[alienranch]

So I recently sold my 2012 BMW 335i (BMS tune), and purchased a 2015 Corvette Stingray Z51. This isn't my first Corvette, so I had an idea of some of the pro's and con's associated with each vehicle. I'm not going to go into what the Corvette does better (some obvious and some surprising), but below are list of the things either the Vette is missing entirely, or the BMW still does better.

• iDrive - Still the best out there. The Vette's touchscreen is pressure sensitive (for gloves) and slow to respond. Having all the functions of the iDrive system available by feel is a huge win.
• Cameras - Vette has basically the same backup camera with dynamic lines, but the top-down view is missed more than I thought. Never really used the side views much.
• Adaptive Headlights - This was a feature I swore I'd never be without again, but didn't really have much of a choice. Travelling the same route at night, I'm still expecting my headlights to move with the curve. No more.
• Radio - The 10-speaker Bose is nice, but not as good as the HK.
• Climate Control - The 'Auto' function in the BMW was far superior to the one in the Vette. Once set, I never really had to mess with it in the 335i. I'm constantly having to adjust the Corvette temp setting to account for the ambient temperature. The manual functions work great, but the auto feature lags behind the Bimmer.
• Bluetooth Phone - People could hear me perfectly when on the phone via bluetooth in the BMW. Vette bluetooth quality is just a little above average. This undoubtedly has to do with the ambient noise discussed below.
• Heated Steering Wheel - On chilly mornings, it was the first thing to warm up in the BMW. Now, I've got a toasty ass but cold hands.
• Road/Engine Noise - Not really fair to compare in this arena (it would be like comparing power), but it's still a drawback. Lots of road noise from the extremely sticky high-performance tires, and sitting just a few inches from the rear wheels/ground. This negatively impacts listening to the radio, phone calls, conversations inside the vehicle, etc. To be fair, I can electronically adjust the exhaust note, so most of the complaints listed here deal with road noise.
• Gas Mileage - Shouldn't be a huge surprise, but the BMW has it beat. Around town the difference is huge. Was getting about 26 MPG in the 335i, and now about 20 in the Vette (should improve as it breaks in). Highway mileage is surprisingly good for 460/465 hp/tq at about 30 MPG.
• Coding Ability - I really miss the ability to 'code' the car. I had the typical coding options done for my F30. When I did a search a search on Corvette forums for something similar, I found that absolutely nothing exists. Either there is no coding abilities or no one's cracked it. I'm guessing that since it's primarily a US vehicle (certainly prior to the last model), coding options may simply not have been needed. I still miss giving myself upgraded options :-)

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the Stingray and was surprised at how far they've come with the fit/finish, quality and electronics. Performance has always been good, but now it's simply amazing. 0-60 in 3.7 seconds is advertised, but the fast sheets are as low as 3.5 with the 1/4 mile in 11.3 @ 123 mph stock. The Z06 is in a whole other class.

The Corvette is finally in the same interior quality class as the 3/5-series, which for $72,000, it should be. If you're into performance, check it out - there's no way you won't be impressed.

[Alessandro]

congrats and thanks for the straight up review. GM did a great job on the latest Vette,s very appealing if it would have 4 seats

[jair_onsa]

Great review!!! I love the new design on the vette!

[auf Deutsch]

For me, the C7 is too extroverted with its styling. If they could have tied in the great performance with a more sleeper style, it'd be on my next cross shop list.

Nice car nonetheless

[Jimminez]

Originally Posted by crex

I think it's bad ass. I wish bmw would make a sports car.

So you don't consider the M3/M4 a sports car?

[ft1330]

Nice car, but I'm always amazed at the rear-end design. It's just too much like a Camaro to me. Also I find it interesting that the MSRP is a very reasonable $55k but you paid $72k for it! I know, options... but damn that's 20k of options?? I can think of a lot of cars I would want for that money before the Corvette (Cayman S comes to mind).

[ft1330]

Originally Posted by Jimminez

So you don't consider the M3/M4 a sports car?

Disregard this lame bait

[64-bit]

What is your MPG in comparison to the 335i?

Beautiful car BTW

[alienranch]

Originally Posted by ft1330

Nice car, but I'm always amazed at the rear-end design. It's just too much like a Camaro to me. Also I find it interesting that the MSRP is a very reasonable $55k but you paid $72k for it! I know, options... but damn that's 20k of options?? I can think of a lot of cars I would want for that money before the Corvette (Cayman S comes to mind).

The 20K difference amounts to much more than interior/cosmetic options. These include performance upgrades (Z51) such as larger brakes, wheels, transmission cooler, stiffer springs, larger sway bars, dry sump system, electronic LSD, upgraded exhaust (increased hp), more aggressive gearing, magnetic ride control, etc. Really more analogous to a 335i/M3 upgrade. The next jump is to a Z06.

[alienranch]

Originally Posted by 64-bit

What is your MPG in comparison to the 335i?

Beautiful car BTW

Thanks. I forgot to add that to the list. Still breaking it in so the MPG should increase, but around town I'm getting about 20 MPG. On the highway, close to 30 MPG. It has cylinder deactivation (flawless - can't feel a thing), which effectively takes it from a V8 to a V4. I still haven't found a car with the performance to MPG ratio of the 335i.

[Jimminez]

Originally Posted by ft1330

Disregard this lame bait

Originally Posted by crex

I don't in the traditional sense. I consider it a sports sedan.

And why would you consider my question as lame bait? I'm sure many M4 owners would consider their car as a sports car. I don't have an opinion one way or another. So an M4 is a grand touring coupe rather than a sports car?

[auf Deutsch]

Originally Posted by Jimminez

So an M4 is a grand touring coupe rather than a sports car?

Correct

[Jimminez]

Originally Posted by auf Deutsche

Correct

Hmm, interesting.

[eric@helix]

Originally Posted by auf Deutsche

Correct

Agreed. After driving one, my conclusion is that it's an awesome car, but too big and heavy to be a true sports car.

[ji99lypuff]

I really like how the new corvette looks. The rear end could have used some finessing but compared to last generation it is a much sexier car in and out. Congrats on the new corvette and enjoy it!

[F32Fleet]

Home run for GM!

[300hp]

Well played. I would have done the same thing except mine would be yellow

[300hp]

Originally Posted by eric@h

Agreed. After driving one, my conclusion is that it's an awesome car, but too big and heavy to be a true sports car.

I call these guys weight watchers. If the world were ruled by them the GTR would not exist and it weighs more than the M3.

[ft1330]

Originally Posted by Jimminez

And why would you consider my question as lame bait? I'm sure many M4 owners would consider their car as a sports car. I don't have an opinion one way or another. So an M4 is a grand touring coupe rather than a sports car?

No I meant crex was throwing a bait. It's obvious that the M cars are all sports cars and whoever said otherwise is just trolling and baiting. We said SPORTS not RACE cars. If M4 is not a sports car then what is.

[zamboni]

Nice color on the C7 thanks for the write up.

[Jimminez]

Originally Posted by ft1330

No I meant crex was throwing a bait. It's obvious that the M cars are all sports cars and whoever said otherwise is just trolling and baiting. We said SPORTS not RACE cars. If M4 is not a sports car then what is.

[Golden Arrow]

I'm glad to see another Bimmer/Vette owner here. I have a '13 335, and can only manage 23 mpg with mostly city driving without making myself feel like a grandpa. Praise be unto you.