The Chevrolet Corvette actually lost 250 lbs in 1980 due to thinner panels and glass, but California buyers received a rude shock. Corvette customers in the Golden State found they could only buy the 180 bhp, 305 cid V-8 engine due to stiffer emissions requirements. The engine was only available with an automatic transmission and not available elsewhere. A total of 3,220 buyers received a $50 discount for the combination.

Overall sales dropped to 40,614 units for the year while the base price jumped four times, from $13,140 to $14,345. The base 350 cubic-inch Chevy small-block V-8 developed 190 bhp while the L82 was still available and offered 230 bhp for an extra $595. Though 5,069 buyers chose that motor, only a few were able to combine it with a 4-speed gearbox before that combination was discontinued. In all, only 576 buyers got the 4-speed.

Comfort and luxury features still ruled the day for the 1980 Chevrolet Corvette. 32,692 buyers ordered power door locks, 36,589 bought the rear window defogger, 30,821 got cruise control, 34,838 chose an automatic transmission, 34,128 picked alloy wheels, 32,863 selected a power antenna and 36,650 picked dual rear speakers. Power windows, air-conditioning, and the tilt-telescopic steering column were now included in the base price. Speedometers were reduced to 85 mph, and more streamlined front and rear spoilers reduced the drag coefficient from .503 to.443 and increased radiator flow 50 per cent.

Such performance options as were still available were seldom ordered. The FE7 gymkhana suspension found 9,907 buyers for $55, only 1,695 spent $35 for heavy duty shock absorbers, and 201 went for the radio delete and the $126 credit. A further 796 buyers spent $105 for the ZN1 trailer towing package which included a heavy duty radiator and the gymkhana suspension. The new $125 V54 package added a roof carrier for the removable roof panels and 3,755 buyers opted for that.

Colors were relatively evenly spaced, led by White (7,780) Black (7,250), Red (5,714), Silver (4,341), Dark Blue (4,135), Dark Claret (3,451), Frost Beige (3,070), Dark Brown (2,300), Yellow (2,077) and finally Dark Green, with only 844 customers.