I might be exiting stage left... not sure yet

[r0cketm0nkey]

I'm really on the fence about this...I test drove a fully loaded C7 Corvette LT3 with Z51 package and recaro seats upgrade...I really wish I haven't, because now I'm trying to decide if I want to pull the trigger or not.

So, here's what I see...and feel free to add if you're inclined to:

2013 E92 M3
Pros:
-18000 miles
-White (is right...j/k)
-Super luxurious
-8300rpm redline
-Modified OEM exhaust gives great noise
-Rear seats
-Fun to rev the snot out of
-Pussy magnet
-Refined looks
-Comfortable to drive

Cons:
-No rear view camera (I installed an aftermarket one, but still...out of pocket)
-No cooled seats
-Low torque
-Engine maintenance (I'm sorry why is it so (relatively) hard just to get to the spark plugs)
-Weak a/c (all BMWs have weak a/c from my experience; my Lexus by comparison can start its own tornado)
-Notorious failures (rod bearings, throttle valve actuator, valve cover paint) <-- this is a big reason for me
-Expensive mods dollar for dollar just for being an M car
-Single piston floating calipers

C7:
Pros:
-Fully loaded
-16000 miles
-Removable targa top
-3200lbs curb weight
-BBK stock
-Power. Lots of power.
-Bulletproof LT1 motor
-Decent interior (by corvette standards)
-Multi-mode exhaust from quiet driving to BRRAAP BRRRRAP POP POP
-Handles like its on rails, low slung, raw driver involvement feels like my old Evo
-Recaros feel glorious to sit in
-Heated AND cooled seats! Why BMW won't give me cooled seats!?
-Cylinder deactivation is a godsend

Cons:
-Electrical issues early on...not sure if it will creep on me
-It's bright effing yellow. The ISS saw me test driving it.
-Rear window view is pointless
-Blind spot...big blind spots
-Leather feels cheap compared to the M3
-Trunk space is meh
-2 seats only
-Requires a lot of driver attention and involvement...ironically like my Evo

I'm also in an area where BMW and Mercs number more than Corollas, no joke. With BMW diluting the M badge too, it starts to feel...not as special? The C7 is actually kind of an uncommon sight. But I don't know about giving up on the M3...it's great for all intents and purposes, but knowing how the engine can potentially grenade or just stall on its own, and having to rev the crap out of it, just ruins the experience a bit. Both are great cars from where I'm standing. I honestly don't know...

[HawkeyeGeoff]

Hey man, I 100% agree with you. If you can afford the C7, go do it now. When I drive them they're actually more economical than a lot of the cars I'm in. I can fit 2 sets of hockey equipment back there!!

Compared to the newer F series M3's the C7 is just plain more fun...and you can still get 32 mpg highway (I have driven both extensively). I mean at the end of the day this is an awesome problem to have as well. LOL

[rymerc]

A z51 c7 is a ton of performance, outstanding if you want to bench-race against your buddies with gt350s and 911s and such. You might have a hard time reaching those limits on the streets, and putting down the immense power is a challenge in those.

Might want to double check that curb weight, pretty sure a z51 specced like that will be closer to 3440+lbs... (200lbs lighter than my 4 door m3)

Also, as nice as the competition or whatever seats are, they're vented NOT cooled. Excellent seats though, very rare option.

Get what makes you happy and don't look back

[F80Dreamer]

I think another con for the Corvette would be bad resale value?

[r0cketm0nkey]

Originally Posted by rymerc

A z51 c7 is a ton of performance, outstanding if you want to bench-race against your buddies with gt350s and 911s and such. You might have a hard time reaching those limits on the streets, and putting down the immense power is a challenge in those.

Might want to double check that curb weight, pretty sure a z51 specced like that will be closer to 3440+lbs... (200lbs lighter than my 4 door m3)

Also, as nice as the competition or whatever seats are, they're vented NOT cooled. Excellent seats though, very rare option.

Get what makes you happy and don't look back

oh no, they're cooled. i tried it lol

Originally Posted by F80Dreamer

I think another con for the Corvette would be bad resale value?

Yes there's that...with the M I am hoping it would appreciate later on...but it's not like it will be when it was new though...

[HawkeyeGeoff]

Originally Posted by F80Dreamer

I think another con for the Corvette would be bad resale value?

Corvette resale values are actually pretty similar to the resale on a M model (save of course the very rare ones).

[Blindside]

Originally Posted by HawkeyeGeoff

Corvette resale values are actually pretty similar to the resale on a M model (save of course the very rare ones).

In most instances, they're stronger; especially on the 2015 models. The 2015 models were the first year of the A8 transmission and the last year of the 100K mile powertrain warranty.

Interestingly enough, I was cross shopping a 3LT Z51 with the M4. I eventually bought the M4, but had basically the same pros/cons listed above. Never did drive the Vette though.

[r0cketm0nkey]

Originally Posted by Blindside

In most instances, they're stronger; especially on the 2015 models. The 2015 models were the first year of the A8 transmission and the last year of the 100K mile powertrain warranty.

Interestingly enough, I was cross shopping a 3LT Z51 with the M4. I eventually bought the M4, but had basically the same pros/cons listed above. Never did drive the Vette though.

Oh I forgot to mention - both my M3 and the vette are manual, with the vette being the 7 speed of course.

I'm glad someone else saw it the same way though. Makes me think it just comes down to what I want, like others have mentioned. Not necessarily a downgrade, or an upgrade...just different purposes.

[Blindside]

Originally Posted by r0cketm0nkey

Oh I forgot to mention - both my M3 and the vette are manual, with the vette being the 7 speed of course.

I'm glad someone else saw it the same way though. Makes me think it just comes down to what I want, like others have mentioned. Not necessarily a downgrade, or an upgrade...just different purposes.

Yep, the two things I really dug about the Vette was the removable top and larger cargo area. The added bonus of cylinder deactivation was cool, but not super important considering the vehicle I sold for my M4 got 11.2 mpg lifetime average.

Truthfully, I ended up with my M4 for 3 reasons:

1. I got an insane trade-in for my 2013 Raptor. After 52k miles and 3 years 9 months of ownership, I lost less than $6k in equity.

2. The color combo of my M4 was perfect. Black Sapphire Metallic with Full Sakhir Orange leather interior. The car was hard loaded with every option except CCBs and adaptive suspension. It was also modified: iND front lip w/ Carbon Fiber Fangs, iND reflector deletes, sport exhaust on full-time, completely blacked out. It was a looker.

3. It was a long time goal. Since I was 15 years old, I loved M cars. I wanted an E46 M3 more than I could describe. After college, I planned to get a CPO E92 and keep my current truck, but once my truck started giving me issues, I scrapped that and bought my Raptor. I needed to get rid of my truck and this M4 came along and it worked perfectly. The car was an absolute blast to own and I have nothing but fond memories of it. I only had it for 4 months, but it was truly a gem. I recently traded it for my 2018 Raptor.

All of this being said, #3 was the biggest reason of all and I was happy to have fulfilled one of my goals and crossed it off my list.

[r0cketm0nkey]

Originally Posted by Blindside

3.

My list is comprised of two...an Evo (done), and a Lambo (not done lol)

[r0cketm0nkey]

Well looks like the C7 is pending a sale...to someone else. I actually decided to trade it in Monday when the dealer said someone else sniped it. I thought I had the liberty to debate it over the weekend...guess not. Oh well.

[baege]

Originally Posted by r0cketm0nkey

Well looks like the C7 is pending a sale...to someone else. I actually decided to trade it in Monday when the dealer said someone else sniped it. I thought I had the liberty to debate it over the weekend...guess not. Oh well.

i went from a 2014 cayman s to a 2015 c7 and immediately regretted it...the c7 is fast and looks and sounds good but it is not at the same level of the euro marques in the subtleties and those subtleties do matter in overall enjoyment of a car

[r0cketm0nkey]

Originally Posted by baege

i went from a 2014 cayman s to a 2015 c7 and immediately regretted it...the c7 is fast and looks and sounds good but it is not at the same level of the euro marques in the subtleties and those subtleties do matter in overall enjoyment of a car

Fair enough. They excel at different things. I was intoxicated by the power of the C7, and I even think I favor it.

[baege]

you do eventually get used to power and torque but it is fun getting used to it!

[Transfer]

Yellow Vette? Nope.

Any other color? Yah

[65fastback]

I am considering getting into one myself and letting go of my M3.
C7's always stand out in a crowd looks wise, they get a lot attention. This is not a plus to me however when i see one i can't stop looking! The best all around domestic hot rod out there.

[JackieChiles]

I don't think I could ever get a non widebody vette.

It would have to be a grandsport, personally.

To me it's like comparing the looks of a 335i msport, which is nice, to an e92 m3.

I would strongly consider trying to get into a gs. I couldn't imagine you would ever regret that but might with a regular vette.

[ard5040]

"Pussy magnet" What, no pussy for the Vette? OP, do you live in the White House?

[r0cketm0nkey]

Originally Posted by ard5040

"Pussy magnet" What, no pussy for the Vette? OP, do you live in the White House?

The vette is more like a sausage magnet.

[REDEV217342]

I have driven the C7. It's nice but I would opt for a GT350 instead (and I have owned an F82M4, an E92M3, a C6Z06, and a C6 Grand Sport).

More purposeful and, in my opinion, looks better.

[cmo_93]

My brother just got a C7 Z06 and we took her out last night for some fun.

I must say, initially, I was super impressed. It looks AMAZING and the power is INTENSE! I was so impressed that I immediately went to my handy auto trader app to see when I could go get one lol

But, ultimately, after I drove it for a while. Up and down the highway, around some twists and turns, through the city, I realized I could live without it. I was ready to hop back into my M3.

All that said, I 100% understand why one would choose a C7 over an e92. Looks the part, sounds the part, more trustworthy, and indeniably faster.

My personal tastes still lean towards the e92 if I have to drive it everyday. But, that z06 sure would be fun to kick around sometimes...which I plan to do! lol