2004 vs. 1996
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Lubbock for now, headed for Oklahoma
Well I can't take it anymore. If it's a matter of making payments or not I would go with the C4 hands down. Put half of that payment in a can every month and there is nothing you will have to do that will empty that can.
Second no matter what buying used is buying used. You are buying someones driving habits. I would rather have the issues on something that is already figured out and parts are cheap on.
Second no matter what buying used is buying used. You are buying someones driving habits. I would rather have the issues on something that is already figured out and parts are cheap on.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 37
I've driven a C5 and I disagree. The C5 has the least "timeless" corvette design.. . .in my humble opinion. The design of the nose looks "soft". . . almost puppy-like. Not sure I like the rear design either. Many other folks have made similar comments about it. And it is probably why it had such a short design run.
One of the most noticeable things to me was how cheap the interior felt. The buttons and controls reminded me of a low end economy car. Although the C4 cockpit is not something to write home about either. The seats in the C5 feel much different than the C4. I felt like I was sliding out of them on every tight turn. I think the interior slightly wider than the C4. . . and I personally don't like it.
I could not detect a big difference in power and handling between the C4 and C5. Although at the time, my C4 had a hot cam and exhaust in it.
The C5 felt very refine drive wise. . . . it really did not feel any different that a GM sedan until you stomped on the go pedal. I do like the fact that the car does not flex that much with the top off. That surprised me.
Although I would say buy the newer car over the old car. . . . .drive them for a day first and then make up your mind.
One of the most noticeable things to me was how cheap the interior felt. The buttons and controls reminded me of a low end economy car. Although the C4 cockpit is not something to write home about either. The seats in the C5 feel much different than the C4. I felt like I was sliding out of them on every tight turn. I think the interior slightly wider than the C4. . . and I personally don't like it.
I could not detect a big difference in power and handling between the C4 and C5. Although at the time, my C4 had a hot cam and exhaust in it.
The C5 felt very refine drive wise. . . . it really did not feel any different that a GM sedan until you stomped on the go pedal. I do like the fact that the car does not flex that much with the top off. That surprised me.
Although I would say buy the newer car over the old car. . . . .drive them for a day first and then make up your mind.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 80
From: Burleson Texas
I've driven a C5 and I disagree. The C5 has the least "timeless" corvette design.. . .in my humble opinion. The design of the nose looks "soft". . . almost puppy-like. Not sure I like the rear design either. Many other folks have made similar comments about it. And it is probably why it had such a short design run.
One of the most noticeable things to me was how cheap the interior felt. The buttons and controls reminded me of a low end economy car. Although the C4 cockpit is not something to write home about either. The seats in the C5 feel much different than the C4. I felt like I was sliding out of them on every tight turn. I think the interior slightly wider than the C4. . . and I personally don't like it.
I could not detect a big difference in power and handling between the C4 and C5. Although at the time, my C4 had a hot cam and exhaust in it.
The C5 felt very refine drive wise. . . . it really did not feel any different that a GM sedan until you stomped on the go pedal. I do like the fact that the car does not flex that much with the top off. That surprised me.
Although I would say buy the newer car over the old car. . . . .drive them for a day first and then make up your mind.
One of the most noticeable things to me was how cheap the interior felt. The buttons and controls reminded me of a low end economy car. Although the C4 cockpit is not something to write home about either. The seats in the C5 feel much different than the C4. I felt like I was sliding out of them on every tight turn. I think the interior slightly wider than the C4. . . and I personally don't like it.
I could not detect a big difference in power and handling between the C4 and C5. Although at the time, my C4 had a hot cam and exhaust in it.
The C5 felt very refine drive wise. . . . it really did not feel any different that a GM sedan until you stomped on the go pedal. I do like the fact that the car does not flex that much with the top off. That surprised me.
Although I would say buy the newer car over the old car. . . . .drive them for a day first and then make up your mind.
I own a C4 that is used as a track car and owned a 04 Z06 z16 until recently when I purchased a C6 Z06. As for the C4 & C5, depends on what you want in the car. I prefer the C4 on the track with the shorter wheel base and quicker turn in on sharp corners. The C5 seemed to turn in slower and I did not like it as well on the track, however, the C5 Z06 was much nicer as a daily driver. Good luck with your decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,573
Likes: 961
From: Communist Colorado
[QUOTE=JimiHendrix; And it is probably why it had such a short design run..[/QUOTE]
8 years is hardly a short design run. In addition to that, the C6 has been referred to by some as a C5 & 1/2 because it shares much of its design with the C6. The frame rigidity itself makes the C5 twice the car a base C4 could ever be. The advances in electronics, braking and engines, along with the 49/51 balance of the C5, could only leave asthetics, and more menial traits of importance left open for comparison.
8 years is hardly a short design run. In addition to that, the C6 has been referred to by some as a C5 & 1/2 because it shares much of its design with the C6. The frame rigidity itself makes the C5 twice the car a base C4 could ever be. The advances in electronics, braking and engines, along with the 49/51 balance of the C5, could only leave asthetics, and more menial traits of importance left open for comparison.
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
have to agree with that. The C5 stops fantastically.
Pulling one out of a driveway at a slight angle does not sound like a fatman wearing diapers like a C4 does; Its much more rigid and feels the part.
Has a little road/tire noise but what the hell...
Pulling one out of a driveway at a slight angle does not sound like a fatman wearing diapers like a C4 does; Its much more rigid and feels the part.
Has a little road/tire noise but what the hell...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
The 2004 is the better car but depending on what he's going to do with the car it might not matter. If you are going to do the typical Corvette owner thing; wax it, barely drive it and never jump on it who cares ? 
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville Alabama
I find it intersting when posts are made that if it's has to be a C5 than it should be a Z06. Other than Z06 horsepower, aren't the the handling, looks, interior the same as a C5? It's like saying I don't want to be seen with an ugly woman however if she's got money well... that's a different story...
Since this 96 is the only Corvette I've owned, I don't believe I can say it handles or feels like a sports car should. Do the earlier generations feel more like a sports car than the C4? Does the C6 handle more like a sports car? Now the original question... C5. If only for the maintenance that will eventually come along.
Since this 96 is the only Corvette I've owned, I don't believe I can say it handles or feels like a sports car should. Do the earlier generations feel more like a sports car than the C4? Does the C6 handle more like a sports car? Now the original question... C5. If only for the maintenance that will eventually come along.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Lubbock for now, headed for Oklahoma
I find it intersting when posts are made that if it's has to be a C5 than it should be a Z06. Other than Z06 horsepower, aren't the the handling, looks, interior the same as a C5? It's like saying I don't want to be seen with an ugly woman however if she's got money well... that's a different story...
Since this 96 is the only Corvette I've owned, I don't believe I can say it handles or feels like a sports car should. Do the earlier generations feel more like a sports car than the C4? Does the C6 handle more like a sports car? Now the original question... C5. If only for the maintenance that will eventually come along.
Since this 96 is the only Corvette I've owned, I don't believe I can say it handles or feels like a sports car should. Do the earlier generations feel more like a sports car than the C4? Does the C6 handle more like a sports car? Now the original question... C5. If only for the maintenance that will eventually come along.
Haven'tt you ever heard the song make an ugly woman your wife?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
