Are C5 Owners Really...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park KS
Here you have some great Corvette enthusiasts mixed with some that never left high school and think it's cool to bash another generation, even if it is jokingly. A true Corvette enthusiast appreciates every year and helps all brothers out.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 23
From: Newton, Wisconsin
I've owned a C3, C4 and 2 C5's... loved them all, but each generation does get better. I owned an '86 coupe for 10 years and sold it for exactly what I paid for it, pretty sure that's not going to happen with my '02 convert. Don't rub it in, but your C4 is appreciating in value. No bashing here.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 681
Likes: 11
From: Carson City MI
I had a C1, C3, and jumped to a C5. I am not particularly fond of the C4 styling on the early ones especially with the center strip that give that clam shell effect. But, I am in a Corvette Club that would only have half our members were it not for C4s. These owners love their cars and the reasonable prices on them allow more people to enjoy the Vette experience. They are an improvement over the C3 in many aspects including performance and a less cramped interior.
I don't bash anyones ride and I wave to all Corvettes.
I don't bash anyones ride and I wave to all Corvettes.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Heath Texas
First Vette here, so not a good source of input.
Let me just say that a person would hope, HOPE that engineers and car companies would get better each year and model. You'd have the same expectation with Porsche, Benz, etc.
With GM, there may have been some hiccups with the Vette here and there due to undue influence of bean counters. But for the most part, the Vette guys appeared to have pushed improvements over the years.
Looks like I'm saying the newer cars are better than the old cars from an engineering standpoint. Okay, I'd say yes. Still, I bet 99.9% of C5 or C6 owners would give their left nut for an earlier Stingray. One appreciates the older models. To say you hate or disrespect older Vettes is rather shallow. One might not like a certain styling, and that's okay. I don't buy into the whole "hate" deal. JMHO
Let me just say that a person would hope, HOPE that engineers and car companies would get better each year and model. You'd have the same expectation with Porsche, Benz, etc.
With GM, there may have been some hiccups with the Vette here and there due to undue influence of bean counters. But for the most part, the Vette guys appeared to have pushed improvements over the years.
Looks like I'm saying the newer cars are better than the old cars from an engineering standpoint. Okay, I'd say yes. Still, I bet 99.9% of C5 or C6 owners would give their left nut for an earlier Stingray. One appreciates the older models. To say you hate or disrespect older Vettes is rather shallow. One might not like a certain styling, and that's okay. I don't buy into the whole "hate" deal. JMHO
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,966
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
Partially quoted from above:
"Looks like I'm saying the newer cars are better than the old cars from an engineering standpoint. Okay, I'd say yes. Still, I bet 99.9% of C5 or C6 owners would give their left nut for an earlier Stingray. One appreciates the older models. To say you hate or disrespect older Vettes is rather shallow. One might not like a certain styling, and that's okay. I don't buy into the whole "hate" deal."
About your feelings about the early Sting Ray: been there, done that (figuratively), and agree fully.
Let me add a thought: As the generations move forward, they always become better cars, but not always better Corvettes. But they are all Corvettes, and therefore, part of the story.
To me, the C5 was really the breakthrough because it is just such a wonderfully complete car. Definitely world class. I also love it as a Corvette, but is sure is a great car.
"Looks like I'm saying the newer cars are better than the old cars from an engineering standpoint. Okay, I'd say yes. Still, I bet 99.9% of C5 or C6 owners would give their left nut for an earlier Stingray. One appreciates the older models. To say you hate or disrespect older Vettes is rather shallow. One might not like a certain styling, and that's okay. I don't buy into the whole "hate" deal."
About your feelings about the early Sting Ray: been there, done that (figuratively), and agree fully.
Let me add a thought: As the generations move forward, they always become better cars, but not always better Corvettes. But they are all Corvettes, and therefore, part of the story.
To me, the C5 was really the breakthrough because it is just such a wonderfully complete car. Definitely world class. I also love it as a Corvette, but is sure is a great car.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,899
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
i have had my 84 c4 since 1995. i enjoy driving it almost as much as driving the c5. it is a great car for it time. if it wasn't for the c4 technology, the c5 would not be what it is today.....
Last edited by 34RedRage; Mar 11, 2009 at 11:55 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Anytime you lump a whole bunch of people together under one classification, you're going to find exceptions. As you can see from all of the previous posts, this group of C5 owners doesn't hate the C4.
I have been on this forum for going on six years. The one thing that I have noticed, as each generation of Corvette is introduced - some of the owners of the previous generation develops an inferiority complex and thinks that everyone looks down on them. Admittedly there are a few owners of the new generatiion that think their newer car is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but that by no means is everyone.
I say relax - enjoy the generation Corvette that you have and stop worrying what other people think or say. Remember - without the previous generation Corvettes, there would be no current generation. This car is now going into it's 56th year, that fact alone is a point that not many other cars can claim.
I have been on this forum for going on six years. The one thing that I have noticed, as each generation of Corvette is introduced - some of the owners of the previous generation develops an inferiority complex and thinks that everyone looks down on them. Admittedly there are a few owners of the new generatiion that think their newer car is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but that by no means is everyone.
I say relax - enjoy the generation Corvette that you have and stop worrying what other people think or say. Remember - without the previous generation Corvettes, there would be no current generation. This car is now going into it's 56th year, that fact alone is a point that not many other cars can claim.
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I like all Corvette owners no matter the generation
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 34
From: St. Louis Missouri
I owned an 88 Vert, and I liked it a lot. Actually like the way the seats in my C4 held you in place during Lateral Acceleration a lot beater then my C5.
The C4 has become viewed as some what dated and the Butt of many jokes as far as Mullet heads and Gold wearing individuals are the only people that drive them, but I still like them.
The C4 has become viewed as some what dated and the Butt of many jokes as far as Mullet heads and Gold wearing individuals are the only people that drive them, but I still like them.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,899
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
Anytime you lump a whole bunch of people together under one classification, you're going to find exceptions. As you can see from all of the previous posts, this group of C5 owners doesn't hate the C4.
I have been on this forum for going on six years. The one thing that I have noticed, as each generation of Corvette is introduced - some of the owners of the previous generation develops an inferiority complex and thinks that everyone looks down on them. Admittedly there are a few owners of the new generatiion that think their newer car is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but that by no means is everyone.
I say relax - enjoy the generation Corvette that you have and stop worrying what other people think or say. Remember - without the previous generation Corvettes, there would be no current generation. This car is now going into it's 56th year, that fact alone is a point that not many other cars can claim.
I have been on this forum for going on six years. The one thing that I have noticed, as each generation of Corvette is introduced - some of the owners of the previous generation develops an inferiority complex and thinks that everyone looks down on them. Admittedly there are a few owners of the new generatiion that think their newer car is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but that by no means is everyone.
I say relax - enjoy the generation Corvette that you have and stop worrying what other people think or say. Remember - without the previous generation Corvettes, there would be no current generation. This car is now going into it's 56th year, that fact alone is a point that not many other cars can claim.
very well said!!!!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
Likes: 886
From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
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I actually want a LT1 C4 to add to my collection.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,411
Likes: 3
From: slidell louisiana
I own a c5 because of the ride and lines, looked at c4's and have friends that did some hot mods and engine work. They are all cool and you are right , vettes, wave to c1-c6 but most do not wave back. If it comes to ride there is no debate, other than that a pesonal choice and sometimes a financial one. I really love sharks but would not own it. Have fun no matter what the series is my opinion
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Orange Park (Jacksonville) FL
C4
My first Corvette was a 1996 Polo Green Coupe. It was a lot of fun to drive. As my first Corvette, I did not have a lot to compare to.
My '99 just beats it for comfort, power and all around room. This is my daily driver (even with all the mods).
However, I also own a 95 ZR-1. The ZR-1 is a different animal. Getting in is like strapping on the car. With the seats low between the frames, it feels as if you are in a race car.
I love both cars for different reasons.
No need to trash the C4, just a different concept.
I also have a 62, it is also different. Rides and handles completely different (not in a good way). But, in its heyday, I am sure it was and is a hot ride. I also enjoy taking it out .
My '99 just beats it for comfort, power and all around room. This is my daily driver (even with all the mods).
However, I also own a 95 ZR-1. The ZR-1 is a different animal. Getting in is like strapping on the car. With the seats low between the frames, it feels as if you are in a race car.
I love both cars for different reasons.
No need to trash the C4, just a different concept.
I also have a 62, it is also different. Rides and handles completely different (not in a good way). But, in its heyday, I am sure it was and is a hot ride. I also enjoy taking it out .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,335
Likes: 0
From: Buckeye Country OH
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,366
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I love all generations of Corvettes. I've had two C4's and two C5's and every other generation for that matter. I miss the quick, responsive steering and low end torque the C4 has. The C5 and C6 are more comfortable and like to rev but I really liked the sports car feel of the C4. The C4 was the first of the modern Corvettes. Without the C4, the C5 and C6 would not exist.
When I'm driving one of my old Vettes I get the fewest waves back from C5 and C6 drivers.
When I'm driving one of my old Vettes I get the fewest waves back from C5 and C6 drivers.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
Likes: 26
From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I had a 96 C4 for 4.5 years. I enjoyed every moment I spent in it. I've never had anything bad to say about the C4. I wave to everyone in a Vette regardless of year or generation. 
On the other hand, there are some C4 folks who really seemed to get angry at me when I traded the C4 for the C5. I rarely venture into the C4 section of the forum because of them.
I've never had anything bad to say about the C4. I wave to everyone in a Vette regardless of year or generation. On the other hand, there are some C4 folks who really seemed to get angry at me when I traded the C4 for the C5. I rarely venture into the C4 section of the forum because of them.
Last edited by Cozmo; Mar 11, 2009 at 01:44 PM.