Stingray Wes

Hello C5 guys and gals -

I'm a current C3 owner and considering making the move to a C5.

I have a solid C3 and it has been a blast to drive, however I recently test drove a C5 and wow what an obviously different ride and experience.

Just looking for thoughts and comments from some of you that may have made the move from a C3 to a C5....I don't have the space for both so that's not an option.

Thanks!

Koufax

I have no experience with the C3. My C5 'vert is my first vette and I've only owned it for a few months. What a glorious few months. Lots of love here for the C5. FWIW, Consumer Reports shows the C5s as generally of average reliability, with the '04 being much better than average. In my book, a sports car that is of average or better reliability is a great car. Miata is more reliable, maybe Porsche, but the list ends there. The C5 is a great car and a great value.

Crosis

There is no comparison when it comes to drivability. The C5 is more comfortable than the C3 and handles way better. That said, the C3 has a classic look thats almost unbeatable. Frankly if my *** and feet could have fit in a C3 I would be driving one now.

jdvann

I moved from a C3 to a C5...I now have 2 C5's including my wife's. We both miss our C3, but when we sit behind the wheel...we love our C5's.


The Wife's '00 Vert...


My '01 coupe


You won't regret it...

Chilliwack vettes

I also have not owned a C3 (I plan too!) but I'll give you my thoughts anyways!
If you're just looking for something different then by all means - move up to a C5 (more power/handling).
If you do road trips then move up to a C5 (storage, gas mileage).
Repairs - C5's are heavy into the electronics and some of the early year parts are non-servicable and no longer available. That said, the engine has been factory tested to 200k miles (lots of owners are well over that amount and still running strong). My '98 turned 100k a couple of months ago and I had zero problems on a 7500mile road trip to Bowling Green and back. Aside from birdcage rust issues and vacuum leaks, C3's don't appear to be too bad (I do my own work).
Looks (subjective) - keep the C3.
Depreciation - keep the C3.

Tough choice for sure. If it was me, I'd keep the C3

Post a couple of pics of your C3!

Peter

roadbike56

I had two C3s, sort of book ends for the C 3 series. I had a 69 where we altered the engine to meet LT-1 specs with a 4 speed, posi and no power options or air (dam, I really liked that car). We also had a base 79 with auto, air and power everything Chevy offered that year.
IMHO, other than the good looking body of the 79 (Metallic brown paint with beige interior), there is no comparison to the C5. The C5 handles way better, has way more raw power, rides better and is more reliable. IMHO, the C5 is more fun to drive.
But the 69 C3 is a little bit different. The power of the 69, LT-1 was impressive. I'm not sure which car accelerates faster, the 69 or my 04. We had upgraded the suspension of the 69, but the C5 still handles better. As for comfort, the 69 was not meant to be comfortable and the changes to the engine and suspension were all about performance, not comfort. However, the C5 manages to handle better and provide equivalent performance while being a very comfortable car suitable for long trips. Truly impressive. I really liked both of our C3s, but when I had the opportunity to buy an identical twin to my 69, I opted to go for the C5. There is one area where the 69 C3 beats the C5. It sounded way better with those 68, L-88 off road cans and way meaner than the 79 or our C5
One last important factor. The C5 is getting to be an older Vette. No matter what year you buy, folks will still be impressed if you keep it looking like new like you do to your C3. So you won't miss that part of owning the C-3 if you go for the C 5.
Just my thoughts from someone who's owned both.
EDIT: I forgot to mention, my C5 is a bone stock 04 coupe with an A4.

Vetteman Jack

I had two C3s, both 1979 models. The C3 was fun to drive and those big front fenders were very cool, but the C5 is a whole different experience. Better ergonomics, better fuel efficiency, smoother ride, more room, better reliability, and the list goes on. Find a well maintained C5 and you'll be very happy with the car.

bikeriderga

Since I have never owned a C3 and only drove one a short distance, my comments will not mean much other than to say, there is no comparison in ride quality and handling, based upon my brief experience. Unless one of the earlier LT1s or Big blocks, no comparison in power either.

One more note.

If it is performance you are after, I would recommend the C5 Z06.

cor28vettes

For blast to drive I can recommend Z06 as well.

Had a bunch of C3's & a couple C5's...to wit: Z06 & 50th AE Vert

CQRT

I've had five C3's over the years and after selling my C6 yearned for the nostalgia of our old C3 days. Bought and restored a beautiful 73 and although it was a wonderful example, it paled in comparison to the driving comfort of the newer cars.

As my avatar indicates, replaced the last C3 with an `02 C5 - -a generation I'd never owned and have enjoyed the space, comfort, 'driveability', fuel mileage, better AC and overall agility.

You'll miss the classic style and the admiring looks but will enjoy the C5 much more. Just my .02 - -

RetiredSFC 97

Depends on what you want in a vette. If you're going for the cool factor and just want a show car or occasional ride around town the C3 can't be beat. But if you're wanting a car to drive more and/or take a trip in the C5 would be my choice.

I almost bought a C3 before I bought my C4 but went with the C4 instead. Now a C5.

f6john

Never owned a C3 and for specific reasons. Loved the looks back when they were new but everytime I got in one and drove it I would get out and ask myself, "why would I want one of these things?" I still thought they were sex on wheels, but not for me to drive and use. Same thing for the early C4's. But one drive in a C5 and I was sold. Only you will be able to judge which car is better suited for you.

stu12dozen

I have owned a C2, C3 and now the C5. If I had the room I would have one of each. Only you can decide which suits you best.

jans

I grew up loving the C3 and always thought I would own one. When I was finally ready to buy, the C5 was a better option for me. I will always love the looks of the C3 cars with chrome bumpers. The C5 has a timeless look to me - when detailed a lot of people ask if it is new - and is a blast to drive, comfortable and reliable.

Phanni

I owned 2 C-2s and one C-3 before buying a 2000 model C-5.
I now own two 2001s. A convertible and a coupe.

My C-3 was a 1980 L-82. It was a complete different car than an early C-3.
I'm the first to say I would not drove the C-3 on any extended trips (say 200 miles). Although i took very good care of the car, it always seemed to have some semi major malfunction. The brakes were iffy at best.
Even though the engine was the so called 'high horsepower' L-82 it barely
had over 220 HP real HP. The car was uncomfortable after an hour in the seats, and there was no storage area. I owned and drove the car for 17 years.

To be blunt, I'd never go back to a C-3, even for just a show car.

Leo23

I owned a '69 coupe for 9 years, and have had my '99 coupe for a little over 2 years now.

There is really no comparison between the two. Appearance is a tie, they are both beautiful, but power, handling, brakes, comfort, storage space, all go to the C5. Thirty years of technology make a huge difference.

The C3 is a cool car, but if you want to actually DRIVE your Vette, go for a C5.

billc80

I've owned 2 c3 they look good, but drive a c5 WOW !!

always1961

I have owned my '73 convertible for about 10yrs. and my C5 vert for about 6 months and there is no comparison between the two. The C5 is an awesome car. I believe you will love the C5. It's just is more comfortable and handles much better IMHO...
Good luck on what you decide to do...

66dts-v

My goal is to some day put an early C3 on a C5 chassis.

CHARGED UP

Having had 3 C3's both big block & small block back in the day my preference is the C5 hands down except for looks of a 70 Big block car I had. Loved the chrome bumpers and dual square exhaust set up along with the shark style. Go C5 6 or 7 for performance and comfort.