You get what you pay for and you pay for what you get.
Good luck on your decision.

 

Both the C4 and C5 are great Corvettes. The C5 has some definite advantages as it was deigned later and with much better technology available. It performs faster, stops better, handles tighter, and provides better ergonomics. But so did the C4 when compared to its predecessor the C3.

One difference that I feel is distingushable between the C5 and C4 is styling. The unique clamshell hood is a great feature found only in the C4 generation. The rear designs are very different and from a design perspective, I personally find the C4 to be more visually symetric. The back end is more lean because there is no transmission placement there to accomodate. This is not a slam against the C5 either but is just a simple visual distinction.

The C4 does indeed ride rougher, which for some strange reason, I enjoy. Feeling every bump in the road is a driving thrill that I like because it makes me think I am in touch with the road surface. And here in Western PA, you do feel the feedback from some lousy road surfaces. Whenever I drive a C5 it is so silky smooth in comparison to the C4. Once again, not a slam against the C5.

The last distinction between the C5 and C4 is in the technology arena and its associated compexities. I find the C4 to be simpler to diagnose even though it is the first generation of Corvettes to be computer-controlled. The C5 and all its technology can be intimidating and may require the assistance of credible dealerships for troubleshooting.

Other than these small and personal differences, I am glad that the C5 is better than the C4 in most categories. Its expected to be as the greatest sports car made is continually being refined. The C4 has its own character that I have become very attached to and I do not plan on letting mine go.

As wisely stated by other posts, buy what you like and don't settle for anything less.

 

I too must say that owning/driving a Corvette is all about what you really like and "need". When first I sat in a mid C4 I knew immediatly that I "needed one".

Take a few out for test drives, kick the tires and, once you decide on what you "need", be very critical of the one you finally pick. So long as you know the issues you will be fine with your choice.

 

I have both...and I am fanatical about my 96 LT4. I think the only car I could like as much would be a 95 ZR1. However, my wife definetly likes her 98 C5 better. There are many reasons why I like the C4 and she likes the C5. Its all personal preference. I think the C4 is fun because it is older, not many people have one around here in great shape and to me it is more of a man's car. It is fun because you cant just run down to the dealer and get one...you have to look a long time for the right one...and when you find it, breathe some life back into it, basically save it from going to the scrap heap, you have alot more fun.

Regarding maintenance, I am the 4th owner of my 96 and it has only one rattle, and is very reliable. I installed a new clutch and new shocks the month I bought it. It has 97,000 on it and you would never know it. It feels just as new as my 98 which only has 30,000 on it. The trick is to find a car which has not been abused, and in my opinion, completely stock (with the exception of a good aftermarket exhaust). You will know right away if it has been garage kept and well maintained. The people that have cared for it will love to show you all the documentation etc. proving its value and origiality.

It's a tough choice...go drive a few!!!

 

I think F1, Cuisinart, 65Z, etc., have really summed it up well. So have the dual owners of C4 and C5s---it's all up to you and what you like. The C4 and C5 are two completely different cars sharing heritage, evolution and name.

I'm one of the lucky ones who found that low-mile, last-model-year C4 and I love it. Maybe some wouldn't take a long trip in it, but I have, and I have on a prior C4 for several years. Long trips and nothing to worry about. I've also traveled long distances in econoboxes that almost require you to be dropped at the ER, and I've traveled in luxo barges. My Corvette, to me, is closer to the latter than the former.

I won't tell you it's a problem free car--all you have to do is read the C4 forums to know that. But it is a great car and you won't go wrong with either a C4 or C5. 'Course, wish and hope you get and restore or maintain the C4 line! Just remember: the better it's been maintained, the better it's going to be for you in the long run and that could be months. Or years!

Tell us what you wind up with.

 

what rattles? lolol

 

my 94 only has one to,the damn passenger sunvisor,when I flip it under

 

I had thought about selling mine because I have been bugged by my driver's door. But I have since changed my mind and have decided to fix it (new lower door hinge, decent repair on panel, and new regulator). I love the C4. I have not driven a C5. Just figure out which one you like best. I think the C4 looks better.

B.

 

I was in the same position as you about a year ago, was just looking for a nice Vette and my price range was either a late C4 or early C5. Searching through the internet, the biggest issues that constantly popped up seemed to be the optispark for the C4 and column lock for the C5.
In the end, I wound up with a NICE low-mileage C4 and a year later I'm still lovin' it and do not regret my choice at all. I have had no major issues with it. There are lemons and rock-solid cars in both gens and both have their quirks, just find one that has been well taken care of and I think you will be happy with either.

 

i too am looking at a c4 and c5 i have driven both.most recently an 93 c4 aqua coupe with white interrior and automatic...55,900 miles.i drove it at most all speeds at 70mph it was tight no rattles and no squeeks.that surprised me.it drove very smooth and straight down the road.all the rubberseals were in one piece and not falling apart.i have also driven an c5 6spd very tight car it had 30k on it.as most of you folks have said the c4 feels more racey as the c5 feels more luxurious.so i guess its what you feel like you want to drive.personally i like the c4 you have more a feel of the road through the steering wheel and the seat of your pants....so i guess it boils down to what you want.i am still trying to decide what to get...i will drive some more but one of the other forum members said it is also a matter if what one can afford too..thats my delima..this would be my 1st vette i have wanted one ever since i rode in a 65 in 1965......long time coming

 

F1Fan summed it up pretty well with "the C4 has more a strap yourself into a racecar feel, and the C5's feel more like a luxury car." Or as my wife puts it, "The C5 is more user friendly than the C4". I like the racecar feel of my 92, but her 2000 is MUCH better suited for the long distance road trips.

 

C4s don't have reliability/build quality problems... they have "character."



I agree with the above... apples and oranges.

 

My goodness, r, it's time to pull the trigger! Doncha think you've waited long enough?

 

i totally agree.

 

, me too.

 

For what its worth..the day I picked up my C5 (New) it had more rattles than my 91 C4 with 30+ miles..

 

Good thread, especially since I have been going through the same decision and thought process. I like the C4 and always have, but that is probably because when I was growing up and in to cars, that is the one that was on the road at the time.

On the other hand, I like the C5, too, and definitely think it is a little more refined and user friendly than the C4. At least for someone like myself that has put on a little weight and gotten kind of out of shape as I have gotten older. In other words, not really wanting to climb in and out of a C4 on a regualr basis.

On the other hand, the LT1 is a great motor that can run for a long time with some regular maintenance and can be made to run well. Just watch the waterpump and make sure the Opti does not get wet. And it does have good lines and the clam shell hood. And most importantly, when you are worried about having a daily driver, mortgage, family of four, and modest income, price becomes and issue.

I would love to have a C5 for my good weather daily driver, but the price is still a little high, even if the early C5s are dropping. I think I will keep my focus on the '94-'96 C4 with 6-speed for my first Corvette. And the ultimate would be a '96 LT4 car. I like the GS, but still too expensive and I want to modify. Same thing with the CE cars. I love black, but don't have the time anymore to keep up on the cleaning. I think it would be a White or Polo Green LT4 car if I could find one.

Still a little ways away yet. Thanks for the input from current owners, especially those that have had or do have both.

 

I have been through all of them in the last few years. Save a little more and get a Z06 C5. It's as good as it gets. I love my C4 too but if i could only keep one and i think a ruby 6 speed C4 is a nice version of the C4 it would still be gone in a heartbeat to keep the Z06 C5.

Don't mess with the base C5, i did and it was not that much of a step up from the C4's the Z06 is a whole different animal. I don't care much for the C6 coupe but i won't even go test drive a Z06 C6 cause i'll be in debt fast i am sure

Z06 C5 to me is the best used car value on the market right now.

 

I have a 94 Polo 6spd - Greenwood Body Kit, with about 90K. I love this car. IMHO 94+ has improved c4 interior and the a** looks a lot better - classier then the c5's.

My advice is to go with the latest model you can afford. But do your research, go online and compare. compare compare. When you see something you like, go see it in daylight, comb over it

(one of the vette sites has a used vette inspection form you can download and print - use it to inspect your potential vette)

and then test drive it. My seller had every single maintenance record/receipt for everything done on the car, even the oil changes she did every 3K mile

You will not be disappointed either way, but you will be about 10K richer w/the C4

 

C5 Z(01-02)is still roughly 10k more than a comparative early C5.Yes,its a better car in every way,except IMO,you can't remove the top.I'd rather have a vert,mod it with a few grand to out perform the Z,have money left over,and be able to experience that open air feeling only a vert can give.