DRIVING the C8 CORVETTE STINGRAY Convertible Z51: World-Class Sports Car?

DRIVING the C8 Corvette Stingray Convertible 3LT with the Z51 Performance Package to determine if it's as good as people claim. Is it a world class, world beating sports car? Is it a better sports car for less money than a gold-standard Porsche? At the time of filming, this car cost just over $93,000, yet has performance figures on paper to rival many exotic sports cars for double the price. Let's see if it is as good as the stats suggest.
Content in this video -------------------------------------------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Essential Stats
1:46 - First Impressions of the Ride
3:10 - What It's Like Driving a Mid-Engined Corvette
3:50 - What's in the Z51 Package
5:20 - Is it a Sports Car or Grand Tourer?
5:50 - The Tremec 8-Speed vs Porsche PDK Transmission
6:30 - Touring Mode
7:10 - Comparing to Porsches
9:06 - The Interior
9:44 - Z Button and Zora Arkus-Duntov
10:31 - Interior Design and Features
12:10 - Conclusion
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[@_Car_Ideas]

I just got mine 2 weeks ago and it’s better than I ever imagined ❤️

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Fantastic to hear! I was so impressed. It is a world class car.

[@_Car_Ideas]

@@Joe_Hutchinsonit really is 🙌🏾

[@velocity313]

Very well done. As a C8 owner and amateur youtuber, I appreciated your editing and critique of the C8. Subscribed.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Thank you very much!!

[@miamigt4922]

I rented a 2023 LT3 C8 today on Turo. I own both a Porsche GT4RS and a 981S Cayman and was thinking about trading the 981S in for a C8 while keeping the GT4RS. The 981S gets the majority of miles both on the street and about 8 track days a year at Sebring. My thoughts on the C8 are overall really positive. Drove it 100 miles in a variety of downtown rush hour and late night, empty highway driving. It really is a ton of fun. First, this thing turns heads like you wouldn’t believe, especially in Red Mist. Everyone loves the C8. I’d imagine it will also get a lot of attention from the local constabulary as well. Second, the engine has plenty of grunt but lacks character. Porsche flat-6s have that tight, whirring shriek, while the C8 feels like its engine is from a Silverado. Still a lot of fun but doesn’t have that taut feel like a Porsche, but then again I think BMW and Mercedes engines also lack character compared to Porsche. I do like the high idle though, feels like a race car. You do feel the size and weight though. It’s a big heavy car. In many ways it reminds me of the Ferrari Testarossa in terms of weight and size. The rear and rear quarter visibility is absolutely horrible. That made it very difficult to try and be precise when threading through traffic. When you have to make a quick decision and a I tilt and turn my head so I can see if a car is in my blind spot, its impossible in the C8 and 100% of your lane changing is based on what you see in your mirrors. My GT4RS has limited visibility where Porsche replaced the rear quarter windows with engine air intakes, but you still can see through the large back window and the side windows are also better sized and shaped to quickly peak into your blind spots. The C8 is noticeably cramped compared to Porsches and the door sill is really high making it tough to lean your elbow on it when driving. My right elbow also keeps hitting the middle console, which is annoying. I’m 6 foot, 190 pounds, broad shoulders, lean/muscular and my body type can’t take the GT2 seats for more than half an hour. The C8 I rented had the GT2 seats. The deep buckets on the GT4RS are downright comfy compared to the GT2 seats and the standard seats in my 981S can keep me in for hours without being uncomfortable. I’m going to have to rent another C8 with the GT1s to see if that helps or else that’s the end of my C8 journey. The DCT is awesome, but the upshifts in the Porsches are less jarring. Other than that, the C8 DCT is as good as it gets. The steering is precise but numb. Not a ton of feedback through the wheel like you get in Porsches even with their electric systems. If the GT1 seats are a game changer for comfort I think I’m going to pull the trigger on a C8. The reason why is because its just so unbelievably beautiful and I like the support and fun of the Corvette community and all of the good feelings the car gives and gets. But its not the better drivers car.

[@gerrydave7586]

Hell, I’m trading my Lambo after having had three different ones. Had two C7s and like them, something my wife would drive. At 77 years old with health issues, time to change. 😂 I tried two C8s locally and really nice cars with great improvements. Not a Lambo, but…Not paying outrageous over sticker crap though. Times are changing.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Terrific points. I agree wholeheartedly that the C8 is a big car carrying weight and that prevents it from being as nimble as the Porsches you cite. (Let me back up and say, WOW, you have a GT4RS!!!! Not much is going to compete with that for driver engagement, I would imagine.) As you say, the Stingray is a looker and I also got thumbs up during my time with the car. I found the GT2 seats fairly comfortable but I felt like I was sitting high up in the car. I prefer the lower seating position and feel I get in Porsches. You are so right that the Stingray is not as driver-focused and sharp as Porsche sports cars. I would assume that not every buyer is looking for that sharpness and the Stingray would appeal to someone who wants a dynamic looking car, a comfy ride with the ability to do an occasional blast. More of an all around sports car, as opposed to a focused weapon.

[@WolfRanger2008]

I liked how you described your experiences with this car. Who , one day I will have the pleasure of driving.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Thank you so much. I appreciate the support!

[@asdfasdfasdfasdfadsf]

Nice job capturing the sound of this car!

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Thanks!

[@mrmj4952]

Joe, as you know, I purchased a 2023 Z06 in April 2023, after one year of waiting. I spec’ed and authorized the build. I am impressed with much and at the same time I have some constructive criticisms.. I welcome you to review my new car. I have driven it through the 1500 mile break-in period, and I did get my first oil change. In turn, it has been unleashed.. Great video on the Z51.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Hello Mr MJ, I am really excited by the opportunity to review your Z06! Yes, for sure! I am looking forward to filming it. And I am very interested in interviewing you and hearing your impressions of the Z06 and how it compares to other vehicles you've experienced or in your collection. I will reach out and schedule. Thank you again for the opportunity and for checking out the Z51 video!

[@tommitchell1049]

Great review. Thanks!

[@dantesantoyo3460]

Awesome breakdown and thanks for really giving an in-depth analysis!

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was as fun video to make because the car is so good.

[@tasosillias7914]

Excellent review! Really nailed it with the comparison to the Porsche, giving both credit for their unique strengths.

[@zelmo41]

Love this car! I got mine 6 months ago. Same color combo silver flare metallic with adrenaline red interior. 2023 with Z51 and HTC. I am retired and in Florida. Drive it every day.

[@howardmenkis5252]

Crazy speed even for the smaller brother!!!

[@rondail5675]

I enjoyed your review.

[@michaelmelling9333]

Excellent video, thanks!!

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for watching!

[@astenmorganjr3585]

Nicely done. I saw how you snuck that Z06 tease in there.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Thank you! Yes, stay tuned for the Z06 content!

[@dwilson2126]

Great video

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Thanks for watching!!

[@chrisgold8969]

very good break in !!!! hahaha

[@theroadahead415]

You have a typo in the clip when you’re comparing horsepower between the porche and the vette, just lettin ya know! Awesome review!

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Oh shoot! I see it now! I mistakenly typed in 695 hp when it should be 495 hp. Shoot! Not sure I can fix that. I’ll try. Thanks for pointing that out and thanks for watching.

[@dcrump]

Enjoying it everyday 😊

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Congratulations. It's a great, great car!

[@yd5016]

I wondered if you’d compare to the spyder and u did 😊😊 I love the c8 since its debut and started to fool around with the idea of selling my 22 boxster gts 4.0 and buying a c8 but my main concern is the sound of the engine and exhaust and you’re video reassured my notion that there’s no comparison the 4.0 flat 6 is imo so much more exciting that I guess it’s only a zo6 for me and that’s a big hike in price 😢

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

The C8 Stingray is a great car. The Spyder, by the seat of my pants, felt more energetic and exciting. I suppose it depends on what the owner uses their sports car for. The Corvette Stingray is more well rounded, but still fast and fun and the Spyder is more focused for that spirited drive, slicing up a curvy road. Both excellent cars. Between the two, I go with the Spyder if I'm honest. But the Stingray impressed me. Great car.

[@yd5016]

@@Joe_Hutchinson a few days ago i test drove a red c8 lt2 z51. Truly i was very disappointed with the engine and exhaust sounds and i drove z mode all the way and top down. Doesn’t even come close to my boxster gts 4.0 its like comparing a thriller to a walk in the park. Im still impressed by the corvette the magna ride is incredible softer and a bit more comfortable than mine although the gts isn’t harsh like the spyder gt4 gt3… the exterior look of the c8 is of course what it’s all about. incredible work. I had a conversation with My neighbor the day after my test drive and he tells me: “ listen dude yesterday there was a red ferrari here that blocked the driveway…” it was of course the red c8 i test drove…

[@TheFrog767]

Awesome car

[@jimtoomey9522]

Gorgeous

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Yes, the Vette is a looker!

[@roccodevilliers406]

Joe, I love your Porsche, especially having the naturally aspirated flat six! Not very fond of the new turbocharged engines. Luckily the GT3 is still using a non turbocharged flat six. Hoping you are not thinking of replacing it with an American muscle car😢. Corvette looks and sounds amazing - I'll just remove the tacked on rear spoiler. As the 'mericans' say, no substitute for cubic inches! Love watching your videos - thorough and very informative. Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Oh no, the GTS is not getting replaced but the Corvette. But I am so grateful to have experienced what the C8 is like. Chevy did a great job with that car. Not perfect, but very, very good. Thanks for your support.

[@michaeldodd9302]

Actually the saying goes; “There’s no replacement for displacement.” But you’re close enough 😉. Greetings from ‘merica’.

[@DewayneWilson-fe1uy]

How tall are you ? Looks like you may be a bit cramped in the C8 I only ask because I’m 6-3

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

@@DewayneWilson-fe1uy I am also 6ft 3in tall. I feel like the seat isn’t low enough for me. With the top up, I do have room above my head so my head is not touching the headliner. But I feel like I am almost eye level with the sun visors and I just don’t feel low enough in the car. Leg room is fine.

[@doubleogbaby6497]

I only drive my c8 in track mode as I feel like that gives the most raw experience and I enjoy it the most.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

I see that. Track mode gives the car more edge.

[@michaeldodd9302]

I took advantage of the Ron Fellows driving school that Chevrolet offers when you buy a new corvette. They recommend to NOT drive the car in track mode if it’s not on the track, bad for the suspension. Prior to that info I used to drive in track mode quite a bit. Now I only do it if I’m on a super smooth road.

[@Forever.Remain.Nameless]

Does the C8 exhaust crackle and pop when you dwn shift?

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

I more remember the V8 rumble when downshifting. The loud crack happens upon upshift.

[@matthewhenshaw7333]

Borla Attack for the pops and cracks on downshifts!

[@nishali3343]

Do you think a C8 can drive at top speed around an oval?

[@rayjc1539]

In red

[@philsalley3278]

On my 2nd C8 (now 2023 HTC, 3lt, non z51 with mag ride). Outside of a track, please tell me why you think Z51 is a MUST HAVE. Is the increased cooling relevant on the road? Are the bigger brakes relevant on the road (I guess if your're an extremely good high speed driver and find and empty mountain road)? How much real world advantage are the different tires and for all these questions, just answer on simple question. Exactly where, outside of a track, are you going to use/enjoy the increased capabilities since the base Stingray is incredibly capable and probably beyond the driving abilities of 90% of buyers.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Excellent points! I should have made it clear for those who don't follow my channel that I autocross and occasionally track my 911 GTS. The Porsche comes ready to handle track duty which obviously benefits me during those events so I expect my sports car to handle any kind of driving I throw at it. So extra cooling, bigger brakes and the ability to have sharper handling appeal to me as a driver. As a separate point, the Mag Ride is truly amazing on the Stingray and also a must-have in my opinion, because it's so good! But you are right, 90% of drivers don't drive their sports cars on autocross or an occasional track day, no matter what the brand.

[@philsalley3278]

@@Joe_Hutchinson Thanks. I just get so tired of every KZbin reviewer and every magazine review saying z51 is a must have but if 95% of buyers never track or autocross their C8s, it's a waste of money. My first C8 was non z51 and did not have mag ride. It rode great but my new C8, non z51 has mag ride and it really changes the feeling of the car. I think it is really a must have with z51 and a nice option even if you don't. Probably the best $1295 you can spend.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

@@philsalley3278 Totally!!! I hear that. By the way, I should also mention that I take my 911 GTS on several-hundred-mile long road trips too. So what I love about the C8 Stingray is it has the ability to do both, handle spirited driving (track, back roads) and long distance runs in comfort. Very compelling package.

[@philsalley3278]

@@Joe_Hutchinson Question, if you did not track/autocross and had to chose either the C8 or the Porsche 911, which one would you pick? Everyone talks about what a great value the C8 is but I've always said the reality is that GM built a $125,000 sports car and priced it at half price.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

@@philsalley3278 I would still pick my 2015 911 GTS over the current C8 Stingray personally. I like the interior design of the 911 and the materials. My wife and I like being able to put parcels directly behind us in the cabin. I like the visibility out of the rear 3/4 that the 911 affords, not as many blind spots. The 911 feels lighter in the corners/turns, even though my 2015 is not as fast as the C8 Stingray. But not everyone likes 911s, nor should everyone. The C8 gets so many looks and thumbs up. It looks exotic and I like it. And the ride of the C8 with the mag ride is smoother than my 911 for sure. But for me, the 911 still gets the edge in day to day use.

[@Shockernor]

What a dream car! Too bad it costs around 230k here in Norway...

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Wow!!!

[@l.mcdonald3287]

That’s crazy sorry to hear that

[@swongsonvanee]

Wow, I never realized how small the car was until you put it next to a 911..

[@paulberman1979]

I drive a 2022 panamara turbo s,,,I also have a 2019 C7GS. had lamborghinis and this is my 4th porsche...there is no transmission, suspension or all around engineering better than a Porsche...

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

I would agree with you, especially about the PDK. PDK sets the standard. But the Tremec unit is getting closer.

[@johnjohnson3370]

My 2003 v6 3 litre honda accord would keep up pretty close to ur so called super car

[@andyjackson5404]

The C8 transmission isn’t as seamless as the Porsche PDK … speaking from first hand experience. Bang for the buck with the C8 - Absolutely

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Yes, the PDK is the gold standard.

[@davidrpriest]

Thank for the comparison with the Spyder. I would much rather have the Spyder as a pure sports car.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Yes, the Stingray convertible feels large and heavy compared to the smaller 718 Spyder. Simple physics plays a part, as well as Porsche motorsport department tuning the Spyder to prioritize performance driving over creature comforts.

[@philsalley3278]

@@Joe_Hutchinson Doesn't this also mean that in the real world, the C8 is going to be a much more enjoyable all around pleasure and even on a demanding road, while it may be easier to drive hard than the C8, it's not going to be faster. Don't forget that the top of the Spyder is a joke when it comes to putting it up or down.

[@johnasbury9915]

RIP Insect…😂😂😂😂

[@lanebarker297]

6,500 red line !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CLEVEMAN691]

looks like a vw

[@ggonzalez6045]

My z51 pops louder.. I don't know why.

[@arickmitchell3902]

The c8 z51 has 495 hp not 695 look at 736 on your video

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Thank you, that is a very unfortunate typo. I will try to blur it out.

[@a.c.e.7568]

Jeez Joe, I thought you knew something about cars. Better than a Porsche...really? Tests show that with an advantage of 152 HP, and 118 ft.lbs., the Z06 was slower than a GT3RS. I had one American car and it was my last. Garbage which explains why they always needed buy-outs.

[@tharinduperera8758]

it is much faster than 718 spider..

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Yes, the Stingray is faster, no doubt. It's amazing. I was just pointing out that the 718 Spyder offers a different personality and if someone is looking for something to carve up a curvy road, that 718 Spyder offers a thrill. It is much lighter on its feet than the Stingray. But that is not to say the Stingray isn't great on a back road. The Stingray is really awesome, but a much bigger, heavier car. In the end, the Stingray is world-class.

[@wl6279]

All it needs is gloss black wheels 😆 replacing those ugly ones

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

The wheels on this care are a weak point. I agree. Not the best looking.

[@LCculater]

Ya you obviously haven’t heard a Lexus LC 500 lol way better, transmission blows early 😂

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

At the limit, the C8 Stingray is beyond a Porsche GT4 with the Z51 package on the track and compares with the Porsche Carrera S. A 2LT Z51 package car is the equivalent of a 150,000 dollar Porsche Carrera S AS ITS NATURAL COMPETITOR. With stiffer springs, lowered , engine breathing mods and a set of higher spec tires the STINGRAY will set lap times LIKE A 992 GT3 TOURING car will all day long, and be as TWITCHY as you desire it to be. Gm Y chassis C8 series is unbeatable at this time in sports car history regardless of price.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

The C8 Stingray is an amazing car. I happened to drive the C8 Stingray a week or so after driving the Porsche 718 Spyder. They are (relatively) in the same ballpark on price. Noting the differences in how they drive was top of mind for me since I drove them so closely together. The smaller Spyder, with its sharper suspension settings and quick shifting PDK, feels more agile than the Stingray at the seat of the pants. But that doesn't mean the C8 isn't a great car, and the stock C8 Stingray on a track, with it's power and capabilities, may spank the Spyder. Yes, I agree, the Stingray is more of a direct competitor to a 911 for performance at a fraction of the price. It's a great car!

[@exslang02]

wrong and wrong in everyway its a supercar, 0-60 2.8 sec top speed 194mph destroyed huracan and the porsche you mention on this video at the racetrack where true performance counts….c8 interior blows the doors of every supercar interior all the other interiors porsche lambo mclaren look like shyt compared to c8 its not even close

[@supersonique001]

Makes the porsche look even uglier than it is!

[@Steveleanr]

the C8 has 495 HP, not 695

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Yes! An unfortunate typo! I mention the correct number earlier in the video.