Well, I did it. I test drove a 03 AE C5 coupe.

I'm not sure of all my thoughts on it yet. Things I noticed besides the fact it was nice, powerful, quiet and refined compared to my 93. I drove it just after sun down, I wanted to get there earlier but could not. Anyway the head lamp trim sticks way up in the air when they are deployed, I just never noticed the headlamps on my 93 as being so obvious. I don't think my vision w/o correction does well with the HUD. It was kind of blurry and annoying, I'm sure though it might not be bad on a longer trip and the brightness turned down. I eventually turned it off, I actually don't remember it well enough to say it was helpful. I still changed my scan to monitor the gages and speed while I was driving it. So no real opinion on that yet, I'd have to drive it some more I think to get a better feel for it.

It wasn't tore up or anything but it wasn't babied. The engine down around the underside of the fuel rail covers was grimey but over all not something that couldn't be cleaned up with a few hours labor. The finish only had a few chips on it 99% still in great shape. The clear coat had a lot of swirl marks in it, so it would need major detailing with a PC-DA. Tires were looking brand new and the insides seemed pretty much intact and no obvious wear anywhere that I could see. It had about 24K on the meter. It had a transparent roof. I been looking forward to one of these in particular, it is my favority color and I really adore the shale color interior.

Over all a beautiful Corvette though and it does have me thinking.

The throttle was much different then I expected but I was able to pickup the feel for it fairly quickly. Lots of power and a much different throaty sound as it opens up compared to my LT1. Still very much impressive. It seemed a little light on the touch or perhaps loose, as my 93 feels much more planted and firm on the road. And with the longer C4 nose you don't get the feel of the wait to turn affect.

Over all it is a much more refined vehicle I must say and sure is quiet, and even though my 93 has very few rattles if any I guess the improvement of cabin sealing and design attributes to that experience on the C5.

I was able to get a little country roads plus some straight on throttle with it, and it does get with the program real quick.

Afterwards back on the interstate for a short trip to the house in the 93 I still feel the C4 is quite a vehicle in itself.

Perhaps some more thoughts on it as I digest the experience. But just wanted to share my experience with ya. If there was just some way to keep the 93 and add the 03..... hmmm.

Darn kids... if it weren't for them I'd have more play money! Actually my initial reason for going to the dealer was to look at new 2-door coupe Cobalts for my daughter. Pretty trick little cars they are.

Now to put it all together and surprise her. What a trip.

 

You know what they say, if you start looking sooner or later you will start buying- Jet jock why dont you look at ZR-1s instead?

 

What I really want is an '03 AE M6 Convertible, but I just couldn't resist the opportunity to drive the coupe. I have the NCM poster of that vehicle on my wall above my iMac G5 and I stare at it all the time and lust.

ZR-1 although powerful and impressive, same gender as my '93 and it would not be as easy to work on like mine is, which I keep praying will cease or let up.

 

In some ways the C5 is apealing....Wider from door panel to cosole, smooth and quiet, drives like a "car". Decent power, mod potential is awesome. Its the body that kills it for me. Lowered with aftermarket wheels they look pretty sweet though.
THink in a year or so I may pick up a lower mile FRC. Doesnt have all the bells and whistles, dont need a CD changer, HUD, etc. Roofline looks nice. That one would have to be modded for sure.

Both different cars depending on what you want out of it.

 

Quite awhile ago, I test drove a C5 Z06, courtesy of a "long-time-no-see" friend and it was definately an experience. The LS6 motor has it all, pulls hard from 2500 to 6500 rpms, with both power & torque! I got back in my Vette later that night and I thought I was driving a slow *** Civic once again.

 

I drive a friend's C5 when she comes down and it is fast, quiet, good-looking, a good handler, etc.

But there is something about my C4....perhaps its "old skool" attitude.
I think I'll keep it.

Larry
code5coupe

 

Nice cars, the Z06 makes for the lack of styling in the base model.
Some of the cars with custom wheels look good but then again most don't. imac? old skool.

 

Yes, I noticed too when I first drove the C5 that when I was pulling onto the Hwy. that I punched it and almost lost control. The tires were spinning and the back in going from left to right.

 

You would be suprised. Ever do a plug change on a 93 in less than 10 minutes? Plugs on an LT5 are a dream compared to the LT1.

Of course the two hour oil changes on an LT5 leave something to be desired... Oil filter is a snap tho

 

Actually I've gotten pretty good a plug changes, I could probably do it in an hour or two at most.

I know it was more of a generalized statement in that the LT5 configurations are few and far between which makes it more difficult in general. It's bad enough that only 30K of these vehicles are made each year, so parts costs are more then average vehicles. I can't imagine the additional tax on more exclusive parts.

Either way.... I was more enthusiastic about the next generation but don't want to give up the 4th gen either.

Of course I get a promo from Chevy today in the mail that they'll give me 7K over KBB for my trade.

Krapola.... I don't need to be teased like this whoa is me (oops forum not working right smilies not inserting)

 

Yes my iMac G5.

 

Love my AE 'vert...

...by the way, did you get a chance to play with the magnetic ride adjustment? One of the most unexpectedly cool things about the AE, at least to me.

 

Now see that's the way I want my driveway to look, my 93 in the background and an 03 in the foreground.

Sweet ride

 

Thank you - love 'em both, for whole different sets of reasons...