C4 Vs. C5
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Not to hijack this thread - but I read the responses from our C4 brothers, and I was very impressed how mature and honest they were in their responses. For those of you C5 guys reading this, take a look over in C4 General and you'll see what I mean.
This is the way it should be - no cross generational bickering and bad mouthing another generation....the C4 guys obviously get it, and they recognize that they are all Corvettes and they respect that.
This is the way it should be - no cross generational bickering and bad mouthing another generation....the C4 guys obviously get it, and they recognize that they are all Corvettes and they respect that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,549
Likes: 0
From: MDT
we bought our 1st vette a # of years ago at some place you might have heard of: carlisle . it was a torch red 87 coupe w/ graphite interior. loved it but sold it when we had 2 boys in undergrad school. got our silver c5 a year ago; LOVE IT the c5 is a totally different car than the c4. i'll 2nd the motion that others have made that the c5 has more power, more useable room for people & cargo, better ergonomics, & more. we still get this stinking grin every time we get in & fire it up! best of luck. bub
p.s. let me add: the c4 was by no means shabby---we had this silly grin every time we drove it!
. it was a torch red 87 coupe w/ graphite interior. loved it but sold it when we had 2 boys in undergrad school. got our silver c5 a year ago; LOVE IT the c5 is a totally different car than the c4. i'll 2nd the motion that others have made that the c5 has more power, more useable room for people & cargo, better ergonomics, & more. we still get this stinking grin every time we get in & fire it up! best of luck. bubp.s. let me add: the c4 was by no means shabby---we had this silly grin every time we drove it!
Last edited by ebubman; Aug 24, 2006 at 09:33 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert Az
C4 or C5
In the past month I've sold my C4 coupe (1993) and bought a C5 vert
(2002). I drove the C4 for a little over 2 years with no problems. Got a chance to drive a C5 and could not believe the difference! I put the C4 for sale and got lucky. A guy saw it on the net, drove 400 miles from N.M. and bought it. I posted a "want to buy" here on the Forum and within a week I bought the C5. Best move of my short Corvette life. I love the driveability and power and feel of the C5. Spend the extra money on the C5, forget about a C4. Besides you'll never resell for anything near what you'll pay.
(2002). I drove the C4 for a little over 2 years with no problems. Got a chance to drive a C5 and could not believe the difference! I put the C4 for sale and got lucky. A guy saw it on the net, drove 400 miles from N.M. and bought it. I posted a "want to buy" here on the Forum and within a week I bought the C5. Best move of my short Corvette life. I love the driveability and power and feel of the C5. Spend the extra money on the C5, forget about a C4. Besides you'll never resell for anything near what you'll pay.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Liberty Missouri
I just sold my 94 Coupe, just a couple months after getting my 04. I actually like the interior of the c4 better, it has more of a "cockpit" feel to me. It's true though, the C5 is more spacious. But beyond the interior, there truly is no comparison between the two, trust me you'll love the C5!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
................................The C5 was a highly "decorated" vehicle, winning many awards for engineering and design, including:
1998 North American Car of the Year
1998 Motor Trend Car of the Year
I admit to bias - but overall the C5 is an awesome car - my suggestion is to drive a late C4 and a C5 with comparable mileage and decide for yourself.
1998 North American Car of the Year
1998 Motor Trend Car of the Year
I admit to bias - but overall the C5 is an awesome car - my suggestion is to drive a late C4 and a C5 with comparable mileage and decide for yourself.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 58,501
Likes: 1,828
From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by kactussjack
I made the mistake of test driving a C5 immediately after driving a C4 (my original target vehicle) and had to up my budget to the C5- The difference is HUGE! Suggest you drive both before making a decision.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by Joel B.
I like the C5 dash (and interior) much better and of course, the trunk.
Oh well... good luck with whatever you decide.
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 27,567
Likes: 99
From: San Diego
Oh boy where do I begin...
My dad has an 85 and an 88 sport top C4, an 86 and a 96' C4 Convertible, and I have my 01' C5 coupe. There's a NIGHT and day difference between the designs. I have a pinched nerve in my back from an injury 6 years ago, and I cannot even ride in his 80's C4's. Getting in and out of them hurts like hell too. His 96 isn't so bad, but I'm still prone to bashing my shin against the dash next to the door when I get in. My C5 is a cakewalk to get in and out of, is extremely comfortable, has wayyyy more room inside, and has way more pep to it over his.
Everybody has their favorites, but I could never get a C4. It would beat me to death.
My dad has an 85 and an 88 sport top C4, an 86 and a 96' C4 Convertible, and I have my 01' C5 coupe. There's a NIGHT and day difference between the designs. I have a pinched nerve in my back from an injury 6 years ago, and I cannot even ride in his 80's C4's. Getting in and out of them hurts like hell too. His 96 isn't so bad, but I'm still prone to bashing my shin against the dash next to the door when I get in. My C5 is a cakewalk to get in and out of, is extremely comfortable, has wayyyy more room inside, and has way more pep to it over his.
Everybody has their favorites, but I could never get a C4. It would beat me to death.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: MI
I have one of each. The '88 is modified and a blast to drive top down and pedal to the composite. Automatic with 2.73 rear gear that turns the 1/4 mile in 14.2s at 98 - 102 mph. Its more of a raw sports car refined for its day, but rough around the edges.
The '03 six speed is a totally different car (think I've read that somewhere before). Super fast yet more refined and more practical for road trips (Michigan to Nashville in the 50th caravan was a challenge in the '88). Only downside is there's much more room in the '03 for my wife's shopping finds when we are out of town -- oh well!
My favorite? Its like picking your favorite kid -- two different personalities but I love them both.
Happy hunting!
The '03 six speed is a totally different car (think I've read that somewhere before). Super fast yet more refined and more practical for road trips (Michigan to Nashville in the 50th caravan was a challenge in the '88). Only downside is there's much more room in the '03 for my wife's shopping finds when we are out of town -- oh well!
My favorite? Its like picking your favorite kid -- two different personalities but I love them both.
Happy hunting!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,178
Likes: 1
From: Bahston Mass.
I had my '95 for 3+ years.. I dumped a LOT of time and $$ into it .. It was(and still is) a great car - If I had the room, it'd be sitting right next to my Z06, but I don't..
Anyways, with that said, I LOVED the C4's interior.. It's fit and feel was great..
That said, the C5 rides like a dream, comparibly, and the trunk was a huge factor in me getting into this car.. The suspension is amazing - I can't get enough of this thing!!!
Good luck
Anyways, with that said, I LOVED the C4's interior.. It's fit and feel was great..
That said, the C5 rides like a dream, comparibly, and the trunk was a huge factor in me getting into this car.. The suspension is amazing - I can't get enough of this thing!!!
Good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,581
Likes: 967
From: Communist Colorado
C4 or C5........
I can say I owned a C3,4 & 5. The C3, I didnt really like it. Had a harsh ride & rattled like a maraca................looked classic though!
I had a 89 Coupe, with the 240hp L98 & automatic. I liked this one alot......but there wasnt quite enough for me in the umphff department.
Next step up was to my 94 convertable 300hpLT1 6speed. I loved this car & it was hard to let go. Pretty fast, looked wonderful & had my favorite color, torch red.....
My present car is my 02 Z06..........now I never really set out to get a C5. I was looking to get into a ZR1 or the Grand Sport LT4 330hp. Somehow, I felt I was missing out by not checking into the realm of the C5. Needless to say, I'm glad I decided to check one out. Knowing myself well, I thought hmmm, I wonder what the Z06 would be like?? With a little research, alot of looking around & plenty of questions on this forum, I decided to jump!!!
Heres a pic of my favorite (C5) & second favorite.
I had a 89 Coupe, with the 240hp L98 & automatic. I liked this one alot......but there wasnt quite enough for me in the umphff department.
Next step up was to my 94 convertable 300hpLT1 6speed. I loved this car & it was hard to let go. Pretty fast, looked wonderful & had my favorite color, torch red.....
My present car is my 02 Z06..........now I never really set out to get a C5. I was looking to get into a ZR1 or the Grand Sport LT4 330hp. Somehow, I felt I was missing out by not checking into the realm of the C5. Needless to say, I'm glad I decided to check one out. Knowing myself well, I thought hmmm, I wonder what the Z06 would be like?? With a little research, alot of looking around & plenty of questions on this forum, I decided to jump!!!
Heres a pic of my favorite (C5) & second favorite.
Last edited by 81c3; Aug 25, 2006 at 12:22 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
Likes: 26
From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Originally Posted by 81c3
I can say I owned a C3,4 & 5. The C3, I didnt really like it. Had a harsh ride & rattled like a maraca................looked classic though!
I had a 89 Coupe, with the 240hp L98 & automatic. I liked this one alot......but there wasnt quite enough for me in the umphff department.
Next step up was to my 94 convertable 300hpLT1 6speed. I loved this car & it was hard to let go. Pretty fast, looked wonderful & had my favorite color, torch red.....
My present car is my 02 Z06..........now I never really set out to get a C5. I was looking to get into a ZR1 or the Grand Sport LT4 330hp. Somehow, I felt I was missing out by not checking into the realm of the C5. Needless to say, I'm glad I decided to check one out. Knowing myself well, I thought hmmm, I wonder what the Z06 would be like?? With a little research, alot of looking around & plenty of questions on this forum, I decided to jump!!!
Heres a pic of my favorite (C5) & second favorite.
I had a 89 Coupe, with the 240hp L98 & automatic. I liked this one alot......but there wasnt quite enough for me in the umphff department.
Next step up was to my 94 convertable 300hpLT1 6speed. I loved this car & it was hard to let go. Pretty fast, looked wonderful & had my favorite color, torch red.....
My present car is my 02 Z06..........now I never really set out to get a C5. I was looking to get into a ZR1 or the Grand Sport LT4 330hp. Somehow, I felt I was missing out by not checking into the realm of the C5. Needless to say, I'm glad I decided to check one out. Knowing myself well, I thought hmmm, I wonder what the Z06 would be like?? With a little research, alot of looking around & plenty of questions on this forum, I decided to jump!!!
Heres a pic of my favorite (C5) & second favorite.
J/K John,
both your C4 and C5s are awesome!
I with I could have kept my C4 and added one of every generation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,581
Likes: 967
From: Communist Colorado
Originally Posted by Cozmo
Can you post some bigger pictures!?!
J/K John,
both your C4 and C5s are awesome!
I with I could have kept my C4 and added one of every generation.
J/K John,
both your C4 and C5s are awesome!
I with I could have kept my C4 and added one of every generation.
I love your cars as well. May as well let the cat out of the bag & tell everyone that when you posted pics on the C4 section of your new C5, I knew pretty much right then & there I had to have a C5 too.
I wish I could have kept all mine too
I miss my vert sometimes especially.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I owned an 86 for 11 years which I really liked but the lack of power on the road courses was really bothering me. I could stick with other cars through the corners but they would leave me as we exited. I didn't mind getting into and out of the car and thought people overreacted to the high sills. Then I ordered a 97 C5 as soon as I could get to a dealer. It was great when I got it and the power was just what I was looking for. I still missed the 86 and was trying to think of a way to buy it back when I happened to ride in another club members mint 5000 mile 89. I couldn't believe how backward and tight the interior was after being away from it for such a short time and I really decided I preferred getting into and out of the 97 over any C4. I quickly forgot about buying the 86 back since I knew I would no longer be satisfied with that car.
Bill
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,072
Likes: 196
From: Arizona
I think the C4 design still looks really good. That being said, the execution was spotty at best. I bought a new '92 coupe -- we've all heard about 'indifferent build quality,' mine suffered from 'hostile build quality.' 
Too many things wrong to list here. But like a cheatin' woman you dearly love and cannot live without, I endured the abuse.
By 2004, I was ready to move on to a different brand, but tried a C5 and found true love.
I know the C5 has some issues, but in terms of refinement, comfort, build quality and value, there is no comparison IMHO.
Too many things wrong to list here. But like a cheatin' woman you dearly love and cannot live without, I endured the abuse.By 2004, I was ready to move on to a different brand, but tried a C5 and found true love.
I know the C5 has some issues, but in terms of refinement, comfort, build quality and value, there is no comparison IMHO.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: chandler az
I have owned both I had a 1988 coupe and I have a 2000 coupe.
Completely different cars. I was so leary of driving my 88 all the time because it seemed like something was always going wrong with it.
I still loved the 'star wars' dash it had and the car was a blast to drive...but I like my 2000 so much better.
If you carry full coverage on your cars - check the insurance rates on the two. My C5 is less than half the amount of what my C4 was.
Completely different cars. I was so leary of driving my 88 all the time because it seemed like something was always going wrong with it.
I still loved the 'star wars' dash it had and the car was a blast to drive...but I like my 2000 so much better.
If you carry full coverage on your cars - check the insurance rates on the two. My C5 is less than half the amount of what my C4 was.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
I have also owned both, a '94 6 speed coupe and now a '02 6 speed coupe. As others have stated it's a big difference from a C4 to a C5. I did like the sport seats in the C4 better, but the handling of the C5 (even with Z51 suspension) is so much better. Also no rattles in the C5 and lots more room.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 13,598
Likes: 1,353
From: Home of the VOLS ! Knoxville, TN. Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15, '16-'17-'18-'19
I have owned a bunch of C4s from an 84 to a 90 ,but then got smart and bought a C5 , a 97 . then bought another C5 a 99 and still have them both .
The C4s were great cars in their time , but the C5 is a completely different animal , or should I say a BEAST
Go with a C5 or you will regret it later
and still have them both .The C4s were great cars in their time , but the C5 is a completely different animal , or should I say a BEAST
Go with a C5 or you will regret it later