going back to c4?
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: baltimore ohio
going back to c4?
Considering going back to a pace car c4 after someone hitting my vette and a kitchen remodel later. It's been about a year w/out a car and this 1986 pace car came up and priced well. Has anyone gone back or have both? Can't decide whether to save for the c5 later or buy now?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
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I like the looks of the exteriors of the earlier C4s, particularly the lines of the verts (before they got that rounded bumper look). Since they're available aat very good prices these days, I'm always tempted. But then I see the ineriors and I get turned off... the dash, door panels and details seem very dated on those cars.
I don't mean to knock them at all... you only go around once, why not snap up a C4 and see how you like it. Chances are you're not going to take a depreciation hit if you later sell it and move back to a C5 or C6.
I don't mean to knock them at all... you only go around once, why not snap up a C4 and see how you like it. Chances are you're not going to take a depreciation hit if you later sell it and move back to a C5 or C6.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: BEST Corn-Nation
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I have had both. I sold the C4(1995) though after I got the C5(1998). I would not mind going back to the C4 if I had to. They are totally different annimals. The C4 you are talking about has the digital dash. Mine did not so I don't know how reliable they are. I have heard some stories though. I don't really care for that dash either but that is just me. You have to decide if you are going to be happy with it instead of the C5. Good luck with your decision. Just my .02.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Carlsbad Ca
I have a 1996 C4 Collector Edition Convertible as well as a 2002 C5 Coupe. ( Both in our family since new. ) Love them both, but very different cars. C4 feels smaller and somewhat "tighter" overall whereas the C5 even with Z51 suspension feels a bit more like a daily driver. The C5 has far more luggage space for weekend errands. In the end, I'd have top say driving the C4 feels a bit more like driving a "sports car" overall. ( But I tend to drive the C5 more. ) 
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-----
My C4 could never get anywhere near my C5 and be as reliable as the C5 is!
I would not go back to a C4 but if there was a world where I could have one of each I would.
The C5 is in a class all it's own and the two do not compare and I can say this for I have owned both!
I liked my C4 but I truely love the C5
Thanks,Matt
I would not go back to a C4 but if there was a world where I could have one of each I would.
The C5 is in a class all it's own and the two do not compare and I can say this for I have owned both!
I liked my C4 but I truely love the C5
Thanks,Matt
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
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I agree with Matt. I also have had both and would not consoder C-4. I would consider a C-3, years 68-72, before a C-4. Better investment, more fun, lots more looks and easier to work on. A good, clean, low mileage C-5 is the way to go. Prices are dropping a bit and they blow away the old car.
Burning Brakes
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From: Beavercreek Ohio Currently own: 1958 Silver Blue Corvette & 1969 Riverside Gold Corvette Coupe
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Why not get one of each? hehe
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From: Coconut Creek FL
My C4 could never get anywhere near my C5 and be as reliable as the C5 is!
I would not go back to a C4 but if there was a world where I could have one of each I would.
The C5 is in a class all it's own and the two do not compare and I can say this for I have owned both!
I liked my C4 but I truely love the C5
Thanks,Matt
I would not go back to a C4 but if there was a world where I could have one of each I would.
The C5 is in a class all it's own and the two do not compare and I can say this for I have owned both!
I liked my C4 but I truely love the C5
Thanks,Matt
I had 2 C4's before coming into the C5 arena- I liked the C4's until I rode in a C5! I agree 100% with the above post- my C4's (last one was a very low mile 1994 Vert in Polo Green with Tan guts) had a few issues...first, it leaked like a siv- second no matter what I did it ran VERY hot...and thirdly, even though it had the performance suspension it never felt balanced like the C5 does. Don't get me wrong, I love all vettes and if I had the chance I would certainly buy a C4 ZR1 or a Skunk (grand sport). But given the choice between the two- a C5 it would always be...
Prices of the C5's are falling...you can find some really good deals out there now that GM is pushing out so many C6's...
I drive my C5 everyday and I love it! 28MPG on the highway and 21+ around town if I keep my foot out of the skinny pedal!
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From: Miami Beach FL
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From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
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St. Jude Donor '16
Go for it..you can always go back to a C5 or just get another later... better to have one than be vetteless.
I drive my C5 everyday and its agreat DD, but on the weekends its C4 time
I drive my C5 everyday and its agreat DD, but on the weekends its C4 time
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Wellsboro Pa
We have one of each, an 85 and a 98. The C4 is a nice car with low mileage and very clean but the C5 is a totally different animal. If I had to sell one, it would be the C4. That's just my opinion, do what you can afford to and get back into a Vette.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Rochester NY
I was at a show and was parked next to a 95 RED Grand Sport. I thought the GS only came in Blue and with white strips. The car was really perfect. But I would never give up my C5. The C5 is so much more car.
John
John
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From: Columbus Ohio
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St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10
The C5 has a much more civilized feel to it than the C4. 
Even though the C5 will out handle and out perform the C4, the C4 has (to me anyway) more of a sports car feel to it.
It rides rougher and has more of a 'part of car' feeling when you climb over the frame rail and drop down into it.
My C5 gets most of the seat time now but I still get the C4 out just for the sheer fun of it.
Even though the C5 will out handle and out perform the C4, the C4 has (to me anyway) more of a sports car feel to it.
It rides rougher and has more of a 'part of car' feeling when you climb over the frame rail and drop down into it.
My C5 gets most of the seat time now but I still get the C4 out just for the sheer fun of it.
Team Owner
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From: Columbus Ohio
CI 3-4, 8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Loudon/Lake Mary Tennessee/Florida
The C5 has a much more civilized feel to it than the C4.
Even though the C5 will out handle and out perform the C4, the C4 has (to me anyway) more of a sports car feel to it.
It rides rougher and has more of a 'part of car' feeling when you climb over the frame rail and drop down into it.
My C5 gets most of the seat time now but I still get the C4 out just for the sheer fun of it.
Even though the C5 will out handle and out perform the C4, the C4 has (to me anyway) more of a sports car feel to it.
It rides rougher and has more of a 'part of car' feeling when you climb over the frame rail and drop down into it.
My C5 gets most of the seat time now but I still get the C4 out just for the sheer fun of it.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Ogden Utah
I had a C4 and loved it... I agree with the previous comments about having both as they each provide totally different driving experiences. But just a thought, in addition to better handling and power, the C5 is MUCH easier for an old guy like me to get in and out of. If that's a factor for you, you might want to just stay with the C5.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: queens Newyork
I had an 92 z07 with some major work and 2" drop great car, If your going to do a c4 the best is a 96 w/lt4, if money is an issue you can pic up plenty sub 10k w, LT1, I wouldnt get a 84-90, its one of the least desireable and In my opinion it has the worst look of all of them
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I love all generations of Vettes - just some more than others now that I have one. I've driven a couple of C4's, almost bought a '92 a few years ago. Reality is the later C4's were much better cars than the early generation cars - and I'd say an '86 qualifies as an early generation car.
The LT1 didn't become available until '92....in '86 they were in my mind, a little underpowered.
I would look for a later model C4 with an LT1 - but it won't drive or ride anything like a C5. But having any Vette is better than no Vette at all.
The LT1 didn't become available until '92....in '86 they were in my mind, a little underpowered.
I would look for a later model C4 with an LT1 - but it won't drive or ride anything like a C5. But having any Vette is better than no Vette at all.