C7 and C8 Corvette Stingray Pitted Head-to-Head
C7 Corvette still impresses, but the C8 Stingray is superior in every way.
Since the C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was first introduced, the question from most people is “how much better is it than the C7?” Some C7 owners-turned-C8 owners have shared their input, but the guys from the Everyday Driver YouTube channel recently spent time with both cars, making a comparison of their owner. Hosts Todd Deeken and Paul Schmucker had mostly good things to say about both cars, but they both fell in love with the C8. In fact, Schmucker went so far as to state that the new Corvette Stingray is better than his Porsche Cayman.
C7 Versus C8 Corvette Introduction
The video begins with the hosts cruising around Utah in the white C7 and black C8, starting with a basic introduction to both. The C7 is a 2014 model with the 6-speed automatic transmission, the 3LT trim level and the Z51 package. It is just about as loaded as the C7 Stingray could get. As for the C8, it is a Stingray 2LT model, also with the Z51 package and the GT2 seats.
The two hosts lament the fact that there is no manual transmission offered, but Deeken points out that when the Corvette was first introduced, it was only available with an automatic, stating that “the corvette and automatic have always been married”.
During the introduction portion, the hosts talk about the C8 blind spots, but they point out the excellene of the digital rearview camera system. They also talk about the quality control issues, particularly relating to the interior, of the C7, but that problem hasn’t continued. They go so far as to say that the new Corvette has a build quality that is as good as any car on sale today. That surely makes the folks building these cars at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant feel good.
As for the exterior styling, they don’t love every aspect of the design, complaining a bit about the wide rear end, but overall, they like the look of the C8 Corvette. They point out that it looks particularly great on the road in black and that the center divider between the seats isn’t as obstructive as you might expect.
Engine and Transmission Performance
During the Performance portion of the head-to-head review, the hosts start by talking about the C7 Corvette and the LT1 V8. It delivers 455 horsepower, which they both consider to be plenty of power to bolster the muscle car feel. They love the bigger brakes and suspension setup of the Z51 package, but they don’t love the old 6-speed automatic transmission. They feel that it the transmission doesn’t listen as quickly as they would like, often lagging a bit before making shifts when ordered by the paddles. However, the C7 Corvette is still quick and it sounds great.
Next, the hosts talk about the LT2 engine, with 490 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, calling the increases from the LT1 “a nice bump”. Although the C8 is 200 pounds heavier, the mid-engine design leads to enough grip to increase 0-60 times by a full second. Also, once you are underway, the new Stingray just keeps getting better. As for the Corvette’s new dual clutch transmission, both reviewers love the quick, crisp shifts. They point out that there is a bit of driving engagement lost without the third pedal, but the Corvette followed the same shift to the better-performing dual clutch as most other high end performance cars. Deeken states that “GM’s first dual clutch is well done”.
Handling the Road
When the channel hosts begin talking about handling, they once again start with the C7. Deeken states that it is “easy to feel at home” thanks to the old school dynamics and the harder you push it, the better it handles. However, he points out that there is some body roll.
On the other hand, the C8 Stingray with the Z51 package and the latest iteration of the Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, the new Stingray is nice and flat through the corners. Although the trick suspension system’s greatest advantage is the ability to combine ride comfort with incredible handling, it brings about world class cornering abilities. In fact, Schmucker states that “there are few sports cars at any price that make corners feel like that”, referring to how easily the C8 carves the curves. He goes on to pay it the ultimate compliment, stating that the C8 Corvette is better in the corners than his Porsche Cayman.
The Conclusions
In the end, both Deeken and Schmucker enjoyed the C7, but the both loved everything about the C8 Corvette Stingray. They point out that the C7 has the traditional front-mounted-engine feel, calling it the perfect version of that drivetrain layout. However, they point out that the C7 feels heavier in corners, even though it weighs less than the C8. They close with their C7 comments by pointing out that in used form, they cost about half the price of the C8, but it is far more than half of the car.
As for the C8 Corvette, they are both surprised by how good it is, pointing out that it feels special. Schmucker proclaims that “GM has done something for its branding and for its halo car that very few car companies have ever done – make an entire generation of enthusiasts want this car more than anything”. He goes on to state that it feels decades better than the C7, finishing by saying that “ this is the car that I want to own, hands down.”
As for Deeken, his final comment is “this car has taken the things I like about mid-engine cars and has merged it with the angriness and history of the Corvette – that’s a win.”
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