C5 vs. C6 question.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 137
From: SoCal CA
Well, with some mods my C5 is faster than a stock C6 or C6Z06
(I love the faces of C6Z owners when I fly by) But, to me the C5 feels like more of a "raw" sports car. Its not as refined as the C6 but thats what I like. I like driving a car where I feel that it needs my input all the time. I like to drive my car not it drive me. I just like the driver to car feel more than the C6. If only the seats held you in better. Also, power depends on the owner. I dont see a car for its stock power but potential power and thats up to your pockets. So, to each his own but I do think the C5 is a sexier looking ride.
(I love the faces of C6Z owners when I fly by) But, to me the C5 feels like more of a "raw" sports car. Its not as refined as the C6 but thats what I like. I like driving a car where I feel that it needs my input all the time. I like to drive my car not it drive me. I just like the driver to car feel more than the C6. If only the seats held you in better. Also, power depends on the owner. I dont see a car for its stock power but potential power and thats up to your pockets. So, to each his own but I do think the C5 is a sexier looking ride.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Santa Ana CA
I felt the two C6 coupes I had were too soft and refined feeling. I love the feel of the C5 Z06 with it's fixed roof, no creaks and pops like the roofs of the C6 and it feels like a sports car - just more raw and real. Yes, you can add suspension, exhaust, headers, etc etc to the C6. With the C5 Z06 you just jump in stock and it feels great!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
I agree with 99% of the comments made so far by everyone.
The C6 is more refined technically perhaps and I had one on order when they first came out, but I cancelled as soon as it came in and I saw it (did not even have to test drive it). The C5 was a head-turner when it was introduced, but the C6 still to me looks like a C5 that a Viper rear-ended and popped out the front - looks like the whole back end of the car was designed around the license plate? If I were headed to the track, I would get a C6 hands down, but since I cannot get to 45MPH without having to dodge a pothole, that is of no use to me.
The only thing the C6 has that I wish the C5 had is the "rubberized" interior panels - wish a 3rd party would offer those for the C5 for the dash and door panels!
Also out of the 20+ cars I have owned in my life (about half were new Corvettes) - the C5 is the first car that I ever bought and knew immediately that I wanted to keep it forever regardless of what other DD I might get in the future. 8+ years later, I still feel the same way.
Going down the road, I never miss or mistake a C5 - even out of the corner of my eye, but since the C6 hit the streets if find myself waving to Vipers, Mitsubishis, and God knows what else as they all look the same until they get up close.
The C6 is more refined technically perhaps and I had one on order when they first came out, but I cancelled as soon as it came in and I saw it (did not even have to test drive it). The C5 was a head-turner when it was introduced, but the C6 still to me looks like a C5 that a Viper rear-ended and popped out the front - looks like the whole back end of the car was designed around the license plate? If I were headed to the track, I would get a C6 hands down, but since I cannot get to 45MPH without having to dodge a pothole, that is of no use to me.
The only thing the C6 has that I wish the C5 had is the "rubberized" interior panels - wish a 3rd party would offer those for the C5 for the dash and door panels!
Also out of the 20+ cars I have owned in my life (about half were new Corvettes) - the C5 is the first car that I ever bought and knew immediately that I wanted to keep it forever regardless of what other DD I might get in the future. 8+ years later, I still feel the same way.
Going down the road, I never miss or mistake a C5 - even out of the corner of my eye, but since the C6 hit the streets if find myself waving to Vipers, Mitsubishis, and God knows what else as they all look the same until they get up close.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 0
From: rochester n y
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 217
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette IN
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,742
Likes: 43
From: Color my life with the chaos of trouble.
I love my C5Z, and with the things I have done to it I feel like I have made it my own. I have no plans on getting a C6 even though as others have said, I could go buy one tomorrow if I wanted.
What kills me about threads like this is that many of the exact same people that continuously complain about the crappy interior and build quality of the C5, also complain about the C6 being "too refined."
The other thing is the "...my modded C5..." posts. Compare apples to apples. I guarantee that there is a modded C6 out there that is just as fast as yours.
The only way you will know is to go drive them both. I guarantee that you will instantly like one more than the other.
What kills me about threads like this is that many of the exact same people that continuously complain about the crappy interior and build quality of the C5, also complain about the C6 being "too refined."
The other thing is the "...my modded C5..." posts. Compare apples to apples. I guarantee that there is a modded C6 out there that is just as fast as yours.
The only way you will know is to go drive them both. I guarantee that you will instantly like one more than the other.
Last edited by RedLS1GTO; Dec 17, 2008 at 01:48 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
I have a C5Z and a C6Z and they are completely different cars. The C5Z is alot more "raw" as many are calling in feeling. You do feel more connected to the road and as if you are sitting in a race car. The C6Z is much more refined. The thing about the C6Z though is that the refined feeling is deceptive. You lay into the peddle or start pushing it into the corners and it will push alot harder than the C5Z can. I drive both regularly and do not have a favorite. The worst thing about the C5Z are the seats. They put "standard" C5 seats in with a logo on the headrest. There is very little lumbar and more importantly side bolster support. You'll be pushing into a turn and feel your self sliding away from the controls. You can't go wrong with either.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Geez, I know this is going to probably start a sh!tstorm, but I have a serious question and I'd like to try to get a serious answer.
First, I realize that for many people there is a rivalry between Corvette generations. Personally, I love 'em all! That is not what this thread is about; I'm trying to get objective experience, not subjective opinions.
So, with that said...
I've read in the last few days in a few different threads where people make general comments to the effect that the C5 is a "better" car than the C6, but nobody has said why. These people seem to be coming from a quality standpoint. Is there quality issues with the C6? Or, is it just sour grapes from C5 people who can't afford a C6?
j/k
First, I realize that for many people there is a rivalry between Corvette generations. Personally, I love 'em all! That is not what this thread is about; I'm trying to get objective experience, not subjective opinions.
So, with that said...
I've read in the last few days in a few different threads where people make general comments to the effect that the C5 is a "better" car than the C6, but nobody has said why. These people seem to be coming from a quality standpoint. Is there quality issues with the C6? Or, is it just sour grapes from C5 people who can't afford a C6?
j/kI have owned both. Had an 02 C5 with 70k miles and traded it in with 10k down on a new well demo C6 with like 5k miles. I had the C6 for a few months and hated the car to the point I literally beat the hell out of it. Honestly man I get burned up talking about the C6 because I lost so much money in it. If anyone asks if they should buy a Mustang or a C6 I would say go for the stang. The car doesn't feel like a vette. It doesn't even feel like a sports car. The looks are plane jane and very boring to drive. It doesn't have that raw race car feel and the car looks weird from side view. As soon as I pulled out of the parking lot with the new C6 I knew I made a mistake. I would rather take a 97 C5 with 135k miles on it than a brand new C6. If a brand new C6 was selling for 14999.00 I still wouldn't buy it. The car is crap, ugly, boring, lame and just deserves to be discontinued. I don't recommend anyone buying a C6 ever. Thank god I found someone to take that off my hands. I cut my losses and now in the process to going back to a C5 but a modded one. I have cash in hand and waiting for the right deal and right car.
One word to describe the C5 and C6 that I owned.
C5 - Raw
C6 - boring
FYI ~ Not that it matters but not 1 person said nice car when I had my C6 which was lowered and had the rear widebody tint and some mods. But with my regular mag red stock except for Corsa and intake C5 I have had a compliment everytime I drove it. Kinda tells ya something.
Last edited by Mariamznm; Dec 17, 2008 at 03:15 AM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Sunshine
c5 best design c6 worst design
I agree with 99% of the comments made so far by everyone.
The C6 is more refined technically perhaps and I had one on order when they first came out, but I cancelled as soon as it came in and I saw it (did not even have to test drive it). The C5 was a head-turner when it was introduced, but the C6 still to me looks like a C5 that a Viper rear-ended and popped out the front - looks like the whole back end of the car was designed around the license plate? If I were headed to the track, I would get a C6 hands down, but since I cannot get to 45MPH without having to dodge a pothole, that is of no use to me.
The only thing the C6 has that I wish the C5 had is the "rubberized" interior panels - wish a 3rd party would offer those for the C5 for the dash and door panels!
Also out of the 20+ cars I have owned in my life (about half were new Corvettes) - the C5 is the first car that I ever bought and knew immediately that I wanted to keep it forever regardless of what other DD I might get in the future. 8+ years later, I still feel the same way.
Going down the road, I never miss or mistake a C5 - even out of the corner of my eye, but since the C6 hit the streets if find myself waving to Vipers, Mitsubishis, and God knows what else as they all look the same until they get up close.
The C6 is more refined technically perhaps and I had one on order when they first came out, but I cancelled as soon as it came in and I saw it (did not even have to test drive it). The C5 was a head-turner when it was introduced, but the C6 still to me looks like a C5 that a Viper rear-ended and popped out the front - looks like the whole back end of the car was designed around the license plate? If I were headed to the track, I would get a C6 hands down, but since I cannot get to 45MPH without having to dodge a pothole, that is of no use to me.
The only thing the C6 has that I wish the C5 had is the "rubberized" interior panels - wish a 3rd party would offer those for the C5 for the dash and door panels!
Also out of the 20+ cars I have owned in my life (about half were new Corvettes) - the C5 is the first car that I ever bought and knew immediately that I wanted to keep it forever regardless of what other DD I might get in the future. 8+ years later, I still feel the same way.
Going down the road, I never miss or mistake a C5 - even out of the corner of my eye, but since the C6 hit the streets if find myself waving to Vipers, Mitsubishis, and God knows what else as they all look the same until they get up close.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 137
From: SoCal CA
I love my C5Z, and with the things I have done to it I feel like I have made it my own. I have no plans on getting a C6 even though as others have said, I could go buy one tomorrow if I wanted.
What kills me about threads like this is that many of the exact same people that continuously complain about the crappy interior and build quality of the C5, also complain about the C6 being "too refined."
The other thing is the "...my modded C5..." posts. Compare apples to apples. I guarantee that there is a modded C6 out there that is just as fast as yours.
The only way you will know is to go drive them both. I guarantee that you will instantly like one more than the other.
What kills me about threads like this is that many of the exact same people that continuously complain about the crappy interior and build quality of the C5, also complain about the C6 being "too refined."
The other thing is the "...my modded C5..." posts. Compare apples to apples. I guarantee that there is a modded C6 out there that is just as fast as yours.
The only way you will know is to go drive them both. I guarantee that you will instantly like one more than the other.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Do yourself a favor. Go in with the mindset that newer ISN'T always better. Try to rent a C6 from a rental company for a few days. Don't make the jump over a 10 min test drive. Drive your C5 immediatly after the C6 and then drive the C6 again. Park your C5 and the C6 next to eachother and stare at both for a while. Then make your decision.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 992
Likes: 3
From: Chesterfield Michigan
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Do yourself a favor. Go in with the mindset that newer ISN'T always better. Try to rent a C6 from a rental company for a few days. Don't make the jump over a 10 min test drive. Drive your C5 immediatly after the C6 and then drive the C6 again. Park your C5 and the C6 next to eachother and stare at both for a while. Then make your decision.
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 66,409
Likes: 2,061
From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
Do yourself a favor. Go in with the mindset that newer ISN'T always better. Try to rent a C6 from a rental company for a few days. Don't make the jump over a 10 min test drive. Drive your C5 immediatly after the C6 and then drive the C6 again. Park your C5 and the C6 next to eachother and stare at both for a while. Then make your decision.
I have a ways to go before I make that decision. I vacilate over this all the time.
In my last unit, a buddy of mine has a 2008 C6 and had never ridden in a C5. Now my C5 is stock save a Corsa Touring exhaust and he felt that my car pulled harder, If you can believe that. I rode in his and the ride is smooth as silk, not that the C5 ride is not smooth, but.....
Anyway,for me it may come down to looks and not having a car payment. My C5 wins in both those categories
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
I think everyone sort of "expects" all Corvettes to meet a minimum standard of "performance" and I feel like ALL the C5/C6 models do that (for street use). I noticed a recent poll on this forum showed that the vast majority of C5 owners were more concerned with "looks" than "performance" if forced to make a choice - so the real question for "most" people seems to be a choice of which one "looks" cooler in the final analysis. I still say that if GM offered a choice today between a 2009 C5 and C6 with equal performance/material specs, they would sell more C5s.
I actually find myself laughing at all the Z06 C6's around town here (they are thick out here) - all of them driving 30-40mph - for most of these owners all it gets them is bragging rights about all the HP they have and can/will never use. I saw an older lady the other day here in town driving a new Lingenfelter C6 - I followed her for a few miles - never got above 30MPH - pretty fender badge though!
Last edited by Choreo; Dec 17, 2008 at 10:27 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 66,409
Likes: 2,061
From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
Good advice... tried that, but I couldn't take my eyes off the C5 long enough to compare?
I think everyone sort of "expects" all Corvettes to meet a minimum standard of "performance" and I feel like ALL the C5/C6 models do that (for street use). I noticed a recent poll on this forum showed that the vast majority of C5 owners were more concerned with "looks" than "performance" if forced to make a choice - so the real question for "most" people seems to be a choice of which one "looks" cooler in the final analysis. I still say that if GM offered a choice today between a 2009 C5 and C6 with equal performance/material specs, they would sell more C5s.
I actually find myself laughing at all the Z06 C6's around town here (they are thick out here) - all of them driving 30-40mph - for most of these owners all it gets them it bragging rights about all the HP they have and can/will never use. I saw an older lady the other day here in town driving a new Lingenfelter C6 - I followed her for a few miles - never got above 30MPH - pretty fender badge though!
I think everyone sort of "expects" all Corvettes to meet a minimum standard of "performance" and I feel like ALL the C5/C6 models do that (for street use). I noticed a recent poll on this forum showed that the vast majority of C5 owners were more concerned with "looks" than "performance" if forced to make a choice - so the real question for "most" people seems to be a choice of which one "looks" cooler in the final analysis. I still say that if GM offered a choice today between a 2009 C5 and C6 with equal performance/material specs, they would sell more C5s.
I actually find myself laughing at all the Z06 C6's around town here (they are thick out here) - all of them driving 30-40mph - for most of these owners all it gets them it bragging rights about all the HP they have and can/will never use. I saw an older lady the other day here in town driving a new Lingenfelter C6 - I followed her for a few miles - never got above 30MPH - pretty fender badge though!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
As a current owner of an 09 Cyber Gray Coupe just over 4k on the Daily Driven clock and my boosted C5 (it was dd for 3 years got bored with Stock HP), I will give you what I think of the two. The C5 was such a leap forward in Techo that the C6 is an improved version of the C5 except for the Z06 and ZR1 models. What I like better about my C5 is the body style is timeless. The LS platform got it start here and has proved to be a very good motor in stock trim or easy to gain a few more HP like I have done. I also like that the C5 has a little more interior space than the C6. Now that I have driven the C6 for 3 months it seems that there is less of a blind spot off to the sides on the C5, could just be me. I also like that the hatch on the C5 is lower easy to put stuff in and I do DD the C6 so I do notice this. What I like about the C6 over my C5. Better headlights (I do like pop-up better) from the factory, the 09 has variable steering and the turning is faster (I put C5Z sways on my C6), the ride on the C6 is smoother and with the new variable steering you also can feel the road better. Stock motors the LS3 has much more low end grunt over my LS1 and this is nice even behind the A6 (GM did do continous improvement on engines) and the LS3 pulls strong all the way to redline. I can not compare trannys as I have an MN6 in my 99 and the A6 is great for DD and the MN6 is awesome for spirited and boosted fun. The interior is updated and I like the seats better, but they still could be better after all these years, I like the C5 and C6 interiors about the same, more space in the C5 and I got two tone in the C6 a cool option. Both are great platforms and you can not go wrong with either generation, get the one you like best as you can see I love both of mine, now for different reasons
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,742
Likes: 43
From: Color my life with the chaos of trouble.
I mentioned my mods to those who choose a C5 over a C6 just for th extra (factory) horsepower. The point is, that is something that can always be worked on. Its not a good sole reason to choose one car over another. BTW, I really like my C5 interior, its far from cheap to me.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 10,030
Likes: 10
From: Prescott AZ
St. Jude Donor '04
I've can speak from experience I owned a 2007 Coupe and a 2006 Coupe Z51 and then decided this summer to sell the C6 and go back to C5 and I am just if not more happy.
Pros of the C6
Headlights if you drive at night the C6 are WAY better
Better seats and better looking seats
Somewhat nicer interior
Keyless stuff
LS2-LS3 based motor. Both of these motors can make way more power NA then the LS1 or LS6
Con's
Twice the price of my current and much faster C5
More vague steering
Less tossable then my C5 FRC
Keyless malfunctions nothing major but a few hiccups
C5 FRC has much more sports car type feal
I actually get more complements in my current C5 then I did in either of my C6's. The C5's just look mean and fast when they are lowered the C6 doesn't have that say tough look without a ton of modifications
If I ever go back to a C6 it will be a Z06. I don't feel the current price difference between the a standard C5 and C6 are worth it.
Nothing really to say about the C6 Z06. It is the best full production Corvette ever built. I don't consider the Zr1 a full production Corvette. I would rather have a 7.0 supercharged car then a 6.2.
Pros of the C6
Headlights if you drive at night the C6 are WAY better
Better seats and better looking seats
Somewhat nicer interior
Keyless stuff
LS2-LS3 based motor. Both of these motors can make way more power NA then the LS1 or LS6
Con's
Twice the price of my current and much faster C5
More vague steering
Less tossable then my C5 FRC
Keyless malfunctions nothing major but a few hiccups
C5 FRC has much more sports car type feal
I actually get more complements in my current C5 then I did in either of my C6's. The C5's just look mean and fast when they are lowered the C6 doesn't have that say tough look without a ton of modifications
If I ever go back to a C6 it will be a Z06. I don't feel the current price difference between the a standard C5 and C6 are worth it.
Nothing really to say about the C6 Z06. It is the best full production Corvette ever built. I don't consider the Zr1 a full production Corvette. I would rather have a 7.0 supercharged car then a 6.2.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,750
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
I suggest you ask this over in the C6 General Section, to get an equal opinion.
Better yet go over there and do a search that question has been asked a 1000 times over there and beaten to death.
For my driving style, I would take the C6 over the C5 anyday. To me the C5, after driving the C6, is a hot rod Lincoln
Better yet go over there and do a search that question has been asked a 1000 times over there and beaten to death.
For my driving style, I would take the C6 over the C5 anyday. To me the C5, after driving the C6, is a hot rod Lincoln