The C6 Corvette (2005 to 2013) and C7 Corvette (2014 to 2019) are both front-engine V8 sports cars, but the C7 is a newer design with a stiffer aluminum frame, a more modern interior and the direct-injected 6.2-liter LT1 rated at 455 to 460 hp. The C6 used the 6.0-liter LS2 (400 hp) and then the 6.2-liter LS3 (430 to 436 hp). C6 cars cost less and have simpler engines; C7 cars are faster, more refined and more expensive.
C6 vs C7 at a glance
| C6 (2005 to 2013) | C7 (2014 to 2019) | |
|---|---|---|
| Base engine | 6.0L LS2, 400 hp; then 6.2L LS3, 430 hp (436 with dual-mode exhaust) | 6.2L LT1, 455 hp (460 with performance exhaust) |
| Z06 | 7.0L LS7, 505 hp (naturally aspirated) | 6.2L supercharged LT4, 650 hp |
| Top model | ZR1: supercharged LS9, 638 hp | ZR1 (2019): supercharged LT5, 755 hp |
| Fuel system | Port injection | Direct injection |
| Manual gears | Six-speed | Seven-speed |
Reliability
The C6’s LS2 and LS3 are simple and well understood. The C6 Z06’s LS7 has a widely reported valve guide wear issue; see LS7 problems. The C7’s LT1 adds direct injection and cylinder deactivation, and some C7 automatics had torque converter shudder; see torque converter shudder and LT1 problems. Early C7 Z06s were known for heat management limits on track.
Transmissions
C6 cars came with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The C7 added a seven-speed manual with rev matching and, from 2015, an eight-speed automatic. C6 automatic cars are simpler to work on; C7 automatics shift faster but some suffered shudder that was addressed with a fluid change. Transmission swaps and replacements are model-specific, so match the transmission code; see what transmission do I have?
Running costs
Both generations use common GM parts and are reasonable to maintain for their performance. C7 cars use wider tires and more electronics, which raise some costs. Either car benefits from a pre-purchase inspection that checks for track use and accident repair.
Interior and driving
The C7 has a much better interior, better seats and a stiffer structure. The C6 is lighter on electronics, which many owners like for modifying and repair.
Power upgrades
Both respond well to superchargers. Kits are engine-specific: see C6 Corvette supercharger kits, C7 Corvette supercharger kits and is a supercharger worth it? The engines themselves are compared in LS2 vs LS3 and LS3 vs LT1.
Which to buy?
- Value and simplicity: a C6 with the LS3.
- Modern interior and more power: a C7 Stingray.
- Track-focused naturally aspirated: a C6 Z06, with the valve guides checked.
For years and ratings across all generations, see Corvette generations, and for parts, Corvette parts.
More guides: how long an LT1 lasts.
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