boat.

[@lesterl4139]

i do not know anyone in the state of ny that has a vette that does not have an aarp card and is collecting ssi checks and as most females that i have talked to seem to think that the problem seems to be limp something syndrome and to try to relive glory days that they never had

[@landofthefree1804]

It’s a sport car. We only want to drive fast 💨

[@usscharlottessn766]

Between this and the new dodge challenger, those would be my only two mistresses besides my wife. Lol

[@BrianMakse]

I can see that, this is a brilliant car. How does your wife feel about competition from cars?

[@xxijoseaixx224]

You should review the Tesla P85D!

[@BrianMakse]

Serious question, no sarcasm: why?

[@xxijoseaixx224]

It's fast and all Tesla videos get a lot of views!

[@BrianMakse]

xxijoseaixx We'll see...

[@popsncracks9108]

Paddle shifter starts 2016 so it’s not 2014

[@galliesanford6176]

I own a 2014 z-51 3lt package had 4500 miles on it and it does have paddle shifts on it might not base line but with the package I have it does

[@blairbrown4812]

Grand Touring performance for a fully tricked-out Ford Mustang price.

[@BrianMakse]

It's more sports car than GT.

[@_Bishopton]

He said zed.... im out.

[@ken3700]

Zed,... wtf you lost me at zed!

[@BrianMakse]

I’m sorry you haven’t been able to travel.

[@nairbyad7188]

keep your hands on the wheel. no one likes to see people talk with their hands anyway

[@BrianMakse]

LOL

[@nairbyad7188]

glad you realized i was just joking with you! ;-} more and more peeps are having HDD (humor deficiency disorder)

[@abxian4429]

hellcat or this

[@BrianMakse]

Two very different cars. Which one are you buying?

[@abxian4429]

I cant pick both great car which one is good for Drag races

[@BrianMakse]

We don't know anything about drag racing here.

[@cristopher8186]

+Aaron Chandra I'd get a stingray over a hellcat but if you're looking for drag racing get a hellcat

[@WynterK]

Depends on what you like to do with your car. Can't go wrong with either one