C2 vs c3
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 491
When it comes to handling, stock for stock, I don't see much difference since the C2 and C3 share the same chassis, with some very minor updates to fit the C3 body. GM basically just re-bodied the C2, upped the cubes, put in some fiberoptics, and called it the Stingray (one word), which we now refer to as C3. Obviously, I'm oversimplifying, but when it comes to chassis, very little modifications were made to the chassis between the C2 and C3.
The C2 chassis when it was new was pretty ground breaking in '63, but by '82 it had long outlived its innovation.
The C2 chassis when it was new was pretty ground breaking in '63, but by '82 it had long outlived its innovation.
Last edited by Corvette-ZL1; Oct 26, 2023 at 01:01 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 979
Likes: 258
From: Maryland
When it comes to handling, stock for stock, I don't see much difference since the C2 and C3 share the same chassis, with some very minor updates to fit the C3 body. GM basically just re-bodied the C2, upped the cubes, put in some fiberoptics, and called it the Stingray (one word), which we now refer to as C3. Obviously, I'm oversimplifying, but when it comes to chassis, very little modifications were made to the chassis between the C2 and C3.
The C2 chassis when it was new was pretty ground breaking in '63, but by '82 it had long outlived its innovation.
The C2 chassis when it was new was pretty ground breaking in '63, but by '82 it had long outlived its innovation.
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,280
Likes: 356
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,864
From: Palm Springs, CA.
I always figured, if GM had only run the C3 model for 5 years, as in previous body styles (that would be 1968-72) and then changed to some completely new body for 1973, then the prices of them would be in the stratosphere just like the C2s.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,031
Likes: 503
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
1968 Corvettes should have been more money due to all of the unique one year parts, like the 1963. Especially the totally different 68 interior panels. But they got a bad rap for being slapped together. How could you not like all four tail lights lighting up. Lou.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
Given the same drivetrain, there is really no performance difference. Given the choice, I'd rather have a C2, but I'm not being objective, and I couldn't afford one anyway. But I think if someone was in a coma for the last 100 years and could be totally objective, I think he'd say the chrome bumper C3 convertible is a better looking car than the C2. As far as the coupe is concerned, it might be the other way around.
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,864
From: Palm Springs, CA.
I've had many of both C2 and C3 and, while I really liked every one of them, I slightly prefer the C3. Better ergonomics, slightly better balanced and if top end speed is your thing, the C3 will easily outperform the C2 in the standard, unmodified body.
In the early 60's they didn't understand that much about air foils, dams and spoilers. The original thought of the C2 mid body belt line was that it would slice through the air like a knife. However this proved incorrect, with far too much air being moved under the car they quickly turned into an unstable sail panel at extremely high speed.
The C3 redesign compensated for much of this and the small black air dam that fits under the C3 nose reduced drag coefficient by an enormous 15%. The slight curve up of the tail also added more down force to the rear, which the C2 did not have. It's just part of the evolution of the car. If you can set personal design tastes aside, in one way or another, every newer Corvette designed is a better car than the one before it.
Like the Model A to the Mustang, they were all great in their time but comparing them is apples to oranges.
In the early 60's they didn't understand that much about air foils, dams and spoilers. The original thought of the C2 mid body belt line was that it would slice through the air like a knife. However this proved incorrect, with far too much air being moved under the car they quickly turned into an unstable sail panel at extremely high speed.
The C3 redesign compensated for much of this and the small black air dam that fits under the C3 nose reduced drag coefficient by an enormous 15%. The slight curve up of the tail also added more down force to the rear, which the C2 did not have. It's just part of the evolution of the car. If you can set personal design tastes aside, in one way or another, every newer Corvette designed is a better car than the one before it.
Like the Model A to the Mustang, they were all great in their time but comparing them is apples to oranges.
