Some of you may have read a post of mine in the ZR-1 section about me wondering if the ZR-1 would make a good first Vette. Well, before doing some of the suggested research, I decided it would be a good idea to go and find a C4 to test drive before I invested time and money into researching a car I hadn't even driven yet.

Granted, what I tested was a stock 1995 Corvette, not a ZR-1. But I figured it would give me a rough idea of what to expect with the car overall. I also considered buying it--the owner needed to sell it, new baby and all, and was willing to go as low as $8500. Told me so.

Long story short (too late!) the ride was awful, uncomfortable. The engine noise was so loud it hurt my ears. It produced a dull throb that really got under my skin. My right calf developed a cramp almost as soon as we hit the street, and no matter which position I put my foot on the gas, the cramp remained. The footwell was also so narrow that I had a hard time finding the pedals.

Adding insult to injury, I couldn't get out of the car without tripping over the few inches of the side of the car that extends from the bottom. Bumped my knee on the steering wheel in the process. It was a relief to get out of the car and I have no desire to take a second drive.

Other than that, the car was great. Awesome shape, hardly driven. I think it beat up the previous owner as well, which was another reason he wanted it gone.

But I was heartbroken. Here I had a really nice example of a '95 Vette that I could get cheap.....and it beat the heck out of me. I think I moped around the house the remainder of the night, contemplated tossing my Vette magazines.

Please tell me this is something specific only to the C4 and not Vettes in general. I've been told GM fixed most of these issues with the C5, but I'm wary of investigating those claims.

I need a reason not to give up on the Corvette! --Brian

 

The ingress/egress gets easier after a couple of times. It's just part of getting into the c4, c5's will coddle you like an adjust-a-chair at the nursing home. The tranny is located in the rear of the c5's, so the footwells are a great deal larger, though again you get used to it quickly. Engine noise, well if it was an aftermarket exhaust system ,that'll happen. If it was stock, I don't know what to tell you. Come for a ride in my vette and you'll think the one you drove was a Cadillac. If you need more creature comforts, investigate a c5 or c6. I will keep my c4 forever because I love the racer feel of it. My c5 left after only 6 months with me as the owner, I'm looking for another one, but you can bet your last dollar that I will not be trading the c4 for it.

I guess I also have to ask, with your cramping right calf, did you try mashing that skinny pedal directly under the right foot? This seems to solve any issues I've ever had with a cramping calf in a corvette. Stretches it right out, then you'll have to deal with the cheek cramping from the stupid grin you'll have on your face for the rest of the day.

 

I'm sorry to hear that a c4 wont work for you . Ok now with that said could ya give me the # and location of that 95 in my budget .


I here c5 are built much more for comfort as the others had/will say .

Patsfan

 

Although I don`t know why,some folks just aren`t cut out to be the owners of certain corvette models.(Actually I do know some reasons why,size for example).As stated above,you probably would be much happier with a C-5 or C-6.
In regards to your forum name,I was wondering if you were a Cowboy Action Shooter by chance.

 

I have an 86 and also a 2003 Acura 3.2CL type-s which is a very comfortable car. I feel as comformtable in my vette. The sport seats are great. Although I have to tell, I'm 140 pounds.

And the noise, mine is stock, and the noise is part of the whole fun. I love it. I even feel it could be louder, so I guess like it was said, its the aftermarket exhaust. You just have to change it.

 

I experienced similar problems with my first Harley 20 years ago.
Very uncomfortable, got leg and hip cramps from vibrations,
rearview mirrors were worthless, etc.
I got used to it for 2 reasons. 1) I got it dirt cheap (friend was buying a house). 2) It was a Harley.

You have these 2 same things working in your favor.
If you don't get used to it, most likely you can always sell it at a profit.

I sold the bike after 10 years for 3 times what I paid for it, and ended up with a newer one that's more comfortable and easier to ride.
Good Luck.
Mike

 

I had a shirt when I was younger that said "if it's too loud, then you're too old". I don't know exactly why but some variation of that applies here. Sounds like you need to shop around for a cadilac or something a little softer.

 

Sounds like you hit the nail on the head...The Vette may not be your ride.. Its a sports Car.. you may want to test drive a C5 or even a C3 than go get a lexus

 

Actually, all Corvette models up to the C5, have a harsher ride than a C5 or C6. My brother has a big block 73, and it rides much rougher than my 92, my 92 rides much rougher and is MUCH louder (headers, no cats, no mufflers) than my 2000 C5. The C5 rides as good as my old lexus LS400! No joke. As others have said, you have to remember that the Corvette is first and foremost a sports car and is designed to go fast and handle extremely well! If you want those attributes PLUS a softer, quieter ride, then by all means try a C5. Fortunately, there are six generations to chose from, with each one having it's own personality! Keep looking you'll find the right one for you!

 

I felt the same way about getting in & out of my sons 91 C4.After I purchased my own 92 lt1 I learned how to get in & out effortlessly . Actually it helped tone up my mid-section . My wife drives our C5 as her DD.
Make no mistake about it the C5 is a Ladies car . Quiet, comfortable, Cadillac like. A real blue hair cruiser . Real Men drive C4"s.

 

Sorry to hear you didn't like it. Climbing over the door sills definitely takes a little getting used to. My wife is very pickey about certain things and she has yet to complain about them which surprises me. Did you tilt the steering column all the way up before you got out? I do that and it makes it a lot easier. As others have said the C4 is designed to have that racecar cockpit feel. It's awesome sitting snug in the sport seat and looking out the windshield and seeing hood buldges ofver the wheels. As far as the exhaust goes it definitely sounds aftermarket mines stock and it's pretty quiet. I'm going to get an aftermarket exhaust this year to make it sound a little meaner though.

 

the C4 is a sports car. you might be happier with a C5 which is less of a real sports car, less soul, but very good performance.

 

As others have said, if you're unhappy with the ride quality and the comfort level, then the c4 is not for you. I would recommend the c5 or c6 if you're looking for a less harsh ride and more room up front. The c4 cockpit sucks you in, unlike that of c5 or c6. Depending on your budget, I would urge you to get a c5 z06... that way, you'll have a softer ride, more room up front, and ZR1 type power.

 

You've discovered Corvettes are not for everybody and they aren't. The 95 is tame too compared to some of the others. Good thing you didn't test drive an 84 with Z51. I bought an 84 with Z51 brand new and I absolutely loved it because of how well that car would turn and handle. Compaints like yours from some 84 buyers caused GM to tone it down in 85 and even more in later years; the car was never the same after 1984. I have an 04 Convertible and the car is so smooth and cushy (boring) that I rarely drive it; it only has 1800 miles. I also have a 96 that reminds me I am in a Corvette every time I am out in it; the 96 is usually the one I pick to drive. C5s are still great cars, they just lost some of the Corvette heritage.

Regards, Greg

 

C4 is definetly more primitive than the C5 but that's part of the appeal of the C4, like everyone else has mentioned. I recommend you taking something like a Pantera out for a spin before going for a ride in the C5 then you will really appreciate C5 comfort. Good luck in finding the right ride.

 

 

Where is the 95 for 8500 since you dont want it !!!!!!!!!!?????????

 

The car had an aftermarket exhaust on it that caused the audio discomfort. It can be changed.

The car had an aftermarket body kit on it that caused the tripping. It can be chaged, as well.

Drive another '95...a stock one this time....you'll be amazed at the difference.

Even a stock one will not have much driver's footroom, however...especially if it's a 6-speed. Sorry.

Larry
code5coupe

 

Depends how tall and big are you, iam 5'5" and skinny fit like a glove and infact i had modify my seat (only driver) when i rebuilt it put extra foam on bottom portion and jack the seat a little well it was a 2 hrs job, now i can get in & out just like an passenger car, remember C4 suspension is pretty harsh compared to C5's.

I would buy C5 if u want comfort and little less racy look.

I would buy C4 if i want to look racing car feel.

95 & 96 LT1/4 has upgraded seats very similer to C5 seats but less roomy interior.

The only C5 i like is Z06 (hardtop well Z06 came with hardtop only) but cost $$ to buy or u can buy C5 FRC(fixed roof coupe) they came only in 99 & 2000 just look a like Z06 body style, but all FRC's came with 6-speed, Z51 suspension which is little harsh but highly preferred option, black interior cost less than Z06.

You will be happy with Z06 if u have a $$. C5 coupes are not my style and they dont look race car feeling.

 

You think the C4 rode rough, then don't try an earlier generation Corvette. My first Vette was a 72 coupe that rode like the proverbial lumber wagon. When I got my 86, it felt like a Coupe De Ville in comparison. It's a little tough to get in and out of but I find in very comfortable to drive. As others have pointed out you may want to look at a C5.