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C8 Corvette Stingray vs. C7 Corvette Exhaust Rev-Off Battle: Video

If you’ve ever wondered how the C8 Corvette Stingray exhaust note sounds compared to that of its predecessor, then this C8 versus C7 rev-off video is exactly for you.

To review, the sounds coming from the Summit White C7 Corvette Grand Sport in this video are courtesy of the 6.2L LT1 V8 which makes 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque in this application. Comparatively, the Hypersonic Gray Metallic C8 Corvette Stingray utilizes the 6.2L LT2 V8 which is good for 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the performance active-exhaust (NPP), which this particular model most certainly is.

Here’s how the comparison video is structured. First, both Corvettes start up in Tour mode – meaning the dual-mode exhaust valves are closed. They then alternate between a set cadence, as follows:

  • Start-up (C7)
  • Start-up (C8)
  • 2,000 RPM rev (C7)
  • 2,000 RPM rev (C8)
  • 4,000 RPM rev (C7)
  • 4,000 RPM rev (C8)
  • 6,000 RPM rev (C7)
  • 6,000 RPM rev (C8)

The vehicles are then switched to Sport mode – meaning the valves are open – and that same sequence is then repeated.

It’s worth noting the fact that the valves will open at 4,000 RPM or higher, regardless of what mode the C7 is in. The same concept is true for the C8 Corvette, though we were unable to confirm the threshold is also 4,000 RPM, at least not with pin-point accuracy; we’ll need to run some more tests for that.

Interestingly, this rev-off revealed that the C8 Corvette sounds rather docile compared to the C7, which has a bit more of a bark to it. This would seem a bit counterintuitive, as the mid-engined C8 Corvette’s LT2 has a much shorter distance to travel compared to the LT1 under the hood of the front-engined C7. Take a listen, then let us know which soundtrack you prefer by voting in the poll below.

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Comments

  1. This is good, both elderly owners can’t hear over a certain frequency so they have post this online for results…😉🤪😉

    Reply
  2. Enjoy both cars. Preserve both car’s. Electric is on its way!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  3. Bring back the high school parking lot revv offs please lol 🤣😆. But in all honesty both the C7 & C8 Corvettes sound awesome 😎.

    Reply
  4. And if the C7 has a speeder and falls within earshot of a pedestrian while going through the gears , no contest !

    Reply
  5. Nearly everything I’ve read about the NPP exhaust in the C8 is that all “flaps” are wide open when it starts – irrespective of driving mode. This article suggests differently. Which is it ?

    Reply
  6. Rev all you want, the real performance is on the road and the track and the C-8 is eons ahead of the C-7

    Reply
  7. I wonder if the reason why the C7 exhaust sounded a little more throatier is because of its configuration. I believe my C5 factory exhaust sounded a little more of the same as the C7

    Reply
  8. Great article, but the to me there’s no comparison. The C8 excels, I understand stand we are comparing a front engine to a mid engine, but when you start the C8 it tells you who is in charge.
    Thanks for the article
    Joe

    Reply
  9. They both sound like crap.
    They don’t sound like V-8s at all.

    Reply
    1. Not sure what you’re talking about, but my white C7 Grand Sport in the video definitely sounds like a V8.

      The C8 Stingray, meanwhile, is a bit different. It still sounds good, but is quieter than the C7.

      Reply
      1. I respectfully disagree with you.
        When the manufacturers moved away from the 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 firing order, the sound of the engines changed. And not for the better.

        New V8s are too blatty & raspy.

        Gone is the deep, breathy, throaty sound.

        Reply
  10. Just like I told the kid next door, no matter how loud his truck is, it won’t make hisdick any biggrt.

    Reply
  11. After owning both (both Z51 with NPP exhaust) I will say that while the C8 is the superior car, the C7 is louder and sounds better.

    Reply
  12. The 6.2 LT1 V8 and 6.2 LT2 V8 is also produced for GM by Vin Fast in Viet Nam. Second supply chain backup for the 6.2 LT1 V8 and 6.2 LT2 V8 is the GM Tonawanda Engine Plant on River Road near Buffalo, New York. Vin Fast in Viet Nam is a huge vendor to GM. Their quality is excellent.

    Reply
  13. The C8 is new and exciting but in my opinion the C7 and especially the GrandSport reigns superior! 👍

    Reply
    1. There’s nothing that special about a GS. Stingray engine in a Z06 body.

      Reply
  14. The C8 is new and exciting but in my opinion the C7 especially the GrandSport is superior !👍

    Reply
    1. You clearly haven’t driven both.

      Reply

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