Going from C4 to C5

[clydeyb]

Seriously thinking about buying a C5. I recently purchased my 1993 C4 about a month and a half ago and really love the Corvette. After becoming more familar with Corvette's, I have fell in love with the C5. I'm thinking of holding onto my C4 until the spring when maybe there will be a bigger demand for it but in the meantime feel now might be the best time to purchase a C5. I am looking at 1997 thru 1999. Any comments on the time to buy, differences from C4 to C5, and 1997 thru 1999 years in perticular? All comment and opinnions appreciated. Any comments on what the C4 could sell for in the spring vs. what I could purchase a C5 for now?

 

[Cruzen]

I recently made just such a transition. See the thread on “Adoption Completed”. Anyway after two months I have some observations. Both my 1994 C4 and 1998 C5 are roadsters with automatic trans so I’m comparing apples to apples. I bought my C5 because I had the opportunity to get it for way, way, way under blue book value.

In the video on building the C5 all the designers stressed the fact that in addition to the existing Corvette owners they were going to attract people who had not previously owned Corvettes. I love the part where someone puts two bags of groceries into the back of a silver coupe. In my opinion, in so doing they took some of the Corvette feeling out of the Corvette. It’s not as harsh as it once was. No creaks no rattles and the sound coming out of the exhaust leaves a LOT to be desired when compared to the C4. In addition compare the HP and torque curves between the LS motor and your LT-1 motor. You will find that the LT-1 is a bit stronger below the 3000 mark while the LS comes on strong above that. They develop their peak HP and torque ratings at different RPM’s. The lower RPM those statistics peak at the better for around town driving. The higher they peak the better for spirited driving. If you race the heck out of your car that is important. If you do mostly driving around town then the LT-1 might be best.

I do not know if someone has done work on my C4 before I owned it but it takes much less throttle to get the C4 moving under normal conditions than it takes to move the C5. This was a problem I had when driving one of my other less responsive vehicles for a while then getting into the C4. I would usually chirp the tires the first time I hit the accelerator such as when taking off from my driveway. There are a few small black marks in front of my house from this. No such problem with the C5.

We have some hilly conditions in Arizona ( despite popular opinion, Arizona is not all flat desert) anyway on my way to work, in traffic, I find myself climbing a hill at about 45mph in overdrive. The C5 has the 3:15 performance axle however at about 45 the motor is around 1000 or so and I can feel it “laboring” ( slightly more vibrations indicating stress) more than the C4 under similar conditions. Again this is because the torque curve peaks around 4400 or so and the C4’s torque curve starts earlier and peaks around 3500.

I still find myself getting into and out of the car in much the same manner though that pesky over the sill issue has been minimized. The show I got when I helped my lady out of the C4 has been virtually eliminated in the C5. L

I am also finding that the people I attempt to socialize with at the car shows who own C5’s and C6’s don’t seem to be as friendly. (A friend who has owned his C5 for about a year agrees with this observation.) Maybe that’s because they don’t seem to do any of the work on their own vehicles. Some had never looked under their car so when I asked about exhaust systems they did not know whether they had mufflers or resonators on the rear. And they did not know if they had a H pipe or a X pipe or no cross over pipe at all. I had to look myself.

The C3 and C4 people I spoke with had dirt under their fingernails and knew more about their cars. They were also less concerned about having dust in their ventilation ducts and more about where the next run would take place. That is just a personal observation.

It’s been about 30 years since I owned my last C2 but I had the opportunity to drive one again a few weeks ago and I’m not sure I would want to deal with that on a daily basis but in driving that Vette the old feeling of what a Vette was supposed to be came back. I felt the motor pulsing through the steering wheel and gear shift and the clutch felt like a clutch should feel. The clutches in the C5’s I have driven feel too soft for me. I also recently sat in an original 59 Vette and though it was not running I got the same feeling of purpose. I just don’t get that feeling when sitting in the C5 which feels more like a luxury car to me.

Don’t get me wrong. The C5 is a great car but if you are looking for the “traditional” Vette experience maybe you should rent one and try it out for a day or two. The car just seems to be too civilized but then that’s exactly what GM was shooting for. A civilized car that feels good at high speeds. I’ve had mine up to 145 so far and it is quite stable. The steering on my C4 felt a bit much at speeds over 125. The C5 can’t be beat for rigidity, quiet and smoothness and top speed if you think you'll ever get to use 175mph on a regular basis.

Denny

 

[clydeyb]

thanks for the great dissertation. This is exactly the feedback I am looking for as I never even have driven a C5 but have been told they are hands down more refined than the C4 and think that's what I was expecting from a Corvette. Again, I really like my C4 but am of the oppinion that I would like the C5 alot better. please keep the oppinions coming.

 

[Tuna]

I'm with Denny on nearly everything he says.

My wife and I have owned 3 C4s, 2 C5s and now 2 C6s.

The C5 is a fast and well handling car and it appears to do it easily while the C4 is more of a brute when driven fast. The C4 is a much tighter cockpit - the C5 has a lot more interior room. I always felt like I was strapping on the C4 and getting into the C5. The C6 is closer to the C4 in interior feel.

We've had both auto and 6-speed C4s and C5s. I think the C4 ZF shifted better than the C5 manual. Both auto cars were base axle and I can't remember much to compare them now.

The LT1 C4s version of ASR is more intrusive than the C5 ASR (traction control). Our C4s would pull throttle on you quickly while the C5 will let you haze the rear tires more before reining you in.

C4s were/are squeakers - C5s are much quieter with lots less rattles and squeaks.

C5 are all run-flat equipped except the ZO6 or someone has changed them out. I found Michelin PS A/S ZP tires to be much better than the GY EMTs.

As with any used car, go for the newer models if you find one you like. Each year, GM added features. Competitive Driving Mode in '98 as an option then standard in later version, for example.

The C5 will be better mileage than most C4s, if that's a concern for you.

I gave my last and first C4 to my step son and he loves it. Can't says as I blame him either.

My last C5 was a '03 AE vert and I wouldn't mind having that one back (if I had a bigger garage) but my coworker probably will not sell it back to me!

Buy a C5 and keep the C4 if you can - at least enjoy both for a while if possible.

 

[blackxpress]

Cruzen pretty much nailed it. The only C5 I have experience with is my Uncle's 01. I've driven it a few times. Nice car. All the bells and whistles. It's really fast on the highway. Not slow off the line by any means but it seems to really excel at high speeds. It's very refined and luxurious. Automatic ride control and everything. You really have to keep an eye on the speedo because you're so isolated from the road that you can be going 100 and not realize it. It's like you're cruising on a cushion of air. All things considered I like my 90 better. My uncle could probably outrun me if he had enough road but my car's a real handful from 0-100. I like the way the sport seat and the dashboard kind of wrap around me like an airplane cockpit. I love when I pull up to a light and feel the car rumbling under my butt. It sits there hitting a lick and pounding the ground and I know if I nail the gas from a dead stop I better be holding on tight or I'll wind up in the ditch. I love when it goes into 2nd and breaks the tires loose and I have to whiteknuckle the steering wheel to keep it in the road. Yeah, it has a few little rattles but nothing too irritating. Yeah, it rides like a log wagon unless I'm on really smooth pavement but it's a sports car. It's supposed to do that. If I want a smooth, luxurious ride I'll leave the Vette in the garage and drive my Chrysler.

 

[GS Diva]

Having owned three C4's, I have to agree with everyone. The C4 had a "cockpit" feel, rode rougher than the C5 and C6. I had an '85 automatic, an '88 4+3 standard tranny, and a '96 Grand Sport 6-speed. Each was quite different from each other. Currently we have a 2002 and a 2005, both 6-speed convertibles, and they are also different from each other.

Unfortunately, the C4's have dropped considerably in price and are somewhat more difficult to sell on your own. I sell Corvettes for Corvette Mike New England, and we take many C4's in trade when people want to upgrade as it's easier and faster for them to trade than to try to sell. You might consider that. The selling price would be based on just what the car has, coupe vs. convertible, automatic vs. manual transmission, options, mileage, etc.

The C5 is a fantastic car and one that evolved over the years from 1997 through 2004. Each year got better and better as far as options and performance go.

Let me know just what you are looking for, and I might be able to help you.

Elaine

 

[Bonnell]

I think the previous posts are right on the money. I guess that the best way that I can contribute is to say that I kept my C4 after I purchased my '02 vert. I intended to drive both but after getting to the point that I wanted to drive the C5 all of the time I finally sold the C4.

In the end I enjoyed driving the C5 much more than the C4.

I really liked the C4 cockpit and I loved the clamshell hood.

Good luck.

 

[clydeyb]

Thanks to all for your inputs. I am looking at different C5's but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Only had my C4 for a couple of months now. I am really glad I got so many replies on this topic. I know that when I finally do make the move I'll have done the right thing. I feel the C5 is probably where I want to be. Again thanks!

P.S. My C4 is really growing on me but feel the C5 is more of what I am expecting from sporty a daily driver.

 

[Dads C5]

I just read your article and glad I did. I purchased my C5 first of this year. It's a nice vette and had only 47000 miles on it. I really like the car but there's just one thing I don't like...the clutch. It does seem way too soft. I'm glad you mentioned that. I thought it was just me.

 

[Curious George]

Hello,
I bought a '92 convertible (A4 / 3.07 or 3.15 can't remember off hand) and drove it for about a year. Then I got the bug for a C5... bought a '99 convertible. There is definately a huge difference in performance and drivibility. There are so many aftermarket parts available for the C5, it is amazing. You can make the C5 perform any way you want. The C4 parts are also available, but modding the LT motors is a bit more challenging than the LS1 type motor. I recently bought an '87 IROC too because I always wanted a TPI motor to tinker with. I love all three cars and now I can drive the one that suites me that day. The '87 IROC is proving to be quite a challenge to get back to stock performance. They do not age gracefully.

CG

 

[clydeyb]

Curious George, besides the advantage of engine mod's with the C5, which one do you favor more, I know they both have their strong points, but which would you recommend for a second car daily driver. My C4 has really grown on me but still have the bug for the C5. It sounds like to me most favor C5 as an everyday driver sports car. Give me your opinion. thanks

 

[dogfish246]

From what I know, 1997s are not a year you want because they are the 1st year of the new style. For example, a 1996 C4 is one of the best to buy because they were improved upon since 1984. The C5 is brand new in 1997 and has not had any of the bugs worked out.

Good Luck, nows the time to buy!

 

[Toms007]

I would think that after 12 years the bugs would be worked out of a 97 model.

I know what you are saying, but any issues with those first year bugs have probably been addressed by now.

 

[warren s]

I have had 2 1995 C4s and 2 1999 C5s.

For a daily driver the C5 is a much better choice, IMHO. It rides smoother, gets better mileage, is easier to get in and out off, and has more room both in storage and in driver space.

Spending hours in the C4 was fun at first but got old really fast. I can drive the C5 all day and still feel pretty good after a long trip. The C4 feels much tighter, but even as soft as the C5s feels by comparison it will still get around a turn quicker with less drama.

Performance between the 2 really has way too many variables and personal tastes to consider; only going for a long test drive will help.

Good luck

 

[Curious George]

Curious George, besides the advantage of engine mod's with the C5, which one do you favor more, I know they both have their strong points, but which would you recommend for a second car daily driver. My C4 has really grown on me but still have the bug for the C5. It sounds like to me most favor C5 as an everyday driver sports car. Give me your opinion. thanks

Regarding the C5 and what year to buy, I would stay away from a '97 as other people have commented. The LS1 block, in that year, had extremely thin piston inserts. If you ever need to rebuild the motor, you may not have enough liner to work with. In addition, the early PCM's may be more challenging to tune if you ever get into that aspect of modifications. This is why I purchased a '99 because I wanted something that had been further debugged as production went on. A '97 or '98 might be great for most people, but I am in the manufacturing sector and I know what first production is like first-hand. Sometimes it is great, sometimes it is not.

I find myself driving the C5 more than the C4. Although I love both of them. I have been working on the C4 lately - Shorty headers, cat-back exhaust, 1.6 roller rockers, vented opti-spark, 52mm TB, modified air box lid etc. to try and squeeze more power out of it so it is a little more fun to drive. It seems to be working.

Deciding between the two different generations is very difficult. You should at least drive a C5 for a weekend and then decide. Unfortunately, it is a tuff decision, which is why some people have both a C4 and C5.

If I absolutely had to decide on a second daily driver I would choose the C5.

CG

 

[Ugolino]

I have had several c4s as daily drivers and I managed fine for thirteen years. If you buy a c5, try to keep your c4 if you have the space, you'll find that it has much more of "go cart" feel, you are much more connected to the road than in the c5 or c6, and you really feel like you're a part of the car. I always loved that long hood on the c4.

I have a c6 now and it rides like a cadillac, it's quiet smooth and powerful, has tons of cargo room and it's drop dead gorgeous. I don't have dirt under my fingernails like I did with my c4s, but I just don't have the time to work on cars any more, I have too many other things on my plate. I love fixing things, but running a company is much more demanding and it's my bread and butter, so replacing radiators, alternators, rotors, and gaskets will have to wait until I find a nice 1990 convertible to restore when I retire someday. Until then I'll stick with my boringly reliable 2008 c6!

 

[GO_VETTE]

I must chip in my 5 cents simply because I am a C4 owner.

I must say, someone who totally knows nothing about cars-hangin on the street and observes 2 vehicles. Both Corvettes. They will say in both cases the folloiwng.

1998 Corvette drive by, they say " thats the new Corvette?"
1984-1996 Corvette drive by, they say, "wow that old car has really been maintained well, and not to mention, that car sounds great"

and when you add a bit more muscle into the darn thange... and kick ass..
They are left with this.....ad HE CHEATED!

 

[adfac]

I've been trying to decide for more than 6 months whether to restore my 86 or get a C5. I really like the 2003 Anniversary edition but my 86 is mechanically perfect. All I need is paint, maybe a new top and an interior re-do. I'm not a hands-on guy as I've also got alot on my plate but having an L98 with about 250 horses is really a problem. The 86 has alot of low end torque but nothing on the highway. I think the C5 has a much better ride, certainly more horsepower but it's hard to let go. I figure she'll restore for about 8K ... and I won't have the car payment!

 

[GO_VETTE]

Hey, $4995.00 for a TURBOcharger system. or $4200 for an ATI procharger.
Hey $600 for NOS.
or you can dump in a 400 small block w/ AFR heads.
if horsepower is the concern.
if you just want to change cars b/c you want a change, then I cannot help yah.

 

[adfac]

Hey, $4995.00 for a TURBOcharger system. or $4200 for an ATI procharger.
Hey $600 for NOS.
or you can dump in a 400 small block w/ AFR heads.
if horsepower is the concern.
if you just want to change cars b/c you want a change, then I cannot help yah.

I've thought about a TURBO but everyone I talk to says they're more trouble than they're worth. You have to baby 'em, maintain 'em and they never seem to work right. That's just what I've been told. My L98 has only a couple thousand miles on it (that's why she runs so good) so another engine is not a good idea. HP is an issue, probably the only issue that would get me out of a C4. Everyone's right. You can get into a C5 and it's a good fit, but the C4 wraps around you.