Ok, I'm just starting my research on C5s as I might be getting one about a year from now...

First things I've noticed are that these cars are very reliable and put out a lot of power. I also know that they handle pretty well. Though, I would like to know how much feedback they provide for the driver.

Now, my I'm coming from a '91 MX-5, and an '84 911 Carrera RoW. Both are incredibly fun, handle really well & provide me a LOT of feedback while driving.

I will probably end up modding the car (suspension wise, power doesn't matter), so I know the car will end up being able to handle even better...But I'm a little worried about the driving being a bit vague in regards to steering (and possibly even shifting feel).

Also, can anyone give me an idea on the maintenance on these cars?

 

See sticky at the top of the page, but don't let it scare you. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927

 

Thanks, that doesn't scare me...I've stared down the barrel of a 911 engine rebuild!!

Now, I know the best thing is for me to go out & drive a Vette...But if anyone has owned/driven a pre-89 Carrera or Miata, how much driver involvement do the C5s have to offer?

 

I've never driven a Carrera but have driven a 930 turbo. Compared to that I'd have to say the 930 feels a bit stiffer in terms of suspension. The Vette is a little bit softer in the turns. But just a bit. BTW, I have Z51 suspension. And you get a good feel for the road in a C5. The C6 is a little disconnected from the road in my opinion. Hope this helps.

 

C6 seems unattached - too much IMO (though I'm sure the C6Z06 is a different story).

 

how much is the avg. yearly maintenance on these?

 

Go drive one!

That is the best advice you are going to get. There is no point in playing in your head when you can answer most of your questions with a drive.

Is there some reason why you can't/won't?

 

With or without mod cost? Without, just oil changes and routine maintenance. With thousands of $$$

 

Old one,

Believe me, I will end up driving one sooner or later, it's just that looking for a new job takes up a lot of my time (got lost in the WB/UPN shakedown). Not to mention that I'll be looking for a new place to live soon, so test driving a Vette is not too high on my list of priorities.

TLS,

As far as mods go, I'm only plan to do the suspension, short shifter, & some exterior changes (I know the last one is BIG). Aside from that, I'm guessing I can keep maintenance below $1k/year, provided I don't do regularly leave the stoplight with a cloud of smoke?

 

If you're a bit handy with a wrench, most of the maintainance can be done yourself. If your not sure on "how to" this is a GREAT spot to learn.

 

Here's what a former Porsche owner has to say if that helps any:

New C5 Owner with some Newbie Questions

 

>>how much driver involvement do the C5s have to offer?
Get the thing about 30 degrees sideways and phone me in the morning.

These things make torque like Martha Stewart makes license plates!

 

For what its worth, I did a 00 2G Miata Comparison with my 00 C5 a little while ago:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ighlight=miata

hope that helps,
Frank

PS- in hindsight, I didnt talk too much about a direct comparison, so I'll add a little. After spending time in my C5, the Miata felt uncomfortably small. The vette is large by comparison, but you have a more secure feeling, and I no doubt believe it'll be more comfortable on long trips over the Miata. Power (torque) is gut wrenching compared to the Miata, this thing throws you back in your seat and gives you a great rush. The Miata is much more nimble. In a parking lot handling test, the Miata corners pretty hard, but the vette feels like it takes great pride in its lateral grip. With the Miata (without TC), to get the rear end out all you have to do is progressivly turn faster and the rear end will gently start to slide out. You have to push the C5 more to get the tail out, and then watch out for oversteer. A couple of times I caught the TC sleeping, and I was able to slide around somewhat. Not that I mind... I believe my friend said he had an optional sport suspension on his Miata, and it felt stiffer than my vettes base suspen. I liked it, but I didn't buy my car to autocross, so I prefer the suspension on the vette. I do wish my friend got a manual trans on his car, because then he really may have had a hard time getting me out of it!

Overall, I like the interior, the engine, lateral grip, and looks of my C5, but I really enjoyed the Miata's steering, nimble nature, and mild handling at the limit.