Old argument still valid- LT4 or C5?

[ArmyJosh]

So I know that this is an old argument, but I think it's still valid.

In a couple of months I will be coming back from my second tour in Iraq. This entire tour for me is about saving money for a corvette. My original plan was to buy a manual C5. However, after research and reading a ton of forum posts, I'm starting to lean towards a C4 LT4. Any suggestions????

 

[93Rubie]

As far as engine is concerned, it is very debatable on that end. The LT4, in my humble opinion is underrated, I think at the very least the early LS1 and LT4 are on equal grounds.

As far as everything else is concerned, the C5 is the better car. Driving feel and styling are subjective. I like the cockpit feel of the C4 versus the more open feel of the C5. Also, the C4 feels more alive when driving, more character and charm. I just don't get that in a C5, to refined for my tastes. I like my cars a little ragged around the edges. That is one nice thing about the C4's, old school and new rolled into one package. Sort of.

I would say the LT4 is more unique and different. Everybody and their brother has a C5 with an LS1 in it. Not so with the last C4's and the LT4.

Since it appears you already have a C4, the LT4 would be more familiar to you.

It depends on what you want to do with the car too. If I was serious about auto-x and track stuff I would go with the C5. Drag strip and spirited street use probably the C4.

Either way you get a good nice Corvette.

 

[GS Diva]

I've had both. Had a '96 6-speed Grand Sport convertible and also had an '02 6-speed convertible at the same time. Totally different animals! Both are very quick but handle very differently. I loved my GS but like the '02 better...and love my current '05 6-speed best of all!

You should drive each and then figure out which one has the right "feel" for you.

Thanks for protecting our freedom....

Elaine

 

[navy2kcoupe]

Hey ArmyJosh....

Thanks for serving! I guess that one of the factors would be how big you are because you get more interior room in a C5. If you are short, it wouldn't matter, but if you are tall, or "wide", or both, then maybe the C5 would be a better choice. Drive both of them BEFORE you buy and decide for yourself. Keep your head and ass down and "Welcome Home" (again) a little early.
Andy
Typing my reply while Elaine was posting. I agree with her!

 

[ArmyJosh]

Since it appears you already have a C4, the LT4 would be more familiar to you.

I have owned two C4s. I bought the first one ('89)solely for the fact that it was a corvette, but it needed a ton more work than I could do, so I sold it and bought one in much better shape(86'). Just before deployment I traded the '86 for a pick-up and gave it to my Dad.

If you are short, it wouldn't matter, but if you are tall, or "wide", or both, then maybe the C5 would be a better choice.

I know what you mean about being too big for the C4, it was a PIA getting out of both of them. Never driven a C5, unfortunately so I will just have to figure it out when I get back.

The two that I am looking at currently are a Polo Green/ Tan LT4 with 63K, and a '99 heavily modified 6-speed that apparently has 455RWHP. It is that orange-ish red color that I can't remember the name of. Not really a fan of the bright color, but a paint job isn't a huge deal (I have friends).

The LT4 is bone stock and almost mint, a true low mileage collectible.

The C5 is beautiful and looks like it will be a ton of fun to drive.

I'm only 24 years old and I just don't know if I can really properly take care of a "collectible" car or not.

Thank you everyone for your input, and sorry about the long post

 

[6 Shooter]

I've owned both and they're great Vette's, drive em an buy the one you like...

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Thanks for your service!

 

[ArmyJosh]

6 Shooter those are both absolutely gorgeous vehicles. God I love Corvettes... there really is nothing like them...

 

[sstearns2]

I would say that if it's going to be a daily driver get the newest stock C5 you can, but if it's going to be a toy car then get the LT-4 or concider a ZR-1.

Cheers,
Scott

 

[Hib Halverson]

Thanks for serving, Josh.

If you are only considering straight line acceleration and price, for a given trans and axle configuration, there's not much difference between an LT4 C4 and a pre-01 base C5 and the C4 will cost you lesss up-front.

But, if other issues such as ride, handing, parts support and maintenance are important, the C5 wins, hands down.

 

[ArmyJosh]

I don't want a ZR1 (taboo to say that I know), because from literally everything that I have read they are incredibly difficult and expensive to maintain.

I'm not looking for a drag type car. I think that straight line racing is boring. I want something that will handle well, and I plan on upgrading the suspension on anything that I do end up getting.

 

[93Rubie]

Not that a late C4 would not meet your wants/needs, but from what you said. I would go the the C5, sounds like it may fit you better. Test drive both and decide.