Trade Mach 1 for base 2024 Corvette MSRP $67,895.

[young at heart]

As an owner of Vettes/Mach1 and not relying on 3rd party opinions, the C8 has more HP but is a royal pain in the azz to get in/out of as compared to Mach1. They each have advantages/disadvantages depending on your own preferences. Quality is equal. After that it comes down to appearance.

This is exactly what I was gonna ask about.

Comparing a stock non-HP Mach 1 to a stock base C8, isn’t the Mach a fair bit easier to get in and out of? I’m 74 and all my joints are either repros or edgy yet I’m able to pretty much pop in and out of the Mach no problem. The driver’s seat in the C8 appears to be lower and closer to the ground but I haven’t actually been able to try one.

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[merlin803]

This is exactly what I was gonna ask about.

Comparing a stock non-HP Mach 1 to a stock base C8, isn’t the Mach a fair bit easier to get in and out of? I’m 74 and all my joints are either repros or edgy yet I’m able to pretty much pop in and out of the Mach no problem. The driver’s seat in the C8 appears to be lower and closer to the ground but I haven’t actually been able to try one.

While I have not sat in a C8, I would expect it is not much different to get in and out of than a C7 and yes, my C7 was a pain to get in and out of and the Mach 1 is much better in that regard.

 

[zstanny]

You can get one today no problem, at least in Houston. Order the truck, then order the package. The only requirement is you have either Ford Performance, or a certified ASE tech install the package in order to get the warranty.

I don't need any more temptation. I've already been to the dealer twice asking about a reg cab. They said I could put money down and they would make it happen. Those trucks are sick. I'd go red in the spirt of 2nd Gen Lightning.

Alright, back to OP's question. LOL

 

[wingnutt]

You cannot get a regular cab in 5.5ft bed,

That's what I've been finding also.

honestly, the 5.5 bed would look silly on a RC…and I am a huge shortbed fan. I have the 5.5 on my 18 crew cab and it’s all but useless

 

[derklink]

While I have not sat in a C8, I would expect it is not much different to get in and out of than a C7 and yes, my C7 was a pain to get in and out of and the Mach 1 is much better in that regard.

When I was shopping for a Bullitt in 2020, I was also considering a C7. Had never sat in one, so I went to a dealership to check it out. It took about 5 minutes of getting in, sitting in it, getting out and I knew it wasn't for me. Too tight and too low. I guess I am not meant for a legitimate sports car but rather prefer a GT car, like the Mustang.

 

[merlin803]

When I was shopping for a Bullitt in 2020, I was also considering a C7. Had never sat in one, so I went to a dealership to check it out. It took about 5 minutes of getting in, sitting in it, getting out and I knew it wasn't for me. Too tight and too low. I guess I am not meant for a legitimate sports car but rather prefer a GT car, like the Mustang.

Funny thing about my situation was I had C7 Grand Sport and before that a C7 stingray and before that I had a few 5th and 6th Gen Camaro's.

I had never even sat in a modern Mustang or considered one (my family worked for GM so I always got the GM discount...).

Just by accident, on vacation I go to pick up my rental and they out of the blue asked me if I wanted a sports car, I did and they gave me a Mustang GT. I could not believe how comfortable it was to get in/out of and drive. It was a blast to just get in and drive.

When I got home, I sold the Grand Sport and bought a 22 GT (which had issues and Ford bought it back and I got my Mach 1).

Funny how things work.

 

[K4fxd]

honestly, the 5.5 bed would look silly on a RC

They look really good. Think of the old step sides.

 

[Idaho2018GTPremium]

Yes, if you don’t need the back seat the base C8 would be an upgrade over a Mach 1, esp if you don’t have the handling package with Cup 2s. If the oem all seasons on the C8 aren’t good enough you can replace them with summer tires to extract more grip. The base C8 traps 121+ in the 1/4. Thats higher then a Mach 1. More power and ~300 less pounds.

I’d say drive a C8 and see how you feel. Only you can really answer that.

Trading a top line Mustang for a base Corvette won't scratch that itch.

Ha, “top line”. The Mach 1 is a step above a GT. GT500 is top line.

 

[Rael]

So "top line" is different for you. Good.
I didn't want a GT500. Still don't.

 

[shogun32]

Go rent one for 3 days. I hated it within 40 minutes such that c8 Corvette is dead to me. Fix the ergonomics and put a by-wire even clutch and shifter and I might reconsider. A c8 without magride is a total zero.

 

[MAGS1]

So "top line" is different for you. Good.
I didn't want a GT500. Still don't.

No, GT500 is the top of the line as far as Mustangs go when looking at performance. Period. Whether you want one or not is an entirely different matter but top line is top line whether you like it or not. Just like the Z06 is the top line C8 (for now) but not everyone wants one or likes them.

 

[Rael]

You've got an opinion too. Also good.

 

[MAGS1]

No that’s a fact, the numbers (and Ford) say so. Some may not like the GT500 or the GT500 may not be their goal, and that’s totally fine. But it is the top line S550.

OP, I’ve driven my brother in law’s C8. He has the Z51 with the performance exhaust. It’s stupid quick off the line and with similar conditions and tires it beats cars with several hundred more HP in the 1/4 mile (GT500 is one example). Just cruising around town, it’s fine but like most high HP sports cars it wants to go.

As far as seating, it does sit noticeably lower than an S550. The seats are comfortable but the overall cabin feels tight to me (I’m 6’1” 210ish). He has the convertible so it does feel less cramped with the top down.

Just from a pure numbers standpoint, the C8 is an upgrade over the Mach. Now, enjoyment, fun, etc is subjective and each person’s tastes are different. Me personally, I prefer the C7 to the C8 as it relates to Corvette world. But you really need to drive a C8 to make any kind of decision. I’ve not driven a Mach so I can’t compare the two directly but I have driven a GT350R and a GT500. The GT500 is a better cruiser than a C8, the R is a pretty raw car (in a good and fun way) so I would say the C8 is a better cruiser than the R. Not sure if that helps you at all but those are my thoughts/opinions.

 

[Rael]

My opinion is you should try driving a Mach 1.

 

[Racer57]

This is exactly what I was gonna ask about.

Comparing a stock non-HP Mach 1 to a stock base C8, isn’t the Mach a fair bit easier to get in and out of? I’m 74 and all my joints are either repros or edgy yet I’m able to pretty much pop in and out of the Mach no problem. The driver’s seat in the C8 appears to be lower and closer to the ground but I haven’t actually been able to try one.

As the others have said, it is a LOT harder to get out of than any Mustang. Test drive one and I'm sure you will agree. I'm 69. Not a Vette, but close enough. Old guy trying to get out of a sportscar : r/ContagiousLaughter (reddit.com)

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