C3 / C4 Ride...Handling
Thread Starter
Southern Piedmont Area
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 573
Likes: 19
From: North Carolina
C3 / C4 Ride...Handling
Hi folks,
I'm new to the forum, and I plan on purchasing a good, used Corvette in the near future (when I find the right one).
There is a '76 for sale in my town with low miles and an L-48 350.
I was researching mid-seventies Corvettes on the internet when I came across a discussion on a forum (not this forum) concerning a '76 Corvette a fellow was looking at on E-Bay.
One of the forum members warned the guy that he would be in for a bad surprise with the poor handling, bad ride and low power of the '76 Corvette.
Another guy responded that Corvettes from around '74 until around 1990 were somewhat sub-par in most aspects...two or three other forum members chimed in to agree with this guy.
After reading what those guys said, now I'm not so interested in that '76 in my town when I drive by it.
How would the technology, ride, handling, power, etc., of a '76 Corvette compare to a '96 Corvette?
I've seen some sweet mid-nineties Corvettes for sale on e-Bay at decent prices.
Also, is e-Bay a good place to find a 'Vette?
Thanks for any responses and info.
Regards,
-Ward
I'm new to the forum, and I plan on purchasing a good, used Corvette in the near future (when I find the right one).
There is a '76 for sale in my town with low miles and an L-48 350.
I was researching mid-seventies Corvettes on the internet when I came across a discussion on a forum (not this forum) concerning a '76 Corvette a fellow was looking at on E-Bay.
One of the forum members warned the guy that he would be in for a bad surprise with the poor handling, bad ride and low power of the '76 Corvette.
Another guy responded that Corvettes from around '74 until around 1990 were somewhat sub-par in most aspects...two or three other forum members chimed in to agree with this guy.
After reading what those guys said, now I'm not so interested in that '76 in my town when I drive by it.
How would the technology, ride, handling, power, etc., of a '76 Corvette compare to a '96 Corvette?
I've seen some sweet mid-nineties Corvettes for sale on e-Bay at decent prices.
Also, is e-Bay a good place to find a 'Vette?
Thanks for any responses and info.
Regards,
-Ward
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh Penna.
I was in the same boat Ward. Originally I was looking for a corvette that I could upgrade the suspension on and do some autocrossing with. When I started adding up the money I would need to invest to get the level of handeling and steering I the C4 offered it made more sense to start with the C4
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 2
From: Richfield Utah
I had a 74 Stingray, and now have an L-98 C4 with the Z51 package. It's hard to beat the looks of a nice Stingray. I'll tell you right now. The 74 handles like a covered wagon compared to my 88... JMO 
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Go drive both, you may like the feel of either one better. As far as handling ability and overall everything the 96 does it 1000x better.
Except it doesnt look like a C3.
...You can work on a C3 too, come to think of it.
Except it doesnt look like a C3.
...You can work on a C3 too, come to think of it.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Remember that when the '84 Vette was introduced it even got raves in Europe for its handling & power compared with the '82. Plus the mid '70s were plagued by the EPA and low tech smog requirements.
Indeed I've been on some mountain road "cruizes" and the C3s simply could not keep up through the tight twisties. Yet I had no problem keeping up with the C5 in front of me and keeping out of the C5 following me.
As mentioned, take the time to drive a few Vettes to see what "fits" you. Then you will always be happy with your choice.
A few years ago a young friend, who had just bought a sweet '82 CE asked me for a ride in my '88. While driving along at around 30-35mph he said "hey take a left here", to which I simply cut the wheel (no brakes) and made the sharp 90deg turn. His remark was "geesus this thing handles like it's on rails"...
Indeed I've been on some mountain road "cruizes" and the C3s simply could not keep up through the tight twisties. Yet I had no problem keeping up with the C5 in front of me and keeping out of the C5 following me.
As mentioned, take the time to drive a few Vettes to see what "fits" you. Then you will always be happy with your choice.
A few years ago a young friend, who had just bought a sweet '82 CE asked me for a ride in my '88. While driving along at around 30-35mph he said "hey take a left here", to which I simply cut the wheel (no brakes) and made the sharp 90deg turn. His remark was "geesus this thing handles like it's on rails"...
Last edited by 65Z01; Mar 20, 2007 at 03:54 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 14
From: Grand Sport #82
I borrowed a 76 L48 last week..
Found that the C3 has handling like a shopping cart, where one wheels seems to be blocked some paper garbage, so you never really know which way it wants to go....
Found that the C3 has handling like a shopping cart, where one wheels seems to be blocked some paper garbage, so you never really know which way it wants to go....
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,214
Likes: 65
From: Queensland, AUSTRALIA
Thats 100% correct in every way shape and form. No question of it. I drove my mate's 1980 with a 383 just 6 days ago and it felt like i was driving a family car. And this 1980 has a rack and pinion conversion setup on it, and does drive alot nicer than a stock C3.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
I think most of the guys are saying that handling improved in '84 and that power improved (with the ltx engine) in '92 (not counting the ZR1). I love the way my '85 handles and I am satisfied with the power. That said, I'd still like a silver '78. It's all what you like best. Everyone will have their opinion.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
From: Pueblo Colorado
The 84 had MAJOR improvement in handeling compared to the 7#-82... But i own both an 84 and an 87 and will tell you that the 84 is lousy compared to the 87 also. So if you start looking at C4s start with 86up. In 92 they refined the ride and added alot more sotp (seat of the pants) power by making them feel alot smoother and more in control. So try to drive a few different years to get the feel that you want, but avoid the low priced 84s if possible.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
He asked about ride and handling and the 69-70 with the big block were plenty quick but they handled even worse with the extra weight on the nose. I really like the 68-72 sharks, beautiful cars. No bashing from me but for a ride and handling comparison there really isn't one.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
From: pa
He asked about ride and handling and the 69-70 with the big block were plenty quick but they handled even worse with the extra weight on the nose. I really like the 68-72 sharks, beautiful cars. No bashing from me but for a ride and handling comparison there really isn't one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
Hi folks,
I'm new to the forum, and I plan on purchasing a good, used Corvette in the near future (when I find the right one).
There is a '76 for sale in my town with low miles and an L-48 350.
I was researching mid-seventies Corvettes on the internet when I came across a discussion on a forum (not this forum) concerning a '76 Corvette a fellow was looking at on E-Bay.
One of the forum members warned the guy that he would be in for a bad surprise with the poor handling, bad ride and low power of the '76 Corvette.
Another guy responded that Corvettes from around '74 until around 1990 were somewhat sub-par in most aspects...two or three other forum members chimed in to agree with this guy.
After reading what those guys said, now I'm not so interested in that '76 in my town when I drive by it.
How would the technology, ride, handling, power, etc., of a '76 Corvette compare to a '96 Corvette?
I've seen some sweet mid-nineties Corvettes for sale on e-Bay at decent prices.
Also, is e-Bay a good place to find a 'Vette?
Thanks for any responses and info.
Regards,
-Ward
I'm new to the forum, and I plan on purchasing a good, used Corvette in the near future (when I find the right one).
There is a '76 for sale in my town with low miles and an L-48 350.
I was researching mid-seventies Corvettes on the internet when I came across a discussion on a forum (not this forum) concerning a '76 Corvette a fellow was looking at on E-Bay.
One of the forum members warned the guy that he would be in for a bad surprise with the poor handling, bad ride and low power of the '76 Corvette.
Another guy responded that Corvettes from around '74 until around 1990 were somewhat sub-par in most aspects...two or three other forum members chimed in to agree with this guy.
After reading what those guys said, now I'm not so interested in that '76 in my town when I drive by it.
How would the technology, ride, handling, power, etc., of a '76 Corvette compare to a '96 Corvette?
I've seen some sweet mid-nineties Corvettes for sale on e-Bay at decent prices.
Also, is e-Bay a good place to find a 'Vette?
Thanks for any responses and info.
Regards,
-Ward
1996 Corvette 3203 lbs 300 horsepower or 330 optional
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,681
Likes: 753
From: NEwhere Ohio
[QUOTE=65Z01;1559442959]
Indeed I've been on some mountain road "cruizes" and the C3s simply could not keep up through the tight twisties. Yet I had no problem keeping up with the C5 in front of me and keeping out of the C5 following me.
QUOTE]
Very true. Ive seen this happen at road course races. There is a Huge gap in performance between C3 and C4.
Sure there is a gap between C4 and C5, but nothing like the gap between C3 and C4.
If I was going C4, Id get a 96 6spd (HAs the LT4, the auto's dont).
Or if I found a really good deal, Id get a 95 (95+ has the upgraded ASR/ABS algorithms, and 13" front brakes standard).
Get the 6spd. It will hold its value better since most C4's were autos.
Indeed I've been on some mountain road "cruizes" and the C3s simply could not keep up through the tight twisties. Yet I had no problem keeping up with the C5 in front of me and keeping out of the C5 following me.
QUOTE]
Very true. Ive seen this happen at road course races. There is a Huge gap in performance between C3 and C4.
Sure there is a gap between C4 and C5, but nothing like the gap between C3 and C4.
If I was going C4, Id get a 96 6spd (HAs the LT4, the auto's dont).
Or if I found a really good deal, Id get a 95 (95+ has the upgraded ASR/ABS algorithms, and 13" front brakes standard).
Get the 6spd. It will hold its value better since most C4's were autos.