C6 vs C7: Which Corvette is Best for You?
The C6 vs C7 debate has raged for years. But even if the C7 manages to outpower and outmaneuver at every level, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more fun.
There’s plenty of room for debate when considering the C6 vs C7. One of our forum users asked as much when he was considering making the switch. We now have the universally lauded C8. But is the C7 all that much better than the C6? When the debate was still fresh, our forum members had plenty to say. So we’ve compiled the best points to help you know once and for all, which is the better Corvette.
What the Forums Had To Say
Many of the responses to the introductory question favored the C7. As one user wrote, “Even if it was a base model C7 it would be an upgrade.” With another sharing, “The refined power and performance of the C7 is not a subtle difference it is MUCH better than the C6. The quality, comfort, and visuals of the C7 is also much better.”
One user noted that while the C7 boasts better power figures, you feel more of the power in the C6. He explained that the C7’s handling and road grip is so good, it’s easy to drive fast. With the C6, you’re essentially in a more unruly beast that simply feels raw in nature. As he argues “what it feels like may be more important than actual performance numbers.”
Another user mentioned how his C7 felt much lighter on its feet, even likening it to a larger Miata and saying it had a true sports car feel. He, along with many others, also pointed out the superior feel of the C7’s interior. A common talking point was how the seats simply held you better and the technology and overall quality in the cabin was much improved from the C6.
How Much Better Could the C7 Be?
As one user put it, “If a 10-year-old C6 was 85-90% of supercar mojo, my new C7 Z51 feels like it’s 95%, and FAR more refined in every respect, steering, suspension/ride, interior, handling.” This was largely the consensus. Many of those who responded felt that the C7 would yield better track performance to anyone who drove it.
A large part of that is due to the C7’s utilization of direct injection and variable valve timing technologies. Despite being far more maintenance intensive, the LT1 boasts far better performance across the board.
Another user chimed in and shared that, between his three different C6s, none were better than his ’16 C7 convertible. Truthfully, the opinions in favor of the C7 were overwhelming. The only point consistently ceded to the C6 was its styling. Being more traditionally Corvette, and less space-age and exotic, the C6 had more than its fair share of fans in the looks department.
In the entire discussion, there was only one holdout, however. Way down at post #33, a user had this to say, “As an owner of multiple C6s, and having a ton of C7 seat time, I say keep your C6 and wait for the C8. GM only gave the C7 $250M of the $900M that the Corvette team requested for the redesign. It shows. Why fully invest in the C7 if GM refused to?” His perspective was met with considerable backlash, however, as it appears through a careful search of his posts and subsequent responses, he’s earned a reputation for trolling any C7 post he comes across. But hey, everyone’s got strong convictions for something.
C6 Vs C7 Verdict
The C6 has a lot going for it. It’s cheaper, easier to work on, has more of a fun, reckless feel to it, and simply looks great. Nevertheless, we were swayed by the majority in this instance. Here’s how we score the two generations.
Styling: C6
Handling: C7
Powertrain: C7
Interior/Electronics: C7
Fun Factor: Tie
Photos by Corvette Forum