Need advice on buying first C5
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 713
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From: Saukville WI
Need advice on buying first C5
Hey guys. Looks like my 90 vette coupe may be totalled. I definately can't go without a vette, so am debating picking up a newer C4 or pay more to move to a C5.
For those of you that have had both, I would be curious to see what your thoughts were as far as which is better in your opinion.
Thanks
For those of you that have had both, I would be curious to see what your thoughts were as far as which is better in your opinion.
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 35,976
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From: San Clemente California
Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE
I haven't had both but I've seen the question a dozen times before. I think you're going to get an overwhelming response that says get a C5. They are light years apart.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Buckeye Country OH
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Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE
I haven't had both but I've seen the question a dozen times before. I think you're going to get an overwhelming response that says get a C5. They are light years apart.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,230
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From: Land of Sky Blue Waters
I've had one C4 and two C5's. It does take some getting used to. Things on the C4 I miss:
Rotating headlights
Higher sills
"Cockpit" feel
Non run-flats
Fuel filler on rear deck
Lack of trunk
Clamshell hood
Some of the refinements evident in the C5 take away from their sports car feel. I can live with it, though - the C5's are gorgeous. YMMV.
Rotating headlights
Higher sills
"Cockpit" feel
Non run-flats
Fuel filler on rear deck
Lack of trunk
Clamshell hood
Some of the refinements evident in the C5 take away from their sports car feel. I can live with it, though - the C5's are gorgeous. YMMV.
Last edited by Postergeist; May 31, 2005 at 04:13 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 12
From: Magnolia DE
Some things to consider ---
I've had 2 C4's. 85 & 96. Now a 2000 Coupe.
C4's:
Easier to work on. (For the most part) Older technology, not as many electronic parts. Nice that the whole front end lifts up.
Cheaper.
With the top off -- Loosey Goosey. Squirreley. Top on however, great handling. (I'm sure you already know that though.)
Earlier Opti's can be problematic. Later ones OK. (95-96)
Rattles, squeaks, twisting.
Racier feel.
C5's
Definitely more solid. Top on or off.
Runflats hurt to replace. $$$$
More complicated to repair or mod.
With all that said, after owning the C5 for almost a year, I wouldn't go back if it was my only Vette.
Now, if I could just convince the wife..............a 96 CE would be a nice addition !!!
Good luck
I've had 2 C4's. 85 & 96. Now a 2000 Coupe.
C4's:
Easier to work on. (For the most part) Older technology, not as many electronic parts. Nice that the whole front end lifts up.
Cheaper.
With the top off -- Loosey Goosey. Squirreley. Top on however, great handling. (I'm sure you already know that though.)
Earlier Opti's can be problematic. Later ones OK. (95-96)
Rattles, squeaks, twisting.
Racier feel.
C5's
Definitely more solid. Top on or off.
Runflats hurt to replace. $$$$
More complicated to repair or mod.
With all that said, after owning the C5 for almost a year, I wouldn't go back if it was my only Vette.
Now, if I could just convince the wife..............a 96 CE would be a nice addition !!!
Good luck
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Evans, GA
Have owned and drived an 88 Coupe Z51, 4+3 and an 96 Coupe A4 and I am presently driving an 04 A4 Coupe.
Personally I would rather be driving the 96 but the 04 treats my body better and lets me enter and leave easier. The more modern the car, the less the "SportS" feel. Given a fully functional, operable human shell, I would be still driving the 88 Coupe.
JMHO, of course.
Personally I would rather be driving the 96 but the 04 treats my body better and lets me enter and leave easier. The more modern the car, the less the "SportS" feel. Given a fully functional, operable human shell, I would be still driving the 88 Coupe.
JMHO, of course.
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I've had four C4's and now two C5's. I liked each of the C4's, but IMO there is just no comparison with the C5. The C5 has more power (with the possible exception of the LT4 equipped C4's), better ergonomics, more room, better fuel efficiency, and a better ride. There are a few C4's that I would love to have (ZR1, 96 Grand Sport), but they are limited at this point.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 713
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From: Saukville WI
thanks for all the replies. I have driven a couple of C5's for short rides. They drive great, but my only concern is that they drive less sporty then my C4. They seem to be more "cushy" and I still want a Sports car.
When you own one for awhile I am sure you get use to it. Is the C5 less able in performance and handling, or does it just seem that way because I am use to the cockpit feel of my C4?
When you own one for awhile I am sure you get use to it. Is the C5 less able in performance and handling, or does it just seem that way because I am use to the cockpit feel of my C4?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 947
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From: MS
Originally Posted by Postergeist
I've had one C4 and two C5's. It does take some getting used to. Things on the C4 I miss:
Rotating headlights
Higher sills
"Cockpit" feel
Non run-flats
Fuel filler on rear deck
Lack of trunk
Clamshell hood
Some of the refinements evident in the C5 take away from their sports car feel. I can live with it, though - the C5's are gorgeous. YMMV.
Rotating headlights
Higher sills
"Cockpit" feel
Non run-flats
Fuel filler on rear deck
Lack of trunk
Clamshell hood
Some of the refinements evident in the C5 take away from their sports car feel. I can live with it, though - the C5's are gorgeous. YMMV.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,173
Likes: 4,563
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Originally Posted by movin
thanks for all the replies. I have driven a couple of C5's for short rides. They drive great, but my only concern is that they drive less sporty then my C4. They seem to be more "cushy" and I still want a Sports car.
When you own one for awhile I am sure you get use to it. Is the C5 less able in performance and handling, or does it just seem that way because I am use to the cockpit feel of my C4?
When you own one for awhile I am sure you get use to it. Is the C5 less able in performance and handling, or does it just seem that way because I am use to the cockpit feel of my C4?
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 97
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I owned a 91 previously defintely miss the low end torque but than I lost on the high end.
Total opposite of my 02 , low end is ok but defintely wakes up at high speeds. Didn't have that in my 91, at about 65 she was all but dead when stomping on the accelerator.
Agree the C4's feel more like "muscle" cars if you will ...
They just feel n drive more like the rugged muscle machines.
Fit much snugger in the ****-pit
Would have to say the C5's are defintely more luxury but fast & can keep up with anything on the road & than some.
Its a very much a tough call, bottom line would like to have one of each .....Thinkin I wouldn't mind getting a 95 & keeping my 02..
Tough call & good luck , whichever way you go sure you will be happy !
Just my .02 .....
Total opposite of my 02 , low end is ok but defintely wakes up at high speeds. Didn't have that in my 91, at about 65 she was all but dead when stomping on the accelerator.
Agree the C4's feel more like "muscle" cars if you will ...
They just feel n drive more like the rugged muscle machines.
Fit much snugger in the ****-pit
Would have to say the C5's are defintely more luxury but fast & can keep up with anything on the road & than some.
Its a very much a tough call, bottom line would like to have one of each .....Thinkin I wouldn't mind getting a 95 & keeping my 02..
Tough call & good luck , whichever way you go sure you will be happy !
Just my .02 .....