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Between the 1996 Collector's Edition C4 and C4-ZR1 - Which is a better long term or short term buy? Fun factor, maintenance, parts, etc. I understand neither hold their value and the ZR1 is clearly more powerful and unique. But how much more special is the 96 CE over the Base C4?
Is the ZR1 considered the ultimate C4?
And the ZR1 is not Automatic - was this a deal breaker?
In terms of short and long-term investments I would have to go with the ZR1 since it has an exotic engine compared to the LT1 or LT4. It is simply faster, set performance records at the time and when you raise the hood - it has the WOW factor. Lack of an automatic in the ZR1 is not a dealbreaker except for people like me. I can drive a stick but not for very long because of problems with my left leg. But if I had the money right now to own more than one C4 that would be the one. My '96 is an auto and having the ZR1 would be the perfect counterpoint. I could take it for short blasts and have the '96 for long drives. But I cannot foresee if it will go up in value enough to make it an investment.
As for differences between the Collector Edition and regular '96s it's very simple - CEs only came in sebring silver with one of three interior colors - black, red or gray. The seats have Collectors Edition stitched in the headrest. It has five spoke Amold wheels painted silver and collectors edition badging. That's the extent of the differences.
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
Originally Posted by C4.Ray
Between the 1996 Collector's Edition C4 and C4-ZR1 - Which is a better long term or short term buy? Fun factor, maintenance, parts, etc. I understand neither hold their value and the ZR1 is clearly more powerful and unique. But how much more special is the 96 CE over the Base C4?
Is the ZR1 considered the ultimate C4?
And the ZR1 is not Automatic - was this a deal breaker?
I wouldn't even put a '96 CE in the same class as a ZR-1
For long term value, I don't think anything will match the ZR-1
The '96 CE is not really any more special than a base '96
It was just an appearance package, and was the most produced model of '96
The CE came in both LT1 (automatic trans.), and LT4 (manual trans.) versions.
So, a LT4 version will be more desirable for most.
But nothing wrong with the automatic version either.
Remember, you could get the LT4 with any '96 Corvette. It didn't have to be the GS or CE model.
When new, the ZR-1 was pretty close to double the price of a base Corvette.
And even though they depreciate, they are still quite a bit more than a non ZR-1 in the same condition.
And yes, I would consider the ZR-1 as the ultimate C4
Had both While the 96 LT4 CE is an outstanding Corvette you just can't put the two in the same category. ZR-1 King of The Hill a mystic you can not beat. In my opinion it was the first world class Corvette and has a power plant you will never see again.
If your worried about the parts myth...Don't only the engine and a few body parts are not standard C4 parts, do some research on the parts most everything is still around. as to support The brotherhood of ZR-1 owner are like C4 owner on steroids. Here are a few links for ya in regards to both.
Fun factor, ZR1 hands down. Power, Torque, and 7,000 rpm capability, no way this car isn't the most fun to drive C4.
Parts, maintenance, and all of those other wonderful things, the '96.
the real benefit of the '96 is that it is OBDII, so just about all of the engine management systems are readily availble.
So, if you're looking for a weekend fun car, cruising and showing and such, the ZR1 is the one. It will hold more value longer in stock form as well.
But if your looking for a driver, then I would just do the '96, as it will be alot easier to deal with all of those little things that come up in a well driven car. JMHO
My choice is below
No 1. 91 Callaway
No 2. 93-96 ZR1<----- the best looking engine i have ever seen, even a C6 ZR1 engine looks booring in comparison.
N0 3. 96 CE
The Callaway just looks so damn sexy
Now a "callaway twin turbo ZR1" that would have no contenders, damn why did callaway not do the ZR1 twin turbo thing. That would have been a sweet ride.
10-01-2014, 01:41 AM
96' CE vs ZR1
