IXOYE

I am trying to decide between another c4 or a c5. I love the looks of a c4.

C4-85RedZ51

Since you asked here in the C4 section ... C4

vetteLT193

I have had both (have a C5 now).

To be blunt if you are old and fat the C5 is a better choice. If you truly want to wring out the most performance the C5 is likely the better choice... the frame is more solid, there are more mods that can be done, and more can be had out of the LS engine. If a good ride is important the C5 is better.

The C4 feels better to me. The cockpit is snug. The quality of the seats are hands down better. I like the C4 looks better. I like the rougher ride... feels like I am in a sports car. I also think the C4 is easier to maintain. The C5 is an electrical dumpster fire. Each issue isn't hard to fix but there will be many and they are annoying. The C4 has issues too... don't get me wrong... but typical things will break and you can get to them when you have time. But on the C5, as an example, if the driver seat shorts out the car won't start. It's all daisy chained.

IMO the C4 is really good value right now. I don't see them going down in value any more. It's likely you can buy one, drive it and take care of it for a couple years, and sell for about the same price.

I think the peak for long term maintenance and longevity happened for the Corvette in 1991. IMO the 1991 Corvette was just technical enough to run really good but not too technical to cause a long term maintenance nightmare.

IXOYE

Would you recommend a convertible or targa?

96LT4

I owned 2 C5s...never again. If you get a convertible, go 2002 and newer. They changed the tops, and they were much quieter.

It would depend on how much you want to spend.

IXOYE

What is bad about the 2001 and older?

JD Shredds

Well, if you like the looks of the C4, and you have the budget to get a C5, it stands to reason you can get a very NICE C4 for the cost of rougher, high mileage C5. So, you'd probably get better condition for the buck in a C4.

And if performance is something that has you on the fence, you could always target LT4 cars to help mitigate the difference.

I wouldn't talk you out of getting a C5, though. Its crossed my mind as well. But I've yet to drive one, and I prefer the C4's style.

IXOYE

I live in Wisconsin. How would a c5 fare for trips to Arkansas vs my 1985 c4?

jpargo

You know there is a big difference in the ride of your 85 C4 compared to a 92 and up C4. The 92 introduced substantial changes in the Gen 2 LT1 smallblock. In 93 it got a reworked cam reduced engine noise with isolated valve covers and improved ride when they staggered tire size for the first time. The 94 to 96 are some of the best C4s made with improvements in the seats, softer springs for even better improved ride quality. Fuel injection and quiter cockpit noise reduction was the focus with improved materials such as weatherstripping, improved sound damping insulation and the vert received a glass rear window in 94. In 95 13" front breaks rotors became standard and in 96 another higher output engine, the LT4 was made availavle. The LT4 had 30 more horses than the standard LT1. I would focus on a 93-96 car if it were me and believe they are the best value for performance dollar. I have owned several C4 through the years the oldest being an 86, I personally liked the 89 to 96 years that I owned. I do believe that 93 to 96 is the right area to look in. I have also owned an immaculate 2002 and 2004 C5 that were both great cars but I prefer the C4 myself and found myself in the same situation as 96LT4. He's had some of the cleanest low mileage C4s on the Forum, I missed my old Ruby and it took me several years to find a comparable replacement. I hope this helps...it's not like your in the C4 section of the Forum, we certainly are not biased.

IXOYE

The c4s have them sharp angles and the front of it reminds me of a kayak or a pencil. I would want to get one that has not been beaten and raced. How durable is the LT1 vs the L98

jpargo

Have to worry about the optispark in 92 to early procuction 93, LT1s are very reliable. ...and the C5's rear end looks like JLo's

IXOYE

How many c4s do you own?

95tealconvert

I started out looking for a C5 convertible but found the '95 C4 convertible was just the right fit. Here are a few things that made me go with the '95 C4 vs a C5.

First I can buy two very nice low mileage late C4 convertibles for the cost of one comparable C5 convertible.

The last few years of the C4 had all the upgrades from the factory including the best seats.

I love the feel of being in the C4-crucial to this point is that I had trouble getting into a '93 but seats changed in '94 so no issue with the '95.

So many C5's out being driven compared to nice C4's-I just prefer something that stands out and is a little more unusual to see.

The C5 is a great car and likely I will have one in the future but man I love my '95 and I am not sure I would be so passionate about a C5. Who knows just a matter of getting what fits you best as they are all vettes after all.

Keep in mind there is 8 years difference between the last C4 and the last C5 so more likely if money is not a issue you will have less issues with a 2004 vs a 1996 and for sure a more refined and smoother riding vette.

Dime

I've got a 91 ZR-1, folks have an 2002 c5. Just to be brief, I have no idea where the c5, or c6s for that matter, get off on claiming how inferior a c4 is. Don't get me wrong, c5s are great great cars. They handle well, they've got the go, they're dependable, but they sure as hell don't out do a c4. Everything thing in my c4, except the column stalks, feels more solid on my car than my folks c5. You can tell the frame on the c5 is stiffer, but that's the only improvement you can tell with the c5. The c4 just feels more unique and specia as well.

But YOU need to go drive a c5 to see if it's what you want.

jpargo

IXOYE I currently have a 93 Ruby vert and a 95 vert, I'm looking for a coupe and found a nice one on here with low miles to use as a daily driver. I'm trying to move a 98 mint mustang GT vert so I can make a deal on the corvette. I agree that YOU need to drive both to decide. Having owned both models you really will not make a bad choice the C4s are old enough in PA to qualify as "classic cars" which is a perminate registration and has some insurance benefits. I'm not sure what state you're in or if they offer something similar but it's also something to consider depending on your intended usage.

I’m Z one

There is a reason why you can get two for the price of one. Remember the old saying... you get what you pay for.

I had a C4 and enjoyed everything about the car. Then I drove a C5Z. I was sold and soon was my '94 C4.

loudv8

Long story short, in the past I have owned a 96 C4 LT4 Collector Edition and a C5 Z06. It went like this, sold the C4 and bought the C5 02 Z06 however every time I saw an old C4 it made me miss mine. I later sold the 02 Z06 and bought an 07 C6 which I currently own. Call me a conehead but every time I saw a C4 I was still missing my old one! Last year I snagged another low mileage 96 C4 LT4 but this time a vert! Compared to the newer gens the old C4 doesn't get much love but you can't beat bang for the buck with LT4 performance. I like the cockpit interior and the lines on the C4. On sunny days with the top down the old C4 get stared at and complimented on. I still have the C6 so yes, owning 2 vettes is a sickness I'm seeking professional help with. Bottom line, do your research and get what you want. You can't go wrong with a later model C4 or C5.

JD Shredds

So, basically, get what you want.

QCVette

They are different. The "feel" of the C4 is more raw and feels like a sports car to me. The C5 seems a little more civilized.

You need to drive some and see what you like.

There are some features that have changed too. The trunk/hatch area is bigger and easier to access on the C5. The removable top is much easier to take off (without tools) on the C5.

They both are great road cars. I have taken both on several 2k+ mile trips. I would give the edge to the C5 though since it is a smoother ride and better mpg.

Working on the cars is easier on the C4 for many things. Both cars have discontinued parts, but some of the electronic systems on the C5's are not repairable since there are no new parts such as the ECBM and steering position sensor on the early cars ('97-'00)

The LS engines are great, but my LT4 feels about the same as my LS1.

It basically comes down to what you like. Try driving quite a few and see what fits you best.

For my choice, I have a C5 and two C4's. If you can keep both it is a great choice. It is fun trading off between the two. With only one, I get used to it and don't notice the good and bad points, but trading off between the two it really highlights the differences and makes for a fun choice.

Good luck.

95tealconvert

First off I was being conservative by saying 2 to 1. In reality it can be as much as 3 to 1. That in no way takes anything away from the C4's value but rather is a reflection of how these cars depreciate as each new generation comes out.

No one is saying that each generation should not be an improvement but that does not mean that a particular car will not fit you better. I found the later C4 convertibles were the best fit for me for many different reasons least of which was price but since I own 7 vehicles price allows me to have more variety.

Truth is I really like the way I feel sitting in my C4 and I like the fact that it is getting old enough you seldom see ones out being driven ( at least in my area ). Each person needs to find the right fit for them when it comes to a vette and only you can say what that is-heck I know a C1 to C3 is not as refined a vette in anyway to my '95 but that does not keep me from dreaming about them. For many of us style and fit trumps performance.


By the way comparing a C4 LT1 to a C5 Z is not apples to apples-just saying. If I was all about performance then of course a C5Z is a better performing car over my stock C4-no one here would dispute that but that was not what I thought this thread was asking.