Corvette = Practical?
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
Like some of the others, I can't comment on how to work things where it snows a lot. Down here when it snows, they just roll up the streets and close the town until it thaws.
But as for practicality, I think some other aspects of a C5 should be mentioned. They get amazing gas mileage for such a high performance sports car. Some people report 30 mpg on the road. Generally around 18 in town. The coupes have a ton of storage space in the trunk and the vert and FRC aren't far behind. They're short and will fit almost anywhere. They're American so while we pay the "vette tax" you don't hear about any $5,000 tuneups. If you break down, any Chevy dealer in the country can get you rolling again. Try that in your Lotus. They're comfortable and ride well (albeit a bit firm).
I think except for the snow issue, they're damn practical cars if you don't need a back seat. I think if I lived in Chicago, I'd buy some old rusted out beater to drive on snow day and have fun the rest of the year.
But as for practicality, I think some other aspects of a C5 should be mentioned. They get amazing gas mileage for such a high performance sports car. Some people report 30 mpg on the road. Generally around 18 in town. The coupes have a ton of storage space in the trunk and the vert and FRC aren't far behind. They're short and will fit almost anywhere. They're American so while we pay the "vette tax" you don't hear about any $5,000 tuneups. If you break down, any Chevy dealer in the country can get you rolling again. Try that in your Lotus. They're comfortable and ride well (albeit a bit firm).
I think except for the snow issue, they're damn practical cars if you don't need a back seat. I think if I lived in Chicago, I'd buy some old rusted out beater to drive on snow day and have fun the rest of the year.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 0
From: Big Bear City CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
There are very few cars that would be worse to deal with in deep snow. I actually can't think of any car that would be worse to drive in snow. Just get a snow beater. You will need a second car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
my $0.02, sell both cars, get the vette and the cheapest POS that barely runs ($500-$1,000) and put some winter tires one it. Use the C5 as a daily driver, and have the POS ready for snow days.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: New York
I think the question of whether the car is practical is an individual one. The car can not be safely driven in the ice and snow with its standard tires. If you live in a tropical climate where it's not an issue, or don't mind spending money for snow tires, or have another car to drive once the snow starts falling, then maybe it becomes more practical. I would not park it overnight on the street where I live. I need to have a private garage. If I didn't have a safe storage location, it would be less practical. If your living in an urban area in the Northeast, don't have enclosed parking, and regularly leaving it on the street where it can be scratched up and dented, you have to decide for yourself whether it's practical or not. IMHO, you need a daily driver which you can take out in most weather conditions, and park on the street without worrying about.
MONARTOR
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 249,778
Likes: 146
From: What I know, is dwarfed by what I pretend to know
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by jdmvette
mine's also a daily driver. it doesn't snow too much here but when it does i've got no choice but to drive in it.
Lifetime Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,702
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From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
Welcome 
I wouldn't recommend a Vette as a DD, where snow is a major issue. I know some drive them in the snow (I don't), but I suspect if you have to rely on it every day, its may be a tough go.
I wouldn't recommend a Vette as a DD, where snow is a major issue. I know some drive them in the snow (I don't), but I suspect if you have to rely on it every day, its may be a tough go.
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
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Originally Posted by midnitewolf
I will go one further as an added question.
How about a Vette as a Daily driver where snow is not an issue, are there any major drawbacks?
B.
How about a Vette as a Daily driver where snow is not an issue, are there any major drawbacks?
B.
