C7 vs C8 a real world owner's comparison

An owners real world perspective on both the C7 and the C8 and how they compare as a day to day car. I already miss the C8 but the C7 definitely has advantages.
C8 power adders • Supercharge, Twin Turb...
C7 Dash bubbling • 3LT Corvette leather d...
Information provided by the speaker/presenter in this video is for general information purposes only. All information is provided in good faith however no representation of warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of this information. All actions are performed at your own risk and you assume all responsibility for any and all of your own actions.

[@fanatic26]

The C8 looks like a hot wheels designer fever dream. It will never be as good as the C7 without a manual transmission. The soul of the car is hollow without one.

[@jimsteinway695]

You don’t understand what you’re talking about . The C7 can be a manual because it’s more of a drag car. Either car can use the DCT. The C8 Z07 has a high horsepower low torque motor. A manual in that car will get you in trouble BECAUSE of the low torque. If you’re in the wrong gear at the wrong speed you’ll get blown off the track. This is true of any race motor car such as the 911 GT3. The dual clutch solves that issue for you. There are so many things on the track for you to work on you don’t need to be thinking about what gear you’re in on the track . If you’re doing a drag race then yea maybe but you can’t shift as fast as a DCT. Even race cars have sequential trannies not manuals and todays manuals have auto rev matching and auto blipping so it’s not even a manual.

[@jimsollmi3600]

Great vid I have had a C5, C6, and currently C7 Z51 Stingray. Each generation got better than the previous, I am sure the C8 is better than the C7 for all the reasons you mention. But, your vid convinced me to stay with C7. for the following reasons that you point out: parts are readily available, the cost of a new comparable C8 is ridiculous, I am not tracking the car. I like to carry two full size sets of golf clubs in the back, so on and so forth. The C7 is gorgeous and drives great with mag ride. The interior of a C8 is small and restrictive, and made me feel claustrophobic. By the way no one mentions it, but the C7 is a mid-engine rear axle vehicle with 50/50 weight distribution which to me makes it a supercar.

[@Highlander8282]

Thank you! I totally agree and I've been mentioning the terminology when I see it mistaken. It's become a pet-peeve - the last front-engine Corvette was the C1. 🙄 I always hope people will learn more about engine layouts, weight distribution, moment of inertia etc. - the previous generations deserve more respect. Imagine the praise if the Corvette were simply made in Europe. I've had four Corvettes now - really hoping to experience the C7 and C8 some day.

[@Highlander8282]

Hey, very much appreciate this video and the detail you go into - very helpful! I respectfully want to correct some terminology. Corvettes have not had a front-engine layout since 1962. Since the C2, they have all been mid-engined. There is front-mid-engine and rear-mid-engine, which means the engine is between the axles and either in front of or behind the occupants. C8 has the first production rear-mid-engine layout. Front-engine and rear-engine layouts have the engine above axles and biased more toward the end of the vehicle, giving it a wider moment of inertia and less responsive handling. Holley put out a really good article on this and I hope everybody will read it. It's titled: Don't Call the C8 Corvette "Mid-Engined"

[@Longhorn-s7z]

While the C8 is very beautiful overall, for my taste it doesn't look as good as the C7. Especially in the tail end.

[@hogster5935]

I love the Vettes and owned. The problem with them is GM. I had many GM products and so many cheap parts on them. Had a Silverado, rots out. Now the C8 may be nice but still built by GM sad to say imo. Very nice design, but GM. I like to work on my own cars and the C8 engine pull, sucks for addressing cheap part failures. But same with Ferrari's too. The cars are designed for performance not working on them. I get that..... All this said a C8 is in my future.

[@osvaldopicazo2396]

I had a C7 and finally got my C8 last year....had the C8 for a year and got rid of it last month with the intention of going to a C7 Z06. Love the C8 but for the price and value would rather go to a C7 Z06. C8 was 95k.....C7 Z06 feels like a bargain around 65k

[@DadsGarageDIY]

I agree with you 100%. Just a better drivers car than the C8.

[@johnmoorhousedecorated-nam899]

Now with the C8 Z06 I miss the C7 back access for things. The C7 allowed you to reach around and get snacks etc.

[@Tachyon836]

I don't even plan on buying a Corvette, more of a BMW fan, but I always loved how they looked and I always wondered what its like to own one. Awesome video, incredibly detailed summary on both vehicles. Maybe I will pick up a vette one day

[@DadsGarageDIY]

Not a criticism just an observation. You are the 1st person I have ever watched that objectively thought the C8 was a better quality car than the C7. Very interesting.

[@lil_a_i8904]

You should watch more people. Lol

[@DadsGarageDIY]

@@lil_a_i8904I watch may too much. 😂

[@artbaer3122]

Appreciate your thoughts on the C7 vs. C8 question. Interior space is an issue, not for you, but tall drivers. I have a 19 GS and looked at the C8, but found the interior on the C8 tighter than my C7. In fact, from the C5 on, I found each model's interior tighter than the previous model. At 6' 4" and 230 lbs, I am comfortable in my GS after disconnecting the driver's seat rear movement sensor allowing more rear travel. In a C8 coupe (do not want a HTC), my head hits the rear cross bar unless I move the seat forward and then my knees hit. I was so looking forward to the Eray, but not worth the interior discomfort.

[@stingk5295]

C 7 All the way!

[@paulohinton9481]

C7 because it kept the manual transmission😎

[@DadsGarageDIY]

And the C8 is such a dog at highway speeds.

[@DadsGarageDIY]

Interesting conversation. My take on this is they are such different cars. You have to decide what it is that you want from your Corvette. This is a very polarizing conversation. “C8 people” like the smooth ride, quietness, having a warranty, more refined technology and so on. “C7 people” (I’m going to talk Z06) to keep the cost similar) are going to like the power and may find the highway performance unacceptable on the C8. The lack of flexibility storage may also be an issue with the C8. The availability of a manual transmission may be a deal breaker for some. And then there’s the styling. It seems as if traditional Corvette people like the C7. Newer, 1st time Corvette owners tend to be drawn to the C8. It’s all a preference thing and what’s important to the individual. I had a C8 on order until I drove my friends. I personally didn’t like the styling as well but was going to go with it for the technology and the warranty. But, after driving it the highway power was a dealbreaker. Also, felt like it was too refined for a corvette and took away some of the driving experience. All personnel preference.

[@squirrelcagegarage]

Of course this is all largely subjective. But I do agree with what you are saying.

[@stuartsherman5975]

Great video. You covered the differences very well. I'm biased to the c7 Z06 myself. However, that is a personal choice 😂

[@mdolandese]

I highly agree with D/G 👍! Everything he said is spot on. Anyways that’s a exactly how I see it

[@DadsGarageDIY]

@@mdolandese It can be a very polarizing conversation. But, a fun one to have with civil people. LOL.

[@dashdanebikes2758]

@DadsGarageDIY I agree with you, owned a C8 Z51 3LT in 2021, great first corvette but it felt like driving a fast computer. It is super refined, fast but just lacked driver experience. Recently got a C7 Z51 3LT and it is a better experience personally although it lacks power. I am considering a C7 Z06 now, given C8 Z06 is out of reach for now.

[@KRGruner]

C8 has the hard top convertible option, and that was a key factor for me. Finally, a Corvette HTC! However, I do miss the trunk space in my C5, for sure. I had a 6-speed manual on that one, but the C8 DCT is far superior. Good video.

[@richardcarlisle6692]

It took a couple years for me to trade the C7 GS vert for a C8 vert. My biggest complaint with the C7 GS and Z06 is that every road trip we took resulted in at least one cracked wheel at $1300 per wheel. Having owned both now, I agree with most of what he is saying. I like the styling of both but the wide body C7 vert is hard to beat. Both are comfortable but the C8 takes the lead on road trip comfort. Overall, no plans to get rid of the C8. I’ll also add that most of the Vette mechanics at dealerships seem to prefer doing engine work on the C8 over the C7.

[@alpha2047]

Where I live my C7 Z51 M7 with full bolt ons and mileage where is live (Canada) is worth about 65k. The C8 when it came out here was around 75k for a base. My name finally came up on the wait list and the C8 is now around 95k for a base and in Canada once you spend over 100k the government collects a 10% " luxury tax" on top of everything. Needless to say I'm going to enjoy shifting gears for a few more years until there prices come back to reality in the used market which is well over 100k still

[@Lagann0]

You can go-to the USA and get a C8. Used market going down here

[@drunvert]

I know this is a strange analogy but I've got a mid-engine Porsche and I've got a front engine 944. Nothing about the 944 is better than My Cayman.. but I like driving them both. The 944 is cooler. The Cayman is better. A. C3 or C6 Corvette is cooler than a c7 or C8. Having one of each is the right answer

[@user-kt6qh7lp5c]

Years ago I went from a 1971 to a 1967 and have kept it ever since. There are clearly huge improvements to these modern generations, but the Vette was always a toy only. The practical/ daily driver issues were never a factor. As tempting as getting something new is, I just keep the old toy. Similarly, I'd never consider an automatic on this sort of car. It just seems impossible to maintain the sport aspect once you remove the most fundamental way the driver is connected to the machine. It seems an exercise in frustration or compromise to try and make it a daily driver. I'd seriously consider getting a 10 year old Camry and then get the toy you really want most as a toy.

[@Pseudo-l4f]

I would say that you hit a lot of great points on the differences between the two vehicles. As you outlined, any issues that arise with a C8 vehicle could be either costly or time consuming to get the issue/s cared for. On a personal note: I think you could have limited your observations to C8 stingray vs. the C7 Z06. Take it from a C7 ZR1 owner: I think you should have excluded the C7 ZR1 which has broken track records that has not been matched or beaten by any model C8 to date. Any car can be designed to do quick quarter miles: take the E-Ray vs the C8 Z06 in the quarter mile. Given a choice: who would choose the quicker 1/4 mile E-Ray over a C8 Z06? I would say the pros for the C7 outweighs the pros for the C8. BTW the overheating for C7 was limited to the Z06 model and was corrected in the ZR1. Good Video (8.5 out of 10).

[@humble-fishmotoring7305]

While the C8 Corvette is a great car, I chose to purchase my C7 Z06 because I liked the design better, it sounds better and to my knowledge, it provides a raw driving experience. Plus, the most important reason I purchased my C7 Z06 and plan to keep it is because it offers a manual transmission. 🙂

[@speedfiend925]

Someone posted to Facebook that they did NOT like the Competition seats as apparently they are noticeably less comfortable I believe he was meaning for longer drives but he did not say.

[@joem7755]

I agree with the crazy cost of the power adders. Its like all the main people illegally setup a monopoly and set a base price for all systems to be 20K+. I bought a procharger for 7 K a few years ago for the c7.. They are asking wayyy too much now. Thats why I held off on a c8 and got on a list for the E-ray. Of course even GM is screwed up by raising the price of all c8s and cant even honor their starting price of the E-ray. GM had made this into a nightmare. Granted its not all their fault but much of it is. As for the DCT I would think being on the 4th year they would have improved it, but people with new cars are still having issues. They did some tweeks but who knows. The reason it look worse is because you know most vett owners baby the hell out of their cars, dont put much miles on it and some are even doing the filter changes way early and doing another at the 7500mi. Imagen how many more if people treated them like Hondas. lol All I know is GM better have it figured out when I get my E-ray.

[@divinerascal]

Great video thanks!

[@johnr7794]

Our 2023 3LT Arctic White HTC non-Z51, magnetic ride, front lift, performance exhaust, carbon flash painted top, nacelles, low rear spoiler, wheels, and other trim features is perfect for this 75 yo driver. I thought I would miss the manual transmission in my C5 until I drove the C8, it’s the best vehicle I have ever driven. Great video, our C8 is my daily driver and road trip vehicle during our driving season in northern Illinois. It would be very capable in the winter, we keep our Vette on a “salt free” diet. I am 6’1” and feel more comfortable in my C8 than the C7s I have driven, although the C7s were a huge step up from my C6.

[@velvetjones1856]

I decided the C7 Grand Sport was the better choice for me.

[@rockemsockemrusbot684]

It’s my understanding if you’re over 6 foot tall the C8 gives you much more headroom it’s hard for a 6 foot 2 to 6’4” The C7 is so cramped you can’t wear a helmet

[@RoadLifePursuits]

I have a Z as well and I agree about the storage, WAY better than the C8, but for comfort, which you say like 100 times, I disagree, For wider people the Z is a lot more comfortable IMO. Also, both people can reach the infotainment system on the C7, not so much on the C8. As you stated, the C8 is a dog after 60-70 mph as well. I too wish I could have both, but cannot, no room for 2 toys. I have had a lot of fun in my Z and I'm looking to get a C8 to go auto from the M7...still trying to talk myself into a slower...less fun car and go for a touring car instead.....I just wish they were 10-15 grand cheaper. I would NEVER own a C8 without a full warranty either...so I would get an extended one for sure after the 3 years....

[@thundrune1554]

As a mechanical engineer…. I’m sooooooo tired of the mid engine is better that front. First, mid engine simply means the motor sits between the front and rear axles. The C7 is front mid and the c8 is rear mid, but they are both mid engine. This is inarguable. Now, as to performance the rear mid is NOT better than front mid - it is different. Both platforms have advantages and disadvantages. NO platform is “best”. Regardless of the marketing department hype that everyone eats like ice cream, real world results are the only measure that matters. As I type this the Mercedes AMG Black is the fastest OEM car around the Nurbergring - it’s front mid engine - followed by the GT3 RS - it rear engine not rear mid but REAR past the back axel - followed by the Lamborghini SVJ which is, finally, mid rear. These are FACTs folks. That’s not to say, for example, that the c8 Z06 or, more likely, the C8 ZR1 might take the Nurbergring crown but until then a front mid engine is on top in the AMG Black. This simply underscores the point that one is not better than another - they are different each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Frankly anybody who bought a c8 z06 and doesn’t have a lot of seat time on a track is gonna be awfully pissed when something like a Viper Acr (front mid engine) wipes the track with them with someone a bit more experienced behind the wheel. Finally, I own currently a 19 GS with a full NA build and the M7 making 545hp at the tires. I also own a base c8 z06. I’m very fortunate. Anyway, I actually like my GS better. It’s more torquey, it drifts miles better than the 8 and it’s much much more raw which for me is the important part of the experience. Am I faster around the track in the 8 all else equal? Yes but only by the smallest margins. Also - side note I personally think the Lt1 with headers, green cats and a quality cat back exhaust (corsa for example) sounds better than the c8. It is crazy loud and screams bald eagles like it’s a job. Obviously this is my personal opinion - everyone should by what they like. That said the performance metrics are 2x2=4 facts and 98% of corvette buyers can’t get to the performer capability of either an 8 OR a 7. It is true the C8 has a better interior. I personally couldn’t care less about that at 160plus on the front straight at my local club track. If you want interior stuff get a luxury car, but that’s just me. ✌️

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

I have a C7, I’d rather have that than a C8, which is a wannabe foreign type car ! PS. I honestly wish that they had kept with the Corvette the way it’s been since day one and introduce the new Corvette not as a Corvette but a different name kind of like what Ford did with the Ford GT. !

[@stevensoderlund8512]

My C& Z06 is not even a comparison to the C8 - the C8 has launch mode but that’s about it.

[@cjsnylons]

What about a C7Z to a C8Z?

[@stingk5295]

C 8 is not a Mid Engine Car! It is a Rear Engine Car. 60 / 40 balance.

[@RhettCrowell-dp8dc]

The C8 is a mid engine car because you can put 2 sets of golf clubs behind the engine.

[@JC-dc9oz]

no1 ever talks about the unreliability of the new C8 transmissions and other major issues.

[@sungkim742]

Got to factor in inflation.

[@theman.6396]

If im buying a corvette then a c7. The c8 is a completely different car in every way. No comparison except badges.

[@williamholst928]

Why if the the C7 was maxed out on track performance and a mid engine car was needed then why is the front engine Lexus able to bear the C8 and win the championship. Don’t get me wrong I have a 22 C8 which is my seventh corvette and love it but wonder about the competition.

[@phillipgarrow2297]

The C8 is harder to see out of smaller cabin size I'm 5ft9in 63 years old I have a 2016 Z06 manual it's getting harder and harder to get in and out of

[@jimsteinway695]

You need to compare apples to apples. I’d rather have a c7 z06 than a c8 . But I’d rather have a C8 Z06 ( and I do ) than a C7 Z06

[@casmithc2]

Please get a better microphone. Volume is low.

[@rockemsockemrusbot684]

Yes do an hour long video hours long video about the C6seven and eight and maybe even a little bit about the c5

[@squirrelcagegarage]

That's a good idea, thank you I'll do that. I'll even incorporate lessons on proper grammar, punctuation, spacing, and typing too. 👍

[@user-kt6qh7lp5c]

Settle down boys. Everyone knows these things stopped being actual sports cars after 1967 ;)

[@s2kjones]

Your dog just wants a walk and could care less about your car

[@estern001]

4:20, LMAO!

[@user-kt6qh7lp5c]

You seem bummed about this. Sorry. Bigger picture money issues take priority, especially if it's got to be your only car to get stuff from Target or wherever.

[@trips2uranus]

C8 is a Ferrari from Temu

[@comfortablynumb4797]

They will have to pry my C7 Z06/7 out of my cold dead fingers!!! Ya can't beat 650 ft/lbs of torque (C8 Z06 doesn't even have 500). As to handling, unless you are on a track you will never approach the limits of the C7 Z06 on the street.....period!! Further...."more comfortable"???, sorry unless you are a fan of "the wall" there is no clear winner here. Lastly, again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, personally I despise the design of the C8, although the Eray is an improvement. It seems to me they went from Ferrari cues on the C7 Z06 to Lamborghini cues on the C8 and made it way too angular. Send the damned car to Italy, where they know how to design beautiful cars, rather than letting a committee at GM do the design work!! By the way, does anyone remember the C8 Z06 promotional/introduction video? If not, if you can find it its worth watching if only for the designer who states that this was his first connection to the Corvette....his last job was...wait for it....designing footwear!!! Which is my point exactly!!

[@thelimitlessguy6007]

no c8 in this video? click bait

[@fedup1480]

I test drove the c8 and stayed with my c7 z06.

[@puppysayshi7848]

The C8 is revolutionary. I have owned C3, C4, C5, C7, and now the C8. The C8 is what the C5 LS was to the corvette. The C8 is amazing and feels nothing like any other Gen. The disadvantage is that the prior gens have more modification options but that will change.It always does. Go for the C8 .You will be glad you did.

[@brianpara1407]

I have a C7 Z06 manual coupe. I’ve gone back and forth on whether to trade it in for a C8 Z51 HTC or wait until the C8 Z06 prices come back to earth. It’s a summer car for me, 3K miles a year. Not sure what’s the best thing to do, so I just wait.. with the market the way it is.

[@comfortablynumb4797]

Keep your C7!!!

[@Steveleanr]

I never thought I would get rid of my C7 manual, until the C8 came along... it is a superior car in handling, looks and overall as a sports car, to me.. it's always an opinion with most cars, the same can be said with these two awesome cars! You really can't go wrong with either one...

[@COZNA]

Excellent video! Audio was a bit low, just fyi. I totally agree with your assessment. I have a 16 Z51 3LT, and would not trade it for a C8. The way I see it is that the C8 has become closer to a track car and given up some practicality, availability or parts, and more subject to Corvette tax. If you drive on STREETS, and practicality means something to you, along with not getting raped on parts and repairs, the C7 is your car. I purchased my car for half what the C8 version would cost and I enjoy the aforementioned advantages. I don't track my car and I don't desire my car to be any more track oriented than the C7.

[@C8Z51Scott]

Great video! I had a 16’ C7 Z06 and then I got a 23’ C8 Z51. I keep going round and round on which is better. I love my C8, but the big advantage of the C7 Z06 was that you can modify/work on - C8 not even trying. The C8 parts are ridiculous in price. Funny, when I modified my 10’ Camaro SS I bought a package: Rotofab intake, Predator Tuner and Kooks full exhaust (long tube headers, high flow cats, extension wires, three inch exhaust and mufflers) for $2600 - buy a Kooks Catalytic Converter (just converter) is $2500. Enjoy the Z06, I did😊.

[@477racing]

whats up with the low volume

[@cindykeselowski899]

Good comparison but what you didn't touch upon was the look of each car. To me that is as much or more of a factor than the items you mentioned. Both cars look amazing but in a different way, really comes down to personal preference. I have a 17 ZO6 in black rose with chrome rims and haven't convinced myself to give it up for a black rim C8.

[@squirrelcagegarage]

I tried to remain objective, as looks is subjective I stayed away from it. Me personally, I prefer the C8 looks, but there are definitely plenty that would disagree with that.

[@twiceonsundays]

Smart to stay away from the opinion of styling alone. Many people think that the C7 still looks better than the C8. I like them both and to me, it really comes down to the colors and options equipped. The good thing is that the C7 still looks "up to date" even with the brand new design of the C8 available. They look very different, and it's pretty cool that two generations of the Corvette are popular and relevant at the same time.

[@damienwilliams9183]

I have the same car and I agree lol.

[@mdolandese]

The C7 looks amazing at any angle. The C8 only looks good at certain angles IMHO.

[@lil_a_i8904]

@@mdolandeseyou wear glasses? Lmao

[@bonafide9516]

Have been looking at a 2019 Zo6 c7 manual or a c8 3lt. I think a zo6 is way cooler, especially being a manual. Sure, the c8 is more capable, but it has a lot more nanny, tec. They are about the same, 75k. If money was no option, sure, the 160k c8 zo6 would be cool. Or the even better c8 Zr1 when it comes out. But for 75k a 2019 manual c7 zo6 seems pretty cool.

[@badcholesterol]

If Jeff Bezos was a cool car guy

[@boywonderrr71]

Lingenfelter c8 2650 kit is $25k installed. I understand what u r saying. Im looking at C7 Z06, C8 Z51 w/heads/cam or 2650 kit vs C8 Z06 2/3LZ. Thank God for the crappy economy the prices are FINALLY falling.

[@C6v1999]

I was looking at C8's today. Nice, but the interior really is smaller as well as the trunks ...and that blind spot is huge. I have a one-car garage and I could not get over how ridiculously wide that door scoop is when I opened the door. Starting to look for C7 Z06s.

[@joelpierce3940]

Front “Mid Engine” vs. Rear “Mid Engine” 50/50 vs. 40/60, weight bias. You can put an ice chest and two carry on luggage bags in a C7.

[@schaffer5653]

You lost me on the second "so on and so forth", but then I skipped ahead and saw that you got a slushbox in a pre '17 car...What were you thinking?

[@elicash315]

I’ve have a c8 and esthetically speaking it’s in another stratosphere

[@adrianleusink1970]

If a person is unhappy with the switch to mid engine - then lets talk interior design, fit and finish. C8 wins hands down. The chassis much better too. Better use of power too.

[@squirrelcagegarage]

I agree

[@Brooks22n]

Really well thought out video

[@davidcarron2328]

I love my c7. I will move to a c8 zo6 once the prices drop. They'll be sub 100k within the next 5 years. As of now the c7, in my opinion, is the far better bang for the buck. The c8 aftermarket parts are very overprices right now as well.

[@terryrutherford2114]

I've owned a 1988 Z51 Corvette, a 1991 ZR-1 Corvette, and a 2011 Cadillac CTS-V. I now own a 2016 Z06 Corvette, A8, 3LZ, convertible, and it's the best of the bunch. I respect the performance and quality of the C8, but I still like the looks of the C7 much better. By the way, I don't track or race so that's a non issue on what I want. I love the sound of my stock 650 HP LT4. Thanks for the video.

[@ShowMeMy0pponent]

I'm happy with my C7 Z51 for next few years at least. I may step up to a C8 at some point. One big difference between the two is the styling. I know its a personal preference but I just don't think the C8 looks as good as the C7. The proportions just seem off for some reason to me, rear end especially. The older C7 just looks sleeker and more proportional to me.