C3 or C4

[rmtsteve]

Hello all, I have been searching for my first vette and have been lookin at C4's lately(mostly because of price), but I came across a 1978 silver anniversary vette tonight that is in mint condition, it is a two owner car that looks as if it just came from the factory. It has 98000 miles on it but you would never guess that. The asking price is 11,800.00 which is topping out my budget but my wife likes this one better then the C4's I have been looking at. Is this a reasonable price and what is the pros & cons of a C3 vette?

 

[Ripp 73]

Pros: It's a Corvette
Cons: ???

But seriously... this one is really more determined on personal feelings. You really need to get into both types and decide what you want. A 78 is not going to have all the computer sensors on it like a C4 would. A C3 also doesn't have that jet cockpit feeling, but it still feels like a Corvette. It also does not have the open hatch back (unless a kit has been installed). Now a C3 has some nice points like it is easy to work on if you do your own work. It has a standard 350 sb that have many interchangeable parts.
It really depends on you though...

 

[6 Shooter]

What year of C4 are you looking at?

 

[o2bnkc]

I agree with 6 Shooter, what year C4? Lots of pros and cons with just those. That 78 sounds a bit overpriced though. Just my 2 cents.

 

[rmtsteve]

I found a 1988 coupe w/74000 miles for 7400. A 1987 coupe w/52000 miles for 7000. And then this 1978 silver anniversary with white leather int & has 98000 miles for 11800. Now both c4 are maroon with black leather int. the 88 has more options then the 87. My opinion from what I have been reading is that the C4s are more for less, but by never owning one i have no facts to base this opinion on. Please help....

 

[craig32]

No question, the Silver. Your wife has great taste. Haggle on the price if you need to, the C4's just weren't that popular.

Craig

 

[6 Shooter]

All Corvette's Are Great . . .

If you go for a C4 I would try to get as new as 1 as possible. I personally like the 94-96 years best.

But whichever Corvette you get, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[twoseater]

My decision was based on cost - I wanted a '67 (and still do!) However, I def wanted to be able to work on it. So I got me a 1980 C3 (Pre-computer). Although purchased with only 36K and an engine that you could eat off of, I've already begun some modifications. In my mind driving it is only part of the fun.

 

[goertz]

IMHO, C4's suck! no offense to those who have them. I bought a new one in 1995. I drove it home from the dealer, and handed the keys to my wife, because I already hated it. Everything rattled, shook, the car rode like crap, and was put together worse then a Yugo. withing 10K miles, half the interior was falling apart, and the plexiglas roof panel was completely checked from being in the sun a very minimal of time. all the weatherstripping was also falling off. The warranty covered $3800.00 to repair all of this before I traded it in. The first time I drove an earlier C3, a 1973, I was blown away with the quality of the car. It was heads and tails above the 1995. I would imagine on the later c3's though, you would have as much, if not more quality issues than my 1995 had. just my .02 worth.

 

[MRANT212]

I have both and they are truly two different vehicles (at least mine are). The C4 has razor crisp handling. Mine isnt falling apart and is tight as a drum.The C4 is light years ahead in technology and would be a bit more difficult to work on. The C3 lets face it has a lot of character with the swoopy coke bottle shape and huge fenders. My wife likes both but seems to like the appearance of the shark but prefers the ride in the
C4. Remember the C3 was pretty much built off of the the C2 platform so much of the engineering is from the early 60's.Both are great vehicles to own.The decision will be between you and your wife Im sure.Lets us know what you finally get!!! Either way owning any Vette you are a winner!!

Anthony

 

[6 Shooter]

goertz - Sounds like you got a Lemon of a 1995 C4 . . .

IMHO, C4's suck! no offense to those who have them. I bought a new one in 1995. I drove it home from the dealer, and handed the keys to my wife, because I already hated it. Everything rattled, shook, the car rode like crap, and was put together worse then a Yugo. withing 10K miles, half the interior was falling apart, and the plexiglas roof panel was completely checked from being in the sun a very minimal of time. all the weatherstripping was also falling off. The warranty covered $3800.00 to repair all of this before I traded it in. The first time I drove an earlier C3, a 1973, I was blown away with the quality of the car. It was heads and tails above the 1995. I would imagine on the later c3's though, you would have as much, if not more quality issues than my 1995 had. just my .02 worth.

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[CQRT]

Steve:
We've had several type C-2's, C-3's and C-4's and the C-4's always felt heavier and less nimble that our C-3's . . . .and looking under the hood, the C-3's always made better sense to my feeble weekend-mechanic brain. We lived outside of Columbus and belonged to a Corvette club sponsored by McDorman Chevrolet in Canal Winchester and learned a great deal about the cars during that time.
As these folks have pointed out- it really is a matter of preference and budget. I suggest you locate a Corvette Club near you ( I know there are clubs in Dayton and Columbus - - there used to be a Lima club too) and attend some events-- talk to the owners and learn while you're looking.
I think that may help you make up your mind- heck, half the fun is looking, right?
Regards-

 

[srs244]

while a bit off the subject at hand, i have had both a C4 and a C3 (had a 93 convertible and now have a 78 pace car). i found the C4 to be a bit more homoginized and "car-like" less easy to work on and lots more electronics to go south on you (i never had much of a problem with it, but it certainly lends itself to some electrical nightmares). the C3 is much more of a classic style (in my opinion) and more of corvette in my opinion as to the ride, handling, etc. all the preceeding however is opinion and nothing more.

now as to your original question, does the current owner have any documentation with the car?? i recently came across a 79 C3 for sale by the original owner here in south florida. he had every record for everything ever done to the car from day one. on top of that, the man didn't believe anyone but a chevy dealer should touch his car, so all the work was done at a large local dealership in the area. his reason for selling it was that his wife no longer was comfortable riding in the car (they were getting up in age a bit), and he hated to see it just sit and be used sporatically. the car was a sand beige color in and out with t-tops. the paint was original and probably could have been made "driver quality" very respectable with a bit of work. the seats had been redone, but the rest of the interior was original and in very decent condition. the rugs showed their age, but were servicable. EVERYTHING WORKED (gauges, windows, air, etc). the engine compartment was all original, and seemed to be all there (it was an L48, automatic with air if i remember correctly), not filthy, but certainly not show quality (not even local show quality). the radio had been changed out somewhere along the way to something more modern, but that appeared to be the only non original item. original aluminum wheels, etc. ASKING PRICE $11,000.00 which he said was a bit negotiable (he hinted he would take 10,500, but no less). price is a bit geographic, and as an original, 1 owner car with complete documentation from day one, including the original order sheet when the car was ordered and window sticker when delivered, down here in south florida, that price is a bargain.

hope that helps you out some as a means of comparison to what you are looking at. again, as an opinion only (i have owned C2, C3 and C4 cars), i would certainly consider the C3 ahead of any of the earlier C4's for sure.

steve