C6 Corvette for Stinger GT2 - Am I crazy?

[DanD]

This is my first post. I'm going through the process of meeting with dealers and getting offers and trade-in estimates on my car; moving towards trading in my Corvette for a Stinger GT2.

My current car is a Yellow 2005 C6 Z51 with a forged 404 Stroker making just under 500whp. I've been daily driving it for 8 years. And before that I had a C5 for 6 years (making 400whp).

I'm considering getting something with a bit more tech and luxury (not that the C6 is bad). And preferably something that can apply power for more than just 3 months a year... (AWD). (Also my 13 year old Corvette has some annoying, nagging, maintenance issues... )

Has anybody else made the switch from a "pure" sports car like a Corvette or Mustang or something, to the Kia Stinger? Any regrets?

Thanks!!
DanD

 

[Kia Stinger]

This is my first post. I'm going through the process of meeting with dealers and getting offers and trade-in estimates on my car; moving towards trading in my Corvette for a Stinger GT2.

My current car is a Yellow 2005 C6 Z51 with a forged 404 Stroker making just under 500whp. I've been daily driving it for 8 years. And before that I had a C5 for 6 years (making 400whp).

I'm considering getting something with a bit more tech and luxury (not that the C6 is bad). And preferably something that can apply power for more than just 3 months a year... (AWD). (Also my 13 year old Corvette has some annoying, nagging, maintenance issues... )

Has anybody else made the switch from a "pure" sports car like a Corvette or Mustang or something, to the Kia Stinger? Any regrets?

Thanks!!
DanD

Welcome aboard, Dan! And thank you for signing up. You'll get some input shortly. In the meantime, don't feel too crazy about trading in your Corvette for a Stinger GT. You're obviously into making fast cars even faster - and with the Stinger, that's easy to do. It could potentially be as fast as your Corvette - yet much more comfortable and luxurious. I'll let others tune in from here. I'm glad you found us!

 

[bumble bee]

Welcome! Vette? them are played out. You can do many upgrades throughout the time. Enjoy your new ride..

 

[CaliSting]

I have seat time in C6 and own 2 Porsche’s. I guess it depends on what you want. It’s quieter, more comfortable , can haul 4 people and gear, has modern car features . It’s not going to replace great handling of C6 but will be nicer daily driver.

 

[Kamauxx]

I had a 400 whp C5 Z06 and traded it for a Optima back in 2012.

I wasn't even looking to buy but once I drove the Optima I was sold. There was just so much advanced tech in my 2012 Optima compared to my 9 year old Corvette that I couldn't turn it down (your car being a decade and a half old I'm sure you know that feeling when you drive something newer). Plus, at the time there were actually more C5s around than Optimas and I hate having a car that I see clones of all day.

 

[MicroBlue]

If you have driven a Stinger yet, you need to understand what you are getting. This isn’t a car that was designed to set a record in Nuremberg. This isn’t a product designed to compete with e C63 AMG, M5, RS5, or CTSV/ATSV.
What this car is, a grand touring sedan. It handles well, stops well, and has a great engine. The car is well put together and handling is predictable. The technology and luxury in a GT1 or GT2 will be light years ahead of your C6.

This isn’t a four door vette. Sadly we aren’t competing against the M5 or CTSV. It’s competing against M sport and Audi S lines. I love my Stinger and enjoy driving it more than E46 SMG M3.

There is potential to make this car very aggressive, but we aren’t their yet.

 

[DanD]

I had a 400 whp C5 Z06 and traded it for a Optima back in 2012.

I wasn't even looking to buy but once I drove the Optima I was sold. There was just so much advanced tech in my 2012 Optima compared to my 9 year old Corvette that I couldn't turn it down (your car being a decade and a half old I'm sure you know that feeling when you drive something newer). Plus, at the time there were actually more C5s around than Optimas and I hate having a car that I see clones of all day.

That's kind of where I'm at. Driving this thing made me realize just how dated the interior on my Vette is... Not to mention, putting 485 whp to the ground, in WA state... is only really viable 3 months of the year anyways. The rest of the time - I'm soft pedaling it around town... somewhere a grand touring car would be vastly superior.

If you have driven a Stinger yet, you need to understand what you are getting. This isn’t a car that was designed to set a record in Nuremberg. This isn’t a product designed to compete with e C63 AMG, M5, RS5, or CTSV/ATSV.

After visiting the dealer, they agreed to let me take the GT2 home for the night. I showed the wife, she's on board, I'm gonna drive it to work, see what that's like. Then bring it back to the dealer afterwards. At which point, I'll probably close and buy the thing... we'll see...

I was really impressed with the HUD in the GT2. Current speed limit, next navigation, speed, all kinds of good stuff there... The adaptive cruise works too. Though, I was hovering over the brake pedal... I was more nervous about it than I expected I would be... lol

 

[KikoTheAkita]

Maybe it isn't what you would call a "pure sports car", but I traded in my 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec for a GT2 with AWD. The Genesis was plenty fun to drive, but it wasn't very practical for me. The rear seat was so tight that the car was essentially a two-seat car. The rear wheel drive and summer performance tires made the car impractical to use in the winter. My only regret is that, since the Genesis Coupe didn't sell well, Hyundai discontinued it and it will probably become collectible soon.

 

[Kamauxx]

Hyundai discontinued it and it will probably become collectible soon.

I don't think you should worry too much about that.

 

[davebo]

I had my C5 for 14 years (although not my daily driver) and finally sold it a couple months ago for a Stinger GT. It's definitely a lot heavier and I really do miss the glass targa top, but everything else is far superior. For me the driving factor was that I was sick of keeping the Corvette in a garage and having my daily car outside in the cold and rain over the harsh winter we had here. Not much snow but just really cold temps. Life is just easier when you've got one car that does everything, including throwing all my work gear and crap I buy off craigslist in the back. And if you're into more power as you seem to modify your Corvettes, the tuning scene is doing wonderful things with the Stinger already without even voiding the 10 year warranty.

 

[DanD]

And if you're into more power as you seem to modify your Corvettes, the tuning scene is doing wonderful things with the Stinger already without even voiding the 10 year warranty.

It's funny... each time I've bought a Corvette I've always said to myself "This car will be fast enough... no need to modify it..."
And somehow, they both wound up heavily modified. I can't explain it... it's a disorder I think.

This Stinger will be fast enough... no need to modify it...

 

[davebo]

I knew a guy who had a C5, then modified it to something like 700rwhp, to the point it was basically undriveable on public roads, so he sold it and got a GTO. Then he proceeded to modify that until it was similarly useless as a daily driver and sold it. It's a delicate balance getting the power you want without going overboard, but I never had any problem with the C5 after a Corsa exhaust at the time. A decade later sure it's not that fast compared to others, but the Stinger feels great for what it is... for now.

 

[Soca Boy]

Their is a member who traded a hellcat and another who traded a Tesla for a Stinger. Theirs some others who hoped out of some pretty cars for one, so no your not crazy.

 

[StingEm]

the tuning scene is doing wonderful things with the Stinger already without even voiding the 10 year warranty.

Wishful thinking. You may be right, but you also may be out a bunch of money if you’re wrong. The reality is that chipping the car absolutely voids the 10 year warranty, but you’re just assuming that Kia won’t find out.

https://www.kia.com/us/k3/content/media/all/warranty/2017_Warranty.pdf

“As the Kia vehicle owner, you should also be aware that Kia may deny you warranty coverage if your Kia vehicle or a part has failed due to abuse, neglect, improper maintenance or unapproved modifications.“

 

[Kamauxx]

The reality is that chipping the car absolutely voids the 10 year warranty

That isn't accurate. Kia could deny covering a certain part that they prove failed specifically because of an aftermarket modification but the 10 year warranty will most certainly not be voided.

The burden of proof will be on the dealership. If, for example your exhaust falls off of your car and the Kia dealership says it's because you've added 2lbs of boost to the engine they will have to prove that the extra boost destroyed the exhaust hangers before denying the claim. If the dealership can't prove the part failed because of the aftermarket modification they are required by law to honor the warranty.

 

[StingEm]

Yes, I agree your exhaust hanger warranty will be safe.

 

[Kamauxx]

Yes, I agree your exhaust hanger warranty will be safe.

Sigh...

The point is Kia won't void the 10 year warranty because an aftermarket modification caused something to fail. They can refuse to repair the issue if they can actually prove it was caused by the modification but outright voiding the vehicle's warranty would just be a lawsuit waiting to happen.

 

[Jonathan Lasich]

DanD,

In the 23 years that my wife and I have been together, My Limited 3.3 AWD Stinger is our 24th vehicle. We've owned pretty much everything from a Smart diesel cabriolet to a 1997 Camaro SS, a 2007 Corvette C6 ZO6 (track prepped), a 2010 Nissan GT-R (FBO track prepped), and a 2009 M-B SL63. Considering that the 4 above mentioned sports cars were all garaged for the winter, up to the time that we bought the Stinger, I would say that the SL63 was the best overall car that we have ever owned. Knowing she was a motorhead, a co-worker asked my wife what her dream car was. At the time, she was daily driving the Benz which was parked outside at work. Her response was "My dream car is parked outside, and I drive it every day".
The Stinger is now at the "Top Of The Pile" so to speak. We both agree, that overall, the Stinger is the best vehicle that we have ever owned! Not quite as hard edged in the performance side as some of the others, but pretty much a perfect compromise of a slightly softer Grand Tourer and a Kick Ass sports car. The intention is to add winter wheels and tires and drive it all year long. I LOVE all of the electronic bells and whistles (the Canadian Limited version has pretty much everything in it)!! This car lacks for very little!! That being said, I'm looking at adding the Kia bi-modal exhaust and an ECU tune when the break-in period is done (2 months time--current rumors are potentially close to or maybe at the 500 HP mark). It will then be pretty much perfect!!

I doubt very much that you will regret the move from the Vette to the Stinger, especially if you choose the GT2 version.

 

[DanD]

Thanks - I'm glad to hear all the positive feedback!

I just bought one last night! MicroBlue Stinger GT2. (I can't post a picture yet, apparently I'm too new to the forum. )

 

[Ivansito]

DanD,
especially if you choose the GT2 version.

I say, choose the Base GT and save yourself roughly 10,000 -11,000 bucks while still kicking the same asses. What to do with the extra cash you ask?

1000.00 exhaust
400.00 intake or Tork intake 185.00
800-900.00 Race Tune
1500.00 A thumping sound system

Remaining 7000? Take a nice road trip and spend it Drug Sex and Rock n Roll.