C7 Grand Sport or GT350?

[Turbmando]

Looking for some input. Sold my 2011 M3 last year and I’m in the market for a new car. I’ve narrowed it down (I think) to a new Grand Sport or GT350. This will be my second/weekend car so no need for rear seats.

I test drove a new Grand Sport and loved the low end torque, which the m3 lacked. I have not driven a GT350, but just some thoughts...

Grand Sport:
Subjectively, in my opinion, slightly better looking
Has more low rpm torque
Is smaller
Is lighter

Gt350:
Similar in nature to my e90 m3
Loves to rev like my m3
More hp, but weighs more
Bigger
Lack of low rpm torque

I’m not locked into these two cars as my only options, but both are at the very top. Sat in a Camaro ZL1 and it felt massive. It would be great to lose some lbs. compared to my m3.

[Red Bread]

My normal instinct is to recommend the lighter, faster car, but the Voodoo is too cool and would be my choice.

https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...t-cars-feature

[gthal]

C7... I can't stand the interior of the Mustang. The Grand Sport is a beast of a car and punches WAY above it's weight class on a track... grip for days... brakes that give you whiplash

[Turbmando]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

My normal instinct is to recommend the lighter, faster car, but the Voodoo is too cool and would be my choice.

https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...t-cars-feature

Appreciate the link, saw this as well. Interesting that the Grand Sport made the 2018 10 best, but the GT350 didn’t.

[swanson]

Jeez, anyway you slice it, you'll end up with a great car. I wouldnt mind either one.

[Mingwan]

Sounds like you’ll just need to drive a gt350 first..

I just have an issue with the new mustangs w/ an A10 being able to give a gt350 a run for its money on the street. The GS will be a more effective performer. The gt350 sure is a cool car, though.

[RM7]

No SS 1LE?

[Spa2k]

Having owned both, I suggest you run to the Chevy dealer as fast as you can and never give the POS Shelby GT 350 another thought.

[Super Spartan]

Originally Posted by Spa2k

Having owned both, I suggest you run to the Chevy dealer as fast as you can and never give the POS Shelby GT 350 another thought.

Why do you say that? It'd be interesting to learn from an owner's perspective what were your gripes with the GT350 and which year model did you have?

[kprocivic]

Go drive both and make a decision.

[c1pher]

I would say the ZL1 is the more appropriate comparison. I looked at all three before buying a 2LT Stingray. Very happy with my choice. It’s fairly lightweight for the power it has, it feels nimble and is about the same size as an M2. And I love smaller cars which is why I also have a 135is. It really looks bigger than it is because it’s so low.

My second choice would be the ZL1 because Chevrolet did try to cut the weight, but you just can’t see out of the thing. Looks sexy as hell though. GT350 just looks bloated IMO. Both the pony cars share the same interior as their 4 cylinder counterparts where the C7 is unique unto its own. I find it difficult not to drive the Corvette every day.

[scoobysaurus]

Originally Posted by Spa2k

Having owned both, I suggest you run to the Chevy dealer as fast as you can and never give the POS Shelby GT 350 another thought.

Stop trying to con him into buying a car from Garbage Motors. Wouldn't spend another dime of hard earned money on that crap again.

OP, GT350 all the way - the engine alone is worth more than any vette or camaro, subjectively speaking. In General when buying American cars get a ford or mopar - avoid GM like the plague.

[N55darksoul]

I have owned a 2013 M3, 2 C6 corvettes (2008- 2012) and 2 mustangs but none the newer versions you are considering. However, I would definitely go with the Vette. Of the two the Mustang has honestly the same feel and body shape as the M3 IMOP...the Vette is a completely different animal in looks, feel and power. If you sold the M3 then get something completely in all ways different...

[RABAUKE]

Both great cars despite the Ford Chev haters. I've always loved that GT350 motor though. I think you need to drive both, maybe a few times and then decide which one speaks to you....we are all looking for different things.

[BMW in NE]

I have driven both.. the GT350 is just awesome in my opinion... handles well, great interior, and of course that rev happy v-8. C7 has some serious low end grunt, handles well, but I found the interior lacking. and it's a corvette...they are everywhere. I can count 10+ vettes for every 1 GT350. For a DD i'd take teh GT350, for a fun weekend car I'd prob take the c7.

[Spa2k]

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

Why do you say that? It'd be interesting to learn from an owner's perspective what were your gripes with the GT350 and which year model did you have?

Do a search on GT350 here; there are at least a couple of threads. Also check the GT350 Forum at Mustang6.com (https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=70).

I'm not going to post all the details again, but here's a hint: The quality is pitiful - and hasn't changed since 2015. I refused delivery on the first 2016 GT 350, because the paint was flaking off and more than half the car needed to be repainted by the dealer. On the replacement 2016, paint came off the passenger door the first time I washed it - plus I had to park it for 6 months due to Ford's inability to get a simple part to satisfy a recall. I sold the car the day after I got it fixed and ordered an M2.

My last two Corvettes were trouble-free - neither one saw the dealer - except for one recall on rear-end adjustment (no problem found) and regular maintenance - in more than 8 years of ownership; I'm thinking about buying a 2019 now.

BTW, I suggest you only listen to former owners of these cars here. There are a lot of "never-owned-ones" offering opinions here.

Good luck!

[Spa2k]

Originally Posted by scoobysaurus

Stop trying to con him into buying a car from Garbage Motors. Wouldn't spend another dime of hard earned money on that crap again.

OP, GT350 all the way - the engine alone is worth more than any vette or camaro, subjectively speaking. In General when buying American cars get a ford or mopar - avoid GM like the plague.

Thanks for your opinions; I see from your list that you have owned neither of the cars being discussed here.

[roastbeef]

i think the gt350 would be a more enjoyable, rarer, and more unique experience.

[Turbmando]

Originally Posted by Mingwan

Sounds like you’ll just need to drive a gt350 first..

I just have an issue with the new mustangs w/ an A10 being able to give a gt350 a run for its money on the street. The GS will be a more effective performer. The gt350 sure is a cool car, though.

I agree I should drive the GT350. I feel bad knowing the new ones near me aren't the right color, so I would never buy the one I test drive. Nearest used one is an hour away.

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

No SS 1LE?

I've heard great things, but in my opinion not as unique. Then again I guess neither is the vette.

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

Why do you say that? It'd be interesting to learn from an owner's perspective what were your gripes with the GT350 and which year model did you have?

Same here

Originally Posted by kprocivic

Go drive both and make a decision.

I agree

Originally Posted by MGM135is

I would say the ZL1 is the more appropriate comparison. I looked at all three before buying a 2LT Stingray. Very happy with my choice. It’s fairly lightweight for the power it has, it feels nimble and is about the same size as an M2. And I love smaller cars which is why I also have a 135is. It really looks bigger than it is because it’s so low.

My second choice would be the ZL1 because Chevrolet did try to cut the weight, but you just can’t see out of the thing. Looks sexy as hell though. GT350 just looks bloated IMO. Both the pony cars share the same interior as their 4 cylinder counterparts where the C7 is unique unto its own. I find it difficult not to drive the Corvette every day.

Good points

Originally Posted by N55darksoul

I have owned a 2013 M3, 2 C6 corvettes (2008- 2012) and 2 mustangs but none the newer versions you are considering. However, I would definitely go with the Vette. Of the two the Mustang has honestly the same feel and body shape as the M3 IMOP...the Vette is a completely different animal in looks, feel and power. If you sold the M3 then get something completely in all ways different...

This make a lot of sense. Something completely different, I like that.

Originally Posted by RABAUKE

Both great cars despite the Ford Chev haters. I've always loved that GT350 motor though. I think you need to drive both, maybe a few times and then decide which one speaks to you....we are all looking for different things.

Yep, I'll have to locate a dealer willing to let me drive one.

Appreciate all the comments!

[Turbmando]

Originally Posted by Spa2k

Do a search on GT350 here; there are at least a couple of threads. Also check the GT350 Forum at Mustang6.com (https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=70).

I'm not going to post all the details again, but here's a hint: The quality is pitiful - and hasn't changed since 2015. I refused delivery on the first 2016 GT 350, because the paint was flaking off and more than half the car needed to be repainted by the dealer. On the replacement 2016, paint came off the passenger door the first time I washed it - plus I had to park it for 6 months due to Ford's inability to get a simple part to satisfy a recall. I sold the car the day after I got it fixed and ordered an M2.

My last two Corvettes were trouble-free - neither one saw the dealer - except for one recall on rear-end adjustment (no problem found) and regular maintenance - in more than 8 years of ownership; I'm thinking about buying a 2019 now.

BTW, I suggest you only listen to former owners of these cars here. There are a lot of "never-owned-ones" offering opinions here.

Good luck!

Great info, thank you

Originally Posted by roastbeef

i think the gt350 would be a more enjoyable, rarer, and more unique experience.

I should have done a poll, almost seems like a 50/50 split on opinions.

Just some additional info. The targa top on the vette is really cool. 7 speed is kind of a bummer, would rather have a 6 speed manual. I will truly only use this car for back roads on the weekends, occasional errands and a road trip here and there.

I was only considering the GT350 for a number of months, but once I realized I could get a large discount on a new Grand Sport I started doing some research. The only criticism I have for the GT350 (without driving it of course) is its size and weight.

[hellrotm]

I want to say Grand Sport, but that engine alone in the GT350 will help it retain value.

[RABAUKE]