Why C4 over C5???
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 646
From: manalapan new jersey
i'm all over that gig for my next one -- i'm fighting myself over the idea of a mildly modded C5/Z much sooner -- or C6 (base, mild mods) down the line. the realistic and practical matter is to have a host of dealers and other individuals locating the C5/Z that fits my reqmts.
at any rate, mine will likely be gone within the next 2 years, regardless of the outcome. i've lost my heart generally regarding C4's, they're too old and styling way too dated and i ain't diggin' on that. deep into yesteryear is fine for yuks, garage time nostalia, or beating it to death on some track somewhere till it blows to smithereens. damn shame too, put too much $$ into it, its in excellent condition in & out, engine fully modified, BFD, yadda yadda yadda. they're so cheap now, the kids and the rednecks have taken over.
now i'll sat it agai, with a bit more clarity -- there is NO C4 over C5 in stock form. base to base, there isn't a comparison. if you think there is, then you're in denial based on a desperate attempt to justify your purchase.
at any rate, mine will likely be gone within the next 2 years, regardless of the outcome. i've lost my heart generally regarding C4's, they're too old and styling way too dated and i ain't diggin' on that. deep into yesteryear is fine for yuks, garage time nostalia, or beating it to death on some track somewhere till it blows to smithereens. damn shame too, put too much $$ into it, its in excellent condition in & out, engine fully modified, BFD, yadda yadda yadda. they're so cheap now, the kids and the rednecks have taken over.
now i'll sat it agai, with a bit more clarity -- there is NO C4 over C5 in stock form. base to base, there isn't a comparison. if you think there is, then you're in denial based on a desperate attempt to justify your purchase.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: COVINGTON LA
I love the looks of the C4. Parked next to a C5 Its about neck and neck on looks in my book. It also depends on the amount of mods also. I like the refined feel of the newer vettes as in anything new that will be there but the C4 feels like a sports car and demands your driving attention. My C4 is still very fast to drive on the street. Of course thousands can be dumped into making it faster but the speed limit is not changing anytime soon. If you pick up the right C4 there is no justification in spending the extra money on the newer vette. The C4 was also in my era and always was a dream to own one. This is a great thread keep it going. Glad there are C4 Lovers out there. Any C4 owners get together in the Atlanta and surrounding areas??
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 805
Likes: 3
From: Waco TX
I like all vettes, but the C4 has always been my favorite. I have driven both and from that experiance the C4 feels more like a sports car than the C5. Now I would take a C5 any day, but the C4 from the interior which wraps around you, to the rough but accurate handling just feels better. The C4 talks to you, and you know what it can and cant do. You feel more alert with a C4. The C5 on the other hand is way to conservative. It feels way to relaxed. The interior is bigger, but feels more like a ford focus interior. Way to much space in a C5 IMO. The C5 is faster of course. When I drive the C5, its just way to smooth to feel like a sports car. When I drive over rail road tracks in the C4 my teeth come loose, in the C5 its like a mercury Sable, way to smooth. So IMO the C4 just "feels" more raw and rough over a C5.
The C4 is modern enough to have superb performance, particulary in the handling department, but raw and old school enough feel like a 60's car. It's noisy, it creaks and squeaks. You really feel one with the car in a C4. The C5, IMO is too refined. It's almost too easy to drive. It doesn't wear you out like a sustained period of driving a C4 would. Just drive a C4 on a long 200+ mile scenic road trip with lots of hills and curves. You'll feel it when you get out of the car. Some would think of that as a negative, but I love it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 5
From: Greensburg PA
I picked a C4 because I feel it drives more like a sports car. I have a nice DD, when i want to drive a vette, i want it to be more raw, and i want to feel the bumps in the road. The C5, although still a kickass car, made me feel more "detached" from the road, and from the driving experience.
If I was driving the vette as a DD, etc, I'd buy a c5, but as weekender/fun car I'll take the C4 anyday
I also like the C4 styling much better, but thats all taste.
If I was driving the vette as a DD, etc, I'd buy a c5, but as weekender/fun car I'll take the C4 anyday
I also like the C4 styling much better, but thats all taste.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
The C4 is modern enough to have superb performance, particulary in the handling department, but raw and old school enough feel like a 60's car. It's noisy, it creaks and squeaks. You really feel one with the car in a C4. The C5, IMO is too refined. It's almost too easy to drive. It doesn't wear you out like a sustained period of driving a C4 would. Just drive a C4 on a long 200+ mile scenic road trip with lots of hills and curves. You'll feel it when you get out of the car. Some would think of that as a negative, but I love it.
you're living way far in the past
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 721
From: Lafayette Louisiana
C4 and C5
I bought a C4 first and then a C5 because the wife had to have one.
First, all Corvettes are just great!
All my friends roll their eyes
when I tell them I like the C4 better. The C4 is like driving an oversized go kart, like we are going for a "RIDE" 
.
The C5 is a little too refined and a little too smooth for me. I read somewhere the C5 target competition during the design was the Lexus and I think that shows.
But I like all Corvettes
One day soon, although nobody believes it now, the C4 will be highly sought after like their older brethen !
First, all Corvettes are just great!
All my friends roll their eyes
when I tell them I like the C4 better. The C4 is like driving an oversized go kart, like we are going for a "RIDE" .The C5 is a little too refined and a little too smooth for me. I read somewhere the C5 target competition during the design was the Lexus and I think that shows.
But I like all Corvettes
One day soon, although nobody believes it now, the C4 will be highly sought after like their older brethen !
Last edited by 20mercury; Sep 19, 2008 at 09:57 AM.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi Gulf Coast
Yes mine reminds me of being on in an old ship or boat with the way she creaks sometimes..I just grin 
. Gives her character! She's only a 96 too
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 36,112
Likes: 8
From: Hotlanta GA
Cruise-In 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08, '15
I've always loved the C4 bodystyle, particularly the early ones. I could have a C6 or C5, bought mine because i wanted it. I loved the sleek lines, the C5 just too big, the C6 I could go for but it just didn't get me like the C4. My little car has been the best i've had, and i've made it mine and one of a kind along the way.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 663
Likes: 1
If I were to buy today, I'd buy a C5 Z06, but I bought mine in 89, and it was the one of the best cars to own back then. It's still a great car. I drove it 1500 miles to a national Solo competition last week, then drove it home. It's handling is amazing for a 20 year old car.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 4
From: Grand Rapids Mi
If it was a DD it would definately be a C-5 or C-6 but for a toy C-4 Callaway fit parameters of old time performace with modern handling and updates I can deal with! Long term a C-6 Z06 will be hard to avoid if they solve some of issues these cars have!! JMHO I still love than all just don't have space or $$$$$ for one of each!!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 0
From: Suwanee,Ga
Aminnich [ a Ga boy, so he can’t be wrong] Hit a fine nail, squarely
The clam shell hood is a tinkers best friend, Easy Access to everything. An old farts savior.
The great plus however, is:…. “ old technology “ There is 40 years of engine development available.
The range of parts is astounding. Blocks are a dime a dozen. Heads available is a rainbow of types sizes and costs.
More cams that the Colonel has chicken wings.
Transmission in every yard, ready for rebuilds. [ price a C5 unit!!]
How much Hp do you want? 400RWHP 500? more? All attainable for the cost of a clean C4 plus the difference for a clean C5.
I love to point out for all the Huppla C5, and C6, even ZO6 and ZR1 are still pushrod V8s.
TJM
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 0
From: Suwanee,Ga
Well a billion is a tad high.
358,170 over the 14 years counting 1983 or about 25,000 per year. Close to C2 numbers per year.
C5 is 242, 300 or so, over 7 years or 36,000 a year give or take.
When you consider there where 578,000 C3, and what do they bring now?
C3 where trashed, abused, and junked out.
Now they are bringing high dollars?
TJM
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 128,074
Likes: 42
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
- After having an LS1 Z28, the power of the regular C5 doesn't impress me.
- After having an '89 Z51 C4, the seats and the handling of the C4 are better than the C5 Coupe.
- My current C4 is my second Corvette and my second C4. The only reason I sprung for my current C4 was because I found an '89 Z51 and it had only 22K original miles in immaculate condition.
- I will most likely keep this car and get another Corvette soon. The next Corvette will be a Z06 if it is a C5. Otherwise, it will be a C6 Coupe, C6 Z06, or a C7.
- If I were to purchase a C5 Z06 or a C6, after sitting in C4 seats I would be very motivated to put aftermarket race seats in the car as one of my first and absolutely desired mods.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,477
Likes: 10
From: Aurora OR
The looks of the c4 are soooooo smooth. I hated the C5 but then my husband bought a Z06 and it is a great car. I still prefer the c4 looks. The C6s are great mechanically but I still feel they are UGLYYYY. Looks like they tried to Europize them. Too chopped off and the lights aren't covered! Blasphemy!
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
From: Midland Texas
I love the C4 for the gen 1 engine chevy Built it in the 50's and there are so many aftermarket parts for it and it don't hurt that I got her for under 3K with a blown engine so I can put together a 400+ HP 383CDI that will make a C5 blush and I love the clam shell there is nothing greater than to sit on a tire and work on the engine it beats bending over a fender and fender covers never stay where you need them I will have a C4 for many years to come
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,376
Likes: 21
From: Traverse City MI
The C4 by far has some of the best lines. A much cleaner design. The C5 is a bit bloated, the C6 looks "chopped" on the nose and the rear. The ZR-1 is an amazing car and I can't imagine giving it up for a C5 or a base C6.