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C4 vs C5
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
From my experience, I'd say the LT4 cars will be like the LT1 cars of the 70-72 era as far as collectability. Other than the Z06's I don't see any demand for the C5's. The difference between a 95-96 C4 is not that much from a C5. JMO...... Drive and then decide!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 36
If you are going to make either car garage queens, I'd say go for the c4. if you are going to drive the car reguarly and place mileage on them, I'd say go for the slightly more modern C5.
Most folks not familiar with corvettes confuse the difference between the C5 and C6. The C5 certainly has a more modern look to it.
I happen to think the C4 has a very very comfortable seating arrangement. For some weird reason, I don't like the seating in the C5 and the steering wheel and controls feel soooo cheap. Maybe it would have to grow on me like the C4 did. I could take all day long trips in the C4 and be very comfortable.
If you can afford it, and the wife goes for it. GET BOTH!!!
Most folks not familiar with corvettes confuse the difference between the C5 and C6. The C5 certainly has a more modern look to it.
I happen to think the C4 has a very very comfortable seating arrangement. For some weird reason, I don't like the seating in the C5 and the steering wheel and controls feel soooo cheap. Maybe it would have to grow on me like the C4 did. I could take all day long trips in the C4 and be very comfortable.
If you can afford it, and the wife goes for it. GET BOTH!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 14
From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
I like my C4 on the track (really wanted a c5z06 but I don't have that budget)
I like the wife's C5 for trips.
As others have said drive them both and figure out which one you like because after all its a car, not an investment.
I like the wife's C5 for trips.
As others have said drive them both and figure out which one you like because after all its a car, not an investment.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
Just bought a C5 and still have my LT1 C4. I agree with the majority -- the LT4 CE might be somewhat of a premium-priced C4 in about 10-15 years -- but if you plan to drive it frequently, you most likely will be happier with the C5.
I assume you drove 'em both -- what do YOU think?
I assume you drove 'em both -- what do YOU think?
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,981
Likes: 6,207
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
As far as driving is concerned, the C5 is the better choice all day long.
I'm still confused as to how either car "enhances" your '65. Neither car does anything for your '65. A big block Sting Ray does not need a later model driver parked near it to make it look any better.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,306
Likes: 15
[QUOTE=Vettebuyer5869;1568292688]Neither car has any investment potential at all, although I'd have to grudgingly say if you dont overpay the CI would likely hold its value a bit better than the C5. Of course, the key is to not pay much. Its still a C4.
You never seem to amaze me. Must be nice being an elitist.
You never seem to amaze me. Must be nice being an elitist.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
[QUOTE=xlr8nflorida;1568292878]
My plastic two door Chevy is BETTER than your plastic two door Chevy.
Drive both and buy what you like.
Neither car has any investment potential at all, although I'd have to grudgingly say if you dont overpay the CI would likely hold its value a bit better than the C5. Of course, the key is to not pay much. Its still a C4.
You never seem to amaze me. Must be nice being an elitist.
You never seem to amaze me. Must be nice being an elitist.
My plastic two door Chevy is BETTER than your plastic two door Chevy.Drive both and buy what you like.
Last edited by JD'S WHITE 93; Dec 22, 2008 at 06:21 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 634
Likes: 1
Get the C4 and never look back. The C4 is better looking.
The C5 looks like a Pontiac Firebird.
The C5 has a lot of issues:
Rocking seat
Column Lock
Leaking Rear End, Diff.
Battery Leak
Get the C4 its a classic design. Its totally awesome!!!!!!!
The C5 looks like a Pontiac Firebird.
The C5 has a lot of issues:
Rocking seat
Column Lock
Leaking Rear End, Diff.
Battery Leak
Get the C4 its a classic design. Its totally awesome!!!!!!!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 3
From: Maine
I agree with the others, neither car is really an investment right now. The LT4 may be worth more in say 10-15 years than a non ZO6 C5 due to limited production. But given what you are going to put into either in parts and upkeep between now and then, you will likely never get back what you will put into it. The bottom line, get the one you like and enjoy more, forget about investing unless you are buying a mutual fund or a 1952-1973 corvette. I'm going to call the 1973 investment potential because it had the rear chrome bumper.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 27
From: Monroe Twp, NJ
Maybe someone on this thread who has or currently does own both will tell us the real FEEL difference between the two generation Corvettes? I would love to know. All I can base my opinion on is looks since I never drove a C5.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 14
From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
My 92 is 17 years old, has a worn out suspension and crap shocks.
On the highway its a rattle trap, its my rattletrap thank you very much.
The worn out sloppy suspension is interesting on the track, I'm fixing that this winter. Have to let you know how she handles after I rebuild the suspension and put the correct shocks back on.
My wife's 04 is almost 5 years old with 91,00 miles. Its been a great car for her. We've just changed the oil regularly, put new rotors and pads on the front 2 years ago, replaced the battery. On the highway the rumble from the Borla's is great. Since the suspension isn't worn out it handles great.
Bottom line I much rather drive my 92 because you wear a C4 and you sit in a C5. Thats the biggest difference between the two feel wise.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 634
Likes: 1
MY 1996 has only 17,000 miles and is as tight as a drum.
Havent spend any money in my 4 years of ownership just
oil changes. Runs like a top. What ever you buy, get a vette with
low miles and one that hasnt been abused.
C4s rule the roost.
Havent spend any money in my 4 years of ownership just
oil changes. Runs like a top. What ever you buy, get a vette with
low miles and one that hasnt been abused.
C4s rule the roost.
Corvette Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,795
Likes: 2,711
From: So. Cal.
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C4
The only reason I hang out with you guys in the C4 section is because I cant afford a C5 or C6. To many cars and kids to afford a new vette.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,230
Likes: 419