C4 / C5 Comparison
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Morristown TN
I'm 6'3" and 300lbs. I drive a 1988 and it is very comfortable. The getting out is a pain in any of them. I make 2 motions and pop right out. Will be interested in how easy it is after my knee surgery I had on Monday. The good ol' left knee to boot.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 18,447
Likes: 14
From: Sheboygan Wisconsin
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
the ride, blind spots, comfort, height, feel, entry/exit, everything is different. There is way more to these cars than just looks. Drive both and buy what pleases or fits you. The only way to compare is to get in and drive them. 
I'm in a C4 because that's where I want to be right now. Not because I can't afford a C5 or a C6
You'll find the same with every generation.
I'm in a C4 because that's where I want to be right now. Not because I can't afford a C5 or a C6 You'll find the same with every generation.
Last edited by bizaro; Dec 13, 2007 at 04:48 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 45,861
Likes: 94
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I'm considering a Corvette and it would be my first (I've got a Harley V-Rod to sell first). I'm 6'-1" with more torso than legs (32" inseam) and my question has to do with how the fit might be different in a C4 and a C5. The C4 appears to have a more restricted area for your feet. I'm curious about head room too. I'd be interested in experiences, opinions, etc.
Thanks,
PHAZE
Thanks,
PHAZE
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,240
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From: Cleveland OHIO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,574
Likes: 961
From: Communist Colorado
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Communist Colorado
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,240
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From: Cleveland OHIO
They're all junk but I love them all even the fat assed three kids version
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Drive a C5 for awhile and youll see, all the way around, its more solid, tight, just....well youd have to drive one. Ill always favor the C4 body and its simpliticity of OBD1 though. As Wayne said, they are all junk in their own way so grab one you like and enjoy it.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 0
From: Nanaimo, BC
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: portland oregon
I'm 6'3" and 250#. Someone said it right with you put the c4 on and you get into the c5.
I had a 1991 & later a 1996 LT4, both roadsters. Then I thought I would move up to a 2002 Z06. Recently I bought a 1995 white roadster with red interior. The mileage was 24,000. I bought it in New Jersey and drove it back home to Oregon. I had a smile on all the way home. I'm keeping the Z06 also. As people have stated they're different, and they are both great cars in their own right.
The c4 is more raw and the c5 is definitely more sophisticated in all ways. A good example is that the stock suspension on the c4 does great on the track or other level and smooth asphalt, and you will feel every aspect of the road in the steering wheel. The c5's suspension handles uneven roadway much better and does everything it can to keep the tire on the ground. If you're married your wife would probably like the c5 better, both for the ride and to drive.
The biggest issue is that you'll probably be able to get a fairly decent c4 for around $20,000. I paid $20,000 for mine with a removable hardtop. Just be willing to look and wait until you can get what you want. Good luck.
I had a 1991 & later a 1996 LT4, both roadsters. Then I thought I would move up to a 2002 Z06. Recently I bought a 1995 white roadster with red interior. The mileage was 24,000. I bought it in New Jersey and drove it back home to Oregon. I had a smile on all the way home. I'm keeping the Z06 also. As people have stated they're different, and they are both great cars in their own right.
The c4 is more raw and the c5 is definitely more sophisticated in all ways. A good example is that the stock suspension on the c4 does great on the track or other level and smooth asphalt, and you will feel every aspect of the road in the steering wheel. The c5's suspension handles uneven roadway much better and does everything it can to keep the tire on the ground. If you're married your wife would probably like the c5 better, both for the ride and to drive.
The biggest issue is that you'll probably be able to get a fairly decent c4 for around $20,000. I paid $20,000 for mine with a removable hardtop. Just be willing to look and wait until you can get what you want. Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 689
Likes: 12
From: huntington wv
maybe im lucky but i owned a 98 c5 since 2000 i had zero issues with the car i mean zero,changed oil,tires,alighnment,replaced battery thats it in 7 years.i cannot come close to saying that about any c4 i have owned and i have had five. i did own a 96 lt4 that was pretty much trouble free.with that said i sold my c5 and bought a c6 but kept my zr1.i like c5 but a nice c4 can be a great car.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Little Elm Texas
we have a C4 & C5 Z06 and both ride differently, while there is more room in the floor area of the C5 the C4 rides better not as rigid of a suspension, but then again the Z06 is really a race car... mine has a touring suspension and is an extremely comfortable ride, unless you bigger feet ( my son wears size 14's and he would have difficulty with the clutch) the C4 should be fine, it would be a matter of preference...I agree with most of the advice here, go and sit in one and test drive a few and see which feel right for you...enjoy!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,597
Likes: 101
From: TN PA
CI 5-6-7-8-9-10-11 Vet
I cant say a lot yet on the differences between the C4 - C5. But after 4.5 years with a trouble free 95, I just bought a 2001 cp. (I'm keeping the 95)
I've only driven the 01 about 50 miles so far but the first things I noticed is the C5 is a much stiffer chassis and handled bumps a lot better than the C4.
In the C4's favor is the seating position and seat comfort, it is much better even though my 95 only has the non power base seats. The C5 has sport seats.
I'll add more coments after I get some more seat time in the 01.....
I've only driven the 01 about 50 miles so far but the first things I noticed is the C5 is a much stiffer chassis and handled bumps a lot better than the C4.
In the C4's favor is the seating position and seat comfort, it is much better even though my 95 only has the non power base seats. The C5 has sport seats.
I'll add more coments after I get some more seat time in the 01.....
Last edited by pettvette; Dec 22, 2007 at 10:01 AM.
