Moser28

I am going to be moving up to a newer Corvette and can't decide on a 95 or 96 C4 or earlier model C5 with my budget. Are parts more readily available for the C4 cars than the C5's? It seems as long as the electronics are good in a C5 they will be fine but once you start having problems it's big money to replace. Do C4's have these issues as well? I currently have a C3 and I always do my own work. Just want to hear what the C4 owners say.

confab

I like the early C4's, and largely for the reason you describe. It has enough electronics to be useful, but not so much it becomes a nightmare trying to keep it all going.

I rebuilt the dash and replaced the PCM and some sensors.. and it's fine. Didn't cost a fortune either.

81c3

More parts available for the C5
I had 2 C5's... no electronic issues at all
More aftermarket for C5
C4 is better looking all around (opinion of course)
C5 (non Z06) is a fast Honda Accord (opinion again)
Both Corvettes!!! YAY!!

BLUDICE

I've had all 3 - '78, '03, and currently a '94 - - I by far like the '94 the best - the feel, the power, the handling is awesome. All the other concerns go away once you drive it .

OH THREE Z

Ive owned 3 C5s and 3 C4s. I wouldnt consider a base C5 over a late C4. The C5 is a better built car and the Z06's are a lot of fun but id hop in my GS everytime over a C5.

However, if you want to mod the support for the C5 and LS platform is much greater than whats available for the C4

If i were in the market for a C4 id take a close look at either the GS that got smacked when it was new that is on ebay or the red LT4 that is currently in the FS section of this forum. It looks like a cherry
.

ETM

I recently had this choice. I ended up buying a `95 Convertible. The miles were lower than most of the C5s in my price range. It is the 2nd C4 that I have owned. The C5s are advanced and have more power but I`m not racing the car. 300 hp is still enough to have fun with IMO.

If your gonna drive it everyday I might lean toward the C5. Getting in and out of the C4 is the only drawback IMV. I got my 95 for weekend cruising and just general fun.

Iexpedite

I recently found myself facing the same question. The previous posts covered most of the important considerations. Aesthetically I preferred the looks of the C4. I work on my own cars and that whole rear mounted transaxle was a bridge too far for me. I was concerned that a C5 in my price range wouldn't be as good as the C4 I could afford.

I went with a 96 C4. I wanted one with an R134A A/C system. I preferred a mass air flow car. I wanted the LT1. I figured the later in the production run the more kinks would be worked out. I owned and raced an LT1 Camaro back in the 90's and I really liked the engine. There is very little aftermarket support for the LT1 today so if you are looking for huge naturally aspirated horsepower you may want to look elsewhere.

My car feels amazing to drive. I've never been in a C5 but my C4 feels like a purpose built racecar. Not something you want to live with every day but something you break out for fun. There is no floorboard room on the driver's side. There is a lot of heat for your feet whether you want it or not. It just feels rudimentary and purpose built. It's my first Corvette and maybe they all feel this way. I look at it in the garage and it looks like a piece of art. I currently have a water-pump weeping coolant and an expensive parts bill to pay and I find myself looking forward to the work. When my truck needs something I get aggravated. When my C4 has a problem I look forward to the quality time. Don't tell my wife...I think I'm in love.

johno504

some early c5 ABS parts are nla. look for a 96 LT4, you wont be giving up any power to an early c5.

rocco16

The slowest stock C5 is as fast or faster than the fastest non-LT5 stock C4.
The fastest C5 is FAR faster than the fastest LT-1/LT-4.
The C5 is also easier to live with on a daily basis.
The C5 front end is far more attractive than the C4's front end.
The C5's rear end is far less attractive than the C4's rear end.
Many C4 parts are discontinued from GM, and many of those are not available on the aftermarket.

If I were doing it all over again, I'd get a C5. It's not necessarily a nicer Corvette, but it is a nicer car.

johno504

the LT4 was under rated HP wise so as not to upset the new c5 apple cart. FACT, just like my Buick GN was rated @ 245 hp so as not to upset corvette sales.

JrRifleCoach

I sold my 86 and moved to a 2004 Z06.
Two reasons; performance and comfort.
Optional advantages; Performance parts abound, compatibility with the C6.

That 86 was a great project car and I learned a lot.
And still share those lessons with this forum. If you care to listen......

FWC

Like others have said, when you sit in a C4 or drive one you know you are in a corvette, "it's got feel". The C5 certainly performs like a corvette you just wouldn't know it by the ride. And I know you asked between the 4 and the 5 but I will add that last fall I test drove 2 C5's both base cars and I knew by the second one I did not like them so I went to a C6, much better car. Personally I prefer the C4 looks over a C5 and someday would like to find a nice clean GS, but at the end of the day you still have a nice clean GS and I would be more inclined to treat it kindly. Whereas if you found a very reasonably priced C5 you could mod it or beat the living a$$ off it and not worry about it. I say go drive as many of each as you can to help decide.

L98Justin

Unless your a C4 freak like me get the C5, besides your opinion on looks the C5 is the better more livable car

rocco16

Great choice, Coach.

rocco16

It might have been underRATED, but it did not have more actual HP than the first base LS1.
According to dyno runs between my stock LT-4 and a stock 1997 LS1 (both manuals), the rated-at-345hp LS1 made four horsepower above my LT-4.
While 4hp isn't much, it is still more, not less. I think you can categorically dismiss the estimates of 360-380HP LT-4's as wishful thinking. Factory motors will not vary that much.

FASTAZU

Back in 02 I was in the same boat, new C5 Z06 or C4 ZR-1. Picked the C4 because of its history and heritage. In 04 I did get the C5 great driving car kept it for 160k & 10 years of trouble free miles than sold it for another C4 ZR-1.

haxxx

Late C4. Around here C5s are significantly more money even though they aren't much newer. Even though the LT4 carries a premium (in C4 Corvette terms anyway) they're still cheaper than a C5 with the same mileage and the LT4 is probably going to be faster anyway.

Whether or not C5 parts are easier to get, I've had absolutely no problem getting parts for my LT4. It's basically an LT1 and it was in so many cars that I've had no problem getting parts. Fuel pumps clutch parts, ignition parts, I've had no problem.

Most of these response are going to be opinions. I think you need to check pricing and drive both. Then you will know.

81c3

Ha, ha... I did the opposite! Two reasons for me too, simplicity and much better looking!

cv67

Coach how are you liking that Z16 now that youve had it awhile?

rocco16

Nope. At best, the LT4 will be just as fast as the early base 345hp LS1. The later series of the C5's LS engines will be significantly faster.