Moving from C4 to C5, Thoughts?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 525
Likes: 21
Moving from C4 to C5, Thoughts?
Hello, I just sold my C4 Corvette and I am hoping to buy a C5 in the very near future. Just have to find the right car. I am hoping for a Z06 but have not ruled out a 6-speed coupe with the performance axle ratio. Any way, the people in the C4 forum made it sound like I was a moron for wanting a C5. I am sure a lot of you have moved from a C4 to a C5 and I was just wondering what your thoughts were. I have loved the C5 since it came out, i think the are beautiful....Is there anything about them not to like? I can't imagine i would really want my old rattle trap back after I purchase a nice low mileage C5. A lot of them in the C4 forum seem to think differently. I have only driven one once and really liked it although that was an automatic and I want a 6-speed.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Bristow VA
If you are intimate with your car you notice a lot of little things. My Dad had a 1991 ZR-1, it was a nice car and I liked it a lot. He also has had a '97 Coupe, '98 Coupe, and '00 FRC, he hated the 1991 compared to the C5's. All were Manual Transmissions.
But once again that was his opinion. Personally I thought his 91 ZR-1 was amazing, though I also loved his C5's.
When it came time for me to purchase a Corvette C4 wasn't an option even though I really enjoyed driving his '91, it was between the C5 and C6. I went with C5 because I could get a well optioned, great car for 10-15 thousand less.
As for the above mentioned "little things," if you are half way mechanically inclined you will be able to fix almost everything yourself, and might not even notice them unless they are brought up to you. Plus this forum is by far the greatest tool for fixing these "small things" with all the knowledge and how-to posts you can't go wrong.
If you want an idea of what the "little things" are check the stickies in the tech forum.
But once again that was his opinion. Personally I thought his 91 ZR-1 was amazing, though I also loved his C5's.
When it came time for me to purchase a Corvette C4 wasn't an option even though I really enjoyed driving his '91, it was between the C5 and C6. I went with C5 because I could get a well optioned, great car for 10-15 thousand less.
As for the above mentioned "little things," if you are half way mechanically inclined you will be able to fix almost everything yourself, and might not even notice them unless they are brought up to you. Plus this forum is by far the greatest tool for fixing these "small things" with all the knowledge and how-to posts you can't go wrong.
If you want an idea of what the "little things" are check the stickies in the tech forum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 6
From: Oilerville Edmonton
St. Jude Donor '08
thoughts??? Yeah, do it 
I have only ever had a C5 but you will get a lot of encouragement here to buy a C5. The 2 gens are night and day from the research I did here. I am not suprised to hear the C4 crowds thinks you're crazy...seems like they are being haters if you ask me. that being said, you will get a lot of that here if you ask about moving to a C6 too. It seems that every gen of the corvette gets better so its only logical that the latest is the best. But what the hell do I know?
drive a z06 and a 6spd and decide yourself. something tells me you'll be posting pics of your beautiful new (to you) C5 very soon
I have only ever had a C5 but you will get a lot of encouragement here to buy a C5. The 2 gens are night and day from the research I did here. I am not suprised to hear the C4 crowds thinks you're crazy...seems like they are being haters if you ask me. that being said, you will get a lot of that here if you ask about moving to a C6 too. It seems that every gen of the corvette gets better so its only logical that the latest is the best. But what the hell do I know?
drive a z06 and a 6spd and decide yourself. something tells me you'll be posting pics of your beautiful new (to you) C5 very soon
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Edgewood WA
I have a 96 that I show and a 04 that I drive, love them both, I personally think the C4 feels more like a sports car, ride is a little harsher, turning is a little stiffer. My 04 feels like a luxury car after driving the 96. Okay, now that I have stradled the fence, both of my cars are final year models, so presumably refined. I think that the C5 is the better car, suspension, engine,(mine is not a Z06, just a run of the mill LS1), brakes, steering are all outstanding.
Big thing is that it's a Corvette, they are all good.
Big thing is that it's a Corvette, they are all good.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 66
From: SoCal
Having both a 1990 ZR-1 and a 1999 C5 coupe 6 speed, I can tell you they ARE night and day difference. The C5 is a much stiffer body and better overall. Much more refined. The mod potential in the LSx engines are great (if that's your thing). Don't get me wrong, I like the C4s. That's why I have the ZR-1. But the C5 is better in every way over the C4. But that should be no surprise. Every gen should be better than the one before. I know they say the C4 feels more like a sports car. More of the RAW feeling, but I get plenty of feedback in the C5. And yes, the C5 feels a bit more like a luxury car compared to the C4. But I daily drive mine and I like that a lot. So much so that it is my DD. My C4 never was. But still a blast to drive. Get the C5, you won't be disappointed. Plenty of Z06s out there with reasonable prices.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,908
Likes: 735
From: Southwest Kansas
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
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I made that move in May.....OK here are the thoughts:
I loved my 94 and still think that the C4 Corvette offers a huge value for the money. If I had the money and space (and understanding wife) I'd still have the 94 or buy another C4. But I don't have any of those things.
The C5 is much more refined, has less of the raw sports car feel (IMO), it is much more powerful than my LT1 was (I really like that), it doesn't feel as fast as the C4 (but I know better). The C4 was much noisier inside (rattles, wind noise, etc) and mine was really quiet compared to some that I rode in. The C5 has way more space inside the car, if you travel in it, it's a huge difference. The tires on the C4 were cheaper than the C5 (I bought the Zero Pressure Michelins). There are tons of hotrod parts for the C5 (if you are into that). The top on the coupe comes off and goes on much easier than the C4.
Hummmm, I guess that's about all I can think of right off the top of my head. Good luck with your search and ultimate purchase of a C5.
I loved my 94 and still think that the C4 Corvette offers a huge value for the money. If I had the money and space (and understanding wife) I'd still have the 94 or buy another C4. But I don't have any of those things.
The C5 is much more refined, has less of the raw sports car feel (IMO), it is much more powerful than my LT1 was (I really like that), it doesn't feel as fast as the C4 (but I know better). The C4 was much noisier inside (rattles, wind noise, etc) and mine was really quiet compared to some that I rode in. The C5 has way more space inside the car, if you travel in it, it's a huge difference. The tires on the C4 were cheaper than the C5 (I bought the Zero Pressure Michelins). There are tons of hotrod parts for the C5 (if you are into that). The top on the coupe comes off and goes on much easier than the C4.
Hummmm, I guess that's about all I can think of right off the top of my head. Good luck with your search and ultimate purchase of a C5.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Nobody mentioned it, but ALL manual transmission C5s have the 3.42 differential.
The auto trans can be a 2.78 (regular) or a 3.15 (performance).
The ZO6 has a 3.42 ratio with shot peened gears (to strengthen them).
These are the ONLY four stock differentials.
A lot of people put the 3.42 in automatic cars, you must reprogram shifts.
Some people use 3.70 or 4.11 aftermarket diffs in manual cars.
BTW, I have a 1998 Coupe with 6 speed trans - very happy. My other Vette was a 1964 VERT with 375 HP fuel injected engine, 4.11 diff and M22 "Rock Crusher" trans. C5s rule, the ride, handling and performance is in the supercar range and they are GREAT daily drivers, mine is with 122,000 miles on it ! Oh, and I have gotten 33.6 mpg on the highway, what a car !
The auto trans can be a 2.78 (regular) or a 3.15 (performance).
The ZO6 has a 3.42 ratio with shot peened gears (to strengthen them).
These are the ONLY four stock differentials.
A lot of people put the 3.42 in automatic cars, you must reprogram shifts.
Some people use 3.70 or 4.11 aftermarket diffs in manual cars.
BTW, I have a 1998 Coupe with 6 speed trans - very happy. My other Vette was a 1964 VERT with 375 HP fuel injected engine, 4.11 diff and M22 "Rock Crusher" trans. C5s rule, the ride, handling and performance is in the supercar range and they are GREAT daily drivers, mine is with 122,000 miles on it ! Oh, and I have gotten 33.6 mpg on the highway, what a car !
Last edited by Oldvetter; Oct 9, 2009 at 12:05 AM.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 255
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From: Lake Charles LA
I went from a C4 to a C5 and a C6. I still have the latter two. Compared to the C4, the C5 and C6 is faster, quicker, better handling, better braking, much better looking (especially the C6), has MUCH better fuel economy, has a better interior, and the LS engines are far superior to the Gen I and II small blocks. The LS engines are more compact, much more powerful, very robust, stingier with fuel consumption, and about 44 lbs. lighter. I would never go back to the C4.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I had four C4s before I bought my first C5 - no question that the C5 is a better engineered car. It has a HP advantage, better fuel economy, better ergonomics, more storage, less parts, and more technology than the previous generation. Find yourself a very clean and well maintained example of the C5 and take it for a test drive. I'm sure you will be impressed.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
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From: Pensacola FL
I had a 1990 'vert with a mild 383/700R4 combo that was extremely fun:
However, there is no comparison with my cammed Z06:
Just get a well-taken-care-of C5 and you'll be hard-pressed to wipe the stupid grin off of your face...
However, there is no comparison with my cammed Z06:
Just get a well-taken-care-of C5 and you'll be hard-pressed to wipe the stupid grin off of your face...
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
[/QUOTE=rwthoma;1571760298]I have a 96 that I show and a 04 that I drive, love them both, I personally think the C4 feels more like a sports car, ride is a little harsher, turning is a little stiffer. My 04 feels like a luxury car after driving the 96. Okay, now that I have stradled the fence, both of my cars are final year models, so presumably refined. I think that the C5 is the better car, suspension, engine,(mine is not a Z06, just a run of the mill LS1), brakes, steering are all outstanding.
Big thing is that it's a Corvette, they are all good.[/QUOTE]
I still have both a C4 and a C5. Some people on here never had a C4, they do not know what they are missing. Both cars are great cars. I was looking at buying a C6 instead of the C5. Although I do not like the inside of the C6. I love the inside of the C5. You would be happy with a normal coupe C5, you do not really need a Z06.
Although it is all up to you on what to buy. Good Luck...
Big thing is that it's a Corvette, they are all good.[/QUOTE]
I still have both a C4 and a C5. Some people on here never had a C4, they do not know what they are missing. Both cars are great cars. I was looking at buying a C6 instead of the C5. Although I do not like the inside of the C6. I love the inside of the C5. You would be happy with a normal coupe C5, you do not really need a Z06.
Although it is all up to you on what to buy. Good Luck...
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 41
From: MEMPHIS TN
As a owner of both, I have a '93 C4 coupe and an '01 Coupe. Really no comparison of the two cars. Totally different cars. C5 is definetly faster and smoother. However, I am still crazy about the C4. I had planned to sell the C4, but just can't seem to part with it.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
I've had two C4s, an early coupe and a late convertible and now have a 99 C5 coupe and believe me there's no comparision. The C5 has the looks, power, handling and even the fuel efficiency edge over any C5. The only thing I miss from my C4 is the sport seats and somtimes I miss the digital dash of my 86 but that's about it. There's so much to enjoy on a C5 that you won't ever regret moving up from a C4.
Jerry
Jerry
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
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From: Middletown, DE
I've had two C4s, an early coupe and a late convertible and now have a 99 C5 coupe and believe me there's no comparision. The C5 has the looks, power, handling and even the fuel efficiency edge over any C5. The only thing I miss from my C4 is the sport seats and somtimes I miss the digital dash of my 86 but that's about it. There's so much to enjoy on a C5 that you won't ever regret moving up from a C4.
Jerry
Jerry
Jives with my experience. The ONLY thing I miss from my C4 are the seats which were light years better than the C5 easy chairs.
It's really neat to move up to a C5 because the C4 is such a great car -- and then you realize for very little more $$$ you got one even better
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 769
Likes: 2
From: Zahnd Indiana
Everytime I said that I wanted to get a corvette the common rebuttal from everyone that has driving one is that "they squeak, rough ride, etc." But they usually got this opinion from driving a c4. After taking a ride in my c5 those that where haters are like, wow this thing drives like a Cadillac.
I would say that moving from a C4 to a C5 will be a BIG leap in a good way.
especially since the prices are reasonable on them now.
I might move to a c6 once the c7 comes out for a few years.
I would say that moving from a C4 to a C5 will be a BIG leap in a good way.
especially since the prices are reasonable on them now.
I might move to a c6 once the c7 comes out for a few years.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,049
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From: Houston TEXAS