C5 or C4?????

[studevette]

hello all,

well my dad and i have a 72 vette stingray and now i am going to have the chance to own my own corvette, my first one, and i am looking at these options: with a budget between 15 and 20 grand i can get a really nice C4 with all options and low miles and what not or i can get a C5 with maybe not as many options and more miles, on average at least. so just wanted some opinions on what would be a better investment cause i really like the C5 style and i am assuming the performance and technology might be a hair better than in a C4 but i have seen alot of really nice C4s with many upgrades and while i dont like the body as much its still beautiful. so just wanted some opinions to help me make up my mind.. thanks all

 

[warren s]

This is like talking about religion and politics – but here goes.

As on owner of both in the past, the C5 wins hands down. Not only does it do everything the C4 does, it does it better and with much greater comfort.

Yes – the C4 is still a great car and there is nothing to deny that.


Here is link to an old post of mine- you may find it interesting

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55245

 

[jrose7004]

Once you drive a C5 you won't want a C4!

 

[designeraccd]

Having had 2 C4s and now my '02 C5 I would agree @ the C5. While I enjoyed my C4s, the C5 is a light year or 2 ahead in terms of any dynamic comparison: ride, handling, power....simply FAR superior. A C6 is somewhat better yet, but not the huge leap that occurred from C4 to C5.

After my son and I took my C5 on an 1800+ mile vacation jaunt from Road America, WI to Bowling Green and twisty mountain roads in se KY I really appreciated the car even more. Our longest day was 11 hours and 50 minutes total drive, but it wasn't bad despite heavy traffic in places. After the NCM we drove over to eastern KY and "ran" 81 miles of twisty mountain roller coaster that the C5 simply followed like she was on rails. Neither of my C4s could have performed like that on a road of that nature! Find a nice C5 and ENJOY! DFO

 

[Johnnykretentiv]

I like the C5...obviously . But.... if you could get your hands on a LT4 it might be worth a serious consideration.

 

[U.P. John]

It's the same process as when looking at houses, you'll know when you find what you want.

Any Vette is a great addition to the stable...

 

[AColbe01]

Have you posted this question in the C4 forum? I'm sure the answers there would tilt toward the C4. True the C4s are Corvettes but people don't seem as awed by them. As my daughter and I were driving down the road before purchasing our C5, I pointed to a stunning yellow C4 Vert, asked my daughter what she thought about it , "Too Square!" Sure helped me decide what we weren't going to get next!

IMHO, C4s the only style I'm not really fond of but to each his own. I for see the C3 the ones to watch, as they seem to have either reached most of their depreciation and/or starting to appreciate; whereas, the C4s, C5s and C6s are still in the depreciation mode. Look back at how the previous generations have faired.

My opinion...... Get A C5, there are some good prices out there.


Andy

 

[Mr. Lucky]

I hope you also asked this question in C4 General.

Having had experience with both, I'll say this...
The C4 has the clamshell hood (which makes for ease of maintenance, though the insurance companies hated it) and more supportive seats. Otherwise, it's C5 all the way.

Good luck with your decision and purchase.

 

[napacruzerC5]

I went from a '94 to an '01. Never wanted to take long trips in the C4 and never wanted to go out to dinner either since it was difficult to get back in with a full belly (yes I know my belly looks full before or after dinner). Have taken the C5 on long trips including the cruisefest this year in Colorado (from California) - two adults, two weiner dogs and travel kennel, medium sized cooler and luggage for 7 nights and averaged 26.4 mpg - try that in a C4. Anyway...I see a lot of decent C5s just below your $20k budget. And by chance you get a test drive in a C6 - you'll mortgage your soul otfl

 

[studevette]

wow

ok cool, thanks everyone for the responses and i have always wanted the C5 and i could use the good gas mileage and it just has an overall sleeker look to it. so thanks for the help and we will begin the painful process now and try to figure out which way to go.

 

[XLR8]

studevette... welcome to the CAC!

If I can throw in my 2 cents here, I'd make some suggestions.

First... take some time to look at the CAC Tech Center for loads of practical information when considering the purchase of a Corvette - especially your FIRST Corvette! Click here for Tech Center Index

Second... take a look at the CAC Model Center page and read up on the model years you're interested in or looking at currently. Click Here for CAC Model Center Index

Third... print yourself a copy of this checklist to carry along with you when looking at a Vette. Click here for "Buying a Corvette" Checklist

The C4 is a great Corvette and you could possibly find a low mileage well tended one. The C5 is superior in the sense that it is a later model, with upgrades in comfort and performance, just as the C6 is now.

To answer your question, I'd suggest what I always do... buy the latest low mileage model with options and features you like that you can afford.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted! We'll look forward to photos when you find the right one.

Jane Ann

 

[rwpeders]

C4 or C5

I had a 96 C4 LT4 convertible and now have a 2000 C5 convertible. The C4 has some positive features. It felt and rode like more of a performance machine - rougher ride, tighter cockpit and the LT4 could fly. I liked the clamshell hood. It was harder to get in and out of a C4 with the high door sill. Someone told me they thought it was like trying to get out of a bathtub. If you find a nice low mileage 96, it would be a good choice. That year had many improvements over earlier years.

I think the C5 has better styling. It rides better without losing the cornering capability, has as much or more pep than the LT4 (depending on the year), has a roomier cockpit and is all around a better car. As you said in your post, the improvements and technology is better and newer tends to mean fewer costly repairs.

In either model, when looking, be patient and DO NOT settle. There are low mileage cars in great condition that are available. Watch for the high cost repair or replacment items beside the drive train. Convertible top, weather strips, tires and when you test drive, listen for how much rattles so don't just test drive on smooth roads. Also, take it up to speed and see how it handles.

Think about the color you like best, in and out. The right color can mean a lot to you in satisfaction.

 

[Vettefan87]

I wouldn't trade my 87 for a C5, but I wouldn't mind having a C5 parked next to it! It all depends what kind of feel you want. To my the C5 does not have the same "sports" car feel that the C4 does. When I get inside mine its almost like I am in a fighter jet totally enclosed in the drivers seat. And with a few little mods (most of which can be done for free) C4's can be mean stop light to stop light. Just ask my buddy who has an 01 Trans Am otfl. My vote C4 hands down...and they are much easier to work on, and parts are cheaper.
​

 

[KANE]

hello all,

well my dad and i have a 72 vette stingray and now i am going to have the chance to own my own corvette, my first one, and i am looking at these options: with a budget between 15 and 20 grand i can get a really nice C4 with all options and low miles and what not or i can get a C5 with maybe not as many options and more miles, on average at least. so just wanted some opinions on what would be a better investment cause i really like the C5 style and i am assuming the performance and technology might be a hair better than in a C4 but i have seen alot of really nice C4s with many upgrades and while i dont like the body as much its still beautiful. so just wanted some opinions to help me make up my mind.. thanks all

As a former C5 owner...

I'd go with the C5!

I owned a C3 for almost 10 years before I sold it. I test drove several C4s and C5s. I liked the C5 much more than the C4 as a daily driver. I put almost 30k miles on my C5 in two years living in Germany. The C5 is a very easy car to live with. It has a significant amount of trunk space, lots of space for the driver and passenger's feet, and technology that is leaps and bounds ahead of the C4.

My C5 was a rock solid car. Aside from the trivial issues (belt / tensioner squeak that required replacement) and the remotes are FRAGILE (drop one a couple of times and you can kiss it goodbye)... you can't beat it for durability!

The car was just a blast. It carried out every mission I had for it. It dove through two German winters without the need for snow tires, ran laps around every other car I encountered on the Autobahn, and got great gas mileage for an 8cyl sports car.

Now... that being said... I sold my C5 and and bought another C3! I don't use my C3 as a daily driver- it is for nice days only. I'd put the C3 and C4 in the same category for pleasure cars.

If you have to drive it everyday- go with the C5.

 

[simbadb]

hello all,

well my dad and i have a 72 vette stingray and now i am going to have the chance to own my own corvette, my first one, and i am looking at these options: with a budget between 15 and 20 grand i can get a really nice C4 with all options and low miles and what not or i can get a C5 with maybe not as many options and more miles, on average at least. so just wanted some opinions on what would be a better investment cause i really like the C5 style and i am assuming the performance and technology might be a hair better than in a C4 but i have seen alot of really nice C4s with many upgrades and while i dont like the body as much its still beautiful. so just wanted some opinions to help me make up my mind.. thanks all

As you are asking "what would be the better investment?" Hands down, a fine condition 1996 LT4 is you're car vs. any C5. They made way to many C5's and the depreciation curve has yet to run its course. As a matter of fact as I write this there are 83...yes 83, 2004 C5's for sale on eBay motors!! and that is only the 2004. The 1996 LT4 is likely to become one of the few more collectible Vettes of the past 15 years and is just now starting to climb in value.

 

[Remo]

1996 Corvette Grand Sport

When it comes to C4's.....it's hard to beat this "bad boy".
Remo:cool

 

[Johnnykretentiv]

See now aren't you glad even mentioned LT4s?!!!

How about a ZR-1?? I know I'm evil.

 

[Bobsvette]

Here's a LT-4 for ya.

:cool

 

[simbadb]

Here's a LT-4 for ya.

:cool

"LT4YA" A good personal plate? Although my favorite I have seen here is:

"LT4PLAY" LOL

 

[bwing]

hello all,

well my dad and i have a 72 vette stingray and now i am going to have the chance to own my own corvette, my first one, and i am looking at these options: with a budget between 15 and 20 grand i can get a really nice C4 with all options and low miles and what not or i can get a C5 with maybe not as many options and more miles, on average at least. so just wanted some opinions on what would be a better investment cause i really like the C5 style and i am assuming the performance and technology might be a hair better than in a C4 but i have seen alot of really nice C4s with many upgrades and while i dont like the body as much its still beautiful. so just wanted some opinions to help me make up my mind.. thanks all

If you check with the C4 crowd, check out the ZR-1 room. I'm sure they'll change your mind. It's kind of like :bash looking for the right one, isn't it? Good luck with your choice.