The C5 is a totally different car from the C4 in every way. There were huge improvements made in the C5 over the C4 in technology, ride and handling, quality, interior space, comfort and foot and leg room.

The C5/C6 chasis is a completely new design from the ground up using one piece hydroformed frame rails. As far as I know it is the stiffest production automobile structure made. The C5 was designed and built right from the beginning as a convertible, although the first convertibles were not produced until late 1997 as 1998 models.

The C5 uses a transaxle design. The transmission and differential are in a combined case at the rear axle connected to the engine via a torque tube. The LS1 and LS6 engines of the C5 are completely new all aluminum versions of the Chevy small block V8 and offer more HP and TQ stock for stock, in a lighter car than the C4.

The C5 Corvette uses 34 percent fewer parts, which along with it's lighter weight and much longer wheelbase contributes to a superior ride with better handling and feel. Some think the C4 feels sportier but they confuse harshness and rattles combined with a tight cockpit as sporty.

I had 3 C4's and and although I enjoyed them very much at the time, there is no comparison in structural rigidity between the two. The C4's always creaked and rattled a lot. The C5 and C6 Corvette’s structure (hydroformed chasis) is a far more rigid structure than the C4 which translates to a much stronger and much more durable car. There is no flex in any body style C5 whereas the C4 has a lot of flex, especially in a coupe when you take the targa top out. That was my biggest gripe about the C4, I could actually see the car flex as I drove it with the targa panel out. My C5's, including the convertibles never flex or rattle one bit. You can lift a C5 at any lift point and the structure will not flex at all anywhere.

The C4's inferior Opti-Spark ignition system was done away with for the C5.

 

I went from an 86 to a 97 in May of 97. The differences are substantial. The engine just doesn't seem to want to quit. I now have an 03 Z06 which will blow your socks off. The C4 Z51 stiff ride was due to the chassis flexibility of the C4. The C5 chassis is stiff. It actually has a frame Vs the C4s tub. The frame uses hydroformed side rails (the first use in the industry) which combine with the floor panels and center section to make a very stiff chassis. With the stiff chassis the suspension doesn't need to be as stiff so a C5 Z51 doesn't ride that hard but does make the car handle like a dream. Read the book All Corvettes are Red to get a good idea of the differences in the cars.

The LS engines perform so well you may not want to do any mods right away. The old Chevy Small Block is gone and a new king is on the throne.

As the others said, drive one. Once you do you will forget about C4s.

Bill

 

If you are horizontally challenged, the interior alone is worth going for a C5. Just bought my first Corvette. Am 6'4" tall - really like the looks of the C4 and you can't beat the prices these days. Was hoping to get '94 - '96 roadster but just could not make the cabin work. Ended up with a '99 coupe. Love it.

 

I miss my C4... I liked it alot!! I'll pick up another one...

The C5 is a better car.. but in the intangible categories I prefer the C4.

I think the only real solution is to own both!

 

I was looking a C4s and C5s. Did a lot of looking and reading about both. Ended up with a torch red 99, 6spd, vert.
Never drove a C4, but when I drove the C5 it was a done deal, really when the car cover came off and I could see the torch red color and then hear the exhaust it was a done deal before I even drove it. You have already had a C4, when you check out a C5 I think you will be impressed. Not saying anything negative about the C4s, it's just that the C5 has my vote.

 

I agree, the C5 is a step up on the C4. I had a 93 Ruby and sold it with only 15K miles. Bought a 99 FRC . I still miss the Ruby, I guess you can see why.

 

I owned a '96 coupe/auto before buying the '99 coupe/auto. Here are my observations:

C4 has better looking rear bumper

C5 is easier to pump gas into (driver's side instead of over the rear bumper)

C5 rides smoother

C5 top is MUCH easier to get on and off. I remove the top on the C5 10X more than I did with the C4.

C5 rides MUCH better when the top is off. "A" pillars on the C4 shake when the top is off.

C5 has more leg/foot room, especially on the passenger side.

C5 has more hidden storage (run-flats & no spare tire, so rear area has cubbies in the floor)

C5 driver's seat side bolster wears out faster than C4 driver's seat.

C5 is easier to get in and out of (not stepping over the big frame rail like in a C4)

C5 has some chatter from the differential (when making very sharp turns)

C5 has the engine computer right beneath the battery (bad design IMHO)

C5 headlights flip up instead of spin over.

The C4 looks better when using one of those hatch vent do-dads. I've seen the hatch vent things on the C5, but it looks odd when the entire hatch is propped up. On the C4, just the glass gets propped up.

my C5 has HUD (heads up display) which I find very cool. In general, more gadgets & electronics on the C5.

C4 gets water stuck by the B-pillar / hatch glass area when washing the car. I always had to suck the water out of there with a baby-booger-sucker-thing after washing the car.

Overall, I'm happier with the C5 than I was with the C4. Just go test drive one and you can instantly tell the difference.

 

As the old commercial said,,"Try it You'll like it"!!