I recently had an 88 C4 z52 vert w/ 46000 miles with the 4+3(mint). A guy hit me and totalled the car. I now am looking real hard at the C5 vert w/ 6-speed. I have test drove an 02, 99, and 98. I was impressed with them. I also drove a 94 w/ LT1 auto, and did not like it. My question is for those out there who have made the switch. Can you give me your perspective and experiences between the two series? I am also looking at a 96 LT4 vert but have not driven an LT4 yet. Thanks

 

I've had a C4 96 LT1 Coupe, and now have a 02 Z06. The C4 was nice, but the look and overall performace of the C5's has it beat hands down!

 

There are a lot of threads about this very issue. Is this for a daily drive or just a fun car? The general consensus is that the C5 is a much newer feeling car. The C5's got a bit more power. C5 seats are easier to get in and out of. I looked at getting a C4 and test drove a nice one. Was almost sold on it and then test drove a 99 C5. I bought the C5 over the C4. Just my opinions though. But if you test drove the C5's and like it then go for it. You won't be disappointed.

best of luck

 

I've had 3 C4's, including a '96 LT4, and there is absolutely no comparison between the C4 and the C5!! At this time, we have a 2002 6-speed convertible and a 2005 6-speed convertible...they are both fantastic!! Get into a C5 (or a C6), and you're not likely to look back!

Elaine

 

 

John

 

had a 93 coupe now 01 vert, night and day, although i do miss the c4 interior, was more of a cockpit feel. love the looks of the c5 hands down even over c6

 

I went from a 96 LT1 A4 to an 03 MN6. I prefer the C5. It is more powerful, easier to get in and out of. Has more storage room and handles better. Plus, I like the looks better. Just my .02.

My C4


My C5

 

Go with the C5 you won't regret it. I've owned a '92 LT1 and a '90 ZR-1,and after I bought my 2000,I never looked back.

Just a very driver-friendly car.And yes...MUCH easier to get in and out
of than a C4.

Good luck in your quest,

 

I traded a 91 C4 for my 98 C5 and I've had it for three years. We still have an 84 in the family too.

Here's my take on the difference.... The C5 is much easier to live with as a daily driver. My C4 had such a hard ride that I always felt I was going to damage it, the body used to flex and creek. The C5 is very comfortable by comparison and is actually a pleasure to drive , even on long trips. After an hour in the 91 I used to feel "beat up".

The roof on the C5 is so easy to take on and off that I use this feature more than I did with the 91. My point being is if you get a coupe instead of a vert , it's not too difficult to remove the panel.

Also IMO the interior is a nice upgrade from the C4, but I did like the clamshell hood.

As far as performance, to me it's like night and day as compared to the older C4's. But I drove a 92 M6 a few years back and it was also plenty fast so I'm going to say the later model C4's can be just as fast.

To sum it up , when I first saw and test drove a C5 , I couldn't wait to own one, but I still like the C5 so much, I'm in no rush to get a C6.

 

I used to have a 88 L98 vette. I loved that car, I almost cried when I traded it in for my 01. It took me a while to get used to the C5 but I'm pretty happy with it. I would make the same decision again.

 

The biggest issue to me is the LT1s in the 92-96 had the OPTI crap. Several times in my Z28 I went through a heavy rain and the OPTI got wet making it sputter and cough until it dried enough to run right again. Getting out of that was a huge reason for me to get my LS1 Vette.

I have always loved the 1 piece hood on the C4 though.

But after getting in a C4 then a C5 the question was resolved. C5 it was. I really think the C5/C6 is one of the best cars ever made.

 

I've owned both and I say unconditionally a C5.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks all for getting back so soon. I am looking to drive the car 2-4 times /week, maybe more. My dilemma was that I really liked my 88. I think I see the light for the C5. I will buy one and adjust. Is there any maintenance issues w/ the C5 vs. the C4- Thanks -Jim

 

If you liked your 88 you would die if you drove a 98....they are worlds apart. A c5 is a far superior car in every respect. No comparison at all.

 

I made the switch a couple of months ago form a 93 stick to a 01 stick. I still like the c4 interior feel better but the c-5 is put together better and has a lot moore room. the moore I drive the c5 the moore I like it. Make the jump you wont regret it

 

I don't know if you intend to track the car (RR) or do any HPDE's. The C5 is a better handling car. The C4 has more weight in the front proportionally and has a more pronounced tendency to over-steer. C4's on the track can be a real handful.

The C5 in contrast is weighted approx 51/49. A much easier car to handle on the track.

 

I had a 90 coupe and I absolutely loved it. It was a fun car but there's no comparison to a C5. Of course, you are asking this question on the C5 forum, so you are getting opinions from those of us who have already made the C5 decision so you are going to get biased responses. Might be interesting to ask the same question on the C4 forum.

 

Go test drive the LT4 - trust me, you'll be impressed with it's power. It's right on par with an LS1. However, overall - the C5 platform is better engineered than the C4 platform.

My take is this....... get the newest one you can afford.

 

Have one of each. The C5 gets my vote hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!