Am I ready for a Vette?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
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Am I ready for a Vette?
As I look at Vettes, I can't help but wonder. Am I ready for one? I've heard some conflicting reports. Some people say Vette's are one of the most demanding cars to drive. While others say its surprisingly easy to drive, even in spirited driving (to a limit of course).
I'm used to rwd platforms, but only in low hp applications. I openly admit that I'm not the best driver in the world, but I love doing it. In my current car I've found the limit of my abilities in that car, and I'm comfortable with it. I don't feel overwhelmed by it. I'm just worried that maybe a Vette will be to much car for my meager skills.
I'm used to rwd platforms, but only in low hp applications. I openly admit that I'm not the best driver in the world, but I love doing it. In my current car I've found the limit of my abilities in that car, and I'm comfortable with it. I don't feel overwhelmed by it. I'm just worried that maybe a Vette will be to much car for my meager skills.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Its one of the easiest cars I've ever driven
That said, with the available performance its easy to put yourself in a position where you could get in trouble. If you drive to your limits its a breeze.
That said, with the available performance its easy to put yourself in a position where you could get in trouble. If you drive to your limits its a breeze.
Last edited by DeeGee; Mar 14, 2007 at 02:44 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Surprise Arizona
Getting in and out of it is the hard part...and that's not bad at all. Once you're behind the wheel, the driving experience is sublime...as easy as it gets. I have found this car to be the perfect grand touring machine out on the road...it's that easy! 
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The car is easy to drive. However, it has a lot of torque and HP, and it is very responsive to driver input. You have to respect it or it can get away from you. Don't let that discourage you from buying though - just take it easy until you get the feel for the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 924
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From: Calgary
I think that you are, especially if you have RWD experience, even if in low-hp applications.
Vettes are very easy to drive, but you shoud never try to drive above YOUR limit, because with a Vette, the abilities of the car exceed those of the driver in the majority of cases.
You do have two wonderful systems, traction control and active handling, and both will keep you under control in the majority of cases.
You have the right attitude of someone who wants to learn and be safe while enjoying the pleasures of sports cars. I suggest taking up a performance driving course to familiarize yourself with your car, its abilities, and you own as well.
Good luck!
Vettes are very easy to drive, but you shoud never try to drive above YOUR limit, because with a Vette, the abilities of the car exceed those of the driver in the majority of cases.
You do have two wonderful systems, traction control and active handling, and both will keep you under control in the majority of cases.
You have the right attitude of someone who wants to learn and be safe while enjoying the pleasures of sports cars. I suggest taking up a performance driving course to familiarize yourself with your car, its abilities, and you own as well.
Good luck!
Advanced
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I thought I was a great driver before I got mine and learned very quickly that the car cannot be tamed if that's what you are going for. I have said this before, I have been thrown around the cockpit a few times while trying to reach the cars limits. I reach mine first. 
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Take a driving course BEFORE you buy the car, like Bondurant or Skip Barber, Spring Mountain, etc. It will be the best $3K you ever spent. You will become a much better driver, and as a result, you will enjoy your car at an even higher and safer level.
Another option is to start attending SCCA Solo II autocross in your area and drive your low hp rwd car, it will sharpen your driving skills. But I would strongly consider one of the classes that I mentioned.
Another option is to start attending SCCA Solo II autocross in your area and drive your low hp rwd car, it will sharpen your driving skills. But I would strongly consider one of the classes that I mentioned.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
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From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
I don't think a C5 will be too much for you. While they have a lot of power they handle extremely well. Just don't be an idiot and drive like a fool. Too many people out there don't know what they are doing, don't pay attention to what they are doing and end up hurting themselves and often times others.
I think it is a good sign that this question has crossed your mind.
I recommend buying and reading this book.
http://www.amazon.com/Speed-Secrets-.../dp/0760305188
It will explain a lot of things about how to drive and do it well. I certainly learned a lot from it.
Good luck.
I think it is a good sign that this question has crossed your mind.
I recommend buying and reading this book.
http://www.amazon.com/Speed-Secrets-.../dp/0760305188
It will explain a lot of things about how to drive and do it well. I certainly learned a lot from it.
Good luck.
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As I look at Vettes, I can't help but wonder. Am I ready for one? I've heard some conflicting reports. Some people say Vette's are one of the most demanding cars to drive. While others say its surprisingly easy to drive, even in spirited driving (to a limit of course).
I'm used to rwd platforms, but only in low hp applications. I openly admit that I'm not the best driver in the world, but I love doing it. In my current car I've found the limit of my abilities in that car, and I'm comfortable with it. I don't feel overwhelmed by it. I'm just worried that maybe a Vette will be to much car for my meager skills.
I'm used to rwd platforms, but only in low hp applications. I openly admit that I'm not the best driver in the world, but I love doing it. In my current car I've found the limit of my abilities in that car, and I'm comfortable with it. I don't feel overwhelmed by it. I'm just worried that maybe a Vette will be to much car for my meager skills.
According to those around me---I drive my DD (2005 Toyota Corolla) like I stole it and my vette like we are in a parade
I think I like my vette more for show anyway but it's nice knowing that I have the power if/when I need it..
Drive in your comfort zone and you will be fine
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
You will never have a problem driving a Vette! Especially a C5.
My wife loves it and says it's one of the best cars she's ever driven!
Not demanding at all! an automatic will be even less demanding if you get one of these!
Thanks,Matt
My wife loves it and says it's one of the best cars she's ever driven!
Not demanding at all! an automatic will be even less demanding if you get one of these!
Thanks,Matt
Burning Brakes
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I too was concerned about being able to drive a Vette before I bought mine - it's a very easy car to drive. My wife loves driving it too. Like others have said above as long as you don't drive like an idiot you will love it . The C5 is a great car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
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As I look at Vettes, I can't help but wonder. Am I ready for one? I've heard some conflicting reports. Some people say Vette's are one of the most demanding cars to drive. While others say its surprisingly easy to drive, even in spirited driving (to a limit of course).
I'm used to rwd platforms, but only in low hp applications. I openly admit that I'm not the best driver in the world, but I love doing it. In my current car I've found the limit of my abilities in that car, and I'm comfortable with it. I don't feel overwhelmed by it. I'm just worried that maybe a Vette will be to much car for my meager skills.
I'm used to rwd platforms, but only in low hp applications. I openly admit that I'm not the best driver in the world, but I love doing it. In my current car I've found the limit of my abilities in that car, and I'm comfortable with it. I don't feel overwhelmed by it. I'm just worried that maybe a Vette will be to much car for my meager skills.
There's nothing demanding about driving this car. It goes where you point it (immediately) and is tame as a kitten under 2500rpm. Traction control even keeps you out of trouble when you get that sudden urge to light 'em up.
Now if you intend to race it
that's a different story. These cars can be turned into monsters. Even still, with 500rwhp it will be easier to drive than any other car in its class ($50,000 and under).Get it, enjoy it. Welcome to the family.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
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Thanks for all the good advice. When I get back I fully plan on attending a driving school of some sort. I've done some autoX stuff in my current car, as well as some back road driving (not the smartest thing I've ever done, but lots of fun). At first I figured I'd have to use the TC and other nannies, but I've really grown to hate such systems. I'm usually really careful, so maybe I would survive?
Don't hurt me, but right now I drive a...Porsche 944 
I got a good deal on it, and enjoyed it. Until I found out that I had been fooled by a very clever and thorough con job. I like it, but it doesn't have enough grunt for me. Which is why I'm looking for something new.
What kind of car are you coming from anyway?
I got a good deal on it, and enjoyed it. Until I found out that I had been fooled by a very clever and thorough con job. I like it, but it doesn't have enough grunt for me. Which is why I'm looking for something new.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Picking on the weakest kid in the yard.
If you own and autoX a 944, you are ahead of most C5 buyers. Just buy the thing. And don't be ashamed of the 944, they are fine cars. I have driven many, and the 951 is much scarier than my Z06, even though my Z is faster. The C5 is a very stable platform.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 630
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From: Greenville South Carolina
never had a problem with mine getting away even during hard driving
sure it has a lot of hp but it's made to handle it with great suspension, huge tires and a lot of weight that's wonderfly disbursed
Then again, I know my limits and I don't intentionally try to see how far I can take it often, usually leave TC on as well
sure it has a lot of hp but it's made to handle it with great suspension, huge tires and a lot of weight that's wonderfly disbursed
Then again, I know my limits and I don't intentionally try to see how far I can take it often, usually leave TC on as well
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,799
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From: Dayton Ohio
The car is very stable, and will only be as fast as you want it to be. As others have said before, the very fact that you're asking the question tells me that you're ready for it. It's the folks that don't ask the question that have problems.
I'll also parrot the driving school suggestion. It was the best "mod" money that I've spent so far.
I'll also parrot the driving school suggestion. It was the best "mod" money that I've spent so far.