1980, 1981, and 1982
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
I'm on my second '80. I love the car,; the look; the feel; the drive. Which one of the early 80's you opt for is whatever floats your boat at the time. If everything is equal across the board, there won't be much of a price difference. These late C3's are not investments. What you put in money wise, you won't get back. You do it to fuel your passion for the Corvette. Presently I've spent twice on restoration what the car is actually worth and I'm not finished yet!!! 
You need to know these things before jumping in.
You need to know these things before jumping in.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 718
Likes: 43
my search for the last month i've driven a: 78, 80, and two 82s.
the range of years i have seen in my area has been 74-82, but oddly i have not seen a lot of 81s!
of the 80 and 82s i've driven the one i liked the best was the 80 w/ the L82 engine, that thing just sounded so good. the 2 82s were probably cars in better shape and did drive nice, but in my mind i do prefer the 80 a bit better...the cars were stock, no mods to them engine wise...
the other car i tested, the 78, had a 71 chevelle engine in it. boy it was a nice sounding engine...my test drive was just in town, so didn't get to take it anywhere fast, and it was my 1st corvette i've ever driven...boy it was fun though, it just felt like it really wanted to GO!!!!....although it was not a looker...paint was down to primer...my wife was not a fan of it when she saw pics of it!!!!
i do like the feel of the glass tops also, just gives a nice ambient lighting effect if you have to have tops in....my 2 cents as i look and dream....good luck!
the range of years i have seen in my area has been 74-82, but oddly i have not seen a lot of 81s!
of the 80 and 82s i've driven the one i liked the best was the 80 w/ the L82 engine, that thing just sounded so good. the 2 82s were probably cars in better shape and did drive nice, but in my mind i do prefer the 80 a bit better...the cars were stock, no mods to them engine wise...
the other car i tested, the 78, had a 71 chevelle engine in it. boy it was a nice sounding engine...my test drive was just in town, so didn't get to take it anywhere fast, and it was my 1st corvette i've ever driven...boy it was fun though, it just felt like it really wanted to GO!!!!....although it was not a looker...paint was down to primer...my wife was not a fan of it when she saw pics of it!!!!
i do like the feel of the glass tops also, just gives a nice ambient lighting effect if you have to have tops in....my 2 cents as i look and dream....good luck!
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
Are you looking for a manual or automatic transmission? If you want an auto, go with the '82 for the overdrive trans. If you want a manual, then that eliminates the '82 since they only come with the auto trans. Personally, I'd look for an original '82 collector's edition if I wanted an auto.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 56
From: Antioch IL
The only big difference in the body, was '82 offered a rear hatch with the rear glass able to open. '80-'81 were fixed rear glass, though some have converted.
Are you looking for a manual or automatic transmission? If you want an auto, go with the '82 for the overdrive trans. If you want a manual, then that eliminates the '82 since they only come with the auto trans. Personally, I'd look for an original '82 collector's edition if I wanted an auto.
Are you looking for a manual or automatic transmission? If you want an auto, go with the '82 for the overdrive trans. If you want a manual, then that eliminates the '82 since they only come with the auto trans. Personally, I'd look for an original '82 collector's edition if I wanted an auto.
