Kris, permit me to say just a couple things.
First-This car can't compare in very many ways to your Mustang. They are both awesome cars but the difference is staggering. I know, we have a very nice '73 Camaro with ample horsepower, urethane bushings t/o and set up to really enjoy but it's like driving a backhoe compared to this Vette.
Lastly-It's only my opinion but I would never buy a brand new one. We purchased both of ours from somebody else who took the outrageous depreciation the first year brings and now enjoy the factory warranty at a greatly reduced price. Paul and I both got ours for under $40K each w/more than 1/2 the factory warranty left. We went one step further and negotiated an excellent buy on extended bumper-to-bumper warranties to 100K miles since everything is electronically controlled. I've been looking for the auto pilot since it's the only feature I haven't found yet. Ask anyone who owns one, they won't stop raving.
This is so true. I've ridden in a Corvette once. My Mustang has a measly 3.8L V6. It's got a little extra horsepower because my best friend is a mechanic and he made a few modifications (it was a Christmas gift last year) but the Corvette is at least twice that stock. Now, I love my car, but you're right. It's apples to oranges. I just love fast and sexy cars, to me Mustangs, Corvettes and early generation Camaros (though the current version is pretty slick) are the best. But the Mustang is the everyman sports car -- stock, at least.
And I agree on not buying brand new. I've learned from watching others do that. Absolutely, let someone else take the depreciation hit!

I bought my Mustang in 2002. It had 25k on it and I got it for a steal. I made the mistake of re-financing it two years ago, otherwise, it would have already been paid off. Next vehicle I buy will not be brand new, no way, and I plan to save a healthy down payment and do short-term financing.
I would be comfortable doing what you did to get your Vette. Through various personal and professional relationship I have some good contacts and would probably be able to find a good deal.
But before I can even consider buying a Corvette or any other new car I would need a new house with a bigger garage. Heh. My little starter house has a garage just big enough for my car and then the usual assortment of crap people store in garages.
So, I got some time to think.
