C3 vs. C5 ? - (1968-1998)
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C3 vs. C5 ? - (1968-1998)
Ok, owning both a '68 & '98 prompted me to post this....
Ever notice how the C5's are a little closer to C3's (and earlier vettes) than C4's ???
Maybe I'm off-the-mark, but C5's have the following 'similar' features :
* Roundish tailights (opposed to the square types from '91-96)
* Round style guages
* Flip-up headlights (instead of the 180-degree style of C4's)
* Original style hood (instead of the 'clamshell' where the headlights came up)
* Key in the dash ('68 & earlier vettes had this)
* Lower sill plate like C3's (in lieu of the 'trip' ledge that C4's had)
* More horsepower & torque (like the good 'ol days :D)
However, my '68 vette still turns more heads, makes more noise, and draws a bigger crowd !!! :cheers:
Ever notice how the C5's are a little closer to C3's (and earlier vettes) than C4's ???
Maybe I'm off-the-mark, but C5's have the following 'similar' features :
* Roundish tailights (opposed to the square types from '91-96)
* Round style guages
* Flip-up headlights (instead of the 180-degree style of C4's)
* Original style hood (instead of the 'clamshell' where the headlights came up)
* Key in the dash ('68 & earlier vettes had this)
* Lower sill plate like C3's (in lieu of the 'trip' ledge that C4's had)
* More horsepower & torque (like the good 'ol days :D)
However, my '68 vette still turns more heads, makes more noise, and draws a bigger crowd !!! :cheers:
Team Owner
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From: Thomson Georgia
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (verskel)
All good observations...Seems like every "new" car is a Throwback these days..However the c-5 can't touch the c-3 in Looks or pure style....They may be faster but they do not "Feel" faster or as much like a sports car should IMO
Racer
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From: Timmins ON
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (verskel)
Maybe I'm off-the-mark, but C5's have the following 'similar' features :
* Roundish tailights (opposed to the square types from '91-96)
* Round style guages
* Flip-up headlights (instead of the 180-degree style of C4's)
* Original style hood (instead of the 'clamshell' where the headlights came up)
* Key in the dash ('68 & earlier vettes had this)
* Lower sill plate like C3's (in lieu of the 'trip' ledge that C4's had)
* More horsepower & torque (like the good 'ol days :D)
* Roundish tailights (opposed to the square types from '91-96)
* Round style guages
* Flip-up headlights (instead of the 180-degree style of C4's)
* Original style hood (instead of the 'clamshell' where the headlights came up)
* Key in the dash ('68 & earlier vettes had this)
* Lower sill plate like C3's (in lieu of the 'trip' ledge that C4's had)
* More horsepower & torque (like the good 'ol days :D)
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Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (verskel)
Having one of each is indeed the best of both worlds :yesnod:
Burning Brakes
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From: College Station / Highland Village TX
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (tshort)
I think the biggest reason that people don't usually ooh and aahh over C5's compared to c1,c2,c3's is that there are so many of them (c5's).
Not only are the c3's better looking, they are also much less common and that makes them that much more special.
Not only are the c3's better looking, they are also much less common and that makes them that much more special.
Drifting
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From: Kirkland WA
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (rambler323)
Actually I think you missed it buy a generation. :)
In the book "All Corvettes Are Red" which chronicle the development of the C5, the designers looked really closely at the interior of the Midyear (C2) generation for inspiration. The guage cluster of the C5 almost exactly mirrors the arrangement of those cars, down to the two big Tach/Speedo areas with 4 surrounding smaller guages, the same key location, mid section, and the grab handle on the passenger side.
In the book "All Corvettes Are Red" which chronicle the development of the C5, the designers looked really closely at the interior of the Midyear (C2) generation for inspiration. The guage cluster of the C5 almost exactly mirrors the arrangement of those cars, down to the two big Tach/Speedo areas with 4 surrounding smaller guages, the same key location, mid section, and the grab handle on the passenger side.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
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Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (verskel)
Thanx for the C2-C3 correction (or update)
...I didn't read the book nor am I privledged enough to have a C2 (something like $$$)....
Anyways - '68s have some similar features left over from '67 that didn't get stamped-out 'till '69
My '68 has the in-dash ignition. Also, it's supposed to have a 'chrome' shift **** like the C2's instead of black-chrome.
Oh - and - yes - bring back those wonderful 'gills' they're :cool:
...I didn't read the book nor am I privledged enough to have a C2 (something like $$$)....
Anyways - '68s have some similar features left over from '67 that didn't get stamped-out 'till '69
My '68 has the in-dash ignition. Also, it's supposed to have a 'chrome' shift **** like the C2's instead of black-chrome.
Oh - and - yes - bring back those wonderful 'gills' they're :cool:
Instructor
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From: Gerry,N.Y. ,USA New York
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (verskel)
It's a tough call . I have to say I probably enjoy driving the c5 more,but
the c3 body style is hard to top. I am another one of those guys that
just had to buy one of each. Now,we'll have to see what the c6 brings
to the table (choices ...........choices !!!!!!!!!)
the c3 body style is hard to top. I am another one of those guys that
just had to buy one of each. Now,we'll have to see what the c6 brings
to the table (choices ...........choices !!!!!!!!!)
Drifting
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Kirkland WA
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (RXVETTEGUY)
It's funny because I remember looking at the inside of a Mid-year and thinking, WOW, that REALLY looks like my C5 interior!
Then, I read the book that confirmed it. Also, they took the convertible waterfall look straight out of the old 50's model C1's.
I will say that the base C5 seats really closely resemble the leather seats of the early C3's (take a look at the post on installing C5 seats in a C3 and you'll see what I mean). All in all there is A LOT of heritage that influenced the design of the inside of a C5 -- much more than people give credit to.
I hear that designers are looking for more of a shark look in the C6 body so we'll see how that comes out!
Then, I read the book that confirmed it. Also, they took the convertible waterfall look straight out of the old 50's model C1's.
I will say that the base C5 seats really closely resemble the leather seats of the early C3's (take a look at the post on installing C5 seats in a C3 and you'll see what I mean). All in all there is A LOT of heritage that influenced the design of the inside of a C5 -- much more than people give credit to.
I hear that designers are looking for more of a shark look in the C6 body so we'll see how that comes out!
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Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (Corellian Corvette)
Seems like the C3/C5 combo is the post popular amongst the multi-generation Corvette households :cheers:
Advanced
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From: Oxnard CA
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (verskel)
I'd have to say that a stock C5 would not stand a chance in the 1/4 mile against a stock L88, L89, L72 or LS6 with comparable gears. Now, roadracing is a completely different story.
Racer
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From: Houston, Texas
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (Alwyn678)
faster, but not quicker. I have ridden in both and I don't think the c5 was quicker than my L36 off the line. of course the c5 can go on up to 160mph while I readline at 120.
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From: Oxnard CA
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (noskillz)
noskillz, I guarantee if your L36 had 2 more gears like the C5 it would bust 160 with no problem. I read an article in Car and Driver that said the 69 L88 would bust 200 if it had more gears and I would'nt doubt it. As for the C3, you meant quicker and the C5, faster on the top end.
Racer
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From: Atlanta, GA USA
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (verskel)
I went from a C4 to a C3 because of the styling and the appreciation in value. The Siren song of the Classic is overpowering. My C4 was really rough riding and lacking in the power you would associate with a Vette. I really really love driving a classic but from everything I have heard the C5 specifically attacked the performance and ride problems from the previous generation. They obviously listened to all the catcalls about the C4's not "looking" like a Vette (ah yes, the jokes about mistaking a Camaro for a Vette in a parking lot :) ). It is definitely obvious that Bowling Green realized the need to "get back to it's roots". I'd love to try a C5 out but I am soooo tired of losing thousands of dollars in depreciation on a newer model car. Ah well, I love my C3 ride(s), and am seriously considering a mid year (63 SWC) next - or with!!, but will always wonder what it would be liike to have the world class performance of the C5. I have to admit, they got the classic styling back AND world class sports car performance.
Drifting
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From: SoCal.
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (verskel)
We also have bookends. In our case a ’69 and a ’99, both white ragtops. Both great cars – the same but different. However, for the reasons given above, I would sell the ’99 first.
George
George
Melting Slicks
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From: San Jose California
Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (verskel)
I would also add that the C5 is more "curvaceous" than the c4 and more like the C3; but, not quite as taut. The c3 is very crisp.
I think it is wonderful that the C3 is finally getting its due. For so long, the C2's got all the compliments; but, the C3's were considered a let down in styling to so many others. I think the C3's have been stunning since I first saw them in 1968!
Chuck
I think it is wonderful that the C3 is finally getting its due. For so long, the C2's got all the compliments; but, the C3's were considered a let down in styling to so many others. I think the C3's have been stunning since I first saw them in 1968!
Chuck
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Re: C3 vs. C5 ? - (corvette kid 427)
Corvette kid 427
Very, very interesting....this argument could go on for days.
Keep in mind that L88's had 12.5 to 1 compression which requires
103 octane leaded gas and it's meats (tires) are more narrow and
inferior to a C5 which in turn gives back its credit.
(I'm not going to mention ZL-1's which are too rare (2-rare only 2 - get it ?)
Now if we're talking Z06 - C5 then the L88 has some competition.
However, I contest about off-the-line performance...the C5's have
a computer with variable timing and I'm willing to bet that 0-30 times
are better than any C3 (stock).
We also get into another issue - small block vs. big block.
It's really apples & oranges when you compare 2 cars 30 yrs. apart and
way different technology. :rolleyes:
Last word - without #'s you can compare anything - simply 'riding' in a C3 or 'riding' in a C5 won't tell you a thing (my C3 always feels faster :D )
....but my C5 is definitely 'quicker'.....
Very, very interesting....this argument could go on for days.
Keep in mind that L88's had 12.5 to 1 compression which requires
103 octane leaded gas and it's meats (tires) are more narrow and
inferior to a C5 which in turn gives back its credit.
(I'm not going to mention ZL-1's which are too rare (2-rare only 2 - get it ?)
Now if we're talking Z06 - C5 then the L88 has some competition.
However, I contest about off-the-line performance...the C5's have
a computer with variable timing and I'm willing to bet that 0-30 times
are better than any C3 (stock).
We also get into another issue - small block vs. big block.
It's really apples & oranges when you compare 2 cars 30 yrs. apart and
way different technology. :rolleyes:
Last word - without #'s you can compare anything - simply 'riding' in a C3 or 'riding' in a C5 won't tell you a thing (my C3 always feels faster :D )
....but my C5 is definitely 'quicker'.....