mark970

hey guys, I'd like some advice on which car i should buy next..i have two drastically different cars i'm looking at...but both appeal to me for different reasons

little background, i've owned 5 Vettes (4 C4's 1992-1996 and a 2006 C6). I do most of my own work, including Opti's so tinkering is perfectly fine with me.

1) 1991 coupe, stock and loaded (3-owner 80k miles) with all options (i've seen the code sticker). L98 engine but late-model interior and exterior (which i prefer). auto with G92 and FX3
2) 2000 FRC (just over 100k), some upgrades (exhaust, wheels, intake, short throw shifter) and all clutch related components replaced

any advice would be welcomed...I'm not a huge C5 fan but I very much like the look of a Pewter FRC and all my C4's have been LT1 cars

DGXR

If price is not a factor, I would go with the C5 because manual trans and new parts. Ultimately it's up to your own taste... how "in love" are you with the late C4 body and interior? What kind experience are you craving more right now? These are Cadillac problems for sure

mark970

Well I'm really really really a fan of the 91-96 body and interior. 4 of my 5 vettes have been late model C4's. I sold my C6 over the winter and kept one of my C4's because it's simply more fun to drive (C4 6-speed vs C6 auto....C4 wins the fun-factor in every category for me).

price for '91 is $6k, price for C5 frc will be $8.5k

I really appreciate the input, i'm also looking for some solid reasons why to choose one over the other. more specifically mechanical/repair types of issues

DGXR

Regarding reliability and repairs, I have never owned a C5 although it is a sure possibility in the future (hoping that the prices of used C7s *eventually* come down into my budget range). So I cannot speak from personal experience to the C5 generation. I have heard they are as reliable as any of the other Corvette generations, with their own special issues (such as the brake control module on early C5s) and perhaps some problems with the steering/transmission lock mechanism.
I've owned 2 C4s, both 1995 LT1 6-speed cars, both were/are in good condition. I have put some money and effort into keeping them factory stock and fully serviced. So there have been no major repairs required, just normal maintenance items: plugs/wires, shocks, tires, heater core, clutch hydraulics rebuild, etc. All of these items were done as preventive maintenance and not due to any kind of failure. All in all, I have sunk around $16k into my current car and I'll probably get around $7-8k for it when sale time comes around. Soon will be doing U-joints.

Y-bodluvr

Is This going to be a daily driver or weekend toy? If it’s a daily I would say the 2000 even though it’s a stick the fixed roof wouldn’t bother me as much just driving to and from work it WOULD off hours though but it’s just a more all around reliable car 9 years newer etc with better gas mileage

now if it’s just a weekend toy I would go with the 91 you can remove the top on a nice sunny day or cool night and I wouldn’t care that much about the couple mpg worse gas mileage driving on the weekends

jusy FYI my 02 automatic Coupe is my daily and 89 vert automatic my weekend toy

confab

Man.. That's like asking which girl should you marry?

Having said that, the C4.. Obviously.

Because then you get to hang out here and enjoy all our various coolness and humor and whatnot.

pologreen1

A different one.

Y-bodluvr

Thats easy the answer is NONE
why buy the cow when you can get milk for free

confab

lol..

Now, don't go and bring logic into it..

larryinalabama

The C4.......................

hcbph

You asked for opinions, so here's mine. It all depends. I have not owned a C5 but been around them including a FRC. IMO the C5 is easier to get in and out of vs. a C4 which can be important to older drivers. If you're interested in spirited driving on windy roads I think the C4 is the better car. With the distinct engine, transmission and differential vs. the transaxel I think the C4 gets the nod id you're into working on the car yourself. For performance, I think the C5 LS engine takes the nod. Then you have the decision of manual vs. automatic, which is a driver selection.
I think if you make your list of needs and wants, one or the other will float to the top vs the other and that's your best choice IMO.

Y-bodluvr

No with the C4’s high and wide door sills this is not just your opinion this is a fact

confab

Are they really THAT hard to get out of VS other sports cars?

I got in a fox body Mustang the other day and thought it was going to take the jaws of life to get me back out again... and I am tall but not otherwise a large person. I have no problem with the Vette.

I sometimes wonder if Corvette owners aren't overly critical here?

Y-bodluvr

Uh when a video is giving you FOUR steps just to get out I would say YES

I love my C4’s when I’m sitting in them but I’ve never sat in a car that was harder to get in/out and I’m average height I know they must be out there maybe the Mclaren F1 with it’s seat in the middle but unfortunately like most people Ive never sat in one to know for sure

QCVette

I have had both. (7 C4's and 2 C5's)

The answer is get both. They are very different cars. The C5 wins at most objective measures like performance, mileage, trunk/hatch storage ease and volume, top removal on a hatch car, The C4 has a different look and feel that to me seems more like a sports car.

Both generations have problem areas, but overall both are pretty reliable cars.

The ease of getting in and out is different for everyone. I get in and out of the C4 easier than the C5. I have some leg issues and getting out of the C5 is very difficult for me while I can sit on the sill and it is much easier on the C4. I might be the only one that finds the C4 easier though.

Both can be modified if that is your choice and a lot of things available for both.

I like a manual on a "drivers" car. To me they are just more fun and they get a bonus of better gas mileage on the highway trips.

You really need to drive both and see what you like. The A4 vs 6M is important to me and the C4 vs C5 drive very differently. It comes down to which gives you the biggest smile.

In summary get both. In my avatar the red one is a '95 6M and the pewter one is a '99 FRC.

Good luck with your choice.

FAUEE

The 99 will be faster, but the FRC was the cheapest model of the cheapest corvette. It also has several no longer available parts

The c4 on the other hand is an auto. So that sucks for me, unless it's a cruiser or daily.

Personally, I wouldnt buy either. Find a nice stick L98 if you want to try them out. Maybe a 35th anniversary? Those are always cool, even if they're a 4+3.

Gashousevette

For me,.....I think c5's have a very big broad windshield that I just can't get over....and the big round azz......reminds me of that video game we used to play back in the day....think it was "Cruising USA" or something like that...big white c5 azz is all you seen on the screen..... anybody remember that?...

puterami

Interesting. I have two Fox bodies and I can slip in and out just fine. With the Corvette, I have to "help" myself out with my left arm/hand against the door jamb. Wife is the same.

What I don't like is how he pushes with his right hand on the steering wheel.
I make sure I do not use the steering wheel at all.
I've heard that this is the main reason the steering wheel gets "sloppy".

Y-bodluvr

It can I’m sure especially if a HEAVIER person is constantly pushing down on it I just slide my left leg over the sill and push off it with my left hand when I get out..I never touch the steering wheel where ring or exiting just the driving

Paul Workman

You need to experience a C4 ZR-1. The 95s are the real cream puffs. But, any year (90-95) would be "IT"!

And, it is hard to find a more dedicated group of Vette enthusiast than members of the ZR-1 NET REGISTRY.