Build or Buy ?

If you are a car enthusiast then you must be familiar with the age-old debate, build or buy. Is it better to build a project car or to buy an already-built fast car with little to no stress? This debate is as old as car customizing itself, and the answer to this question always varies from person to person.

In the end, the answer doesn’t matter as it’s an individual’s personal preference. But here we’ll tell you the pros and cons of both, along with the price you’ll have to pay by taking an example of both cases.

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Build (2014 C7 Stingray Base Model)

The 2014 C7 Stingray has been one of the most popular American supercars. It comes with a 6.2L V-8 engine. Matted to a seven-speed manual transmission, it delivers a combined peak output of 455 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. Moreover, it can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in just 3.8 seconds and 0-100 MPH in 8.0 seconds. Larger tires and brakes help the C7 Stingray stop from 60-0 MPH in just 107 feet. The average used market price for this car ranges between $40,000 to $50,000 depending on the condition and mileage of the car.

So, these were the standard specs offered by the 2014 C7 Stingray base model. Now, you may enhance its performance and give it different look by building it the way you want. Here, we have given an estimation of the tune ups and accessories you may need along with their costs to upgrade the 2014 C7 Stingray’s figures to the C7 Z06 level performance.

Firstly, you’ll need a supercharger and pro charger, intake to increase the power by 40% to 50%. The supercharger will cost you around $5,500 and a pro charger will cost around $7,200. This will increase the engine’s output from 455hp to around 3650hp and 460 pound-feet of torque to almost 650 pound-feet. Additionally, downpipes and exhausts will cost you around $500. With increased power, you will also need increased stopping power and the upgraded brake set will cost you around $500. These were the basic parts needed for upgrading your car. But if you want to give your car a more aggressive design, then you may need to spend some extra money on ascetic packages, including front splitter that costs around $1,000, side skirts for $600 and a rear diffuser for $1,300.

By adding all these costs, you’ll end up paying $11,500 extra for the modifications. So, the total cost of the car will be between $51,500 to $61,500.

Pros of Building a Car

Building a project car is often a rewarding experience. You get a sense of satisfaction when you put your own sweat, blood and tears into something you’re passionate about. Moreover, you also get the real-world experience working on your own car, which is priceless. As building a car is your own choice, so you also get more control over what is changed and what is not. In the end when all is said and done, you won’t feel like you had to please anyone but yourself.

Cons of Building a Car

There could be multiple reasons for building a project car, but you should also be aware of the cons of it. The major downside of building a car is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and patience to get it just right, especially when you are doing it for the first time. In some cases, it might get expensive depending upon your goals. Furthermore, there’s no peace of mind like having a warranty. If something breaks, you’ll need to learn how to fix it or pay for it to get it fixed. If you are on a specific budget, then building a car may mean missing out on some things.

Buy (2016 C7 Z06 With the Z07 Package)

The 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition comes with the Z07 Performance Package that offers a unique, personal ownership experience. With the Z07 package, you get adjustable front and rear components for true aerodynamic downforce, Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires for better grip and Brembo carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors that contributes to the enhanced braking performance and improved handling.

It features a 6.2L V-8 supercharged LT-4 engine that produces 650 hp at 6,400 RPM and 650 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 RPM. This car can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in just 2.95 seconds and 0-100 MPH in 6.8 seconds. The braking performance of this supercar is one of the best for any production car in the United States, it can stop form 60-0 MPH in just 99.6 feet. The average used market price for this car ranges between $90,000 to $110,000 depending upon the condition and mileage of the car.

Pros of Buying a Car

Buying a car is more convenient over building a car. Also, you get a very capable car without spending your time, efforts and there’s no stress of building it. Furthermore, you get a perfectly crafted car without any faults and it also comes with a warranty. If any part breaks, you can simply take the car to a mechanic and he will take care of it so you can rest assured. In the end, buying a car offers an effortless and convenient experience.

Cons of Buying a Car

The car comes with a specific design, so you get limited customization options and you can’t customize its design the way you want. Also, the performance and specs of the car are predetermined so you may end up compromising with that if you buy a car.

Concluding Thoughts

Both building and buying a car comes with their own positives and negatives. From our own experience, we have seen a lot of exemplary project cars as well as exceptional previously built cars without any need of customization. But in the end, it entirely depends upon your personal preference. So, let us know whether you are a build or bought type of guy/gal?