I just sold my 1990 'vert to get my 2004 Z06, so here's my take:
The C4 feels sporty, but not very well put-together. The interior room is non-existent and there is a very limited aftermarket. However, you can get a LOT of performance on the cheap with a C4.
The Z06 feels light on its feet and ready to race. The interior isn't as snug, but also seems more Malibu than Corvette. I won't even compare engines...
Anyways, if you can afford the C5, do it. Won't regret it...

From this:
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To this:
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Two and a half years ago I went out shopping for a C4. I came home with a C5. For a few bucks more I was able to get my “DREAM” car. If you can afford it go for the C5…..you won’t be sorry!!

 

In my biased opinion the C-5 is a much better car, I drove an '89 C-4 for 15 years, I loved the car. My wife finally talked me into trading the C-4 for an '01 C-5.

Once I drove the C-5 the difference between the two cars was like night and day. The C-5 rides and handles far better and is much more powerful than my C-4. Entry into the C-5 is much easier, the car has a lot more room in the cockpit, the passenger footwell is much larger, the seats are much more comfortable. The C-5 is just much more car and is still one of the best looking cars on the road. It is a much better road car.

I thought the C-4 TPI engine was one of the best looking engines Chevy ever built, I miss the ease of access into the engine compartment of the C-4, you could just raise up the hood and sit on one of the front tires. It was much easier to keep the engine compartment clean on the C-4.

I would say go for the C-5, I think you will be very happy with it.

 

c4 pros-has a more exotic feel with clamshell hood, and jet-fighter interior.

c4 cons-not as much room in interior (especially cargo if we're talking coupe to coupe), weight distribution, non-hydoformed chassis, optispark

c5 pros-51/49 weight distribution, 1500 less parts than c4, .29 cd (coeffiecent drag), hyrdroformed (one piece steel chassis for optimal stiffness and minimization of body-flex), body made from smc (type of compound that's better than fiberglass), aluminum block-steel sleeved cylinders (weight savings), style is not as dated looking, big azz

c5 cons-no clamshell hood (I love how you can get to EVERYTHING under the hood on c4's), interior is not as jet-fighter like (I like buttons ), and , and, and, uhhhh thats all I can think of

 

I had a C4 prior to my C5, go with the C5. You're going to end up there eventually anyways....

 

C5 all the way! C4 is a great car, but I am sure you will be much happier with the C5!

 

just sold a ce lt-4 vert. the c-4 was a hot rod.
i purchased an 03 annuversary vert. full power. there is no comparrison as mentioned above. i spent a few extra bucks to add a few more horsepower and now the 03 flys.
best of luck on the decision.
fast howard

 

C5 c5 c5 c5 !!!!!!!

 

I have had a C4, C5 and C6.
My C4 was a 96 CE LT1 A4 Coupe. Nice car but the C5 is a definite upgrade. I would not go back to a coupe or C4.

My C5 is a 2002 Millineum Yellow convertible six speed with every option like F45 suspension, 12 CD player, HUD, etc, etc.
It was and is the car of my dreams. I presently have it for sale as my bad left knee does not allow me to continue to drive the six speed. It is the "economy" car at my house as it easily clocks 30 mpg on road trips. In comparing my C5 to my C6 convertible 2005 model there are many things I like better about my C5.
The number one thing I like better about my C5 is 30 mpg on road trips rather then the 24 mpg on my C6.
The next thing is the manual top on my C5 which I can put up or down faster than the power top on the C6.
Next, with an automatic transmission in my C6 there is no way you can truely enjoy the low-end torque that a Corvette engine is designed to deliver. Anytime you give the gas firmly to an automatic you wind up with the transmission downshifting at least one or two gears and the engine screaming at you. With my six speed '02 you simply feel the real torque of a really wonderful drivetrain. Don't get me wrong. My '02 has never been raced or abused in any way. t

Please take a few minutes to check out my ad for my C5 in his forum's C5s for sale section. This car has been pampered its entire life and a vast majority of its 26984 miles are interstate cuise control miles. This car is all stock and still is covered by GMPP ZERO deductible extended warranty until April 2009 or 52.1k miles. There are very few C5s still under warranty of any kind!

 

You guys realize this thread was from November of last year, don't you?

 

C5...don't look back!

 

go for the the C5 drove both no comparison

 

i have had 2 c4s. just sold a very nice, very quick lt4 and bought an 02 zo6. no comparison. c5 is a very solid car. out handles the c4 by light years. no flex, squeeks, just go. i would not have sold it to by a regular c5. i dont know if it was the luck of the draw or what, but i spanked many c5s and got spanked by a few. in all fairness, i did have some suspension mods, ran excellent tires and knew the car very well. havnt had the z that long and still getting to know the car. i personally wouldnt go back to a c4 unless it was cheap and wasnt going to be street legal. go with the c5 for a great all around car thats very good right out of the box. regards, j.d.

 

with all of the above. Went from a 92 to an 02. C4 would be like going back to my ex wife.

Rick

 

We had 5 C4.s in the family. I traded mine for a C5 and never looked back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I've owned several Vettes over the years, and by far and large, my favorite one was my 91. Yes, it had the spit upon L98, but that car was bulletproof, and it never failed me, not once. Wish I had it back.

 

C5 all the way
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