Wow Factor!! C3 Vs. C5
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 230
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From: San Mateo, Ca CA
Wow Factor!! C3 Vs. C5
I know a few of you have probably owned both a C3 and a C5 at one time or another.
I just was curious the different responses you recieved from the public between the 2 cars.
I just was curious the different responses you recieved from the public between the 2 cars.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,449
Likes: 40
From: Panama City Beach, Florida
Bought my 77 new, still have it. Bought a new '04 Z06, sold it 4 months later. Was nice, fast enough, but lacked a certain "character."
Others may be able to better describe it but that's how I felt.
Frank
Others may be able to better describe it but that's how I felt.
Frank
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
Originally Posted by Streetgrime
I know a few of you have probably owned both a C3 and a C5 at one time or another.
I just was curious the different responses you recieved from the public between the 2 cars.
I just was curious the different responses you recieved from the public between the 2 cars.
It is flawless and only has 17,000 miles....listed for about 69 THOUSAND bucks in 1990 (?) off the showroom. It is 10 times the 72 that I own or a standard C5. If he could figure out how to email me some pics...I would post em here.At local car shows, Except for the hardcore Vette people, "No one" knows what it is ..... and when you tell them....they still don't have a clue!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 5
From: Paducah Ky
Half the attention I get in either one I don't want. You can't stop at a light without someone acting like a jackass half the time. 
I wouldn't mind if it was a serious challenge but camry's and Tauruses?
One thing that is cool is when young kids ( 12 and under ) check out the C3 with a WOW. Pretty cool for a 40 year old design
I wouldn't mind if it was a serious challenge but camry's and Tauruses?One thing that is cool is when young kids ( 12 and under ) check out the C3 with a WOW. Pretty cool for a 40 year old design
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 3
From: Florissant MO
I haven't taken my C3 anywhere that I haven't gotten a thumbs up or a holler "nice car". I even had an older couple stop in front of the house when it was parked outside just looking at it.
Never had that in my torch red C4 or even in the black C6 (except when it was new).
Never had that in my torch red C4 or even in the black C6 (except when it was new).
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Keizer OR
The only car I've ever owned that gets more attention than my C3 is my, gulp, '77 Celica. Never owned any Vette other than my C3 though.
Personally I find the C4/C5 designs a little meh. C6 however is a a big leap in the right body style design direction. All this is just the exterior appearance of course.
On a similar note, how many here get people coming up to you and saying they "always wanted a Corvette"? Lets face it, a late C3 like mine isn't worth much. C4s can be even easier and cheaper to buy. If someone always wanted one, they could buy one. Might not be practical. They might have to buy a cheap DD instead of the new honda or whatever they have, but almost anyone that really has always wanted a Corvette could buy one.
Personally I find the C4/C5 designs a little meh. C6 however is a a big leap in the right body style design direction. All this is just the exterior appearance of course.
On a similar note, how many here get people coming up to you and saying they "always wanted a Corvette"? Lets face it, a late C3 like mine isn't worth much. C4s can be even easier and cheaper to buy. If someone always wanted one, they could buy one. Might not be practical. They might have to buy a cheap DD instead of the new honda or whatever they have, but almost anyone that really has always wanted a Corvette could buy one.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 352
From: Madison Alabama
I get two, distinct, different kinds of “wow” when driving either car.
In the ’82 it’s more from the classic point of view – “That’s a nice car, don’t see too many of those running around.” I’ll get the occasional “What’s Crossfire Injection?” and I almost always get “Is that the original paint?”
In the Z06 I get comments ranging from “are those stripes factory” and the “how fast have you had it.”
I almost always get challenged when in the Z: Mustangs, ricer bikes/cars and the Hemi crowd – cars and trucks. I very, very seldom oblige them and am normally the first to get off the throttle when I engage; common sense overcomes my sense of bravado stupidity…if I’d had this car when I was 15 years the younger I’d probably not be here…
In the ’82 it’s more from the classic point of view – “That’s a nice car, don’t see too many of those running around.” I’ll get the occasional “What’s Crossfire Injection?” and I almost always get “Is that the original paint?”
In the Z06 I get comments ranging from “are those stripes factory” and the “how fast have you had it.”
I almost always get challenged when in the Z: Mustangs, ricer bikes/cars and the Hemi crowd – cars and trucks. I very, very seldom oblige them and am normally the first to get off the throttle when I engage; common sense overcomes my sense of bravado stupidity…if I’d had this car when I was 15 years the younger I’d probably not be here…
CF Community Team
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I've had both. My C3 gets far more attention than my C5 or my C6. The new cars are terrific to drive but if you are looking for attention go with the older car.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
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From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
My Yellow color is loud, and now that I have an exhaust system that demands attention, I can't creep anywhere. Yep, most of the compliments and conversations come when you fill up at the gas station. I've owned several sports cars over the years, this is the only Corvette, and nothing gets the compliments like the Vette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,704
Likes: 6
From: Toronto
My neighborhood is full of Porsches, Jags, Lexuses (Lexi?), etc. Nobody even notices them but when my Vette is parked out in front of the house people stop, little kids point and jump around, and (to quote Batman) chicks dig the car. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 0
never owned a C3 and would love too( my wife will kill me) i think both cars in pristine condition,the C3 would probably get more looks because it SCREAMS SEX APPEAL, no question. the shape of the C3 says im getting what i want,get out of my way. my C5 does get plenty of attention though,mostly by children 
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
well...me and my homies cruise in the C5 to check out the local talent...and i've picked up more girls with the C5 than the C3. I guess with the C5, the chicks think you have money...but I have more money in my C3!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Hartland WI
I owned a black 99 frc before I bought my 72. Hands down, the 72 gets way more looks, waves, thumbs up, compliments, etc than my 99 ever got. It seems everytime I'm out in my 72 somebody is giving me a Stop at a gas station, somebody is asking about the car, etc. Like somebody else said, young kids yell and wave. Nobody ever did those things when I drove my 99.
Stop at a gas station, somebody is asking about the car, etc. Like somebody else said, young kids yell and wave. Nobody ever did those things when I drove my 99.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,039
Likes: 105
From: State of Confusion!!!
2018 C2 of Year Winner
Let me start by saying..."I don't care what other people think." With that being said, I sold my '00 coupe for a '71 B/B.
I had a '68 327/350 that was a blast until I had an encounter with a lovestruck coyote.
After that I was so discouraged with the condition of my C-3 that I took the insurance $$$ and sold the car. I found a VERY low milage C-5 and drove the H=LL out of it, but it was lacking a certain WOW factor.
After long discussions with my significant other, I decide to put my '00 up for sale. (BTW dont try to sell anything on this fourm, people think their car is worth a mint and you car is junk!!!)
I found a '71 B/B that rides like **** and rattles like a babies toy, BUT...you can't wipe the smile from my face everytime I am in it!!!
If you are looking for performance...buy a C-5. If you are looking for a piece of American History...a B/B C-3 is your only choice!!!
I had a '68 327/350 that was a blast until I had an encounter with a lovestruck coyote.
After that I was so discouraged with the condition of my C-3 that I took the insurance $$$ and sold the car. I found a VERY low milage C-5 and drove the H=LL out of it, but it was lacking a certain WOW factor.
After long discussions with my significant other, I decide to put my '00 up for sale. (BTW dont try to sell anything on this fourm, people think their car is worth a mint and you car is junk!!!)
I found a '71 B/B that rides like **** and rattles like a babies toy, BUT...you can't wipe the smile from my face everytime I am in it!!!
If you are looking for performance...buy a C-5.
If you are looking for a piece of American History...a B/B C-3 is your only choice!!!
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,979
Likes: 6,206
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I love driving the '03 convertible, its a wonderful car. Occasionally someone says something, (maybe the yellow helps) but for the most part, it has zero wow appeal.
Not sure what year C3 you are considering, but 68-73... yeah, wow all day long. Later ones not quite so much.
I haven't had a C3 for awhile, I actually got sick of them, but I'm ready for another bumper car.
Not sure what year C3 you are considering, but 68-73... yeah, wow all day long. Later ones not quite so much.
I haven't had a C3 for awhile, I actually got sick of them, but I'm ready for another bumper car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Leander Texas
Originally Posted by gyopp
Half the attention I get in either one I don't want. You can't stop at a light without someone acting like a jackass half the time. I wouldn't mind if it was a serious challenge but camry's and Tauruses?
I wouldn't mind if it was a serious challenge but camry's and Tauruses?
One thing that is cool is when young kids ( 12 and under ) check out the C3 with a WOW. Pretty cool for a 40 year old design
The C-3 to is like a 40yr old woman who takes good care of herself. She is older, but she has great curves.