I recall seeing a few threads on the C8 vs GT 500 in the last year or so. I spent this morning at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex driving a few cars via Extreme Experience. Great program and a really fun morning overall. I did have the opportunity to drive the new GT 500 and the C8 Z51 back to back - 3 laps each. I have some track experience but I'm no race driver. That said, I did enjoy thrashing these cars to the best of my ability and to my delight, my passenger instructors / coaches just kept encouraging me to go harder. Leaving looks, price, interior, practicality etc. aside and focusing only on performance / handing, it was interesting. The GT 500 was a brute with tremendous punch, awesome exhaust sound and it handled very well. The vette surprised me somewhat and to me was the better handling car overall, not by a lot, but it felt better balanced and smoother / tighter through the turns. I assume that apart from the difference in engine placement, the significant difference in weight had a lot to do with my driving impressions. That said, if I was in the market for one or the other and I factored in everything about both cars, it would likely be a difficult choice. Not every day is a track day.
Just one car guy's impression.