Granted, it has only been four days and 800 miles with the new Corvette but I've already formed some opinions and thought I'd share them with the group.
Power is obviously strongly in favor of the Vette. 400HP and 400lbs of torque is just too good not to smile about. Instanteous acceleration even with the engine still tight. Haven't visited redline at 6500 yet because of the newness but have been told it pulls strongly all the way up there. Not always a good thing to have this much power as driving it in the rain, even with those monster tires and traction control, is a bit daunting coming from the Miata. Of course, with power comes considerably less gas mileage and then considering using premium, it adds up. Of course, I didn't but it as an economy car but do miss the
30+MPG of the Miata, regardless of how spirited the driving.In the handling department, the Corvette probably has more "raw" capability but almost none of the finese of the Miata. It corners like its on rails, unfortunately it also feel about the size and weight of the train. Nothing, but nothing, will ever beat a lightweight, rwd car for the sheer joy of tossing it around. You toss a Vette and it will rapidly toss right back! This will be what I miss the most because in this car I can actually get hurt, never felt that way in the Miata - always controllable and let you know when it was at the limits. I don't have the gonads to take the Corvette beyond 7/10 unless I can get some track time in at VIR Racway in Dinwiddie, Va. Of course, then I'm burning up tires at $400 a pop!
Fit and finish have improved tremendously on the Vette! It is now a sophisticated, high-tech automobile that will put many an import to shame. However, it will never be bolted together the way the Miata was (don't know how much that's changed over the years, I've been told quite a bit because of the Ford bean counter influence but don't know from personal experience). For flat out reliability, nothing I've ever owned would beat the Miata and I don't think that will ever change.
From a looks and attention getting standpoint, no comparison. I've filled it up twice and it's been a thirty minute process each time. I park in the farthest corner of the parking lot only to come back to people cluster parked around it. Even my wife, who is as far away from a car person as you can get, thinks it's the best looking car ever made. Of course, I also get the "look at that old fart trying to be cool" look from some of the younger drivers our there but, who cares, I am an old fart trying to look cool. My students have all given me the thumbs up on it and glad I got rid of the "girly" car.
In the comfort department, the Vette is the clear winner for my 6'2" frame. Plenty of leg, shoulder and hip room, six way seats that conform perfectly (it's got the sport seat option with the power bolsters - sweet), incredible stereo system, lots of storage room under the hatch with a nice cargo shade and some hidden cubbies. I could do twelve hours in this car, stopping only for fuel and bathroom breaks and not feel it. I've taken many a long trip in the Miata and loved every minute of it but always paid the price the next day with stiffness. Also, with the targa top off and the windows down, the Vette is comfortably quiet and no buffeting up to about 75mph. With the windows up and the top off and the heater blasting, you can comfortably use it in cold temperatures, of course I was top down in the Miata at anything above 45 degrees.
My biggest complaint with the Chevrolet is this "need" to put as much high tech into their automobiles as possible. While the driver information center is fantastic, the keyless entry and start sucks. Having an actual key would be a nice option and the complications of this system can only create problems down the road (thus springing for the six year warranty). Lock your keys in this car and you are royally screwed (and yes, contrary to what Chevrolet says, it can be done as per the dealership) as entry, reprogramming and the purchase of new fobs is going to put you back about $500.00 - that's an expensive lockout!
Bottom line, the Vette is a pure extravagence. There is no rational justification for owning one versus the Miata that can truly serve its role as weekend racer or second car. I'd send my kid off to college in a Miata, never in a Corvette. It's too expensive, too fast, too costly too maintain and draws too much attention from law enforcement personnel. However, it does speak to the soul and since that is where most of us car nuts get our messages from, I don't regret doing it for a second. I do think I will try to convince my wife to get rid of her Honda Accord (the appliance of automobiles) for a mint 95M Edition and thus have the best of both worlds. You do need to ride in one to experience that All-American V8 muscle, nothing else comes close.
Sorry for the long post, just wanted to share my experience with the members of this group. Although I don't post that often, I've gotten more help off this group then any dealer I've ever been to. The level of courtesy and decorum is unmatched in any other newsgroup I belong to. That's why I will stay around here and perhaps get back in as an official member when I convince my wife to change cars.
Tom
92 Red (gone but not forgotten) 05 Vette (red, but of course)