Looking at C3
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 288
Likes: 13
From: Engelhard NC
Looking at C3
Hey y'all. I currently own a C4, but my favorite has always been the C3. The C4 was in my budget when I bought my first Vette. I am wandering how the C3 ride and comfort compare to the C4. My C4 is a 96 base coupe. I am considering getting in a 1982 Collectors Edition. Thanks for the input.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 2,327
From: Central UT
Hi komiller, C3s span a comparatively large number of years and tech changes. Early C3s (I'm not dissing them, that's what I have!) can ride and handle pretty nicely when you have suspension, shocks, etc. sorted. The CE you're considering is 'somewhat' advanced compared to the earlier cars. Lots of forum members drive them a lot and some use theirs for a dd. I've driven several C4s, but not for a while so I have a hard time giving a good comparison. Our '72 drove really well once I replaced suspension items. Our '68 is a bit of a beast. :-)
And I'm with you - I think the C3s are beautiful! Good luck in your search and enjoy.
And I'm with you - I think the C3s are beautiful! Good luck in your search and enjoy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
I have a '70 C3 and a '93 C4. As far as ride and comfort go the C3 can be made to ride in a similar fashion to the C4 but as far as handling goes you will have to do a lot to get a C3 near a C4.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 184
From: Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,209
Likes: 9,348
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
not a comparison. 1960's tech vs 1980s tech. one of the members here was relating a story of how his buddy spent a lt of time and money getting his 69 track ready and laid down a pretty good time, then took his buddies stock c4 out and beat that time. That says alot. I wouldnt concentrate on comparing them, the C3 is more of a brutish sports car and the C4 is more of a luxury sports car. If you want the C3 then get it and expect it to be horrible. Then spend another grand and get a nice fiberglass setup and it should ride a lot softer. I got lucky, I bought mine with a pro touring suspension in it and it wasnt as harsh as the others I rode in. Then I spent alot of time and money to make it worse, but it sticks to the road and stays flat as fast as I can get it though a turn!!!
Your buying fun and memories with these things, because a cheap Prius is going to beat it off the lights and be faster and quieter down the highway. But NO ONE ever said, "Hey! look at the cool Prius", or " ya my Dad had a Prius and I couldn't wait to drive it to school", or "well when I get my Prius driving, I'll race your Camaro....."
Your buying fun and memories with these things, because a cheap Prius is going to beat it off the lights and be faster and quieter down the highway. But NO ONE ever said, "Hey! look at the cool Prius", or " ya my Dad had a Prius and I couldn't wait to drive it to school", or "well when I get my Prius driving, I'll race your Camaro....."
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 288
Likes: 13
From: Engelhard NC
I am not looking to race or auto cross. My C4 is a grocery getter, a Dr's appt,. Dentist appt, eye Dr appointment and several trips a year varying from 150 miles one way to 500 miles one way. If there is not a Lowes trip, we take the car.
I grew up in the seventies and eighties and cut my mechanical teeth on the C3 technology. I want to know will the ride be as or comparable comfortable. Not looking to do slolums and other performance manuevers. I live in rural NC and enjoy pushing it a little hard on the backroads and doing the Dragon. I get all the speed and super handling from my patrol vehicle.
I grew up in the seventies and eighties and cut my mechanical teeth on the C3 technology. I want to know will the ride be as or comparable comfortable. Not looking to do slolums and other performance manuevers. I live in rural NC and enjoy pushing it a little hard on the backroads and doing the Dragon. I get all the speed and super handling from my patrol vehicle.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,209
Likes: 9,348
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
If its stock It will be a step down from everything you're used to. If you want better than stock, you'll have to upgrade. It sounds like you want one, tell the seller you're serious and have them take you for an aggressive test ride. You'll get an idea how rough it is and handling. Our opinions aren't really going to help other than what we've said
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