1981 or c4
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 10,520
Likes: 8,234
From: San Antonio, TX/Mahopac, NY
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
Well, you can make a C3 perform like a C4, but you can’t make a C4 look like a C3.
Problem solved!
Problem solved!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
There is no discussion......just look at the picture and its obvious. There is no car sexier than this. I can't believe I own one of these, and someday it will look like the one in the picture. As for performance, a C3 does everything it needs to do on the street. No brainer, in my opinion.
Last edited by Shovels and Vettes; Mar 5, 2021 at 09:06 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,687
Likes: 833
From: WI
My advice would be to avoid a stock 81 unless you have very good mechanical skills and aren't intimidated by 1-year electronics and an electro-mechanical carburetor. And are prepared to learn about them. These can be finicky, not a lot of guys can repair them. Sure they might be able to throw a bunch of parts at it, but if it's something really 'tricky' you are going to hate it. Your best bet is to find an 80 ....or 81 that had been 'converted' to a conventional carb. Or an 82, but they also are computerized. They're great, but again, you could be looking at finding the 'right' repair guy to fix it or be prepared to spend time to learn about the system.
I say that about 81's because I have an original 81 and love it. But I also know the CCC system and how to maintain it (and how it can cause a lot of owners high blood pressure). A lot of new 81 owners have come to this site with long head-scratching issues that took weeks or months ..and many $$ of parts to track down. Just sayin'. Best if you and your girlfriend can just enjoy what you buy with less stress.
Best of luck.
I say that about 81's because I have an original 81 and love it. But I also know the CCC system and how to maintain it (and how it can cause a lot of owners high blood pressure). A lot of new 81 owners have come to this site with long head-scratching issues that took weeks or months ..and many $$ of parts to track down. Just sayin'. Best if you and your girlfriend can just enjoy what you buy with less stress.
Best of luck.
Last edited by Mark G; Mar 6, 2021 at 11:37 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
As far as "vehicles" are concerned, the C4 is by all standards better...except for body styling and in terms of desirability. The C4 has a better frame and suspension system; it has electronic fuel injection and engine management system; better handling, braking, etc, etc. AND one can be had for a fraction of what C3's cost.
BUT, it's not a C3
.
Emotions drive most vehicle sales--and C4's don't tug at emotions for most folks. You like them, that's what you should buy and enjoy. I like them too--but I like C3's better.
BUT, it's not a C3
.Emotions drive most vehicle sales--and C4's don't tug at emotions for most folks. You like them, that's what you should buy and enjoy. I like them too--but I like C3's better.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Mar 7, 2021 at 12:01 AM.
