Differences in C5s

[Barrier]

Can anybody tell me the differences between Model years 1997,1998,1999.
Are there important advances from a 1997-1999? I am pursuing a newer car to replace my C4, do the changes justify going with a 1998 or 1999 over a 1997 assuming the price on the 1997 was good? Did the General make significant improvements?
At one time I owned a 1968 which I traded for a 1969 the cars were like night and day all the changes promised on the '68 didn't really happen until the '69.
(I do wish I still had both! but don't we all, and I don't want to offend '68 owners).
Was the first year C5 similar in that regard?
thanks
Barrier

 

[XLR8]

C5 Info

Barrier,

Here are a couple of CAC links on which you can do model year comparisons yourself.

Tech Center>Knowledge Base>1997-2004

and also
Tech Center>Model Center

I would suggest the same advice I've read many others give on this same forum: that is to purchase the newest model you can afford. I would also suggest that you purchase a Vette with low mileage (I purchased my 1998 in 2004 with only 25k miles on it).

There are some upgrades and options available on the 1998 that weren't available on the 1997 and likewise the 1999 over the 1998.

For example:
The 1997 was the first model year of the C5 and there are many who try to stay away from a first year model due to gremlins and bugs. Don't want to upset any '97 owners, just relating a preference by some.

The Convertible C5 was first offered in 1998. It was also the first time a Corvette with a seperate trunk was offered since 1962.

Also on the '98 model, RPO JL4, Active Handling System was introduced and RPO F45 was modified for better wheel control.

In 1999, there were 3 Corvette models offered - the coupe, convertible and hardtop.

In 1999, several new options were available such as RPO N37 Power Telescoping Steering Column, RPO T82 Twilight Sentinel, and RPO UV6 Heads Up Display.

I've taken this information from Mike Antonick's "Corvette Black Book."

Hopefully this information and the links above will get you started. Good luck in your search for the right C5!

Jane Ann

 

[Patrick]

Hi, Barrier,
Jane Ann provided some excellent links- the CAC's Knowledgebase and Model Center are excellent resources to compare each year of the C5 model run.

Personally (and I have a slight bias here), I think the biggest single modification was the introduction of the Fixed Roof Coupe (often abbreviated here as "FRC") in '99. That design- without the ability to have a removeable roof panel, and lighter because of the weight savings omission of things like a factory-installed power antenna and a few other goodies- would become the Z06 in 2001. In 2002, the LS-6 engine got a power upgrade to 405 horsepower.


-Patrick

 

[crooze]

I would also suggest that you purchase a Vette with low mileage (I purchased my 1998 in 2004 with only 25k miles on it).

I agree... This year I picked up a 2000 coupe with only 9k miles on it.

 

[warren s]

The 99 has the least amount of reported issues. The 2001 has the LS6 manifold and 25 more foot pounds of torque.

The differances are very small it really milage (or lack of ) that you pay for.

 

[Guy]

The 99 has the least amount of reported issues. ....

Love my 99 FRC!


Guy