96 corvette..

[bucket]

this seems to be the hardest year to buy...is it the best of the best.??

 

[Tuna]

It would seem so if you're looking for a C4.
By 1996, GM had worked all the bugs out of the C4.
They added 'Real Time Damping" suspension option (replaced FX3 Selective Ride Control0 which I do not consider as a desired option. Otherwise, the '96 is probably the best of the best in C4.

 

[bucket]

It would seem so if you're looking for a C4.
By 1996, GM had worked all the bugs out of the C4.
They added 'Real Time Damping" suspension option (replaced FX3 Selective Ride Control0 which I do not consider as a desired option. Otherwise, the '96 is probably the best of the best in C4.

some consider the C4 as the best corvette because it retains most of it's raw sports car heritage without being subdued into a mild mannered, but quick, grocery getter ...

 

[Tuna]

some consider the C4 as the best corvette because it retains most of it's raw sports car heritage without being subdued into a mild mannered, but quick, grocery getter ...

You could say that. I've owned 3 C4s, and 2 each C5s and C6s. The C4 definitely leans toward the raw side of sports and it still looks like it was designed yesterday.
The C5 was too mild mannered but a very nice car. The C5 rewards smooth driving and finesse while the C4 seems to like being tossed around. I chalk that up to the short wheelbase mostly and the chassis of the time.

If I were looking for a C4 again, it would be a '96 LT4 CE or GS coupe with Z51 suspension.

 

[dogfish246]

It is a fact that the 96 is the most refined C4. It is my favorite Corvette out of the C6, C5, and C4. It has the power, amazing cockpit, go-cart like agility and feel.

I have a 96 LT1 Z51 and I am super happy with the car! It is the best car I have ever driven, and I have test driven many sports cars in that price range!

There is soo much to say and compare, so if you have any questions just pm me...

Oh yeah, if you get the latest issue of Corvette Magazine it has all the C4 info you need to compare and contrast each year... Its a good issue!:cool

 

[bucket]

You could say that. I've owned 3 C4s, and 2 each C5s and C6s. The C4 definitely leans toward the raw side of sports and it still looks like it was designed yesterday.
The C5 was too mild mannered but a very nice car. The C5 rewards smooth driving and finesse while the C4 seems to like being tossed around. I chalk that up to the short wheelbase mostly and the chassis of the time.

If I were looking for a C4 again, it would be a '96 LT4 CE or GS coupe with Z51 suspension.

short wheel base.??
isnt there just 1" difference.?

 

[Tuna]

short wheel base.??
isnt there just 1" difference.?

The C4 is a 'short wheelbase car' with only a 96.2 inch wheelbase while the C5 is a 104.5 inch and the C6 is 105.7.

 

[bucket]

The C4 is a 'short wheelbase car' with only a 96.2 inch wheelbase while the C5 is a 104.5 inch and the C6 is 105.7.

isnt shorter better for a sports car.?
and longer better for a grocery getter.?

 

[dogfish246]

Some part of wheel base depends on the overall size of the car... The longer wheel base on the C5 means the wheels were pushed to the corners. If you look at a C5 the front end is shorter than the C4...

:cool

 

[bucket]

Some part of wheel base depends on the overall size of the car... The longer wheel base on the C5 means the wheels were pushed to the corners. If you look at a C5 the front end is shorter than the C4...

:cool

i can dig it

 

[Tuna]

isnt shorter better for a sports car.?
and longer better for a grocery getter.?

shorter = better turn in at slow corners
longer = better high speed stability for both turns and straights

shorter = more front to rear rock over bumps
longer = less front to rear rock over bumps

Longer makes for a smoother ride, even in a sports car.

The C4 would seem to be the better autocross car but the chassis isn't stiff enough to make up for what the C6 brings to the track. The C5/6 is a better road course race car.

 

[sstearns2]

I think the best years are 1996 and 1990. In 90 you have the old style body (which I prefer), but the new style interior. My perfect C4 would be a base model 90 body with the LT-5.

Scott