c4 - c5 what do you think
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: So Cal
c4 - c5 what do you think
just a random question. which do you like better and why? I have a 94, driven many 97+ not really to impressed in the diff. of course exculed z06 but again with that is the z06 gain worth the price. only want your opinions because i almost bought a 98 before my 94. thanks :chevy
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 5,159
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From: Indiana
Re: c4 - c5 what do you think (morphious)
.......Funny you should ask. I was considering trading up to a '99 just a couple of weeks ago. I was allowed to take the car for as I wanted to drive it. This dealer was really wanting to sell. It had the "soft" suspension rpo and the 2.73 diff. It was beautiful inside and out with Majestic Red exterior and black leather interior. That's where the attraction ended.
I bought a Vette in the first place for that race/sports car feel. I want to be able to feel the road......not have my butt form-fitted to a seat and get stuck in there. Honestly, I could've kept up with it in 1/8 mile drag too with my '87. The LS1 had good acceleration above 60mph but how often is that needed? I'm sure that it had scary top end too. So what?
On the other hand, a Z51 or FE3 equipped C5 with performance axle would probably make me forget all about my C4 but that wasn't my experience with this particular car. That's why I am looking at options and upgrades to get LS1 performance in a C4 chassis. Who could ask for more? I'm happy with what I have now and am in fact keeping an eye out for a '96 LT1/4 to play with.
Randy
I bought a Vette in the first place for that race/sports car feel. I want to be able to feel the road......not have my butt form-fitted to a seat and get stuck in there. Honestly, I could've kept up with it in 1/8 mile drag too with my '87. The LS1 had good acceleration above 60mph but how often is that needed? I'm sure that it had scary top end too. So what?
On the other hand, a Z51 or FE3 equipped C5 with performance axle would probably make me forget all about my C4 but that wasn't my experience with this particular car. That's why I am looking at options and upgrades to get LS1 performance in a C4 chassis. Who could ask for more? I'm happy with what I have now and am in fact keeping an eye out for a '96 LT1/4 to play with.
Randy
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: The Rock Arkansas
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Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: c4 - c5 what do you think (KF9WM's 87 coupe)
Okay, I drive a C5 so you probably know what I'm going to say. 
The C4 is a great car, but the only C4 that can rival a C5 in performance stock is a ZR1 or an LT4. Don't mistake a smooth ride for poor handling performance.
The C5 has higher rated horspower (excluding the LT5). The C5 frame is 4.5x more rigid than the C4. The C5 has a transaxle transmission for nearly a 50/50 balance of weight in the front and back. The C5 has over 2,000 fewer parts which means there is less to break down/rattle. The C5 weighs less and has the lowest drag coeffecient of any car in the world.
The C4 is a nice car but it cannot rival the C5 in technology/handling/performance stock v stock. The same thing will happen to the C5 when the C6 comes out. It's just the never ending quest for perfection and new technology. (Flame suit on) :D
[Modified by Doughan, 8:34 AM 8/22/2001]
The C4 is a great car, but the only C4 that can rival a C5 in performance stock is a ZR1 or an LT4. Don't mistake a smooth ride for poor handling performance.The C5 has higher rated horspower (excluding the LT5). The C5 frame is 4.5x more rigid than the C4. The C5 has a transaxle transmission for nearly a 50/50 balance of weight in the front and back. The C5 has over 2,000 fewer parts which means there is less to break down/rattle. The C5 weighs less and has the lowest drag coeffecient of any car in the world.
The C4 is a nice car but it cannot rival the C5 in technology/handling/performance stock v stock. The same thing will happen to the C5 when the C6 comes out. It's just the never ending quest for perfection and new technology. (Flame suit on) :D
[Modified by Doughan, 8:34 AM 8/22/2001]
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 5,159
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From: Indiana
Re: c4 - c5 what do you think (Doughan)
Ok Doughan, you can take the Nomex off any time :D We're friendly over here. I looked at the C5 because that is what I thought that I wanted. I like the look and I REALLY wanted to like this car. I really did. The speedometer probably wasn't lying. It just was not that quick from a dead stop. I was so disappointed but like I said, if I can find one equipped like I want, I'll be a happy boy.
I'll give it another chance.....I'm open-minded :D
Randy
I'll give it another chance.....I'm open-minded :D
Randy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 882
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From: Chicago, IL
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: c4 - c5 what do you think (Doughan)
I agree with all the reasons a C5 is a "better" car. However, there are other subjective qualities that keep me in my C4. I watched the C4 develop as I grew up, I really don't like the looks of the C5 at all, and I like the feel of my C4 better than any C5 I have driven, including Z51's. I am aware that a C5 can outhandle and accelerate me but it just doesn't feel connected to me like my C4 does. And does it really matter if I can go .5 seconds faster in the quarter, not to me.
All that said as time marches on the Corvette continues to get better in many ways as noted above but that doesn't make a newer model the right choice for everyone. Absolute numbers never tell the whole driving story. If you look at the mumbers of a Miata it looks like it should be no more fun to drive than a Civic but anybody who drives one for a while will tell you a whole different story.
Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, the point is there is no one car that is right for everyone, if you enjoy your car that's what matters.
All that said as time marches on the Corvette continues to get better in many ways as noted above but that doesn't make a newer model the right choice for everyone. Absolute numbers never tell the whole driving story. If you look at the mumbers of a Miata it looks like it should be no more fun to drive than a Civic but anybody who drives one for a while will tell you a whole different story.
Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, the point is there is no one car that is right for everyone, if you enjoy your car that's what matters.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,641
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From: Southern California
Re: c4 - c5 what do you think (morphious)
I don't think its better. I love my C4. All I want is more power (396 stroker when I can afford it) and a stiffer car (i'm buying a hardtop soon). No other complaints:yesnod:.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 790
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Re: c4 - c5 what do you think (Raysur)
Man, I don't know. I really like the C5 (except for the rear view), but I haven't driven one. The lady I bought my 92 from had just purchased a 2001 Z06. Her reaction is she wished she hadn't, didn't like it as well as the 92 roadster. However, her main complaint was the 6 speed. She was used to an auto.
If the old saying, frequently heard here on the forum, is buy the newest one you can afford is true...then the C5 would be in the running. All my pocketbook would afford is the C4. My next car will be another C4, and hopefully an LT4. Time and technology marches on...I just can't seem to get in step.
If the old saying, frequently heard here on the forum, is buy the newest one you can afford is true...then the C5 would be in the running. All my pocketbook would afford is the C4. My next car will be another C4, and hopefully an LT4. Time and technology marches on...I just can't seem to get in step.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10,230
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From: Alexandria, Virginia, USA VA
Re: c4 - c5 what do you think (emoshn)
I'm a cheap B@stard with too many cars and projects so I bought a 90 ZR1. I never would think of a ZR1 as a bargain car but this one was. very exclusive, 23K price, for a 450 HP DRM modified car with 64K miles. the car was well taken car of and runs super. Not as nice, stiff or as ez to get in an out of as a C5, but excellent bang for the buck. C5s can also be had in the low 30s/high 20s for excellent cars.
I just liked the LT5 engine, and the modified 90 DRM LT5 450HP really rocks. it was cheaper because of the mods than a low mile stock ZR1. car came with a roll bar, suspension and engine mods so the collector value is ruined, but I didn't buy this car to sell it, I wanted a ZR1 daily driver!!!
there are many other issues to consider, the overall quality, handling, and comfort are much better on the C5 IMHO, but I like the ZR1 alot more due to the top end speed and the way it drives!!!! driving a legend is nice too. I see C5s on the road all the time.
I also like the "clean & mean" look of the ZR1. Mine is black, red interior, with chrome ZR1 wheels, very nice car for the bucks. either way, your personal taste and preferences should be the deciding factor, both are really great cars. drive them both before you make up your mind.
I just liked the LT5 engine, and the modified 90 DRM LT5 450HP really rocks. it was cheaper because of the mods than a low mile stock ZR1. car came with a roll bar, suspension and engine mods so the collector value is ruined, but I didn't buy this car to sell it, I wanted a ZR1 daily driver!!!
there are many other issues to consider, the overall quality, handling, and comfort are much better on the C5 IMHO, but I like the ZR1 alot more due to the top end speed and the way it drives!!!! driving a legend is nice too. I see C5s on the road all the time.
I also like the "clean & mean" look of the ZR1. Mine is black, red interior, with chrome ZR1 wheels, very nice car for the bucks. either way, your personal taste and preferences should be the deciding factor, both are really great cars. drive them both before you make up your mind.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Loveland Co
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: c4 - c5 what do you think (GiDvEtTe84)
I too was into the C5's alot and actually thought the C4's were ugly a few years back, but as i was looking and driving cars the C4 started to grow on me. I would now argue that the C4 has the best styling of any corvette anyday. It has body lines that are not too subtle yet aren't too aggresive, plus i love the whole hood opening forward. I love the C5's don't get me wrong they are one of the best bangs for the buck, but i like to tweak and modify and play with cars and C5's frankly with my budget i could only afford the car, even with prices dropping i think my next car will be an LT4 Grand Sport, or maybe a ZR-1. I also didn't want to worry about driving the car alot since that is my favorite pastime, i bought my 91 in December with 29,990 miles on the odometer and now have 47,000+ and plan to drive it down to Bowling Green for Labor Day weekend. I respect all Corvettes and want to have a 69 427 some day, or even a 67 with a 427, big block hood, and side pipes :Drool: (man we really need a drool smiley) There really is no Corvette that is better than any other generation, Corvettes aren't always about numbers. It a car with heritage and tradition and all generations have their pros and cons
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,606
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From: Vacaville, CA
Re: c4 - c5 what do you think (morphious)
I like the C4 due to the fact that it is a technological development of the 80's generation. I remember when it came out it was all the rave... Same for the C5, but this was at the beginning of the computer generation. GM had successfully added a complete computer DFI system to a great handling and great looking car. The C4 is not so impossible to work on or modify easily. The car is also one of the best looking, high performance, non-dentable, and rustproff cars on the road today.
Bruce, 91 L-98 with soon to be installed supercharged 383!!!
Bruce, 91 L-98 with soon to be installed supercharged 383!!!