Personal stories- C5 versus C4

[KANE]

Basically, I am looking at getting either a C4 or C5.

I'll be buying one or the other in the next 2 months. C5s are great, but they intimidate me in terms of complexity and the potential for expensive dealer only serviciable repairs. I know, I have done all the repairs to my 78 and the mods only "farming out" when absolutely critical. Otherwise, I do it all. I could learn the C5, heck I know TPI inside and out- this would just be more complicated and take more research.

So, for those who have owned a C4 and then a C5.... what were the big let downs and high lights?

Here are some of my thoughts about what would have potential problem areas-
- Climate electronic control- has anyone's broken yet?
- Auto transmission- unusual short life?
- Clutch- difficulty replacing it or outrageous price?
- Suspension- adjustable ride gremlins in the system
- Electronics- serious issues and malfunctions that are more common than the C4?

Thanks in advance for everyone's help

 

[atmmac]

I know what you mean on th dealer service. Watch the column lockup issue. That cost me 600 bucks. E brake adjustment 200 other than that its had 12000 great miles. On the C4 i heard the optispark is a real pain in the a** on some years so be aware. Otherwise have fun picking one out!

-Andy

 

[AStockVette]

I have one of each, and don't think you can go wrong either way. That said, the C5 in most cases is easier to work on albeit both have lots more electronics than your current ride which makes things more complicated without the right tools. Changing plugs on the C4 is much more difficult, and the OptiSpark is not the easiest distributor I've had to deal with. Also aftermarket mods seem easier on the C5 and there are a lot more places to go for those than the C4, although that will change just as it did with the C4 once the C6 comes out and those tuners move to the new platform. My suggestion would be to look at a later version regardless (my C4 is a 96, the last year, and my C5 is an 03, the next-to-last year) as those incorporate owner feedback and resulting changes and tend to be "best of breed" as a result. Anyway, good luck with your search.

 

[ron]

C4 vs. C5

I have owned both a 1993 and a 2000, and there is NO comparison when one considers ride, performance, etc. However, considerations such a price, styling (subjective, and I prefer the C4 styling over the C5-except for getting in and out of the car. ) I think that both models have advantages and disadvantages;however, the C5 has the latest technology (up to the C6's introduction), and this is reason enough to buy the C5 over the C4. But again, the final decision is somewhat subjective and I don't think anyone would go wrong with either one.

 

[Mike Mercury]

I bought a 1985 new; and now have a 2002.

IMO; Looks go to the C4... especially the second generation C4.

But all you need do is drive both and the C5 will be superior in many ways. As soon as I test drove a C5, I ordered one the next week... with no hesitation. The performance improvement easily out-weighed my ho-hum opinions about the C5 exterior.

Don't kid yourself about the C4; it is complex too. With computers and sensors all over the car.

 

[Green2000]

I have owned 11 Vettes over the last 30+ years, 1960, 1966, 1967, 1969 (2), 1972, 1975, 1977, 1996, 2000(2). They are all great cars, but by far the best has been the C-5. If you are looking for a collector go with the older ones, but for a driver to enjoy you can't beat the C-5.

 

[warren s]

As the owner of a C4, I have to admit that the C5 is superior. The ride alone makes it worth the price of admission.

BUT, it is nice to have a late model C4 with low miles and no payments.

Insurance can also be an issue.

 

[pvtpilot]

C4 or C5??

Basically, I am looking at getting either a C4 or C5.

I'll be buying one or the other in the next 2 months. C5s are great, but they intimidate me in terms of complexity and the potential for expensive dealer only serviciable repairs. ...

I have owned both a C4 and a C5. As some have already said, the C5 is clearly the better drive. Also, as I recall, the C5 has a whole bunch fewer parts than the C4. You might conclude fewer to have to repair or replace. Truth is however, I never really had a problem with the C4 except for one small thing that was my fault.. (Battery got low over the winter.. in a state of dumb, hooked the charger cables up backwards... blowed the interior courtesy light delay relay... found a relay at Carlisle for FREE!). The C5 has been fine and for an old guy I think I may be harder on the car than a lot of (normal) people.. I haven't broken it yet! It is a dream to drive, gets great gas mileage even if you drive like a maniac. I would definitely go for a C5. Might also suggest 1999 or later... With the new C6 coming out, I have already started to see the prices drop on C5 cars. I am beginning to see 99-02 C5's in the low to mid 20's. In my view, we may now be seeing the best bargains in world class high performance cars ever!

 

[Gorgon]

We currently own both a C4 and C5. As stated previously the C5 is so much more car for the money. After seat time in the C5 I really notice the flex in the C4 now. Keep in mind that mine is a vert and will have mor flex than a coupe, but it's enough to drive me nuts. As far as working on the cars, it seems that the C4 parts are starting to be hard to come by as well as fairly pricey, even for late model C4's. I think the complexity between the two is fairly equal, though I have done a lot of my own work. As to insurance, the premium on the C5 is less than the vert, and the vert is on a 7500 mile or less policy.

Good luck with your choice.

Leon

 

[trumperZ06]

I've had a 96 C-4 coupe, a 98 C-5 coupe, an 01 Z06, and now an 04 Z06.

Simply stated... each year the VETTE gets better. Buy the latest year you can afford! Low milage is desirable, and of coarse... no accidents!

 

[nucferr]

My thoughts:
I had owned a 85 and a 89 so when I started to discuss the price on my 2003 Z06 I did not even drive it. The salesman kept saying you need to drive it and I kept saying no I have owned vettes before I know what they are. I did not want a test drive to lower my resisitance an pay more then I should.

Anyway I finally came to an agreement on price so I told him now I will test drive it. They pulled it off of the showroom floor and away the salesman and I went. Within 3 miles I turned and looked at him and said now I know why you pushed a test drive...because I would have paid list price for this thing.

After buying, on the way home, even my wife (who would drive a hay wagon as long as it got her to the mall) was pointing out how much better the new style vette was (specifically the leg room).

You should drive both a C4 and C5 and then decide.

Although I have never worked on any of my vettes I believe that both the C4 and C5 are equal in complexity.

 

[Tuna]

Being a C4 and C5 owner (okay the wife owns the C5), I'd say go with the newest Corvette you can afford!
The complexity of the C4 is almost equal to the C5 so you're not saving much there.
In terms of performance, the LT4 equipped C4's are the equal to LS1 C5's and ZR1'ss and Z06's are a good match up. However, the C5 just seems easier to max-perform easier than the C4 - stiffer chassis, etc.
I'm very happy with my 92 but it isn't all 92 anymore either. Our 03 AE vert is absolutely wonderful. If I get another Vette, we'll have to own 3.

The style differences betweel the 2 generations may influence your purchase. The C4 suits me while the C5 suits my wife.

As mentioned before, get out there and drive every Vette you can and one of them will call your name.

 

[vintage]

C4 or C5?

I had a C4 1996 LT-4 (6-spd) in bright aqua metallic and then purchased a C5 2000 LS-1 (6-spd).

Both were absolutely fabulous. The C5 feels a little wider, gets better gas mileage, and has a little more room for the golf clubs . It is also easier to get in and out of with lower door sills.,,,,,,, but there is NOTHING like the rush of punch and go in the LT-4. It had more of sleek sports car feel.

Hard to say which is better... a real vette enthusiast probably needs one of each... if he could afford the insurance!