C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

C4 advantages

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 03:13 PM
  #1  
Darth Vader's Avatar
Darth Vader
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Bowling Green KY.
Default C4 advantages

Ive heard from people the advantages a C5 has over a C4, more space, roomy... So what are some of the advantages a C4 has over a C5???
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 03:26 PM
  #2  
fsr402's Avatar
fsr402
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,556
Likes: 0
From: Jenison MI
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Default

Originally Posted by Darth Vader
Ive heard from people the advantages a C5 has over a C4, more space, roomy... So what are some of the advantages a C4 has over a C5???
Less room so you wont slide out of the seat on a hard turn. Well at lest not with a 90 - 93 with sport seats..
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 03:55 PM
  #3  
Aaron71771's Avatar
Aaron71771
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,374
Likes: 21
From: Traverse City MI
Default

looks, style
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 04:08 PM
  #4  
Fozzy_Bear's Avatar
Fozzy_Bear
Waka, Waka, Waka!
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 2
From: Richmond Virginia
CI 4-6-8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Default

Originally Posted by Darth Vader
Ive heard from people the advantages a C5 has over a C4, more space, roomy... So what are some of the advantages a C4 has over a C5???
Just take a look at the sticky over in C5 General anbout 'measurements' and just put an imaginary "C4's Don't" in front of the things listed.

for example:
"C4's Don't" have a seat rock problem
"C4's Don't" have a fuel gage that dances the Lambada
"C4's Don't" leak oil out of the rear diff.
etc.
etc.

Yes, there is a list that could be made for the C4's, but my point is that C5's aren't the end-all of automotive history. (Heck, even the C6's are starting to show some 'quirks'... ask a C6 owner about "Torque Management" and watch a scowl appear on their face)

And lets not overlook one of the big ones: Price; for both the cars and the components. Ask a C5 owner how much it costs to buy a C5 that puts out 400 rwhp. They would have to pay 19K for a cheap '97 and 6k for a good heads/cam package = 25K. Or you could pay 4K for a '84 and 5K for a ZZ383 (with the LT4 Hot Cam) plus another 1K for install incidentals = 10K.

But lets keep this in perspective:
Would I Like to have a C5? - Yes.
Would I sell my C4 to get one? - No.

All this and I didn't even mention style - which is subjective and could go either way.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 04:29 PM
  #5  
redvette6spd's Avatar
redvette6spd
Safety Car
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,786
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis MN
Default

Originally Posted by Aaron71771
looks, style
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 04:43 PM
  #6  
ClarenceT's Avatar
ClarenceT
Drifting
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,400
Likes: 0
From: Oceansaide CA
Default

I like the swivel lights and the hood (clam shell). If only the rear opened up like that (Koensegg style) to expose fuel-cell, suspension, etc (for cleaning, dicking around with, who knows?)
Price is probably the biggest one.
Also supposedly the C4 z51 suspension is more track oriented then base c5's (not zo6). Dunno about that, the ride sure is a hell of a lot stiffer, so I guess on a perfectly flat surface it might have an advantage.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 04:44 PM
  #7  
LT1SPUD's Avatar
LT1SPUD
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 737
Likes: 4
From: Decatur Alabama
Default

that wonderful "cockpit" feel.......
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 05:43 PM
  #8  
BrianCunningham's Avatar
BrianCunningham
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,847
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
Default

C4 floors aren't made out of wood, it's balsa wood on the C5's Does Chevy supply the Cuprinol?

C4's don't spit out there control arm bushings, C5's use those lovely cams to set caster & camber, basically they are bending the a-arms whenever they do an alignment.

C4 trannies don't overheat. C5's have to install coolers for any serious road racing. And NO they don't have a better weight bias with the transaxle back there, it's actually a little worse.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 06:44 PM
  #9  
85 500 horse's Avatar
85 500 horse
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: Obama=death for America
Default

I've put a lot of money into my C4 and I'm very happy with it. If I could sell it and get all my money back, I wouldn't get a C5. That's how much I like my C4. The C5 has some nice features that the C4 lacks, but that comes with any newer model.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 06:52 PM
  #10  
Bilyk's Avatar
Bilyk
Drifting
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga Ont
Default

shorter wheelbase, LT5 option, stiffer suspension, CHEAPER!
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 06:55 PM
  #11  
Mr. Peabody's Avatar
Mr. Peabody
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Default

A C-4 actually looks like a Corvette.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 07:03 PM
  #12  
C5Jimmy's Avatar
C5Jimmy
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,219
Likes: 1
From: Somerset Co, NJ
Default

Originally Posted by Fozzy_Bear
Just take a look at the sticky over in C5 General anbout 'measurements' and just put an imaginary "C4's Don't" in front of the things listed.

for example:
"C4's Don't" have a seat rock problem
"C4's Don't" have a fuel gage that dances the Lambada
"C4's Don't" leak oil out of the rear diff.
etc.
etc.

Yes, there is a list that could be made for the C4's, but my point is that C5's aren't the end-all of automotive history. (Heck, even the C6's are starting to show some 'quirks'... ask a C6 owner about "Torque Management" and watch a scowl appear on their face)

And lets not overlook one of the big ones: Price; for both the cars and the components. Ask a C5 owner how much it costs to buy a C5 that puts out 400 rwhp. They would have to pay 19K for a cheap '97 and 6k for a good heads/cam package = 25K. Or you could pay 4K for a '84 and 5K for a ZZ383 (with the LT4 Hot Cam) plus another 1K for install incidentals = 10K.

But lets keep this in perspective:
Would I Like to have a C5? - Yes.
Would I sell my C4 to get one? - No.

All this and I didn't even mention style - which is subjective and could go either way.
I love the C5, and yes , lets admit it, its just a better car, but I won't sell my C4 to get a C5. I paid 11k for my 92 vert, and to me that was a bargain to become a Vette owner. Like I said, I love the C5's but I can't put out 20 thou plus for an earlier C5 (My favorite is the Z06, but forget that! My second choice would be a '99 FRC)Love C5's but they're not in my budget right now, plus I enjoy my C4, and I am kind of partial to them, I grew up with the C4, its from "my era" (Well, I was 16 in 1984, and 28 when the last C4 was made in '96) The only thing that annoys me about my 4 is that it has an automatic transmission! So, in short, I can mod out the C4, and still come out ahead moneywise, than selling it, and saving to get a C5!
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 07:08 PM
  #13  
RoadVettes's Avatar
RoadVettes
Drifting
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 21
From: Bradenton Florida
Default

Originally Posted by LT1SPUD
that wonderful "cockpit" feel.......
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 07:20 PM
  #14  
redvette6spd's Avatar
redvette6spd
Safety Car
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,786
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis MN
Default

Originally Posted by Aaron71771
looks, style
best looking vette to date
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 07:29 PM
  #15  
kwik_ta's Avatar
kwik_ta
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,793
Likes: 0
From: St. Peters MO Sometimes you have to prove yourself by doing alot of killing or alot of dying...
Default

C4's are just cool they don't look like prissy prom queen cars. The C5 was heavily refined to give a Cadilac feel with Corvette performance. It appeals more towards the "waxer" crowd instead of the performance crowd... IMHO
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 08:10 PM
  #16  
ron92Z07's Avatar
ron92Z07
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Aurora CO
Default

Originally Posted by Fozzy_Bear
"C4's Don't" leak oil out of the rear diff.
Really? Mine does. Please tell me I am not the only C4 owner that has a rear end leak.

Ron
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 08:49 PM
  #17  
65Z01's Avatar
65Z01
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

Indeed the list for me is:
-custom fit cockpit (if I wanted more "room" I'd buy a Caddy)
-clam shell hood
-digi dash
-overall (unique) styling
-ride feel
-quick steering
-the value/$$ is superb
-excellent torque
-ease of modding the L98
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C4 advantages

Old Feb 10, 2005 | 08:52 PM
  #18  
jlsru's Avatar
jlsru
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 39
From: cincinnati ohio
Cruise-In V Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by ron92Z07
Really? Mine does. Please tell me I am not the only C4 owner that has a rear end leak.

Ron

You are not the only one.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 10:54 PM
  #19  
corvted's Avatar
corvted
Racer
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 406
Likes: 62
From: Central Cal
Default

Originally Posted by C4Jimmy
I love the C5, and yes , lets admit it, its just a better car, but I won't sell my C4 to get a C5.

Reply
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 11:19 PM
  #20  
JH's Avatar
JH
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 836
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, Colo., USA
Default

Originally Posted by Darth Vader
Ive heard from people the advantages a C5 has over a C4, more space, roomy... So what are some of the advantages a C4 has over a C5???
I sold my 36,000 mile '87 last October and purchased an '02 with 8,000 miles on it. The first few days I was DEPRESSED! The C4 is much more in-your-face, demanding to be driven, with respect. The C5 is much more docile when you are just tooling around. However, romp the C5 and you figure out what it's all about. Yup, the Caddy comments are correct, if you just cruise. It felt like a Buick for the first weeks, while I was sorting it out. But once I learned the handling, brakes and how to put the power on smoothly (a very important skill in either a C4 or a C5) I found the beast within. A kid in an EVO tried to take me on on a very deserted stretch of divided freeway in Southern Colorado and I have never seen a car explode like the C5. She hit 120 in an amazingly quick time, rolled out of third into overdrive at 122 then powered to 135 equally as fast. That was enough for me. And the EVO.

A couple of specifics: the early C4 seats, for an average-sized guy like me, are OUTSTANDING. Wish they were on my C5, even with the sport seat option. I had Flowmaster cat-backs on the C4. The stock C5 is too quiet for me. The runflats are hideous. My C4 had Firehawks on it, and they were sticky, smooth and great.

So love your C4s.

I wish I could have kept mine, and gotten the C5, as well.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:17 PM.

story-0
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-5
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE