Prefer the C7 Corvette Over the C8? You’re Not Alone

Even though the C8 may wind up as the best-selling generation of all-time, the C7 Corvette is still the superior car in many people’s minds.

Much like the movie business, oftentimes, automotive sequels never quite live up to the hype of the original, but for the past seven-plus decades, the Corvette has hung in there and – for the most part – gotten better. Sure, we can argue all day about which generation is the best, as well as the fact that not all of them were superior to their predecessors. However, the C8 represents a pretty big leap over the C7 Corvette in a number of ways, as it’s more exotic looking and a better performer. Regardless, the C7 Corvette still has its fans – even those who would buy one over a C8 – as is clear from this recent debate in the CorvetteForum forums.

“Even though I’m likely buying a C8, I strongly prefer a C7,” said CorvetteForum member KittyHeart. “Here are my top 3 reasons for wanting a C7 over a C8 – a front engine is easier to fix than a mid-engine, has a lower cost of ownership, and I can see everything and top off fluids easily. I can use a 3-channel dash cam (the C8 has an issue connecting the rear camera), and connect it to the rear window. I can take a C7 to any mechanic (the C8 I only trust with a Chevy mechanic).”

As one might imagine, the original poster here isn’t alone in that regard, as others have their reasons for sticking with a C7 Corvette rather than upgrading to the latest and greatest thing out there, too. In fact, Pineapple has a pretty substantial list that includes the presence of a manual transmission “the rawness and analog feeling of the C7,” as well as the cost of ownership, which can be higher for the C8 – particularly since it’s so much more expensive to purchase than a typical C7 at the moment.

Perhaps most interestingly, a number of members point out that they simply don’t like the styling of the C8, which of course, is quite subjective, as plenty of folks love the way the mid-engine machine looks. However, as one might imagine, there are also plenty of members who chime with a bit of a different take on this subject.

“I had a chance to take a friend’s C8 for a spin and that was it,” said JDSKY. “Sold the C7, put myself on a list, and 6 months later took delivery of the C8 and absolutely love everything about the car. It is so much better in every way that while I loved my C7, I would never go back. After driving one on the track for a couple of days recently, I am rethinking about trading it for the Z06. The car is that capable and that good. Well beyond what I consider needing for long road trips or weekend fun.”

Thus far, this debate has been an interesting one, with people on both sides of the fence coming together and having a pretty civil, thought-provoking discussion regarding which Corvette generation is the best. As such, we recommend heading over here and checking it out in its entirety – then, if you’ve got something interesting to add, be sure and join the discussion while you’re there!

Photos: CorvetteForum

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