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C4 / C5 Comparison

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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:35 AM
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Default C4 / C5 Comparison

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.

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PHAZE
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:39 AM
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go to a chevy dealership and hop in a c5, just to see how it feels. and find a c4 to hop in as well. my dad is 6' with a little bit of chub and he doesnt have a problem getting in mine.
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:40 AM
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Head room isnt much different, but the seats and leg room certainly are. I fit like a glove into mine but then again i'm skinny
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by PHAZE
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
I am 6'2" 250. I fit in both, comfortably. I have driven both C4 and C5 (ZO6) on longer 3 hour type trips. Different type of fit. C4 you fit into. Kind of like wearing a glove. The C5 is roomier to a degree and yougt into and sit in it...
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 12:57 PM
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C5 has more leg room and is unquestionably the better chassis.
Unless you're going for a ZR-1 or GS, I'd go with the more modern C5.
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 02:12 PM
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Default More C4 / C5 Comparisons

I'm trying to get into a car for less than $20K. I'm hoping to come out of the V-Rod with $14,500.00. The difference all seems to be in the miles. It appears that you can go C4 with lower miles or C5 a little heavy on the miles. I'm all ears! Opinions please!
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 02:14 PM
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I'm 6'6" 300 pounds and a 36" inseam and my C4 fits me just fine. My fiance has a C6 and I honestly like driving the C4 better. You feel more like you're part of the car whereas the C6 is more like you're riding on it.

BUT, I would imagine that girls/passengers might like the C5 better because it does have a bigger interior. But for driving, do what I did and get a ZR-1!
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 03:16 PM
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I'm 6'2" with a 31" inseam and have no problem with my C4. The C5 is easier to get into and out of because it doesn't have the high side rails of the C4 (which make getting into one almost like putting on a pair of pants), but the C4 feels more like a sposrts car once you're in the seat.
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 03:53 PM
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I've got an 88 C4 and a 99 C5...I only use the 88 for autocross now but at one time it was my only Vette. They are just different cars. I think you sit lower in the C4 and it has a small cockpit and the seats are not as comfortable as the C5 for long trips. The C5 is just a more technically advanced car and a little more comfort oriented , but I like the C4 for autocross, a little narrower between cones. Like all Corvettes, every year advanced a little bit, a few improvements here and there. A later C4, probably better than an earlier one...just like with C5's. Best bet..try em both...buy the one you like best and can afford and never look back....
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 04:05 PM
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I'm 6'2" with a 32" inseam. I fit in my 94 fine, but only with the clear top. When I put on the painted top, my head is braced against it. I prefer the clear top anyway, but it gets hot in Arizona in the summer.
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 04:05 PM
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Good advice - listen to it. Try them both and you'll undoubtedly have a distinct opinion about which you like best.

I like my C4 fit and ride better than my Brother's C5 fit and ride. May be some sour grapes in there, I'm not sure. We drove his C5 from MA to WA (3k+ miles) in three + days, so I know how it feels. I just like my C4 better. Performance 'feels' more aggressive in my LT4, but I'm sure it's only because the C5 doesn't have to work as hard to perform equally with the LT4. All the specs say the C5 runs either with - or better than - the LT4.

I'd liken the C5 ride to a very comfortable sedan on highways, while the C4 continually reminds you it's a sports car. You just have to drive them both to see which you prefer.

You're right on about price. Great, low miles C4 = nice, but driven some miles C5. Personal choice is the only decider. Good luck,
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by PHAZE
I'm trying to get into a car for less than $20K. I'm hoping to come out of the V-Rod with $14,500.00. The difference all seems to be in the miles. It appears that you can go C4 with lower miles or C5 a little heavy on the miles. I'm all ears! Opinions please!
I'm 240 lbs 5'10" .I fit very well in my 84 vette. By the way, I am selling mine. 84 vette with 22800 original miles . great shape in and out. Red with tan leather seats. dark glass top . $13500. well cared for.
everything works ! if interested email me at edlakesider@yahoo.com.
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 04:46 PM
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all good posts...

you PUT ON a C4...you GET IN a C5.

that being said...the seats in C4's changed significantly throughout the generation...so that will also make a difference.

But its all going to come down to personal preference...and what a problem to have..."DANG, I gotta go drive 2 Corvettes to see which one I like"

Enjoy the hunt!
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 10:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Digital Disaster
C5 has more leg room and is unquestionably the better chassis.
Unless you're going for a ZR-1 or GS, I'd go with the more modern C5.
Yea, cause your GS isnt like any other C4. Its shape, its LT motor, its interior is all different.
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:32 PM
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Originally Posted by bobmic93
Yea, cause your GS isnt like any other C4. Its shape, its LT motor, its interior is all different.
What is different about the shape? I thought it was the same with those little fender flares?
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:38 PM
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Originally Posted by swifty
Good advice - listen to it. Try them both and you'll undoubtedly have a distinct opinion about which you like best.

I'd liken the C5 ride to a very comfortable sedan on highways, while the C4 continually reminds you it's a sports car. You just have to drive them both to see which you prefer.

I drove several of each before I bought my 95 50K ago permagrin option works every time I turn the key
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Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:43 PM
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6'5" 260lbs 86 vert 36" inseam age 49. A little hard to get in and out of, but worth it. Not my daily driver though.
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Old Dec 13, 2007 | 12:43 AM
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Originally Posted by bobmic93
Yea, cause your GS isnt like any other C4. Its shape, its LT motor, its interior is all different.
Not like anybody should have to explain this to you, but I will anyway:

Because ZR-1s, GSs, Pace Cars, CEs tend to hold their value better than other C4s, a lot of guys, myself included, prefer them to C5s because they're not going to lose their *** as bad when they sell them down the road.

We all understand they share the same crappy flexible chassis, cheap interior, etc, as every other C4.
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Old Dec 13, 2007 | 01:09 AM
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C5 = Ugly
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Old Dec 13, 2007 | 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by wayne lowry
C5 = Ugly
Well, thats a little harsh. Not attractive is a bit better.
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