With its terrific reputation for powerful acceleration and nimble handling, the Chevy Corvette is a difficult sports car to beat. The Corvette has gone through significant changes over recent years, shifting from the C7 to the C8 generation for the 2020 model. Despite some significant alterations, the Corvette C8 continues to retain many of Chevy’s classic styling elements in its new setup. Here’s an overview of the differences and similarities between the Corvette’s two latest generations.
ENGINE POSITION
The most obvious difference between the Corvette C7 and C8 is the placement of the engine. The C8 is Chevy’s first mid-engine Corvette, meaning that the powerful V-8 unit is positioned further back in the body. Many sports car experts welcome this development, noting that the weight distribution in the C8 should lead to better handling and improved performance.
The engine itself is a similar unit in both generations: a 6.2-liter V-8. In the C7, the base engine puts out 455 horsepower, while the C8’s unit improves on that rating, at 490 horsepower. An upgraded version of the V-8 engine, available in the C8’s high-performance trims, adds a touch more power, with 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
Both Corvettes continue to offer rear-wheel drive only.
SPEED AND PERFORMANCE
The Corvette C8 stands out from its predecessor and many of its classmates in the sports car segment with tremendous acceleration. Chevy says the C8 can shift you from zero to 60 mph in an incredible 2.9 seconds. This marks a considerable improvement over the C7, which was listed as getting from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
The C8 has also proved its racetrack chops by edging out the C7 in a direct contest organized by Car and Driver. The two vehicles equipped, with the Z51 Performance package, went head-to-head at the Grattan Raceway in Michigan, with the C8 coming out on top in a number of areas. Firstly, the C8’s best lap tie was 0.9 second faster than the C7, with the vehicles managing bests of 126.1 seconds and 127 seconds respectively.
In addition, Car and Driver testers noted that the C8 was able to brake later and accelerate faster in and out of turns. The newer generation corvette also edged out its predecessor for raw speed, managing to go almost 3 mph faster through the 100 mph Sweeper compared to the Corvette C7.
EXTERIOR APPEARANCE
Several styling changes set the C8 apart from the C7. One of the most obvious differences is due to the engine’s position. While the C7 has a pronounced bump on its hood to accommodate the V-8 unit, the C8’s hood has a flatter appearance due to the engine sitting further back.
The C8’s grills appear much larger than the single grill featured in the C7. The new generation has one large grill in the middle, separated on either side by diagonal lines from two smaller air intakes.
The other major difference is the position of the Corvette’s two seats. In the seventh-generation Corvette, the passengers sit close to the rear wheels in order to accommodate the V-8 up front. The newer C8 pushes the driver and passenger forward so they’re sitting almost in the middle of the car.
INTERIOR DIFFERENCES
The cabin in the C8 underwent a full redesign. This included the introduction of new cabin materials and a new driver-focused infotainment setup. Leather and soft-touch plastics feature more prominently in the C8’s cabin design than in the C7.
Although both the driver and passenger sit much further forward in the C8 than in the C7, there’s still plenty of legroom to ensure a comfortable ride.
As for infotainment and technology, the C8 boasts a 12-inch digital gage cluster behind the steering wheel and an 8-inch infotainment screen located to the driver’s right. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard features, allowing you to access your smartphone and its apps through the Corvette’s screen. In addition, you’ll benefit from Bluetooth connectivity, a wireless hot spot, and two USB ports.
In terms of cargo storage, the C8 benefits from a front trunk in addition to its larger rear storage compartment. In total, these two trunks provide you with over 12 cubic feet of storage. Chevy advises that you can fit two sets of golf clubs in the rear trunk and a few grocery bags up front.
The C7 only has one trunk at the rear. This fact reduces its total cargo storage to about 10 cubic feet in the coupe model and 15 cubic feet in the convertible.
TRIMS
Both the C8 and C7 generations of the Chevy Corvette are available in coupe and convertible body styles. The latest C8 Corvette is sold in three trims: 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT.
The main differences between the trims concern the cabin. While the base 1LT trim features leather seats, you gain access to heated and ventilated seats in the 2LT. In the range-topping 3LT trim, you can relax into GT2 seats and enjoy added leather finishings throughout the cabin.
Chevy’s legendary Z51 Performance package is available throughout the lineup if you plan on hitting the racetrack. The Z51 Performance package includes improved aerodynamic design, more powerful brakes, and a limited slip differential.
CHOOSE YOUR IDEAL CHEVY CORVETTE AT KOONS WHITE MARSH CHEVROLET
Now that you know a little more about the differences and similarities between the eighth-generation Corvette and its predecessor, we hope you’re ready to pick your next sports car. Here at Koons White Marsh Chevrolet, we’ve got a great selection of Corvettes on offer, whether you’re looking for a brand new C8 from our new vehicle inventory or a pre-owned C7 from 2019 or earlier. We can also assist you to upgrade and accessorize your ride to achieve the perfect look.
If you have any questions about the Corvette or any of its features, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our professional team of Chevy experts is standing by to help you get behind the wheel of your dream sports car.