My C5 - C4 comparison
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
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From: The left Coast
St. Jude Donor '08
My C5 - C4 comparison
I drove my friend's 2002 C5 Z51 vert today and he drove my C4 LT4 vert.
My observations:
The C5 steering and shift throw felt tighter. The hood did not feel as long so visibility was a little better. HUD was awesome. I did not like the interior as well as mine. We both agreed the C4 sport seats are definitely more comfortable and the leather felt more substantial. It's a little easier to get in and out of the C5 and it has more leg room from side to side. The C4 has more of a cockpit feel which I like. The C5 trunk is a definite improvement.
I didn't see much difference at all in the performance. I did notice that I didn't feel like I needed to shift from 4th to 5th as soon as I do in my C4, but I feel a little more torque in my C4. That could be the rearend ratios. The clutch feels completely different on the C5, less pressure to engage. Brakes did not feel any better on the C5.
All in all I would say the C5 was just a little nicer but from a comfort stand point the C4 wins hands down.
My observations:
The C5 steering and shift throw felt tighter. The hood did not feel as long so visibility was a little better. HUD was awesome. I did not like the interior as well as mine. We both agreed the C4 sport seats are definitely more comfortable and the leather felt more substantial. It's a little easier to get in and out of the C5 and it has more leg room from side to side. The C4 has more of a cockpit feel which I like. The C5 trunk is a definite improvement.
I didn't see much difference at all in the performance. I did notice that I didn't feel like I needed to shift from 4th to 5th as soon as I do in my C4, but I feel a little more torque in my C4. That could be the rearend ratios. The clutch feels completely different on the C5, less pressure to engage. Brakes did not feel any better on the C5.
All in all I would say the C5 was just a little nicer but from a comfort stand point the C4 wins hands down.
Last edited by Maui; Sep 2, 2006 at 11:58 PM.
Race Director
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From: St. Peters MO Sometimes you have to prove yourself by doing alot of killing or alot of dying...
Originally Posted by Maui
I drove my friend's 2002 C5 Z51 vert today and he drove my C4 LT4 vert.
My observations:
The C5 steering and shift throw felt tighter. The hood did not feel as long so visibility was a little better. HUD was awesome. I did not like the interior as well as mine. We both agreed the C4 sport seats are definitely more comfortable and the leather felt more substantial. It's a little easier to get in and out of the C5 and it has more leg room from side to side. The C4 has more of a cockpit feel which I like.
I didn't see much difference at all in the performance. I did notice that I didn't feel like I needed to shift from 4th to 5th as soon as I do in my C4, but I feel a little more torque in my C4.
All in all I would say the C5 was just a little nicer but from a comfort stand point the C4 wins hands down.
My observations:
The C5 steering and shift throw felt tighter. The hood did not feel as long so visibility was a little better. HUD was awesome. I did not like the interior as well as mine. We both agreed the C4 sport seats are definitely more comfortable and the leather felt more substantial. It's a little easier to get in and out of the C5 and it has more leg room from side to side. The C4 has more of a cockpit feel which I like.
I didn't see much difference at all in the performance. I did notice that I didn't feel like I needed to shift from 4th to 5th as soon as I do in my C4, but I feel a little more torque in my C4.
All in all I would say the C5 was just a little nicer but from a comfort stand point the C4 wins hands down.
I'd have to agree from the one I drove. I really like the HUD and the C5 drives soooooooooo nice... but I can't get over how it feels like a Caddy and not a dominating sports car. All in all... that is why I bought my 96 LT4
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
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From: CLT, North Carolina
McLellan really did a nice piece of work with the C4. If the C4 could have had the one piece hydroformed frame and an aluminum block the C5's advantage would have been only trunk space. Maybe the C5 was aimed at C4 owners as they get older they look for something a little softer and more comfortable. I have a 96 and an 04; the 96 is more fun to drive but the 04 would get picked for a trip.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2005
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Having tried another C5 coupe yesterday I would have to agree with the above statements, except that the C5's seats were almost devoid of support...belong in a Cavalier not a sports car. The extra room inside + ease of ingress/egress was very nice. Apparently GM went back to designing C5/C6 for 95% males not 90% as they admit was done for the rather snug C4. As I am just under a 95% male the lack of room is quite noticeable to me in my LT1 C4. None the less...she is more "entertaining" to drive on curvy roads, IMhO.
The difference in power was noticeable but not that major between the two generations. OTOH, a C6 is simply awesome all the way around. To me that car is a major improvement, functionally, from the 2 earlier generations, but as my wife likes to point out: I'm too cheap (broke..gotta keep paying those doctors and hospitals....) to pop @ $60K for a car...the bargain '94 C4 will do just fine as a "toy" fair weather fun to drive sports car!!! DFO
The difference in power was noticeable but not that major between the two generations. OTOH, a C6 is simply awesome all the way around. To me that car is a major improvement, functionally, from the 2 earlier generations, but as my wife likes to point out: I'm too cheap (broke..gotta keep paying those doctors and hospitals....) to pop @ $60K for a car...the bargain '94 C4 will do just fine as a "toy" fair weather fun to drive sports car!!! DFO
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
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love the C4..... all years,all models. owned a C4 and the ride was a serious compromise with all the rattles and flexing. the entry and exits compared are not even close,thats a universal tidbit and its a good thing in the favor of the C5. dammit no optispark issues,no 4 +3 tranny,no cease fire injection,no breadbasket on the passengers side, i could go on here,easily,but i loved my C4, it didnt compare favorably to what the competition offered(Japan and Germany) unless you are just talking flat out speed. thats why the C5 is so damn great, it ran(runs) with the NSX, the 3000GT,the 968,etc. and steps up in comfort, build quality,tactile feel,power,styling,fit and finish.thats the way it should be,as fans of the Vette,if we didnt want the car to compete and get better just as the C6 is a step above the C5,we aren't real fans,we are poseurs. i dont know who's C5s you guys are test driving,but my C5 is a super step up from the C4 is every catergory (looks subjective)
Florida turtle advocate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,280
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From: Gulfcoast Salvage Englewood, Fla
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I have both C5 and C4 verts..The C5 does the trips because of the trunk and the pleasant ride...I love the C5 but I can't bring myself to get rid of the C4 because I like it too.I had a young hottie come in my shop the other day and say she liked the C4 better.Maybe there's some hope for the young generation after all.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
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From: OBAMA IS HITLER
i've never argued about C5 performance.
its the fact that GM ruined the sports car experience and even worse, kiiled the looks of the corvette dynasty by coming up with a ridiculously ugly design in the C5 program. C6 is altogether superior.
its the fact that GM ruined the sports car experience and even worse, kiiled the looks of the corvette dynasty by coming up with a ridiculously ugly design in the C5 program. C6 is altogether superior.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
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From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Originally Posted by Greg Gore
McLellan really did a nice piece of work with the C4. If the C4 could have had the one piece hydroformed frame and an aluminum block the C5's advantage would have been only trunk space. Maybe the C5 was aimed at C4 owners as they get older they look for something a little softer and more comfortable. I have a 96 and an 04; the 96 is more fun to drive but the 04 would get picked for a trip.
Frame rails, cross members, braces, etc. Do you mean one piece frame rails?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
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Originally Posted by Hot Rod 90
i've never argued about C5 performance.
its the fact that GM ruined the sports car experience and even worse, kiiled the looks of the corvette dynasty by coming up with a ridiculously ugly design in the C5 program. C6 is altogether superior.
its the fact that GM ruined the sports car experience and even worse, kiiled the looks of the corvette dynasty by coming up with a ridiculously ugly design in the C5 program. C6 is altogether superior.
hot rod.....my dear old friend, the C5 sold out stock and had back orders out the wazoo. you are one the few lone voices (hear crickits ?) that feels that the C5 "ruined" the Corvette dynasty. i think a few million people would disagree with that statement
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
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From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Originally Posted by Hot Rod 90
i've never argued about C5 performance.
its the fact that GM ruined the sports car experience and even worse, kiiled the looks of the corvette dynasty by coming up with a ridiculously ugly design in the C5 program. C6 is altogether superior.
its the fact that GM ruined the sports car experience and even worse, kiiled the looks of the corvette dynasty by coming up with a ridiculously ugly design in the C5 program. C6 is altogether superior.
In defence of the C5 I like the body style.
Its a good looking, good running car with few faults.
Ridiculously ugly design should be reserved for the Honda Element or the Scion Box. But certainly not a Corvette.
Didja know the C6 ZO6 will run with the Viper?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 8,824
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From: The left Coast
St. Jude Donor '08
Power wise I did not feel like the C5 was superior to my C4 LT4. Both cars are equpped with corsa catbacks. I honestly felt more torque out of my car and so did my friend. If you could put the trunk in the c4 or the c4 seats in the c5 you'd have two perfect cars. I don't much care for the big *** on the c5 but I guess you need it for the trunk.
Also, someone here suggested the c4 was inferior to japanese cars. I'll put my stock lt4 up against any stock japanese car. I kick *** on the modded ones all day long. Most of the time they don't even challange me, they come racing up and then slink back to save their egos.
Also, someone here suggested the c4 was inferior to japanese cars. I'll put my stock lt4 up against any stock japanese car. I kick *** on the modded ones all day long. Most of the time they don't even challange me, they come racing up and then slink back to save their egos.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,094
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Originally Posted by Maui
Power wise I did not feel like the C5 was superior to my C4 LT4. Both cars are equpped with corsa catbacks. I honestly felt more torque out of my car and so did my friend. If you could put the trunk in the c4 or the c4 seats in the c5 you'd have two perfect cars. I don't much care for the big *** on the c5 but I guess you need it for the trunk.
Also, someone here suggested the c4 was inferior to japanese cars. I'll put my stock lt4 up against any stock japanese car. I kick *** on the modded ones all day long. Most of the time they don't even challange me, they come racing up and then slink back to save their egos.
Also, someone here suggested the c4 was inferior to japanese cars. I'll put my stock lt4 up against any stock japanese car. I kick *** on the modded ones all day long. Most of the time they don't even challange me, they come racing up and then slink back to save their egos.
i think the C5 seats hold up quite well for "spirited" driving and what they were meant for. imho. i dont think most people here "race" their cars,they use them for dd and that is one of the major differences between the two. that race cart feeling lost a lot of customers to what Japan and Germany had to offer,and that where the C5 excels,no compromise to performance and comfort. GM is in the business of making money,not cars,and if they didnt build a more comfortable better driving,better built machine than the last one,what would the point be ? as Vette fans,dont we want the new model to be better in every respect ? i think GM did a great job with the C5 in that respect and with the C6 too. of course you will kick some import ***,we have the displacement and the reputation,but some people feel that we want something more than a "race cart",please take no offence,please
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,546
Likes: 927
From: Communist Colorado
Originally Posted by Hot Rod 90
i've never argued about C5 performance.
its the fact that GM ruined the sports car experience and even worse, kiiled the looks of the corvette dynasty by coming up with a ridiculously ugly design in the C5 program. C6 is altogether superior.
its the fact that GM ruined the sports car experience and even worse, kiiled the looks of the corvette dynasty by coming up with a ridiculously ugly design in the C5 program. C6 is altogether superior.
Check out my rediculously ugly car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
Originally Posted by redwing76
One piece hydroformed frame? A frame is made up of pieces.
Frame rails, cross members, braces, etc. Do you mean one piece frame rails?
Frame rails, cross members, braces, etc. Do you mean one piece frame rails?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,263
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From: CV ca
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13
Originally Posted by vancityguy
i love em all, i wouldn't get rid of my c4 to get a c5 but i would love to own a c5 or any other gen vette for that matter
i own a c3 & c4. need c5 & c6.
Florida turtle advocate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,280
Likes: 6
From: Gulfcoast Salvage Englewood, Fla
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I have raced both cars...They are both pretty good although I favor the C4 some..C5 does good as long as you turn that crappy traction control
junk off every run...Found out about that the hard way
junk off every run...Found out about that the hard way
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
Originally Posted by newyiddy20
love the C4..... all years,all models. owned a C4 and the ride was a serious compromise with all the rattles and flexing. the entry and exits compared are not even close,thats a universal tidbit and its a good thing in the favor of the C5. dammit no optispark issues,no 4 +3 tranny,no cease fire injection,no breadbasket on the passengers side, i could go on here,easily,but i loved my C4, it didnt compare favorably to what the competition offered(Japan and Germany) unless you are just talking flat out speed. thats why the C5 is so damn great, it ran(runs) with the NSX, the 3000GT,the 968,etc. and steps up in comfort, build quality,tactile feel,power,styling,fit and finish.thats the way it should be,as fans of the Vette,if we didnt want the car to compete and get better just as the C6 is a step above the C5,we aren't real fans,we are poseurs. i dont know who's C5s you guys are test driving,but my C5 is a super step up from the C4 is every catergory (looks subjective)
You are a pompass @$$, The C4 didn't compare favorably to the Japanese competion ?? The RX7, Mistsu 3000Gt, Supra and etc. etc.
They all came, they all failed and they all went away. My LT1 box stock would pull several car lengths on a NSX. Underpowered, overpriced Honda. Why are you on every single thread that even so much as mentions a C5 ? Using your logic a 75 Corvette with the L48 is light years better than a 67 ? Are blondes better than brunettes ? It all depends on what you like and I like my brunette and I like my C4.
What year C4 did you have and how much quicker is your C5. You should post some timeslips but I bet you never raced either car. Someone who blabbles about all the extra power who has no timeslips now that's a poseur.
Last edited by JD'S WHITE 93; Sep 3, 2006 at 11:07 PM.