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C3 and C4 - totally different beasts. I bought a '77 when I was 19 and kept it for 6 years. Regretted selling it until I got my '91 when I was 30 3 years ago.
Here are my views:
C3:
- more agressive looks, turns heads a lot :)
- more simple technics so it is easier to repair and modify
- no electronics to fail
- not very good suspension stock but it is possible to make them handle quite nicely. No match for C4 though.
- carb engines have quite bad fuel economy compared to FI
- these cars are getting antique so good examples are getting more difficult to find
C4:
- exteriour design is smoother but doesn't gather as many looks as C3's
- more sophisticated all over
- possibility of electric/electronic problems way bigger
- lots more to repair and things are more complex
- loads of smog equiptment and sensors which need attention sooner of later
- pretty good suspension stock and possible to improve even further
- FI engines have good fuel economy
So, IMO the C4 is way better for every day use than C3 but there is lots more that can go wrong. For track or autox use C4 is also better platform to build on. C3 is more macho though. I plan to keep my '91 forever but I hope I can get a 68-72 C3 one day.
I've owned C-1's, C-2's, C-3's, C-4's. I like all Corvettes.
I like C-2's the best. 2nd best C-4's.
C-2's and C-3's are dangerous in the rain. C-4's handle a lot better wet or dry. C-4's are complicated.
I'd rather own a used Corvette that anyother new car.
When the C-5s get cheap enough I'm there.
For 25K I'd buy a C-2 over a C-5, or any C-4. :flag
When looking for my 1st vette, I test drove a 1968 327 C-3 roadster ($18k) it was nice. Then a 1986 L98, 4+3 stock roadster (14k) Bought the C-4, better ride, handling, performance. A better car for the money in my opinion, and 4k less. Still love the 68, maybe someday to stablemate the 86
but not as a frequent driver.
When you said the word "Corvette" to group people, I would bet that most of them would picture a C3 in their mind, C3 is Corvette in the purist form.
Depends on the age of the people...i am 25, and when someone says corvette, i think of a c4 first...it's what i grew up with!! I think that holds true for most people my age.
:cheers:
You are correct sir. I was typing hastily and mixed concepts. 92 is the first year that you can get all three items ( dash, body style, & LT1 engine ). Sory for continuing the chain of incorrect info. I stand corrected. No I don't. I don't have orthopedic shoes. LOL
When you said the word "Corvette" to group people, I would bet that most of them would picture a C3 in their mind, C3 is Corvette in the purist form.
Depends on the age of the people...i am 25, and when someone says corvette, i think of a c4 first...it's what i grew up with!! I think that holds true for most people my age.
:cheers:
:withstupid: The corvette I have now I first laid eyes on when I was 2 and half years old :eek: , so "corvette" to me= bronze C4 :jester
When you said the word "Corvette" to group people, I would bet that most of them would picture a C3 in their mind, C3 is Corvette in the purist form.
Depends on the age of the people...i am 25, and when someone says corvette, i think of a c4 first...it's what i grew up with!! I think that holds true for most people my age.
:cheers:
:withstupid: i'm 22 and i think of the c4 as well.... :D
I know I'm gonna get pummeled, but to be perfectly frank I think the stock C4 body style is a bit too "generic" :D Not really, I love all the different body changes through the years. I drove a '70 and while the handling wasn't even in the same universe as my 90 Z51, I would still love to own one because I've always been in total love with the C3 styling. It reeks of pure sex, its that simple :cheers: The 90 I have right now Ill keep for maybe 2 years, then its either a ZR1 or moded LT4. But my heart is always with the C3 :thumbs:
I love this thread...I have had a 66 vert, it was fun but not comfortable to me, then I had a bunch of c3's including turbo wide bodies and a BB air roadster, that car was "fun" to drive but like the 66 wore me out after a long day in it my 81's I've had 2 were nice low on power until you "play" with the engines but they had a few bells and whistles, the last 81 I had ran 11's in street trim with AC...but...now the 86 Like I said before I think it looks too much like a firebird but man it doesnt drive like a firebird this thing has all the bells and whistles AND would keep up with my BB c3....I never thought I would own a c4 now I really love it, but I still have that custom c3 in the back yard...daily driver wise c4 wins hands down....
and to my dismay in traffic people assume the car is "bad" which is fun in a childish sorta way.... :hat
What I forgot to say before....the BB c3 down right scared people at cruises, now just imagine a shark body on a c4 chassis....:thumbs:
Charlie.... :flag :thumbs:
Completely different than the C4. I can't get into all the details, but I would prefer to have the '69 that I drove or one just like it, nothing like a carburated,4 speed with manual brakes, manual steering and no power anything. It's an experience that reminds me of my youth. Oh and sidepipes that will absolutely deafen you. It's great and no emissions crap to worry about.
Mojo,
You've just described my '74, except I have chambered exhaust instead of side pipes, but with the Hooker Super Comps it will deafen anyone behind you.
I have to agree with those that say the handling of a C3 is lacking (even with serious mods) and that they are an adventure over 100 mph, but WHAT A THRILL!
I love my '96 CE for it's reliability (so far), handling, brakes, comfort, etc, but when I need a rush I cruise in the '74.
Of course...when I get the Corsas, hot cam, etc down the road the '96 will have a new personality.
Luv em both!
Jeff
The C4 rides better ,performs better ,is more comfortable ,more dependable, and though the C4 gets plenty of attention.........I would have to say my Yellow 74 coupe turned more heads. Overall the C4 is a great car.....maybe the best vette ever. But the C3 sharks are the crowd pleasers. :thumbs: