C5 too big?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14,372
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From: Indianapolis IN
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
The thought that my C5 was too big never occurred to me. Actually it's quite the opposite considering the cars I've owned over the years. I consider it to be just right for the wife and I. I wouldn't do anything different in size for the interior, and the trunk will hold what clothes we need as well as two sets of golf clubs for a week's trip.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 776
Likes: 0
From: Palm City Florida
The front end is a little long, but that is the style. Compared to my C3, the front end is short. On lowered cars, the long wheelbase makes it "appear" to be long from certain angles. I have had several Corvettes over the years and many other cars; my C5 took longer to get used to than any other car I have ever driven. In fact, the first day or two, I was not sure if I liked it, it was so different, but I have never had a car that I liked better every time I drove it and I love driving my C5! It holds everything I need for work in the trunk including the car cover, and is the most comfortable car I have ever had. I have said it before: The C5 Corvette just may be the closest thing to the perfect personal car!
David.
David.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,879
Likes: 0
From: Plainfield Ill.
Well, a few car mags, were saying that for the first time. The C6 is smaller than the 911, and 911 have wide butts as well, and they look good as well from the bee-hind. But of course it'll be better if they can see your bee-hind. 
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 0
From: North Canton OH
Originally Posted by Zilla
Here are the number of the dimensions, the only major difference between the C5 and C6 is overall length
Wheelbase
C4 - 96.2
C5 - 104.5 +8.3 inches over C4
C6 - 105.7 +1.2 inches over C5
Length (overall)
C4 - 178.5
C5 - 179.7 +1.2 inches over C4
C6 - 174.6 -5.1 over C5
Width (overall)
C4 - 70.7
C5 - 73.6 +2.9 inches over C4
C6 - 72.6 -1 inch over C5
Height (overall)
C4 - 46.3(coupe), 47.3(convertible)
C5 - 47.7(hardtop and coupe) +1.4 inches , 47.8 (convertible) +.5 inches over C4
C6 - 49.1 (coupe) + 1.4 over C5
Wheelbase
C4 - 96.2
C5 - 104.5 +8.3 inches over C4
C6 - 105.7 +1.2 inches over C5
Length (overall)
C4 - 178.5
C5 - 179.7 +1.2 inches over C4
C6 - 174.6 -5.1 over C5
Width (overall)
C4 - 70.7
C5 - 73.6 +2.9 inches over C4
C6 - 72.6 -1 inch over C5
Height (overall)
C4 - 46.3(coupe), 47.3(convertible)
C5 - 47.7(hardtop and coupe) +1.4 inches , 47.8 (convertible) +.5 inches over C4
C6 - 49.1 (coupe) + 1.4 over C5
Thanks man! Good stuff. Can you edit and add front and rear track width info?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,269
Likes: 50
From: Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'09-'10
The only reason the C6 is smaller according to Dave Hill and others at GM was to market it in Europe. That's were the complaint about being too big came from.
Then, again, a Vette the size and weight of a Honda S2000 with 400HP would be neat.
Then, again, a Vette the size and weight of a Honda S2000 with 400HP would be neat.
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To me, it is just right.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Greer SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
When you are at the track & see how nimble the smaller sportscars are, the Vette does feel 'big'. I have seen more than one stock C5 out runned in the twisties by cars with less power.
Airborne Moderator
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 25,842
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From: Fairbanks Alaska
St. Jude Donor '09
The other day I saw a C6 coming down the street in the opposite lane. I asked myself, "Is that a Corvette or is it some kind of foreign car?" When I see any other Vette on the street be it a C1 C2 C3 C4 or C5 I know it is a Vette. C6 coming at me headon looks a bit ricey. Just a fact. I may get used to it but I think it is a mistake to make something smaller like the Euros. Like they know anything about quality cars?????????? Anyway, when I see another C5 coming up from behind me in traffic it looks like a race car. C6 just doesn't do that. With all that said I wouldn't mind owning a C6 but it doesn't do enough for me to want to give up the C5 for one.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,083
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From: I'm not quite middle aged and I only own one gold chain! San Jose CA
My personal opinion is that the C5 is one of the most nicely designed Corvettes ever but most particularly the FRC option. I love it's lines and the overall balance. I think the FRC/Z06 option captures this best, which is one of the reasons I bought one!
As far as the big butt comments go...those come mostly from those jealous types who have only seen the back end of the car...seems they just can't catch up to see the rest!
As far as the big butt comments go...those come mostly from those jealous types who have only seen the back end of the car...seems they just can't catch up to see the rest!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 233
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Originally Posted by Scott04Z
My personal opinion is that the C5 is one of the most nicely designed Corvettes ever but most particularly the FRC option. I love it's lines and the overall balance. I think the FRC/Z06 option captures this best, which is one of the reasons I bought one!
As far as the big butt comments go...those come mostly from those jealous types who have only seen the back end of the car...seems they just can't catch up to see the rest!
As far as the big butt comments go...those come mostly from those jealous types who have only seen the back end of the car...seems they just can't catch up to see the rest!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 10,804
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From: PORTLAND OR
St Jude Donor '15
The C5 is not as "intimate" as the C4 and does feel "big" to me, but that's part of the reason why I bought a C5. I can go on trips and take stuff with me. Love the trunk!
Inger67
Inger67
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 461
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From: Alameda Ca
Originally Posted by ls1vette97
My girlfriend called my car a BOAT, and said she won't drive it because it's too big for her to park! I just ignored her although it did make me pretty mad...... 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Traverse City Michigan
Just got a Saturn Ion 3 for my daily driver and put it in the garage next to the vette (same color--black). Side by side, they are within an inch or two in length, with the vette several inches shorter in height (thank the Lord). Now, the Ion is considered a small car (at least I think it is). If that be the case, then the vette is a small car also (short), isn't it?