Corvette vs Miata - long

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)

Great write-up. Congratulations on your new toy! I'm curious...did you ever
consider the Lotus Elise? That magnificent machine embodies everything I
ever want in a sports car!

Pat

"Tom Howlin" > wrote in message
...
> 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)
>

Sounds nice!! What's the actual model, and let's see some photos then! :-)

Eric

I friend at work has been on the waiting list for an Elise since last
January. Seems impossible to just go out and buy one like the Vette
right now.

"HALLOWEEN!" > writes:

> Great write-up. Congratulations on your new toy! I'm curious...did you ever
> consider the Lotus Elise? That magnificent machine embodies everything I
> ever want in a sports car!
>
> Pat
>
> "Tom Howlin" > wrote in message
> ...
> > 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)
> >
>
>

--
Scott Streeter

http://www.wpi.edu/~ss/

Fantastic Review Tom,

I read a review in last months Evo Magazine (one of very few magazines who
reviews and opinions I trust enough to subscribe to) they tested the C6
against the MG SV-R and the TVR Tuscan MKII, , and your review shares very
similar points to theirs, (obviously without the MX-5 comparisons)
considering there is at least 50 years of motoring journalism between them I
think you deserve an extra pint tonight mate.

Well done, and as I think the saying goes keep the pedal to metal.



"Tom Howlin" > wrote in message
...
> 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)
>

"Tom Howlin" > wrote in message
...
> 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.

Great review, Tom.

I'm curious, but why did you go for the coupe instead of the convertible?

H.

1. Availability - short supply and most dealers at MSRP ++ putting it
over 60K - my coupe was 44165.
2. Insurance - I about croaked, almost 50% more for the convertible -
510/6mos versus 360/6mos.
3. I really like the targa top on the coupe. Nice and tight and warm
for winter driving but pops off in a few seconds for near convertible
driving and the way they have the storage rack now, you still have
plenty of cargo space.
4. The convertible looks better than the coupe with the top down, much
worse with it up. Kind of like the notchback coupe they made for a few
years.

Tom
92 Red (Gone, but not forgotten)
05 Vette (red, but of course)

HardwareLust wrote:
> "Tom Howlin" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>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.
>
>
> Great review, Tom.
>
> I'm curious, but why did you go for the coupe instead of the convertible?
>
> H.
>
>

"Tom Howlin" > wrote
> It corners like
> its on rails, unfortunately it also feel about the size and weight of
> the train.

Good one. Thanks for the enjoyable read.
--
Ken Lyons '97 Brilliant Black/'90 Classic Red
Inside the Beltway

Jeez, I can't wait till I'm an old fart too! Oh, wait a minute, my kids
tell me I am already...

Honey, where's the title to your minivan!?!?! I'm tradin' it!!!!!

Now, for the "I told you so..."

Didn't I tell you there's nothing like a V8? Didn't I?

Enjoy it, while we all sit here and turn green -- and post some pics, will
you?

:-)

"Tom Howlin" > wrote in message
...
> 1. Availability - short supply and most dealers at MSRP ++ putting it
> over 60K - my coupe was 44165.
> 2. Insurance - I about croaked, almost 50% more for the convertible -
> 510/6mos versus 360/6mos.
> 3. I really like the targa top on the coupe. Nice and tight and warm
> for winter driving but pops off in a few seconds for near convertible
> driving and the way they have the storage rack now, you still have
> plenty of cargo space.
> 4. The convertible looks better than the coupe with the top down, much
> worse with it up. Kind of like the notchback coupe they made for a few
> years.
>

Ah, makes sense when you take that into consideration. Guess I'll have to
save my pennies for a while longer before I can afford one of those.

I think I'd wait for the Z06 convertible anyway. I might get flamed for
saying this, but I think that's a car worth giving up any Miata for if you
ask me.

H.