compare quality, '88 vs 96
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compare quality, '88 vs 96
Hi
For about the same money, I can buy a comparatively equipped '96 or
'88 model. Both are coupes, neither has sports seats or climate control. Both have stock rims. The 88 is a better color in my opinion, but both are in good condition.
I see that it is always recommended to go with a newer one. Any particular improvements to note in those 8 years? I know the '96 would have more power.
Thanks for your input.
Bruce
For about the same money, I can buy a comparatively equipped '96 or
'88 model. Both are coupes, neither has sports seats or climate control. Both have stock rims. The 88 is a better color in my opinion, but both are in good condition.
I see that it is always recommended to go with a newer one. Any particular improvements to note in those 8 years? I know the '96 would have more power.
Thanks for your input.
Bruce
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From: Minneapolis MN
How many miles on each? What have the owners been able to tell you about the cars and their maintenance history? Are they autos or manuals? What are the colors? Perhaps if you could post a link to the ads for each we could comment more effectively. I have an 88 and love it, but I would love a 96, too, without a doubt!
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In one of Gordon Killebrew's classes he stated that each year got better and better as far as quality goes. He said that the 95 and 96 Corvettes had much less squeaks and rattles that the earlier cars as the engineers figured out where the noises were coming from. He also stated that the weatherstripping was much better in the 95 and 96 models.
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Just my opinion
Seems like the LT cars sell better than the L98 cars. I have the L98 truck/tractor engine in my 89. I would go for the 96.
Corvette Mike
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From: Vero Beach Florida
LTx = Faster plus up dated opti
96 = New style dash and interior
Last model year C4
I believe brakes were better on 96
Over all a better made car
Last edited by floridamale; Nov 28, 2009 at 05:52 PM.
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Drifting
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From: Westfield MA
I have a 95 and had an 86. The newer car is improved and has like 65 extra hp and in my opinion nicer styling. So all other things being equal, the newer car is the better deal.
Having said that, some people like the styling of the older cars or the digital dash or the tuned port motors, so saying "improved" doesn't mean the same thing to everyone.
It seems to me though, that if these cars are the same price and in the same condition, either the 96 is a steal or the 88 is way over priced. Usually you can get a nicer condition older C4 for the same price as an LT1 car. Or, stated another way, for the same condition car, the older one will cost less.
Having said that, some people like the styling of the older cars or the digital dash or the tuned port motors, so saying "improved" doesn't mean the same thing to everyone.
It seems to me though, that if these cars are the same price and in the same condition, either the 96 is a steal or the 88 is way over priced. Usually you can get a nicer condition older C4 for the same price as an LT1 car. Or, stated another way, for the same condition car, the older one will cost less.
Pro
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From: Spokane WA
I think it is all in preference, but the 88 should be cheaper than the 96. i prefer the 88 body style and dash, The 96 is a corvette trying to please everyone, softer ride
, analog and digital dash
, more power
But I don't like all the buttons on the dash of the later C4's, why does someone need that many buttons
. I like the round tail lights on the 88 better. 96 has the optispark
.
This is just my opinion, base your decision on what you want out of your vette, I'm old skool on the C4.
, analog and digital dash, more power But I don't like all the buttons on the dash of the later C4's, why does someone need that many buttons. I like the round tail lights on the 88 better. 96 has the optispark.This is just my opinion, base your decision on what you want out of your vette, I'm old skool on the C4.
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From: Slidell Louisiana
1995 and up have the vented opti (total redesign from 92-94) and J55 brakes on all models you will have a computer controlled transmission (4l60e instead of 700r4) and your LT1 is a sequential fuel injected maf controlled engine that can get GREAT mileage if you are easy on the loud pedal. another plus is 300 hp vice 250 or less on the L98.
So IMO it is a no brainer.....if they truly are in the same condition and one is not markedly better equiped/optioned than the other take the 1996 and don't look back/
So IMO it is a no brainer.....if they truly are in the same condition and one is not markedly better equiped/optioned than the other take the 1996 and don't look back/
Last edited by aboatguy; Nov 28, 2009 at 06:48 PM.
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Decide what body style you like better. I like the early style 84-90, and would buy the 1988 even if it cost more. Also like the square look of the dash on the early cars instead of the oddball shapes on the 90-96 dash.
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Hard decision...I like them both. I got rid of my '85 for a '93 and the improvements are readily recognized. If the '88 is a convertible and the '96 a coupe, I'd ****** the '88 in a heartbeat. Drive both if you can and decide from there. Good luck with your purchase! 
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