C5 vs C6
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
The interior styling reminds me of the 63-67 Stingrays which I have always felt were the iconic car design or the 60's. The interior of the C6 to me has become more like any other late model car out there, not bad just uninspired. As to the exterior I always felt the C5's rear quarters needed some work which I think was addressed in the C6. All of this from someone who has owned a 1995 Impala SS for the past 15 years and thinks it is one of the best looking sedans ever.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
I have had both and prefer the C5. In the price range you are talking, low twenties, you would be looking at a high mileage 05. I would much prefer a well kept, low mileage C5. My C6 was a nightmare that GM ended up buying back. Too many useless gadgets in the C6 like keyless ignition and doors. My C6 was so problematic, that in the 2 years and 12,000 miles I owned it, probably half of that time it sat in the numerous dealerships that tried to fix it's numerous problems.
Not sure what you mean by low mileage but I just missed out on a 2003 Anniversary Coupe with 32000 miles at $20,500. That sounded like a great deal to me but I could not get out (750 miles) to see it even though I looked at the pictures and e-mailed back and forth over the last 10 days. I bought a $30K truck over e-bay 4 years ago but I flew out to Houston with money in hand to see it in person before completing the deal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
I've had several C5s starting with '98 and currently have an '03. I've also had several C6s starting with '05 and currently have an '09. The C6 has its pluses and minus relative to the C5.
A pristine C5 is becoming a much harder commodity to find than a low mileage C6. Between the two and for the use you described, I would tend to choose the C5. When you see a C5 coming down the road at you there is no doubt that it is Vette. However, when you see a C6 coming down the road at you it could be a lot of different things.
The C6 is a nice car, but for the next many years you can always get one. Premium C5s are still available, but there is a shrinking supply. Best of luck in your decision.
A pristine C5 is becoming a much harder commodity to find than a low mileage C6. Between the two and for the use you described, I would tend to choose the C5. When you see a C5 coming down the road at you there is no doubt that it is Vette. However, when you see a C6 coming down the road at you it could be a lot of different things.
The C6 is a nice car, but for the next many years you can always get one. Premium C5s are still available, but there is a shrinking supply. Best of luck in your decision.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 32
From: cruising between USA and Canada... SAVE THE WAVE!
c5 vs c6
I might be one of the few here who think that the deciding factor is the C5 interior being MUCH nicer than the c6 interior.
pop up lights and very smooth styling give the edge to the c5
insofar as power, it's pretty damn cheap to gain 50hp with a c5...if you were worried of the 350 vs 400hp situation.
and C5= No OnStar
C5 FTW
pop up lights and very smooth styling give the edge to the c5
insofar as power, it's pretty damn cheap to gain 50hp with a c5...if you were worried of the 350 vs 400hp situation.
and C5= No OnStar
C5 FTW
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Simi Valley CA
For the money that you would like to spend on a vette, looks like a C5 is in your price range. 
If you like the look of a C6 more than the C5, you will need to come up with more money to get your car. One thing for sure is that whatever Vette you decide on, take into consideration of the mod bug that comes along with owning a Corvette. You will need money for that too!
Take your time and look for the newest low mile car you can afford.
C5 or C6, both great cars.
I have a 98 C5 with 27k miles and all the mods that I'm happy with.
My C6 friends keep bugging me about getting a C6. But, I'm very happy with my C5 and not even interested in getting a C6.
Whichever you choose, be prepared for a thrill of a lifetime.
If you like the look of a C6 more than the C5, you will need to come up with more money to get your car. One thing for sure is that whatever Vette you decide on, take into consideration of the mod bug that comes along with owning a Corvette. You will need money for that too!
Take your time and look for the newest low mile car you can afford.
C5 or C6, both great cars.
I have a 98 C5 with 27k miles and all the mods that I'm happy with.
My C6 friends keep bugging me about getting a C6. But, I'm very happy with my C5 and not even interested in getting a C6.
Whichever you choose, be prepared for a thrill of a lifetime.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 19,557
Likes: 1,470
From: I love you & miss you Linda
2017 C7 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Contributor
You'll most likely get a baised opinion here in C5 General. Ask the same question in C6 General then weigh the answers from BOTH C5 & C6 sections for an honest opinion. They'll both be biased opinions but you'll get them from both sides.
I've owned them both....
I've owned them both....
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,606
Likes: 1,722
From: Converse TX
Being an owner of both models you need to drive them both in the same transmission trim to see really the one you want. I find the C6 a little more refined in stock trim and the C5 a tad more road feel. I have an LS3 so the power difference is alot different than a C5, drive them both and get the one that fits you best
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Montreal Canada
In terms of looks only, the C6 should just be an option if you're going for a Z06. Park a regular C6 beside a Z06 and you'll quickly see what I mean. And if the budget is 20 large, buy a C5 vert. 
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 389
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington de
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Montoursville PA
I went and drove both and autocrossed both. I like the c5 much better the gearing in the c6 z51 is to high. The C6 interior is a bit nicer but the c5 looks pretty good and can be changed pretty easy.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 19,557
Likes: 1,470
From: I love you & miss you Linda
2017 C7 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Contributor
