OK guys and gals who here has driven both. I want to here the good and the bad of both! :crazy:

 

I had a 79 for about a year and much prefer the C4, thats why I kept the 86. As far as working on them the C3 was much easier (no electronics) and I actually like the body style better. But thats where it ended.

The car was slow (L48 auto) and handles like crap. I know the C4 doesn't have a lot of room on the inside but it seemed like the C3 felt more cramped. I also didn't care for the interior design and mine as with alot of them I've seen had crappy A/C. I just mainly didn't like the way it drove.

I would like to own one again someday, but after I get some money saved up to do it my way with a better suspension setup and some major motor mods.

*I am hoping this post doen't pizz off any C3 guys, I am just giving an opinion*


[Modified by hz900, 2:57 PM 4/4/2003]

 

I've had mid-years c-3's and now a c-3 and c-4 they are all different creatures I love each one for things and each have things I don't like...the 86 has all the cool bells and whistles it drives like it's on rails in stock form, the c3 I have right now is a radical custom and I admit the c3 shark body is my favorite body style, the c4 looks like a firebird to me...they are all vettes after all so that alone makes them all way cool.... :thumbs:
things like space and mpg dont matter to me these are sports cars not geos or caddies....hey but all of them beat the hell outta my 5.0 mustang....
:flag Charlie.

 

I also have a C3 and C4.I like the looks of mine 75 vert better than my 86 coupe as I think it is one of the best looking roadster body styles of all corvettes.(just my opinion)The 86 is diffenatly a better road car.The 75 is my cruise in car.I love them both but for different reasons.

 

I kinda like the interior room of the C3 and the ease of working on it, but alot of stuff will break too, little things that drive you nuts.

I will have a shark one day.

 

As you can see, I have the C4. I chose the 92 in particular for a few reasons. First, If you want an interior that gives you that cockpit feel, then you have to start with 92 and move forward. Otherwise, you get the older look and feel inside. Don’t get me wrong here. Some people love the older design. So, it is really up to you. I just happen to prefer the newer styling for myself. Sadly, I did have to compromise on the Exterior body styling, because I have always loved the look of the C3. But, that was really the only trade off for me. The C4 beginning with the 92 has an LT1 300(+) hp engine and you can tell that it is a major enhancement over the 91. Mine is a 6 speed. Originally I was looking for an automatic. But when I drove the 6 speed, WOW! I was hooked. I have a friend with a beautiful 2000 Red Convertible with every toy available (heads up display etc…) and every time he sees my 92 he just keeps saying, “Dang it! I should have gotten the 6 speed!” If you are going to have this Corvette as a toy and not as a primary vehicle and you don’t get stick, you are missing out. If you can’t drive stick, then you should learn. Really! It is that much more fun. In any case, I if I was a mechanic and I could afford to keep my 92, I’d get a C3. But, I wouldn’t make the trade. The technology, in the C4 (even the stereo that everyone wishes were more easily upgradeable) is a big leap ahead of the C3. Again, if styling is the main issue, I think the C3 is beautiful. But, either way, you’ll be in a Corvette now then won’t you?

 

I sold my 76 C3 to purchase a C4. I liked the style of a C3 better but there
is really no comparison in driveing between the two. Seems to me there is
more interior room in the C4,the rear "hatch" opens for some storage in
the C4,the handleing is totally different,the ride in the C4 is better,better
gas mileage,more user friendly "toys" ie-nice radio,climate control,power
seats with power lumbar etc. I do however miss the looks and the ease
of working on the C3 but wouldn't sell my C4! :flag

 

In my honest opinion the worst thing about the non Stingray C3's is without a doubt the engine. I realize that it was due to the emissions change and such but that has got to be a downer. Still its a good car for its time. :chevy

 

Will, what are you doing to us??????

I've driven a '69,'77 and a '79.

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.

 

Why do people say this all the time??? The newer INTERIOR design started in '90. The newer BODY style started in '91. Neither one started in '92. Now the LT1 engine started in '92 but thats about the only diff. This is not a flame at all dood, Im just tired of hearing this all the time :cheers:

 

Don't worry i am just kicking these idea's around. Nothing serious. I told my mom of my interest in a C3 and she laughed at me. o well

-Will

 

They all put a smile on my face :D .

They are all different, and all a blast.

 

:iagree: ..I like them all ........... :D

 

I’ve owned and driven many miles in both, I love the looks of the C3 and as a weekend driver they are great but when it come to comfort and long hours in the driver seat I would take the C4.

 

I've had a C3, and now, a C4. I like them both for different reasons. The C3 is by far and wide, what Joe Everyman equates with "Corvette" There is no mistaking the body lines on a C3. I've never heard ANYBODY ask "What kind of car is that?" when pointing out a C3. I didn't like the way I fit in my C3. I'm 6'2, and there was just not enough room for me to get comfortable in my 76. My 85, while being somewhat generic in body style, has my ol' Stingray beat in the room dept., as well as performance (a no brainer). When it all comes right down to it...53 to 03...if it says Corvette on it, I'd be proud to have it in my driveway. :thumbs:

 

I sold my '71 in '75 and have missed it ever since. I love my '96, but it is just not as beautiful as a chrome bumper C3.

:flag

 

I originally got into Corvettes because I looked at my '76 Trans-Am and realized that I could be driving a 'VETTE for the same money I paid for my T/A. I started to do a lot of looking at mid/late C3s, but the more I read, the more I realized that C4s would be a better way to go for a daily driver. I LOVE the C3's body style, image, and "roughness", but when it came down to it, I could have better performance and comfort for the same money out of a C4. I'll have a C3 one day, for sure, but when I can do it right.

MF

 

What's not to like ! Get the newest one you can afford. I had a 79 (one of the worst years) for 11 yrs. I must have liked it ! Then a 90, a quantum leap in every respect. Had that for five yrs and now I have a 95. The 95 is the fastest of the three of course but I liked the way the 90 handled best. :cool: :chevy I smile when I drive my Ruby Red. :rofl:

 

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. The shark shape is unmistakable and they were around for a long time, 24 years. I drove a 79 once and while I prefer the C4, I wouldn't mind an early C3 in the garage either! :cheers:

 

I own a 69, 85 (will be selling ) and a 93 and to be honest you can not compare a C3 and a C4 together. They are totally different and i am glad they are. The 69 is the ultimate weekend warrior and the c4 is the best everyday car. If I had to choose to own only one it would be the 69 anyday of the week nothing looks like its :cool: