I was looking at the specs of the 1975 L82 350 V8, and they show the advancement of the L83 Crossfire V8.

1975 L82 205 hp @ 4,800 rpm 255 lb/ft @ 3600 rpm 9.0:1 CR
1984 L83 205 hp @ 4,300 rpm 290 lb/ft @ 2800 rpm 9.0:1 CR

The L83 was certainly doing something at lower rpm. From a driving perspective, just my opinion, I would say the 1982 Crossfire car was the first stock Corvette to feel good since 1974, and the 1984 car was the first to feel very lively since 1974.

The TBI system isn't the most advanced fuel injection system in the world, but it got the job done on many GM cars. Yes, it only has two injectors, Bosch K-jet on many imports including the Ferrari 308 had one injector per cylinder, but that system had no computer. The L83 TBI could adjust the fuel air mixture 80 times per second. That's something no carb can do. A 1984 Crossfire Corvette was used on the A-Team TV show. They only used one car for the show's entire run, and that car still survives in good shape today. So a Crossfire car can be reliable and enjoyable as the following video shows:

[url= [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr7iMYfOrqM[/ame]

I like the idea that the L83's fuel injection was an all American Rochester system, and with the 2.77 diff ratio which most 1984 cars seem to have, that means just 2,000 rpm at 70 mph and Road & Track said 77 decibels. Using R&T's figures a little quieter overall than a '70s BMW 5 series, and that's an autobahn sedan.

With the seldom found 3.31 diff ratio a 1984 coupe seems to have the same performance as a 1974 Corvette LS4 454, high 14s and almost 140 mph top speed. But with at least 5 mpg better overall and lower noise levels.

I really like the look of the C5. I think it's one of the best Corvette shapes of all time, and prefer it to the C6, C7 and C8. In fact, IMO, they seem to have been getting steadily uglier after the C5. And yet, many say the C5 is too bland.

However, couple of things to look out for on C5s, 1997-2000, the Bosch ABS computer can't be found new and can't be repaired. And the later C5s with magnetic shocks leak, which can be expensive if you can't fool the computer and put Bilsteins in.

 

I have taken my 96 LT4 on several three hour one-way trips. I have also taken my 98 base A4 on the same trips. Without counting the difference in the manual C4 vs the auto C5, I would have to say the C5 is just much more comfortable. I am wore out when I get out of the C4 after a long drive, but not with the C5. Of course, a C3 will tire you our faster than a C4, and that is what you have now.

 

I'd go with a C5 given your logic in wanting to sell the C3.

C4s drive more like a muscle car than a sports car. You feel every bit of the road, too. As was mentioned, a C4 can wear you out. That's kind of what I like about the C4, to be honest.