C4 or C3
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 563
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From: Bowling Green KY.
C4 or C3
My cousin Mike is looking at buying either a 1989-92 coupe or a
1978-79 vette. Hes not a mechanic and sine the 78-79's are 25 years old,
I think that he would be better of with a C4. Since most of you have owned older Vettes. What advice would you give? Would the C4 be better in the long run over a C3?
1978-79 vette. Hes not a mechanic and sine the 78-79's are 25 years old,
I think that he would be better of with a C4. Since most of you have owned older Vettes. What advice would you give? Would the C4 be better in the long run over a C3?
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: C4 or C3 (Darth Vader)
Holy crap! A vette owner from Bowling Green actually joined the forum. I thought I was the only one.
The late 70's early 80's C3's were some of the worst performing vettes out there. If he's not mechanically inclined I would lean towards the C4. It will give you better performance and handling with less problems (just because it's newer)
BTW, there is an 89 (I think) sitting at Advantage Auto Sales on Russellville RD. STAY AWAY FROM IT. The car is in terrible shape, the guy has had it for going on 3 years and I don't think it has ever moved. :cheers:
The late 70's early 80's C3's were some of the worst performing vettes out there. If he's not mechanically inclined I would lean towards the C4. It will give you better performance and handling with less problems (just because it's newer)
BTW, there is an 89 (I think) sitting at Advantage Auto Sales on Russellville RD. STAY AWAY FROM IT. The car is in terrible shape, the guy has had it for going on 3 years and I don't think it has ever moved. :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: C4 or C3 (Darth Vader)
rule of thumb - the newer the better.
I have a 92 (as does Nathan) and I would recommend going that route. Less chance of problems... besides, the 92's come with the then new LT1! A good motor, less the damned optispark related problems.
I have a 92 (as does Nathan) and I would recommend going that route. Less chance of problems... besides, the 92's come with the then new LT1! A good motor, less the damned optispark related problems.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 7
From: Lawrenceville PA
Re: C4 or C3 (Darth Vader)
Totally different beasts. I had an early chrome bumper C3 (1972) that was easier to work on (good thing because it always needed to be worked on) but my current Vette (1986 vert) is much more enjoyable to drive. Power for the C3's ranged from awesome in the early years to lame with the mid to late C3's when emissions and OPEC became driving forces in the auto industry. Unlike C4's where everyone (well almost everyone-not me) says buy the newest, the reverse is true for C3's. Other than the fact that they both have the Corvette name, they are worlds apart when it comes to the driving experience. The C4 is much more refined and "modern" feeling compared to my 72. I'm sure C5 owners feel the same way when asked to compare against the C4. Either way it's still a Corvette and a great car.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: C4 or C3 (Darth Vader)
Unless your cousin is looking for a limited edition, like a nice '82 CE, look at '69-'71 for a C3 and '89 for a nice C4.
It should be easier and cheaper to pick up a nice '89 though.
It should be easier and cheaper to pick up a nice '89 though.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 3
From: MCAA License to Kill
St. Jude Contributor
Re: C4 or C3 (midget)
I think your friend would enjoy the C4 better. Even though people rage about the styling of a C3, the performance just can't match a C4 out of the box. A lot of people say get the newest you can afford for many good reasons such as updates and reliability. So just tell him to get a C4, unless he needs a C3 strictly for styling purposes...
BTW, there's already a Darth Vader on this forum, so you two are gonna have to fight to the death.... :jester :cheers:
BTW, there's already a Darth Vader on this forum, so you two are gonna have to fight to the death.... :jester :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Re: C4 or C3 (Darth Vader)
It's a tough one to say (at least I think). The C4 is probably going to be more reliable, but the C3 will probably be a bit cheaper for a mechanic to work on (carburated and minimal electronics over fuel injected and fully computerized). That's just my opinion. I'd probably recommend a '92 coupe for the following reasons:
updated ZR1 style rear-end (looks better in my opinion)
updated dash and gauge cluster (no Knight Rider look)
LT1 engine (debates go on if this is better or not)
driverside airbag (every bit of protection helps)
No matter what year Corvette he gets, there's going to be advantages and disadvantages.
No matter what he gets, be sure he has it looked over by a mechanic. The last thing you want to do is have to spend extra money right off the bat on the car you just bought!
updated ZR1 style rear-end (looks better in my opinion)
updated dash and gauge cluster (no Knight Rider look)
LT1 engine (debates go on if this is better or not)
driverside airbag (every bit of protection helps)
No matter what year Corvette he gets, there's going to be advantages and disadvantages.
No matter what he gets, be sure he has it looked over by a mechanic. The last thing you want to do is have to spend extra money right off the bat on the car you just bought!
My cousin Mike is looking at buying either a 1989-92 coupe or a
1978-79 vette. Hes not a mechanic and sine the 78-79's are 25 years old,
I think that he would be better of with a C4. Since most of you have owned older Vettes. What advice would you give? Would the C4 be better in the long run over a C3?
1978-79 vette. Hes not a mechanic and sine the 78-79's are 25 years old,
I think that he would be better of with a C4. Since most of you have owned older Vettes. What advice would you give? Would the C4 be better in the long run over a C3?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 1
From: Whidbey Island Washington
Re: C4 or C3 (Darth Vader)
Here's my biased opinion onthis Subject...Several Vette dealers, publications, and owners feel that the C-4s are the best bang for the buck. They are priced between the colector priced cars of the C-1-2-3s and the New car smell and hype of the C-5s. The C-4s continually improved after introduction in '84. By the '87 model year the C-4 was realizing it's potential. Each year brought new technology and by 1996 produced a very sound high performing Vette that today is close to anything in the C-5 group for a cost effective daily driver.
If you are not a collector, and don't need the ego trip of a new model, buy the most C-4 your pocket book can handle. I've had many Vettes from a 1960 thru the 2001 model years....some unique (70 LT-1, 91 ZR-1 couple anniversary models, etc). We love our '87 conv and '96 CE coupe. They are real head turners, perform well and their combined cost is far less than what we sold our 2001 coupe for last Jan. BANG FOR THE BUCK!!! Bill :lolg:
If you are not a collector, and don't need the ego trip of a new model, buy the most C-4 your pocket book can handle. I've had many Vettes from a 1960 thru the 2001 model years....some unique (70 LT-1, 91 ZR-1 couple anniversary models, etc). We love our '87 conv and '96 CE coupe. They are real head turners, perform well and their combined cost is far less than what we sold our 2001 coupe for last Jan. BANG FOR THE BUCK!!! Bill :lolg:
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,183
Likes: 1,740
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: C4 or C3 (ZRWON)
I love C3s, one day i will have one, but for now they would cost me even more to maintain than this 86. Things that wouldnt normally break on a car made within 10-15 years will be breaking often on a late 70s vette. Ive never thought of C3s as being the most reliable vette even when it was new.
A friend of mine has a 74 vert, and he's always got little things to fix. Door locks, weatherstrip, interior parts break, then he worries about rust of the frame. His motor mounts just gave way a couple months ago, while he was driving the car. :eek:
I say if you dont mind fixing little stuff all the time, go for it, the engine/mechanical stuff is SO MUCH easier on a carbed car to me. I loved working on his 74's engine. Plenty of room to work and no electronics to worry about.
A friend of mine has a 74 vert, and he's always got little things to fix. Door locks, weatherstrip, interior parts break, then he worries about rust of the frame. His motor mounts just gave way a couple months ago, while he was driving the car. :eek:
I say if you dont mind fixing little stuff all the time, go for it, the engine/mechanical stuff is SO MUCH easier on a carbed car to me. I loved working on his 74's engine. Plenty of room to work and no electronics to worry about.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
From: Spring Hill Florida
Re: C4 or C3 (Darth Vader)
I owned a '79 L82 before my C4 and it was a great car.... (yeah, here it comes), except everything on the car was OLD. From bushings in the suspension to weatherstripping to wiring. I had a lot of things replaced by a GM dealership and it costed big $$$ each time it went in. Besides a tune up and an opti, the C4 has not given me any trouble. It feels less like the hot rod that the C3 felt like and I can actually drive by the Chevy dealership. :yesnod:
C3's are great but most need a lot of TLC because of their age.
Like me.
C3's are great but most need a lot of TLC because of their age.
Like me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 1
From: Meadville PA
Re: C4 or C3 (Darth Vader)
if he is not a mechanical type i would shy away from a c-3... c-4's are alotr more reliable parts are decnt in price and they are just plain newer ..less to go wrong .. don't beat me up to much fellas but i can honestly can say i did not care for corvettes at all and thought them to be really overated till i drove c-4's :cheers: what a difference in the quality ...the ride is better the power is way better with the exception of afew bigblock c3's.. and personally they are more comfortable to ride and drive ...not to mention they look great :thumbs:
:steering:
:steering:
Moderator Emeritus
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 46,133
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From: Maryville Tn
CI 5 thru 12 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '23
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Re: C4 or C3 (Darth Vader)
I like the C3's styling, but I'll choose the C4 for performance and handling everytime. :yesnod:
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 247
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From: las vegas nv
Re: C4 or C3 (85red_vette)
i have an 85 c4 and a 77 c3. two completely different cars. my c3 is in very good condition with 91k original. id get in it and drive it anywhere anytime. simple to work on, just a small block with very few electronics. stock it was a dog, no more. if you find a good solid one, go for it.
the c4 handles better, steers quicker, and bigger. lots more leg room and actually has room for a suitcase if youre going someplace. the c4 is stock and the c3 would take it in a drag race, but not a prayer on a mountain road
drive em both and see which one he likes the best. if they are both solid cars, flip a coin. cockpit view while driving a c3 is hard to beat, still love those shark fenders. my c3 is my daily driver, but its an auto and back and forth in stop and go is a little more user friendly.
parts for a c3 are readilly available and way cheaper than a c4. for a couple grand you can get some real hp out of a c3. that might get you a super ram and a cam for a c4.
the c4 handles better, steers quicker, and bigger. lots more leg room and actually has room for a suitcase if youre going someplace. the c4 is stock and the c3 would take it in a drag race, but not a prayer on a mountain road
drive em both and see which one he likes the best. if they are both solid cars, flip a coin. cockpit view while driving a c3 is hard to beat, still love those shark fenders. my c3 is my daily driver, but its an auto and back and forth in stop and go is a little more user friendly.
parts for a c3 are readilly available and way cheaper than a c4. for a couple grand you can get some real hp out of a c3. that might get you a super ram and a cam for a c4.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
Re: C4 or C3 (Darth Vader)
A C3 will pay off $$ wise sooner than us C4 owners, I think, but I will stick w/what I got & wait for my turn. I may just have an 86 vette right now, but who knows how much it may be worth in 10 years? OK, I probably won't even care how much it is worth by then (heck, I will be 47!) , but whatever. hehhe