C4 handing
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,194
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From: Monroe Twp, NJ
C4 handing
First of all let me state I am not trying to start trouble with my question. With that being said, The early C4 was considered a mile stone when first introduced in 1984. The Z51 package impressed the editors of car and driver so much they said it was one of the faster production cars in the world.This coming from a group of guys who for decades thought only sports cars built in Germany were Worthy of such verbal honors. I had heard that the staff of C&D all drove Porsche's so it was pretty easy to see the slant I always felt existed for years from this magazine. Now my question. Buyers complained about the ride of the early C4s so things were softened up to give a better ride. Did the softening up each year in the C4 make it less of a handler than the earlier corvettes? I guess only those who owned both or drove both can honestly reply to my question so I wait your reply.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
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From: Manheim Pennsylvania
My 1990 with FX3 ride control, handled exceptionally well. I now have a 1995 without ride control and it handles about the same, however the electronic suspension seems prevent the tires from jumping. I also have a C6 with F55 ride control and the tires are definately planted harder on the ground than the standard suspension.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
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From: Marianna FL
It really depends on your definition of handling. If you mean handling on a perfectly smooth surface, the 84 is tough to beat. A lot of the improvements in handling over the years have been in the ability to hold the line with a non perfect surface.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
The cars were driven on a test track which has a fairly even surface. The base suspension of the 84 was stiff to begin with; when the Z51 option was added it was extremely stiff and the engineers had to detune it to the pont where the 85/Z51 was about equivalent to the 84 base.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,356
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From: No HOA, New Hampshire
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
With the Z52 option in my 88, interstate 70 mph maneuvers are precise with no sway in the body or the seats but there are a million or so defects in the road between Bowling Green and New Hampshire and my rear-end felt every one.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
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From: St Marys GA
Mr Dave nailed it. The '84 Z51 was great on a racetrack, but was very non-composed on NORMAL roads, which are bumpy. A compromise must be made, where the suspension is as stiff as possible, while still having compliance to keep the tires in contact over bumps.
On most roads, the later C4's are better. However, on a smooth surface, as Mr Dave said, the '84 is tough to beat.
On most roads, the later C4's are better. However, on a smooth surface, as Mr Dave said, the '84 is tough to beat.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
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From: Montreal Quebec
MY 87 CONVERTIBLE WAS A SOFTER RIDE THAN MY 92 Z07/FX3 COUPE EVEN ON TOUR SETTING BUT I CAN SEE WHY THEY HAVE ADDED A X BRACE UNDER THE CONVERTIBLE AS MY COUPE TWIST AND FLEX WITH TARGA OFF
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
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From: sw Ohio
Mr Dave nailed it. The '84 Z51 was great on a racetrack, but was very non-composed on NORMAL roads, which are bumpy. A compromise must be made, where the suspension is as stiff as possible, while still having compliance to keep the tires in contact over bumps.
On most roads, the later C4's are better. However, on a smooth surface, as Mr Dave said, the '84 is tough to beat.
On most roads, the later C4's are better. However, on a smooth surface, as Mr Dave said, the '84 is tough to beat.
but that is stock for stock, you can buy new springs and swaybars to outhandle even the '84.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
You can upgrade your suspension with coilovers and or better monospring suspension.
The funny thing about handling, is not the car, is the driver
You can be the owner of a C6 and if you do not have the ***** to push it, a DkRed C4 will fly by you or pass you on a curve.
The funny thing about handling, is not the car, is the driver
You can be the owner of a C6 and if you do not have the ***** to push it, a DkRed C4 will fly by you or pass you on a curve
.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
The early C4 was considered a mile stone when first introduced in 1984. The Z51 package impressed the editors of car and driver so much they said it was one of the faster production cars in the world.This coming from a group of guys who for decades thought only sports cars built in Germany were Worthy of such verbal honors. I had heard that the staff of C&D all drove Porsche's
At no time in history has the entire CandD staff all owned Porsche's. They have always had quite an eclectic mix of vehicles in their home garages....and they periodically report just what the staffers drive.
Handling worsened over the years?? I'd say no. The original Z51 had very high lateral g numbers (skidpad speed), but there is far more to good handling than +1.00g. The later, softer-sprung units had better real-world handling because they could more easily cope with road irregularities, even if they could not generate as high lateral acceleration on a perfectly smooth surface.
I'd put a '95/'96 against an '84 any day on the street...everything else being equal. That's my opinion.
Larry
________
not easily impressed....
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 275
From: Naples FL
I've been through most of this over the years. One of the problems is what is meant by handling. I've defined five items that constitute handling. You can find it here.
On a more practical note here's an article that deals with the rear of the C4. I might have the front end article done by the end of the month.
Richard Newton
On a more practical note here's an article that deals with the rear of the C4. I might have the front end article done by the end of the month.
Richard Newton
