5 Reasons to Buy a C7 Corvette Instead of Modifying a C5

The C5 is the current King of the land we call “Bang for Buck.” Z06 and FRC prices have dropped to all-time low numbers, and if you search far and wide, you can get in a Z06 for under 20 grand. That’s a lot of car for the money, no doubt, but it makes you wonder why you would get the C7? Well, in a recent Corvette Forum thread, you’ll hear arguements from both sides. It’s a lengthy thread already, and you might want to have some ibuprofen handy with all of the bickering back and forth.

To support the case of buying a C7, I present you with the following points, many of which are made in the thread:

1. It has nearly 20 years worth of newer technology underneath it.

20 years is a long time. When the C5 came around, we had pagers as the latest connective technology. Now, you can post to Corvette Forum from the same cell phone that made the pager obsolete. This argument includes gadgets, but also, safety.

2. If something were to go foul, you have this thing called a “warranty.”

Sure you can hop-up a C5 to compete with a C7’s performance level, but you won’t have an extensive warranty, or a dealership nearby to fix an issue. Your new C7’s warranty can fix anything from mechanical issues to an annoying rattle that develops.

3. Unlike performance parts, you can finance a C7.

Want to upgrade that 5.7 to make C7 power? You’re paying for it all up front in performance parts. Want to buy a C7 but enjoy keeping your money for longer periods of time? Finance it! As well, a financed C7 is a financially smart thing to do if the percentage rates are low enough.

4. The interior.

There’s a lot to be said about the C5’s interior. The less said the better.

5. Reliable performance. 

The C7 is designed specifically within its own parameters of performance. Same with the C5, albeit slightly lower performance margins. The 5.7s are notoriously bullet proof, but when you start throwing boost or other performance mods, you either have to back that up with more mods, or risk finding the weakest part in the new setup.

In reality, the C5/C7 contrast is an “apples to oranges” comparison though. Folks who are buying a new Corvette do so for many reasons. They might like the convenience and satisfaction of a new car, as well as the performance. Folks who buy a C5 also do so for various reasons. They might find it as the attainable dream, buying a car they have always wanted. Or they see potential in a build. Either way, they bought a Corvette, and have earned their wave.

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

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