C5 Comfortable for a Big Man?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 471
Likes: 3
From: Bonney Lake, Washington
C5 Comfortable for a Big Man?
I'm a big man. 6'2" tall and about 320 lbs. I want to buy a C5 but wondering if I would be comfortable in one. I currently drive a 2002 Chrysler 300M Special and wanted a vette to play in. I've checked the factory specifications for the interior and the C5 would be about 8" shorter in height, 3" less in shoulder room and hip room. Leg room is about the same. I could find one at a dealer and jump inside for a fit check but I'm also wondering if other big men drive vettes. Any opinions/suggestions?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
You need to try one on for size... its the only way to know if you will be comfortable... I'm 6'3 and 200lbs.... I fit fine except for headroom.....I cant fit in it with helmet on 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12,071
Likes: 0
From: Hoover Alabama
Originally Posted by SJC5
I'm a big man. 6'2" tall and about 320 lbs. I want to buy a C5 but wondering if I would be comfortable in one. I currently drive a 2002 Chrysler 300M Special and wanted a vette to play in. I've checked the factory specifications for the interior and the C5 would be about 8" shorter in height, 3" less in shoulder room and hip room. Leg room is about the same. I could find one at a dealer and jump inside for a fit check but I'm also wondering if other big men drive vettes. Any opinions/suggestions?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,983
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville TN
6'5", 265# - tight but worth it - also try the right seat if the significant other is disposed to drive - that area is a tad tighter - also consider an auto for leg room versus the manual - find one of each and try it out 
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 0
From: St Marys GA
6-2 300 60 y/o with prosthetic (titanium) knees- 02 vert MN6
Once I'm in, I'm ok. You will quickly develop a method of entry/exit that works for you. With the vert, the Window Valet is a help. Unless your waist is much bigger than mine (46), the seat belt will fit, though don't hesitate in mid-pull. You can get an extender free from the dealer, if needed. My hair just touches the closed vert top. I would not want my legs to be any longer or the pedals would be too close. Not sure how the 6-5 guy makes it. I drive with the seat all the way back but with the seatback relatively vertical.
On some cars, I feel a little too close to the steering wheel, but not in the vette.
Go for it.
DBD
Once I'm in, I'm ok. You will quickly develop a method of entry/exit that works for you. With the vert, the Window Valet is a help. Unless your waist is much bigger than mine (46), the seat belt will fit, though don't hesitate in mid-pull. You can get an extender free from the dealer, if needed. My hair just touches the closed vert top. I would not want my legs to be any longer or the pedals would be too close. Not sure how the 6-5 guy makes it. I drive with the seat all the way back but with the seatback relatively vertical.
On some cars, I feel a little too close to the steering wheel, but not in the vette.
Go for it.
DBD
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette CA
6'4" - 300# - '98 Vert w/sport seats - I fit fine! Long trips no problem! I'm long-waisted, so I have to slouch down a bit for track days with a helmet. Not a lot of room for dancing, but you'll fit fine! 
But we all have different proportions. Try one out to be sure!
But we all have different proportions. Try one out to be sure!
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas 2005 National Champs in Football and Baseball.
6 ft 5 in, 275 lbs, and absolutely no problem...top up or top down. Couldn't wear a helmet with the top up, but with the top down... And its a MN6 manual and working the clutch is no prob. The car fits me like it was made for me.
im 5'5 and 190 lbs and i love it...I LOVE BEING SHORT 
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Sterling Heights MI
Originally Posted by mitch.smith
I am 6'4" 255 great space in my C5 vert but the C6 I am jammed up under the dash and my left shoulder is slammed against the drivers door. Good Luck!!
I'm 6'4" and 250lbs. My C5 vert is no problem top up or down. Only issue is if I'm parked close to someone, then the windows go up or down before I get in or out (window valet).
I sat in a C6 and asked, why did they shrink th car? I don't know if I could one for long. I sat in a C4 years ago, and thought "I guess I'll never own a Vette. The C5 saved me!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 471
Likes: 3
From: Bonney Lake, Washington
C5 Comfortable for a Big Man?
WOW!!! Lots of quick replies. This is a great site with a lot of members with pride in their machines. All of you responses are valuable to me and gives me a good feeling that the C5 will be a great fit. No one even suggested that I lose weight 
You guys are GREAT. Thanks everyone!!!
You guys are GREAT. Thanks everyone!!!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
From: Home Southern Maine
St. Jude Donor '08
