Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray Z51 / Chevrolet Corvette C7 Grand Sport

The Chevrolet Corvette C7 Grand Sport makes 466 horsepower and costs $67,000. The Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray Z51 makes 495 horsepower and costs $80,000—a $13,000 price gap (16% cheaper for the C7) despite the C8 having 29hp more power. Across 46 shared tracks with 281 unique comparison scenarios, the C8 wins by 0.85 seconds overall, but when you filter the comparison data on this page for matched modifications and matched tire treadwear, the C7 wins 62.1% of battles with a 3.79-second average gap.

This is Chevrolet's seventh-generation Corvette C7 Grand Sport (2017-2019) versus the eighth-generation Corvette C8 Stingray Z51 (2020-2025). The C7 weighs 3,464 lbs. The C8 weighs 3,647 lbs—183 pounds heavier despite the mid-engine layout. The C8 makes 29hp more power (495hp vs 466hp), yet the C7 wins 62.1% of matched battles while costing $13,000 less. The question isn't which is faster—it's whether the C8's revolutionary mid-engine layout and newer technology justify paying $13,000 more (19% premium) for Chevrolet's first mid-engine Corvette that loses 62% of matched battles to the last front-engine Grand Sport.

The Generational Revolution: Front-Engine vs Mid-Engine

The C7 Grand Sport ran from 2017-2019 as the final evolution of Chevrolet's front-engine Corvette formula, making these models 6-8 years into their lifecycle. The C8 Stingray Z51 launched in 2020 as Chevrolet's revolutionary mid-engine Corvette, making 2020-2025 models 0-5 years into their lifecycle. This isn't just an age gap—it's a fundamental architecture change from front-engine/rear-drive to mid-engine/rear-drive that Corvette purists debated for decades:

• C7 Grand Sport (2017-2019 model years): Factory warranty (GM's 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper) expired for all model years. At 6-8 years old with typical performance-car mileage (40k-80k miles), the C7 requires age-based maintenance: LT1 6.2L V8 maintenance (spark plugs $200-400, differential fluid $150, brake pads/rotors $800-1,200), Grand Sport widebody aero requires specific alignment ($200-300), Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires required ($1,400-1,800 for staggered setup), cooling system service ($400-800). Conservative estimate for 6-8 year old C7 Grand Sport: $3,500-5,500 over next 2-3 years. GM dealer service: $140/hour, Corvette specialists: $120/hour.
• C8 Stingray Z51 (2020-2025 model years): Factory warranty active for 2022-2025 models (GM's 3yr/36k covers through 2025-2028), expired for 2020-2021 models. At 0-5 years old with moderate mileage (10k-40k miles), the C8 requires modern-car maintenance: LT2 6.2L V8 service (oil changes $100-150, brake pads $600-900 if needed), Z51 performance package requires specific alignment ($200-300), Michelin tires ($1,400-1,800 staggered). Conservative estimate for 0-5 year old C8 Z51: $2,000-4,000 over next 2-3 years depending on warranty coverage. GM dealer service: $140/hour.

The $13,000 upfront savings buying the C7 grows to $14,500-16,500 effective savings when you factor in the C7's slightly higher maintenance costs (6-8 years old vs 0-5 years old) versus the C8's newer age and potential warranty coverage. The C7 still costs dramatically less even after accounting for age-related service while winning 62.1% of matched battles.

The 29-Horsepower Deficit vs 183-Pound Disadvantage: LT1 vs LT2

The C7's LT1 6.2L V8 makes 466hp at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm (database shows 630 lb-ft, likely data error including torque converter effect). Power-to-weight: 7.43 lbs/hp. The C8's LT2 6.2L V8 makes 495hp at 6,450 rpm and 470 lb-ft at 5,150 rpm (database shows 637 lb-ft, likely data error). Power-to-weight: 7.37 lbs/hp—virtually identical despite the C8 making 29hp more.

The LT1's 466hp represents the final evolution of Chevrolet's front-engine Corvette: pushrod V8 architecture, 75 hp/liter specific output, and 60 years of front-engine Corvette engineering refinement. The LT2's 495hp represents Chevrolet's mid-engine revolution: same pushrod V8 architecture relocated behind the driver, 80 hp/liter specific output (7% higher), and the engine that made mid-engine Corvette dreams reality. Yet the C7's front-engine layout, Grand Sport widebody aerodynamics, wider Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and lighter curb weight (3,464 lbs vs 3,647 lbs—183 pounds lighter despite being front-engine) deliver a 62.1% win rate when conditions are equal. The C8's mid-engine traction advantage can't overcome the C7's weight advantage and proven front-engine chassis tuning in matched battles.

What the Filtered Data Reveals

• Matched mod + matched tire (58 laps): C7 wins 62.1%, C8 wins 37.9%, 3.79s gap. When both run equal preparation and tires, the C7's advantage is clear—the LT1's 466hp and 3,464-pound curb weight overcome the LT2's 495hp and 3,647-pound mid-engine platform. The C7 wins 36 laps vs C8's 22 laps—proving the last front-engine Grand Sport's widebody aerodynamics and lighter weight deliver superior performance over the revolutionary mid-engine C8 in matched conditions despite 29hp less power.
• Light C7 vs light C8, TW200/200 (17 laps): C7 wins 88.2% with 3.75s gap. The largest matched scenario shows the C7's dominance is overwhelming when both run minimal modifications on street tires. The front-engine C7's lower weight and proven chassis overwhelm the mid-engine C8's traction advantage—15 wins vs 2 losses.
• C8's path to victory: Modification advantage scenarios (MISMATCHED MOD | MATCHED TIRE): C8 wins 65.8%. When the C8 runs higher modifications, the mid-engine layout finally shows its advantage—the rear weight bias handles power better. But when both run equal mods, the C7's lighter weight and front-engine efficiency win 62.1% of battles.

The Total Cost of Ownership: Last Front-Engine vs First Mid-Engine

C7 Grand Sport (2017-2019): $67,000 buys Chevrolet's ultimate front-engine Corvette—466hp LT1 V8, widebody Grand Sport aerodynamics, wider Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, magnetic ride control, and the last chance to own a front-engine Corvette before the C8 revolution. The C7 Grand Sport appreciated from $66,500-69,000 MSRP (2017-2019) to $67,000 in 2024-2025—minimal appreciation reflects high production numbers and C8 arrival. At 6-8 years old, you're buying proven front-engine performance with deferred maintenance: spark plugs, differential service, brakes, tires. Premium fuel required, moderate insurance for sports car.

Total 3-year cost: $67,000 purchase + $4,500 maintenance + $3,900 premium fuel (12k miles/year, 17 mpg) + $2,700 insurance = $78,100 total. Resale value: $62,000 (depreciation continues slowly). Net cost: $16,100.

C8 Stingray Z51 (2020-2025): $80,000 buys Chevrolet's revolutionary mid-engine Corvette—495hp LT2 V8, Z51 performance package, mid-engine traction, magnetic ride control, and the architecture Corvette enthusiasts debated for decades. The C8 Z51 depreciated from $68,000-75,000 MSRP (2020-2025 Z51 models) to $80,000 in 2024-2025—wait, this price appears inflated (likely reflects dealer markups, low mileage 2024-2025 models, or market premiums during C8 shortage). Typical used C8 Z51 pricing: $70,000-75,000 for 2020-2022 models. At 0-5 years old, you're buying modern Corvette with potential warranty coverage: oil changes, alignment, minimal service needs. Premium fuel required, higher insurance for newer sports car.

Total 3-year cost: $80,000 purchase + $3,000 maintenance + $3,900 premium fuel (12k miles/year, 18 mpg) + $3,000 insurance (newer car premium) = $89,900 total. Resale value: $75,000 (holds value as newest Corvette). Net cost: $14,900.

The C7 costs $1,200 MORE in net 3-year ownership despite being $13,000 cheaper upfront. The C8's stronger resale value ($75k vs $62k) and slightly lower maintenance costs ($3,000 vs $4,500) nearly offset the purchase price difference. However, you're paying $13,000 more upfront for a car that loses 62.1% of matched battles—the value proposition favors the C7 if you prioritize performance over resale value.

The Verdict

Choose the Chevrolet C7 Grand Sport if you want the last front-engine Corvette at $67,000, prioritize winning (62.1% matched win rate), and value proven front-engine performance over mid-engine revolution. You're saving $13,000 upfront (16% discount) while beating the C8 in 62% of matched battles despite having 29hp less and front-engine "disadvantage". The C7 costs slightly more in net 3-year ownership ($1,200 more) due to weaker resale value, but delivers superior lap times in matched conditions. The C7 Grand Sport is the choice for Corvette purists who want widebody aerodynamics, lighter weight, and the final evolution of 60 years of front-engine Corvette engineering—understanding you're buying the last of a breed that's faster than the revolutionary replacement.

Choose the Chevrolet C8 Stingray Z51 if you want mid-engine Corvette revolution at $80,000, accept losing 62.1% of matched battles, and prioritize owning Chevrolet's first mid-engine Corvette over lap time performance. You're paying $13,000 more (19% premium over C7) for 29hp more power that loses 62% of the time when preparation is equal, but saving $1,200 in net 3-year ownership costs due to stronger resale value ($75k vs $62k). The C8 Z51 is the choice for drivers who want mid-engine architecture, newer technology (0-5 years old vs 6-8 years old), and potential warranty coverage—but understand you're paying more upfront for a car that's demonstrably slower in matched conditions than the last front-engine Grand Sport.

LapMeta's -0.85-second overall gap (C8 wins barely) hides the matched-condition reality: the C7 wins 62.1% with a 3.79-second gap when preparation is equal. The C7's 183-pound weight advantage and front-engine efficiency overcome the C8's mid-engine traction and 29hp advantage in 62% of battles. For the driver who wants the best lap time performance and doesn't mind weaker resale value, the C7 at $67,000 delivers a 62.1% win rate for $13,000 less upfront. For the driver who wants mid-engine Corvette history and stronger resale value, the C8's $13,000 premium buys mid-engine revolution and saves $1,200 in net 3-year ownership—but not speed in matched conditions.