Corvette C7 vs. C4 interior comparison-how much improvement is there really?

With all the publicity surrounding the ALLEGED interior improvements that supposedly can be found in the newest Corvette, it can be very eye opening to do a little reality check comparing it to C4 interior.  Yes, C4 from over 20 years ago. 

Right off the bat, it is actually very easy to mistake one for the other, they certainly look very similar, including the general layout and certain design cues, such as the partition in the center console and integrated transition from the dash board on to the door panels. 

Now, where things can get really confusing is a C4 interior that has been customized and upgraded, such as this one that was done by ASC. 

What is exactly C7's claim to fame regarding superior interior?  General layout?  Choice of higher quality materials?  Better seats and ergonomics?

Looking at ASC C4 interior, the materials used, including seat leathers looks considerably superior to the C7 interior.  The leather looks considerably more supple in ASC C4, in fact, it appears to be aniline dyed instead of the typical cheap surface painted GM hides.

How about the instrument panel?  This part is actually a matter of preference and not C7 superiority, in fact, the analog instruments ASC used in its upgrade look BETTER than the chintzy video arcade display in C7.  The analog instruments certainly add character to the interior, simple and purpose built is what it should be in any Corvette.

How about the center console?  Thank God that there is actual improvement here, in the radio and climate control area but it is only marginal since the new climate controls and audio look very gaudy, easily fooling someone they are in a Camaro.  The horizontal area of the console, with the storage compartment/arm rest looks better in C4, more comfortable and ergonomic.

Finally, how the seats?  Well, there is no contest here, C4 wins this part by a landslide, the bolstering is far superior on the 20 year old design, the seats are very supportive, look purposeful and ergonomic.  This is very sad actually because one would think that there would be a great progress here but there is none, gotta allow the AARP and Jenny Craig masses somehow.

Overall,  can this be really called a progress?  Nope, only for someone with severe memory lapses.