Corto

Hi, I am new in the corvette world and new in the forum. I have searched through the forum but could not find the info I would need.

I am looking for one late years C3, I like the fastback shape. Also I would like it to be some kind of special edition car. Currently I am thinking about either 1978 Pace replica or 1982 CE.
The car would be a sunny-weekend car, 1-2000 miles per year, I would not change the appearance of the car but would go for some mild performance modifications (i.e. dual exhaust,...)
I have no chance to compare them in live (being in Europe), so I would appreciate your opinions about those cars, especially from them who had both of them.
I am interested in technical comparison and also in overall image of those two models.
Any opinion is appreciated.
Thanks,
Corto/Zdravko

thatcorvetteguy

82 ce

Brack c

82 CE for sure

7T1vette

82 ce

2TONE82

Another vote for the 82 CE. Advise you to make sure the faded decals (hood and sides) are in good shape on the car you are considering. The only other thing I'd be concerned with is the hinges on the lift back glass. This option was only available on the CE version of the 82. The hinges tended to stretch and cause the glass to not seat correctly. The CEs are beautiful cars. Good luck on your search.

Bloodzone

For me it would come down to money and condition. Bang for the buck so to speak.

Carl in LA

Easy choice for me... '82 CE

There is one of these in the neighborhood and he brings it to the local car show periodically... certainly the most refined C3.

Carl

SonnyAK

The '82 will definitely be a bit more refined, but I think the PC is a more striking and recognizable car when going down the road as being something a bit more special!! I'm always amazed at the comments I get when driving mine - even as much as my '66!

If you do mod either, try to keep everything reversible, in case you someday decide to sell it...It'll surely help with your resale!

I bought a good driver car, that I really can't hurt any by putting a lot of miles on! I just like to keep it looking as stock as possible...



Good luck with your search...Either one will be a really fun car!!

havesometo

82 ce

John Ulrich

Don't forget the '81 & '82 two tone paint editions.

persuader

No contest....… 82 CE. !

Dean_Fuller

Always loved the look of the pace car myself.

speedracer2

My '82 CE crossfire handles today's crap gas better than any carb could.

The Punisher

Pace car gets my vote.

mmesa005

I owned an 82 Collectors Edition but not not a 78 Pace Car edition.

Neither Corvette was like the 69 (L46) I owned which had much more horsepower but the 69 was not as refined as the 82. So long as your expectations are not about 0 to 60 performance either the 82 or 78 will be a good choice. Also note by 1982 you had a 4 speed automatic transmission vs the 3 speed in the 78. Also pointed out earlier you had Cross Fire Fuel injection in the 82 and a carburetor in the 78.
In 1982 you could open the rear glass by pulling a handle just behind the drivers seat. Made for easy access to the rear storage area.


I think you will like this video of a Motorweek episode from 1982 reviewing the Collector edition and comparing it to the 78.
More info:

http://www.vettefacts.com/C3/1978.aspx
http://www.vettefacts.com/C3/1982.aspx

Easy Mike

Google both. There has been a considerable amount of written material on each and you will turn up pages of hits.

You could also purchase any of the coffee table Corvette history books. Pace Cars and CEs will each be featured.

3JsVette

I'll also add the CE is only available with an automatic transmission so if you want a 4 speed there is only one choice a Pace Car.

2TONE82

Thanks for the video link. As a long time 82 Corvette owner (bought our first one in 1996), I had not seen that video and really enjoyed watching it. From the references to the 1983 to the braking, 0-60 and slalom tests, what a great peak back in time! Thanks again.

Black & Tan

I would vote for the CE, but you can't go wrong either way.

vettebuyer6369

If I were shopping for a car for limited use, displays, shows, etc, I'd definitely get the Pace Car. More collectible, striking, better resale, better as a car for show.

If you plan to drive it more regularly or, as you say, start modifying it, definitely the '82 CE.

Both cars have one year only interiors that show wear badly, and they both have body decal kits to consider. As a novice, I'd rather try to keep the '78 running well than the '82 Cross Fire.

One thing about the '78 PCs is they had an inordinate amount of original owners who mistakenly thought they were blue chip keepers, so there's a LOT of shockingly low mile examples at good prices. However, dollar for dollar, the '82 will likely be a lower priced, better bang for the buck.