Why C4?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 48
From: San Marcos CA
I already had a new Corvette when I decided to buy a C4 as a beater commuter since the prices had come down enough for me to play with one to see if I liked it. Basically I had $6500 left over from a car I sold to get out from under the payments so I found a good '95 for $7k and just bought it.
I ended up liking that car quite a bit though- I didn't expect that. I will say I laughed at the power the first day I got it- although a little maintenance helped it pick up a few ponies, but still...
I ended up liking that car quite a bit though- I didn't expect that. I will say I laughed at the power the first day I got it- although a little maintenance helped it pick up a few ponies, but still...
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Montreal QC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,060
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
Well a LT1/LT4 is nothing to sneeze at and even today still give many cars on the road a run for their money so while a later model C5's may have the edge on performance, for 90% potential buyers they'd be very happy with an LT1/LT4..and then there is always a ZR1!
But one thing you may find is that getting in and out of a C4 with its high sills can be tough on the old knees for those of use who are older. C5 is a bit easier to get in and out of.
But one thing you may find is that getting in and out of a C4 with its high sills can be tough on the old knees for those of use who are older. C5 is a bit easier to get in and out of.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue WA
The C-=4's are great. I have two. An 87 Convertible and an 89 Coupe. I do like the 89 Coupe with 6 speed transmission. I am not to excited about the 87, as their is no trunk space. and the 4+3 transmission sucks. I hate a transmission that decides what gear you should be in and switches at will. In 89 the switch was to a 6 speed. One redeaming feature of a C-5 is that there is a real trunk for both coupe and convertible. The C-5 has also eliminated the bottom door ridge that a C-4 passenger has to crawl over.
So why have a C-4? Cost would be one factor. Coupes are now selling for around $7000 or less. C-5's are still up around $23,000. But if style is your main concern, then price doesn't matter.
So why have a C-4? Cost would be one factor. Coupes are now selling for around $7000 or less. C-5's are still up around $23,000. But if style is your main concern, then price doesn't matter.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
I wanted one when they first came out, but were way to expensive for me. I owned a 73 Vette then. I then got married, had 3 kids, raised the 3 kids. Time for another Vette. The C-4 was my choice.
When I first test drove one, I was hooked. They just seemed ideal for me.
Sort of like asking why one married his / her other. We all have our preferences. I still find Jaclyn Smith hot and I am 56. So some things just stay hot.
When I first test drove one, I was hooked. They just seemed ideal for me.
Sort of like asking why one married his / her other. We all have our preferences. I still find Jaclyn Smith hot and I am 56. So some things just stay hot.
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6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
In the broadest terms: the C4 is (to me) better looking than the C5, but the C5 is more refined, easier to get in and out of, and will likely be marginally more reliable (though neither is great on that score, irrespective of what the fanboys will tell you). Drive a few of each and make your own judgement.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 7
From: Chewelah Wa
I wanted one when they first came out, but were way to expensive for me. I owned a 73 Vette then. I then got married, had 3 kids, raised the 3 kids. Time for another Vette. The C-4 was my choice.
When I first test drove one, I was hooked. They just seemed ideal for me.
Sort of like asking why one married his / her other. We all have our preferences. I still find Jaclyn Smith hot and I am 56. So some things just stay hot.
When I first test drove one, I was hooked. They just seemed ideal for me.
Sort of like asking why one married his / her other. We all have our preferences. I still find Jaclyn Smith hot and I am 56. So some things just stay hot.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
PP .. I thought Jaclyn Smith was much hotter than Farrah Fawcett or Kate Jackson in the series Charlies Angels ...
She is still hot ! I think a lot of women not my wife are hot.
But my C4 is much like her, a very hot car in its time. It still isnt too bad looking.
Like the old adage goes:
She may not be the youngest gal at the ball, but she will still turn a few heads !
She is still hot ! I think a lot of women not my wife are hot.
But my C4 is much like her, a very hot car in its time. It still isnt too bad looking.
Like the old adage goes:
She may not be the youngest gal at the ball, but she will still turn a few heads !
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Just purchased my first Corvette on Tuesday night, an 11.700 mile 93 coupe. The car looks great, was very clean, and was $7000 less than a C5 with similar miles. I like the looks, value and unique interior of the C4. Good luck with your search.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
In 2008, I bought a 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP. After my purchase, I learned that the seat "rocked", and so much so, that my back was causing me agony after driving the car. After 5 days, for $500, they took it back.
I initially wanted a C-5. Took one for a test drive. I quickly learned that they suffer from the same issue. It is due to the seat frame bushings wearing. Most of the ones I drove had enough mileage for it to be an issue.
I did not really know what the issue was, I think, until one day I located the issue on the web. I guess it is a common issue for C-5s with a few miles on.
Didn't want another car I could not drive without having back problems. Ended up with a C-4 that was not a good choice, so bought another identical '95 that is a good choice.
The C4s are absolutely different cars than C-5s. Both have their virtues.
I initially wanted a C-5. Took one for a test drive. I quickly learned that they suffer from the same issue. It is due to the seat frame bushings wearing. Most of the ones I drove had enough mileage for it to be an issue.
I did not really know what the issue was, I think, until one day I located the issue on the web. I guess it is a common issue for C-5s with a few miles on.
Didn't want another car I could not drive without having back problems. Ended up with a C-4 that was not a good choice, so bought another identical '95 that is a good choice.
The C4s are absolutely different cars than C-5s. Both have their virtues.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: End of the World NC
I hope this doesn't look like I'm trying to create angst or controversy, I am looking for my first sportscar/hotrod after 48 years of driving. (you do the math). Because of my price point, I'm looking for a C4 or C5. I was wondering how many of you had the same decision to make, and what made you chose the C4?
