Why C4?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Why C4?
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?
I'm looking for a nice driver, NO PROJECT, comfortable and in good shape, low miles.
Thanks Gang.
)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?
I'm looking for a nice driver, NO PROJECT, comfortable and in good shape, low miles.
Thanks Gang.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
It all comes down to what you want it for. They both have their good and bad points. I went from a C4 to a C5 mainly for the better ride, a six speed, and easier for my wife to get in and out of. no she isn't a fat ***.
But I went to a Fixed roof Coupe as I'm not crazy about the C5 coupe, so it was FRC or keep my C4.
I do miss my C4 at times but I'm happy. Either car is fine but the interior of the C4 is more like a race car than the C5.
I'll let the C4 owners answer your question as to why they have a C4.
But I went to a Fixed roof Coupe as I'm not crazy about the C5 coupe, so it was FRC or keep my C4.
I do miss my C4 at times but I'm happy. Either car is fine but the interior of the C4 is more like a race car than the C5.
I'll let the C4 owners answer your question as to why they have a C4.
cesssna10
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 47
From: Big Canoe Ga
When you sit in my 95 coupe its like
you sat in a bucket seat and they built the car around you
Plus i think the c4 lines are better than the c5.
Also you can get a really clean c4 for 13000, not so a c5
you sat in a bucket seat and they built the car around you
Plus i think the c4 lines are better than the c5.
Also you can get a really clean c4 for 13000, not so a c5
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,129
Likes: 1
From: Pasadena CA
The main difference between the C5 and 4 is the driving experience. You can argue about performance, and on paper the C5 will always win, but you should drive both cars and see what you prefer. Other than that it's a style choice and that is entirely subjective and so varies according to who you ask.
If you want to work on the car yourself, then an LS1 would be preferable (C5) - that's my opinion after 3 yrs owning a LT-based C4
So to answer your question for me it was driving experience and a style choice. The price was a factor but not the deciding one
If you want to work on the car yourself, then an LS1 would be preferable (C5) - that's my opinion after 3 yrs owning a LT-based C4
So to answer your question for me it was driving experience and a style choice. The price was a factor but not the deciding one
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Performance of the C5 is better in every way. It is a more refined automobile period. If I were to buy another now it would be a 2002-2004 ZO6. Definately better overall performance and more comfort. If you want a fun, true sports car feel and ride, I will sell you my 1989 Z51.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,165
Likes: 5
From: Coast MS
The interior sold me on the C4. I just don't really like the inside of the C5's and in some ways the C6'. I think chevy made them look a little bland.
I looked for an LT4 as they were close in performance with the C5. I'm not going on any race tracks so the already good handling of the 96 was fine for me.
Exterior is simply a personal choice. I was born in 79. As a kid the C4 was the Corvette I saw the most, well C4 and C3's. The C5's are cool, but I didn't really "want" one. I wouldn't pass up a screaming deal, but they just don't have the same personal magic as the earlier ones. My choice was more between the C3 and the C4. The C4 won there because in stock form I was happy with what my LT4 can do.
Also price. A superb C4 can be had for less than a superb C5. So when I started adding it all up the C4 came out ahead in just about every category.
I looked for an LT4 as they were close in performance with the C5. I'm not going on any race tracks so the already good handling of the 96 was fine for me.
Exterior is simply a personal choice. I was born in 79. As a kid the C4 was the Corvette I saw the most, well C4 and C3's. The C5's are cool, but I didn't really "want" one. I wouldn't pass up a screaming deal, but they just don't have the same personal magic as the earlier ones. My choice was more between the C3 and the C4. The C4 won there because in stock form I was happy with what my LT4 can do.
Also price. A superb C4 can be had for less than a superb C5. So when I started adding it all up the C4 came out ahead in just about every category.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,659
Likes: 82
From: Toronto ontario
If you are not modifying or starting a project go with a c5. It's a huge step forward for the corvette. Drive them both you never know if you might really fall in love with the qualities of a c4. I have a c4 because I dont think the c5 or 6 looks better than it still. I modified it top to bottom but if I didnt would I have a c4? I hate to admit it but the answer is NO. Hell no. Because I modified it so much its perfect to me because the c4 has the best styling to date and the most 'exotic' feel to it (again.. when modified ).
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 995
Likes: 1
From: Naples Campania
The C5 just seems fat to me. It got too damn big and too damn "fluffy".
The C4 is a beautiful woman with nice wide hips and a hood you can.... I better stop.....
There are plenty of really nice cars in the "C4 for sale" section for pretty good prices. Hell, there is a Callaway for sale in there now
People want too much for a C5.
They are great fun and you don't see that many in good shape. C5s are EVERYWHERE. C4s are at least a little more unique.
Other reasons?
They are sexy looking
Fun to work on
Tons of parts (performance or otherwise)
Not too difficult to work on (get a few sets of Torx bit sets. You'll break a few. A case of WD-40 to go along with it.
They are sexy looking
They are a blast to drive.
The C4 is a beautiful woman with nice wide hips and a hood you can.... I better stop.....
There are plenty of really nice cars in the "C4 for sale" section for pretty good prices. Hell, there is a Callaway for sale in there now
People want too much for a C5.
They are great fun and you don't see that many in good shape. C5s are EVERYWHERE. C4s are at least a little more unique.
Other reasons?
They are sexy looking
Fun to work on
Tons of parts (performance or otherwise)
Not too difficult to work on (get a few sets of Torx bit sets. You'll break a few. A case of WD-40 to go along with it.
They are sexy looking
They are a blast to drive.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 5
From: Sublimity OR
navy_vette, You are right about the C4; in fact your description/comparison is like a eecumings poem--She Was Brand New, which is a sensual description of a roadster.
I actually love the shape of the C4; there are quite a few new Corvettes around here (retired, white hairs with $) and I am not envious....I do not like what I think is the European (Italian?) influence in the latest years styling at all.
Kistler
I actually love the shape of the C4; there are quite a few new Corvettes around here (retired, white hairs with $) and I am not envious....I do not like what I think is the European (Italian?) influence in the latest years styling at all.
Kistler
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 298
Likes: 1
From: Escondido CA
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?
I'm looking for a nice driver, NO PROJECT, comfortable and in good shape, low miles.
Thanks Gang.
)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?
I'm looking for a nice driver, NO PROJECT, comfortable and in good shape, low miles.
Thanks Gang.
Although they are not really a collector car yet, as history repeats itself, the C4s will have special interest and get the respect that they deserve in the future!
Many would agree that the C5, although a slightly better performer is actually not as good looking as the C4 and a very ugly duckling when you look at it next to the C6..
Okay running away now, before I get slammed!!!!
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Styling. The only Corvette series with the clam shell hood. Great handling, powerful, electronic computer controlled systems. The late model low milage C4's cost about the same as a high mileage C5.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Performance of the C5 is better in every way. It is a more refined automobile period. If I were to buy another now it would be a 2002-2004 ZO6. Definately better overall performance and more comfort. If you want a fun, true sports car feel and ride, I will sell you my 1989 Z51.
and you have the nub of the C4-C5 discussion.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 298
Likes: 1
From: Escondido CA
I feel the same way and can definitely respect the C5 Z06 myself, however... In the future i would much rather just wait for a C6 Z06 to come down in price!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
I can tell you that an early one is different from a later one, and I can especially tell you that a Z51 is a different animal than a base and vert car as long as it is not worn out.
A Z51 in good shape if you have never been in one will leave an impression. After you try all styles you'll see.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Montreal QC
Got my 2nd C4 three days ago. I still can't sleep. I would pick the C4 over the C5 because Chevy didn't "perfect" the fun out of it like they did with the C5's. Remeber what happened to the 911's?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis MO
I've got 44 years of driving, so I'm right behind you. We both grew up when "sports cars" were bug-eyed Sprites and MG Midgets (cheap), MG-B and TR-3 or 4 (mid-range), or XKE's, 911's, and Austin 3000's - or Corvettes - if you had lots of money. I couldn't afford any of them when I was in school, DEFINITELY couldn't afford them with new wife and then kids. Now that it's in the "toy" category, I'm reverting to what I wanted back then: a convertible, manual shift, firm-riding hard-cornering car that you climb into like pulling on a pair of jeans (saw that some time ago here in CF, thought it's a great image). Somebody earlier mentioned parts etc - definite plus versus something like an older Jag or Porsche or something. And the first time I saw the clam-shell hood I was hooked. Reminded me so much of the XKE, but affordable.
The C5... I don't know. I think about one every time my LT-1 gives me problems <grin> but it seems like getting a C5 would be like just buying another modern car.
Somehow the C4 takes me back, and that's really what it's all about for me.
The C5... I don't know. I think about one every time my LT-1 gives me problems <grin> but it seems like getting a C5 would be like just buying another modern car.
Somehow the C4 takes me back, and that's really what it's all about for me.