Guys, I need some advice
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 392
Likes: 19
Guys, I need some advice
I have a 93 convertible, torch red, with 64k miles. Good overall condition. I have a chance to trade + some cash for a 2001 convertible, torch red with 129k miles on it. Both cars are the same with black interior and black tops. Any input would be appreciated as I don't know much about a C5. Thanks
Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 588
Likes: 35
From: Smithfield VA
The C4 and C5 have a completely different feel when driving them from what I've read on the forums (personally, I've never had the chance to drive a C5). The C4 feels more like a race car than the C5 does from what I've read here, regardless of the C5 being the better handling, faster accelerating of the two. If you like the C5 after driving it, and agree with the trade, go for it.
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Joined: Mar 2015
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 75
Likes: 6
I got my 94 Vert 2 months ago and I drove C4-C5's many times. All are my "opinions"..
C4-Loudest interior, least amount of power, best seating position, rough around the edges, SEXIEST BODY of all vettes-you can tell it's a Vette from a mile away!
c5-Quieter than C4, more power, seating is more "on it than in it", depreciating almost as rapidly as c4, no optispark, C5 front end ripped off the Mazda RX-7 and can look like it has a big butt from some angles,especially the vert.
For me-went with c4 and it wasn't even close-money was not a huge consideration for me either. I had a rather broad range I was comfortable spending.
C4-Loudest interior, least amount of power, best seating position, rough around the edges, SEXIEST BODY of all vettes-you can tell it's a Vette from a mile away!
c5-Quieter than C4, more power, seating is more "on it than in it", depreciating almost as rapidly as c4, no optispark, C5 front end ripped off the Mazda RX-7 and can look like it has a big butt from some angles,especially the vert.
For me-went with c4 and it wasn't even close-money was not a huge consideration for me either. I had a rather broad range I was comfortable spending.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 253
Likes: 119
From: North Branch Michigan
If you think about it, you have a C5 owner who wants what You have. Why is that? You need to spend some time in his shoes (Corvette), and decide what you prefer. I have not driven a C5, so I have no point of reference, I am just suggesting you take this new gal for a dance before you leave your current partner in the lurch. Kelly
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
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From: Phoenix Arizona
Most of the problems with the C5 were solved by the 2001 MY. (and those problems, like the opti-spark have been over blown) This is a C4 forum so you are going to get mostly biased answers...most people here are here because the prefer the C4. By most objective criteria the C5 is the better car, all things being equal, mileage, condition etc. As far as long term value (in this case over 5 years) the C5 will continue to be worth more....all things being equal. If the condition of the two cars is equal you're down to mileage vs age. Generally they would equal out. Present value, if both cars are of equal condition, they are of equal value, roughly, with the slight edge to the C5. It is very unusual to find someone wanting to trade a C5 for a C4, which would raise a few questions considering that most people expect to get the better of the deal in any trade...usually at least one side is wrong. Then there is the stick with the devil you know school of thought.
Last edited by zr1fred; Jan 26, 2016 at 11:14 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Well I own both a 95 and an 04 and drive them all the time. And like the boy said they're only my opinions.
The number one overall most significant factor is: for which ever generation you choose, buy the car that is the latest year of that generation with the best maintenance history and you will have a better experience.
I drove the 95 as my year round daily driver for 6 years and put over 100K on it. Now I drive it on the weekends.
I drive the 04 now as my daily driver ....
My particular C5 which I've put about 30K on is quicker than my particular C4 and is more comfortable to drive and you know, all of the systems brakes, suspension, electronics, engine management is a generation more sophisticated even the sound system is a little better
But for me ......... my C4 is more fun to drive. You feel more connected to the road. You feel more like you are riding in a sports car and frankly .. an LT1 engine sounds better than an LS engine.
Remember your mileage may differ.
The number one overall most significant factor is: for which ever generation you choose, buy the car that is the latest year of that generation with the best maintenance history and you will have a better experience.
I drove the 95 as my year round daily driver for 6 years and put over 100K on it. Now I drive it on the weekends.
I drive the 04 now as my daily driver ....
My particular C5 which I've put about 30K on is quicker than my particular C4 and is more comfortable to drive and you know, all of the systems brakes, suspension, electronics, engine management is a generation more sophisticated even the sound system is a little better
But for me ......... my C4 is more fun to drive. You feel more connected to the road. You feel more like you are riding in a sports car and frankly .. an LT1 engine sounds better than an LS engine.
Remember your mileage may differ.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 588
Likes: 35
From: Smithfield VA
This is what I referring to when I said the C4 feels more like a race car. Here we have a someone that owns a C4 and a C5, and he is far from the first person I've seen post similar thoughts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 414
From: WV
I can't believe no one has mentioned the problems the 2000 and 2001 Vettes had with "Oil blowby" caused by "ring flutter"...I personally know one guy that used a quart of oil every 1000 miles and GM told him that was normal..
...This was the reason I never considered those years when looking for a C5 , this is also the reason there are so many 2000 and 2001 Corvettes for sale on the web.......Do a search and you will find tons of info on this subject...
.....WW.
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...This was the reason I never considered those years when looking for a C5 , this is also the reason there are so many 2000 and 2001 Corvettes for sale on the web.......Do a search and you will find tons of info on this subject........WW..
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Last edited by WW7; Jan 27, 2016 at 08:04 AM.
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