Which US hire car?

Soldato
Joined
19 May 2005
Posts
7,049
Hi there,

Ok, this is the one which ends all similarly titled threads, because I have the definitive answer. I have hired a 2010 Mustang soft-top and a 2012 Mustang GT Coupe - both of these really aren't it. V8 boats are fun, but belong on the Riviera.

I've spent a week driving a different car over in California, which I would be more than happy to buy in the UK - it is phenomenal. There is no reason not to hire one of these if you get the opportunity. Too expensive? Steal. It's worth a custodial sentence.

Anyway, the car I've rented is a 2013 C6 Chevrolet Corvette. Specs are:

- LS3 6.2l V8
- 430hp @ 6,500rpm
- 428lb/ft @ 6,500rpm
- 0-60mph in 4.0s
- Top speed of 190mph+

There won't be anyone here who wouldn't consider the performance blisteringly quick. Whatever you drive, this thing is exceptional in a straight line. The gearing of the 6 speed auto is long, but the relentless torque throughout the rev range just means that it never fails to surprise. It's a great box too - I've been sold on auto/semi-auto for a while. This is slushy around town - just as you'd want it, but is malleable (especially with the paddles) in the twisties.

...and it's the twisties where you get the biggest surprise. The C6 is a light car - against all odds. It's got a lot against it - it's American, it's convertible, it has a 6.2l v8, instead of door handles it has buttons which trigger electric motors to open the doors. However - it's also made of GRP, there is no fancy 200kg steel folding roof (in fact the roof is entirely manual), it's small (it doesn't feel much bigger than an S2000), no pop-up rollover hoops, sound deadening is kept to a minimum. This lightness, and ridiculous power just makes it a recipe for fun. The handling is sublime, and the brakes don't cook after a handful of hairpin bends. I am totally sold.

Finally comes the coup de grâce - the way it looks. It attracts so much positive attention here, everyone loves it. Of course, the main thing is that it looks good in your holiday photos.

Enjoy. I want to take it home with me.

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How does it compare to the M3?

It's a lot more powerful than the e46 M3 - you really notice it when it struggles to put down the power on a straight dry motorway! Handling doesn't seem as sharp - maybe this is just the coupe/convertible difference though. The lower centre of gravity really works in the Corvette's favour though. It's very tail happy at low revs which is a trait I adore.


See, what did I tell you? :p

Drove a manual 'vert last year, great fun. Just needed the box to be a little less balky.

Effortless performance, although admittedly a little windy at triple figures with the roof down :D

It's fine with earplugs in :D



Funnily enough Rich - I'm passing by Santa Barbara tomorrow morning for breakfast!
 
[TW]Fox;26792482 said:
To me it just feels like a generic full-size with less doors, an epic engine and better styling. They are massively over priced to rent given the retail price on them. My Cadillac last year was the same price new and 200 quid a week.

The Corvette however is genuinely special.

Agree with this. I've hired both a mustang gt and a Corvette. The mustang felt like a huge saloon with a half decent engine but was otherwise nothing special. The corvette is a great sports car and feels like a very special car to drive.
 
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