1973 or 1979

[KingCorvette]

I am looking at either a 1973 or 1979 Corvette.
The 1973 is all original dark green 60k miles auto base 350. coupe
The 1979 is all original white 55k miles auto base 350. coupe

Which one would you pick? Are there any pros or cons between
a 1973 vs. a 1979?

 

[6 Shooter]

King - Have ya got any pictures?

L8TR - D

 

[GTR1999]

Both base engine autos, the 73 would be the better deal. Neither is a hot rod but depends what you're looking for.
The 73 had true dual exhaust, the 79 did not.

They both had some weak areas and both are old so you really have to look them over good, one may look good until you look under it or at the birdcage.

Good luck, do your homework before you buy. The 73 will hold better value.

 

[KingCorvette]

No pics, they are both clean. The 1973 looks great at 36 years old.
The 1973 has a crack in the front bumper, the owner said that
appeared last year due to age.

How much would it cost to repair a 1973 front bumper?

 

[steelblue75]

I'd jump on the 73, last year for rear chrome bumper.

 

[Ryan536]

I'd go with the 73 but I'm biased....
A new Flex fit bumper from Eckler's will cost $330 plus shipping. It still has to be installed and painted.

 

[jeffn]

I have a '79 and I'd take a '73 in a heart beat, condition withstanding of course....btw, what is the HP difference ?...A '79 has 195 hp and a '73 has ?......'79's are emissioned to death imo and '73's have no emission restrictions.You can do a lot more to a '73 and be legal...One thing about the '79 I do like better though is the interior......The '79 is a nice cruising car and the '73 oozes muscle......Happy choosing !....Sounds like Santa Claus is coming to town soon...

 

[lt1george]

I had both new. I'll take my 73 back anytime. Just my .02. Good Luck whichever one you get. Both are Great Corvettes.Save the Wave.>George

 

[Chas]

73

There were more '79s than any other year ever, I believe this to be the highest year of production.
My choice would be the '73, but I'm biased!
Base hp in 73 was 195 hp w/o emissions trash....
Good luck, either way you can't go wrong.

Chas

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I have a '79 and I'd take a '73 in a heart beat, condition withstanding of course....btw, what is the HP difference ?...A '79 has 195 hp and a '73 has ?......

The base engine in '79 put out 5 more HP than the '73.

Whichever car you choose, have a knowledgeable professional inspect it prior to purchase. Always think with the upper brain where money is involved.

 

[Vette79]

I have a '79 and I'd take a '73 in a heart beat, condition withstanding of course....btw, what is the HP difference ?...A '79 has 195 hp and a '73 has ?......'79's are emissioned to death imo and '73's have no emission restrictions.You can do a lot more to a '73 and be legal...One thing about the '79 I do like better though is the interior......The '79 is a nice cruising car and the '73 oozes muscle......Happy choosing !....Sounds like Santa Claus is coming to town soon...

I will agree that I would take the 73 before the 79 all based on pricing and condition = better deal. The emissions are not as bad as the 81 and up. I'm completely happy with my 79...

 

[Tom65L76/96LT1]

Conditons of the cars being equal hands down the 73 and I mean no offense to any 79

 

[jeffn]

Conditons of the cars being equal hands down the 73 and I mean no offense to any 79

No offense taken......My '79 is sexy......I love rolling up behind a soccer milf in an SUV and all you see in the side view mirror is her face staring at the car....Ahh the small pleasures in life...:cool......Buy both!

 

[73shark]

From another slightly biased opinion, get the '73. Was a one year design w/ soft front and chrome rear bumpers. Also had the functional cowl induction setup.

Not sure what emission equip. the '79 had but '73 had AIR, EGR, and a very slow mech. advance curve but no cat.

 

[Tom73]

Get the '73.

"Larry Shinoda, the famous Corvette designer, once commented in an interview that the 1973 was his favorite of the post-1967 era because the front and rear styling were closest to what the stylists originally had in mind when this series was first designed."
(Illustrated Corvette Buyer's Guide by Michael Antonick).

tom...

 

[C3RVETTE]

I am looking at either a 1973 or 1979 Corvette.
The 1973 is all original dark green 60k miles auto base 350. coupe
The 1979 is all original white 55k miles auto base 350. coupe

Which one would you pick? Are there any pros or cons between
a 1973 vs. a 1979?

Generally speaking,if theyre both in equally good shape,I think the 73 would be worth more,& its the last C3 with a chrome bumper.

 

[Chas]

Yeah I am biased, but remember also, the '73 still had a fiberglass floor bottom so when the T-tops leak it didn't rust out the floor...but again they never leak, Eh?
I have seen some floors that the seat was ready to drop out of in later sharks......

 

[C3RVETTE]

Yeah I am biased, but remember also, the '73 still had a fiberglass floor bottom so when the T-tops leak it didn't rust out the floor...but again they never leak, Eh?
I have seen some floors that the seat was ready to drop out of in later sharks......

I must have been very lucky.I had a 77 that had zero leaks,& now a 79 with no problems at all,so far

 

[Crimson Thunder]

I like the 73 dash (speedo and tach) better than the 79. However you get more cargo room in the 79.

 

[Evolution1980]

The bumper on the 73 wouldn't crack with age, unless he's simply referring to the paint cracking and not the actual bumper itself. And even then, the paint shouldn't just crack/spider. Either way, if the conditions are similar, the 73 is the better overall buy. Although if the prices are the same also, then someone doesn't have their car priced accordingly. The 73 should easily be fetching more than the 79.