Looking and Undecided
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 920
Likes: 190
From: Stoneham, MA
Looking and Undecided
I have my eye on an 81 C3 with low miles and in excellent shape. My friends are trying to talk me in to a C5 because of the Trunk Space vs the C3 with almost none.
I'm leaning toward the C3. What should I be looking for. Looks almost too good to be true.
Happy New Year everyone
I'm leaning toward the C3. What should I be looking for. Looks almost too good to be true.
Happy New Year everyone
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Texas
Two totally different animals! Unless your friends are gonna help in the funding, you need to do whatever makes you happy. Have you driven them both? I know I pretty much like them all with the C4 probably coming in last. The C5 will be hard to beat up against the later C3. Now if you were talking maybe a 69 or 70 big block roadster...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,016
Likes: 31
From: Little Egg Harbor N.J.
I think it depends on what you want out of the car. I have a 1969 coupe and a 2002 Z06 and to say they are two completely different driving experiences would be the understatement of the year.
I love them both but, for entirely different reasons. Do you want something that you can drive everyday while still being able to hang with most anything on the road or do you want a classic car experience?
From a looks perspective I think my '69 is a better looking car but, when I drive the Z06 it is love all over again; that car is amazing.
I love them both but, for entirely different reasons. Do you want something that you can drive everyday while still being able to hang with most anything on the road or do you want a classic car experience?
From a looks perspective I think my '69 is a better looking car but, when I drive the Z06 it is love all over again; that car is amazing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 213
From: Pittsburgh PA
I've owned and loved both. The differences are night and day. The C3 is like an amusement park ride versus the C5 that is a track car right out of the showroom.
The C3 is carberated and the C5 is fuel injected. The C3 will smell like an old car in your garage, and the C5 will be as modern as a new car. Your wife might complain that the C3 makes her hair smell. You won't hear such complaints from the C5.
Owning an old car is a completely different experience. Make sure that's what you want to do. Be ready for things to break on a 34 year old machine. It's normal. Some would say that's the fun of owning and caring for your car. Some would think it's a nightmare. Figure out who you are and what you want to do with the car.
If you pass on the C3, please PM me the link to the car.
The C3 is carberated and the C5 is fuel injected. The C3 will smell like an old car in your garage, and the C5 will be as modern as a new car. Your wife might complain that the C3 makes her hair smell. You won't hear such complaints from the C5.
Owning an old car is a completely different experience. Make sure that's what you want to do. Be ready for things to break on a 34 year old machine. It's normal. Some would say that's the fun of owning and caring for your car. Some would think it's a nightmare. Figure out who you are and what you want to do with the car.
If you pass on the C3, please PM me the link to the car.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 920
Likes: 190
From: Stoneham, MA
I am torn between both the C3 and the C5, but can only buy one. This vehicle is for our up North home and will be used during the good weather. I already have a K15 and a Jeep GC for daily use.
My son who owns a body shop keeps on preaching to me that the C5 would be the better choice. he says, trunk space will be your issue in the future. He tells me the C3 has absolutely no trunk space unless you reach behind the seat vs. the C5 has at least some easily accessible space. I hear him say, Dad you won't like the car over time.
I hear him and I am taking in to consideration my wife and I going out and she buys something. Where do we put it???
I don't need a big block C3. The odds are I will never go over the posted speed limit anyway. I'm more concerned with looking and sounding good.
I would love to hear from those who would only own a C3 or a C5 and those who have experienced both.
My son who owns a body shop keeps on preaching to me that the C5 would be the better choice. he says, trunk space will be your issue in the future. He tells me the C3 has absolutely no trunk space unless you reach behind the seat vs. the C5 has at least some easily accessible space. I hear him say, Dad you won't like the car over time.
I hear him and I am taking in to consideration my wife and I going out and she buys something. Where do we put it???
I don't need a big block C3. The odds are I will never go over the posted speed limit anyway. I'm more concerned with looking and sounding good.
I would love to hear from those who would only own a C3 or a C5 and those who have experienced both.
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I've owned a few of each. If you're concerned about storage space or travel, go with the C5. Loads of accessible storage in the coupe and they are reliable, comfortable and fuel efficient. If you want something classic, with Zero storage space to take out on sunny days on short trips, go with the C3. Be prepared to tinker if you buy the C3. The other benefit of the C3 is it's not on the steep depreciation curve the C5 is on.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,614
Likes: 350
From: No Where USA
The C3 is much easier to work on. When you have electrical problems in the C5 you will pull your hair out. I sold my 99 convertible to get an 80. The 99 was a great car but I love the C3.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Palmdale CA
The C5 is more of an everyday car and would be a great partner to you and your wife on shopping trips, but that's not what a Corvette is typically tasked for. The C3 has nothing, nada for extra room. It is not a grocery getter, it's an older Corvette, when appeasing the ol' lady wasn't a consideration
I actually prefer to be, by myself when I'm with my '74, four speed car. The relationship is between us and God knows, I've earned it. Overpaid to get it, thrown tons of money at it and busted my butt over just about every square inch of that little bitch of a car and like most other C3's, she always needs something.
They aren't easy cars to work on either and parts are expensive. So if you 'decide' to get a C3, you're in for it. Having said that, a C5 is something you see everyday, but a C3? They're getting far and few on the streets. I relish driving something unusual and sexy, even If they are PITA's to own. That's just part of the ownership experience. Better to know now, than after you purchased it. You should have good mechanical and electrical experience or a well-paid and trusted mechanic to own one of these cars, otherwise, get the C5 and enjoy.
I actually prefer to be, by myself when I'm with my '74, four speed car. The relationship is between us and God knows, I've earned it. Overpaid to get it, thrown tons of money at it and busted my butt over just about every square inch of that little bitch of a car and like most other C3's, she always needs something.
They aren't easy cars to work on either and parts are expensive. So if you 'decide' to get a C3, you're in for it. Having said that, a C5 is something you see everyday, but a C3? They're getting far and few on the streets. I relish driving something unusual and sexy, even If they are PITA's to own. That's just part of the ownership experience. Better to know now, than after you purchased it. You should have good mechanical and electrical experience or a well-paid and trusted mechanic to own one of these cars, otherwise, get the C5 and enjoy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 352
From: Madison Alabama
The youngest of the C3s, the 1982, is 33 years old. The newest C5, the 1997 is 18 years old. With that in mind, technology in these cases has come a long, long way. Build quality at the factory has come even farther!
As others have said, C3 to C5 are two different animals. I love both and consider myself lucky to have both in my garage, a 1982 and a 2004 Z06/Z16.
As for trunk space, I don't store anything more than an overnight bag in the 82. Space in the Z is amazingly deep. Nice for longer road trips.
Performance wise, the 82 is a boulevard cruiser...things happen very fast in the Z06 and she sips gas if I keep my foot out of her.
I know this won't help you but my favorite is the one I'm driving...no wait, I mean the one I left at home!
As others have said, C3 to C5 are two different animals. I love both and consider myself lucky to have both in my garage, a 1982 and a 2004 Z06/Z16.
As for trunk space, I don't store anything more than an overnight bag in the 82. Space in the Z is amazingly deep. Nice for longer road trips.
Performance wise, the 82 is a boulevard cruiser...things happen very fast in the Z06 and she sips gas if I keep my foot out of her.
I know this won't help you but my favorite is the one I'm driving...no wait, I mean the one I left at home!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 144
Likes: 9
The C5 is more of an everyday car and would be a great partner to you and your wife on shopping trips, but that's not what a Corvette is typically tasked for. The C3 has nothing, nada for extra room. It is not a grocery getter, it's an older Corvette, when appeasing the ol' lady wasn't a consideration
I actually prefer to be, by myself when I'm with my '74, four speed car. The relationship is between us and God knows, I've earned it. Overpaid to get it, thrown tons of money at it and busted my butt over just about every square inch of that little bitch of a car and like most other C3's, she always needs something.
They aren't easy cars to work on either and parts are expensive. So if you 'decide' to get a C3, you're in for it. Having said that, a C5 is something you see everyday, but a C3? They're getting far and few on the streets. I relish driving something unusual and sexy, even If they are PITA's to own. That's just part of the ownership experience. Better to know now, than after you purchased it. You should have good mechanical and electrical experience or a well-paid and trusted mechanic to own one of these cars, otherwise, get the C5 and enjoy.
I actually prefer to be, by myself when I'm with my '74, four speed car. The relationship is between us and God knows, I've earned it. Overpaid to get it, thrown tons of money at it and busted my butt over just about every square inch of that little bitch of a car and like most other C3's, she always needs something.
They aren't easy cars to work on either and parts are expensive. So if you 'decide' to get a C3, you're in for it. Having said that, a C5 is something you see everyday, but a C3? They're getting far and few on the streets. I relish driving something unusual and sexy, even If they are PITA's to own. That's just part of the ownership experience. Better to know now, than after you purchased it. You should have good mechanical and electrical experience or a well-paid and trusted mechanic to own one of these cars, otherwise, get the C5 and enjoy.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 34,034
Likes: 222
From: Land of Thunder
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15, '19
Trunk space? 
Take the GC on your shopping trips. If its a spur of the moment purchase, just shrug and assure the sweetheart you would but there's no room.
Think of the money you'll save.
The C5 is still depreciating and the C3, particularly a nice one like you found, is at least holding steady.
Take the GC on your shopping trips. If its a spur of the moment purchase, just shrug and assure the sweetheart you would but there's no room.
Think of the money you'll save. The C5 is still depreciating and the C3, particularly a nice one like you found, is at least holding steady.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 40
C3 ....is not a very ...useful device .....but visually not many cars are so stunning as the C3 and it's older sister C2
Hauling azz and not things was it's intent......for hauling chit ....by a truck
In it's day it was tolerable , barely...LOL...I owned them in the 70's and drove to work as a single carefree nut.
If your looking for a pure TOY .....or you work five miles from home in a sunny warm state ...it's great !
If you need dependable everyday transportation .....you d be hard pressed to find a worse choice than a C3
I would rather PUSH a C3 than own a C5 myself .....not into generic ugly aero soap bars.
If noise, ruff ride, leaks, working on cars bother you.....then pass and by a later vette.....not a weekend toy.
Convertibles are my fav....very useful ....hee hee
For hauling long legged blondes around
Hauling azz and not things was it's intent......for hauling chit ....by a truck
In it's day it was tolerable , barely...LOL...I owned them in the 70's and drove to work as a single carefree nut.
If your looking for a pure TOY .....or you work five miles from home in a sunny warm state ...it's great !
If you need dependable everyday transportation .....you d be hard pressed to find a worse choice than a C3
I would rather PUSH a C3 than own a C5 myself .....not into generic ugly aero soap bars.
If noise, ruff ride, leaks, working on cars bother you.....then pass and by a later vette.....not a weekend toy.
Convertibles are my fav....very useful ....hee hee
For hauling long legged blondes around
Last edited by LS4 PILOT; Jan 1, 2015 at 11:19 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 137
From: California
I am torn between both the C3 and the C5, but can only buy one.
My son who owns a body shop keeps on preaching to me that the C5 would be the better choice. he says, trunk space will be your issue in the future. H.. Dad you won't like the car over time.
I hear him and I am taking in to consideration my wife and I going out and she buys something. Where do we put it???
..I'm more concerned with looking and sounding good.
My son who owns a body shop keeps on preaching to me that the C5 would be the better choice. he says, trunk space will be your issue in the future. H.. Dad you won't like the car over time.
I hear him and I am taking in to consideration my wife and I going out and she buys something. Where do we put it???
..I'm more concerned with looking and sounding good.
Why is your son telling you you won't like the C3 over time? He clearly knows something about you to tell you this.
If you have ANY plans of using the car to both - haul your wife AND pick up anything she buys to carry it home, just toss the idea of the C3. In my personal experience with the C3 - it's a "me" toy, not an "us" toy.
Look good and sound good? You can make anything do the latter, and both will look good.
You sound like you need practical. Get the C5. There is nothing practical about the C3 other than it being more fun than practically anything else.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
If you have had a C3 on your "bucket list" and you and your wife have good knees for getting in and out of it you should seriously consider scratching the itch with a color/year that has a special association while you can as you're not getting any younger. The C5's aren't going anywhere but make sure you like to tinker, otherwise you're unfairly pulling in your mechanically-inclined son even for the little stuff tat happens to all 30+ something year old vehicles of any make.
Also, in reading between the lines with your "up north home' comment, make sure that you have storage garage space (they are not a good outdoor car). Also, if 'up north' is where you summer and its in a typical small rural town, make sure there is a good shop that knows Corvettes. That goes equally for all year Corvettes, but I suspect that you already took this into account.
Also, in reading between the lines with your "up north home' comment, make sure that you have storage garage space (they are not a good outdoor car). Also, if 'up north' is where you summer and its in a typical small rural town, make sure there is a good shop that knows Corvettes. That goes equally for all year Corvettes, but I suspect that you already took this into account.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
For the guys that have commented that the C3 is not dependable , speak for yourself. If you are just holding your car together with bailing wire and just doing halfa**ed repairs then I understand what you are saying but if it is a fully restored car it should be as dependable as they were new. All of my C3's have got the full treatment and have never ever let me down , unlike the newer Corvettes with all of their electrical problems. I have also owned corvettes newer than 82's and had to limp them home or have them towed on many occasions . A 40+ year old car should not be expected to be dependable if it still has all of it's 40 year old parts or if you decide that you want to replace all of the parts one at a time. 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Buy the C3 for your up north car but also get yourself a cheap truck to haul stuff with.
Make sure the garage you store the Corvette in has some name-brand electronic pest thingies and be sure to pull the battery and put it on a trickle charger over the winter. Winterize the car properly while you are gone.
I have owned an 81 and they are kind of gutless but they do make good cruisers if they have been well maintained.
I have owned newer Corvettes too but never a C5. I did test drive a C5 Z06 that was for sale here in Michigan for a buyer in Houston and it was an absolute dream to drive as far as handling, power and comfort.
Make sure the garage you store the Corvette in has some name-brand electronic pest thingies and be sure to pull the battery and put it on a trickle charger over the winter. Winterize the car properly while you are gone.
I have owned an 81 and they are kind of gutless but they do make good cruisers if they have been well maintained.
I have owned newer Corvettes too but never a C5. I did test drive a C5 Z06 that was for sale here in Michigan for a buyer in Houston and it was an absolute dream to drive as far as handling, power and comfort.