I traded my mint 76 in on my 01z.I told the dealer i think i will miss my 76 and he said you will forget about it 60ft. down the road.c-3 is nice but no comparisom .

 

I had several C3's,
I had my 79 for 18 years, every thing was gone through and changed, used only top grade parts. Complete ultimate handeling kit from V.B.P. stainless steel brakes , new engine, with Dart Alloy heads, cam kit, etc, etc. 17 x 9.5" wheels, new interior, lowered, spredder bar, F Greg Racing GM headlamps. Hooker Sidepipes. Multi-Concourse winner, FTD autocross winner. Got more looks than my C5. I just sold it and I do miss it, however I do not cook on a long trip, get 30 MPG and can not touch the C5 times on a track event. Picture of the car is in my garage.
I think the C 5 is a great replacement for the C3 for me. Hope to own my C5 for years

 

I agree. If we were talking metal bumper C3 I'd keep it, but 75 is eh. Go with the C5.

 

Me too.
Get/keep both.

 

Keep the C3 and get a C5 - C5s are very reasonably priced now. If you can only have one though, I'd chose the C5. I had two 79s and while they were fun, they no where match the comfort, performance and overall quality of the C5.

 

I've owned a C3, a C4, and two C5's. Driveability is no comparison as the C5 destroys the C3 in every single category. However, the C3 wins in collectability and value appreciation. If you want a car to drive, pick the C5. If you want a classic car that will appreciate in value then the C3 is the winner.

 

I have had both C3 & C5, getting the C5 this past Feb. I like both, the C5 is much better, quiet, few rattles IMHO.

3rd Vette, what issues have you run into on a C5?

 

I had a perfect silver anniversary edition and can't see going back to it.
C5 for me.

 

The C3 is my favorite model. If I were going to only use it as a weekend driver, that is what I would have. Since I drive it as much as possible (close to a DD), the C5 works out great and better gas mileage than my Jeep.

 

car looks good from the pic,s keep it.

 

Owned several C-3's ,like C-5 better with the exception of a big block C-3,especially if it is a tri-power ,sidepipe car!

 

The first week I owned it, I took it to my local dealer and asked if they could run a search history on the car. They did, but as I was leaving, I got the "Pull the key and WAIT 10 Seconds" on the dash. Not even knowing what that was all about, I put it in gear and it died in 2 feet. Started it again and got the same message. I looked over at the service writer and he didn't have a clue! (BS). Turns out, they have a few AT THAT DEALERSHIP with the same issue. Mine was a simple fix. A new YELLOW TOP Optima to replace the DEFECTIVE Red Top I had just bought in Calif. Issue somewhat resolved, BUT, the recall on the steering column is a band-aid fix from GM with inferior parts that WILL FAIL! I ordered the Column Lock Bypass from Corvettes of Houston and installed it! No more issues, for now. The real turn off as I see it, is the fact that they are battery hogs. Im not used to owning ANY car that has a drain on the battery as a C5 ! Should you take it on vacation and park it over a week to 10 days, you risk of not having the REQUIRED 12.5 v to make the computer happy. PLUS, the 97-2000 or 2001 have issues with DISCONTINUED computers, ABS units etc (they also CAN'T be rebuilt!).. This is a REAL turn off that I never knew before buying. I really don't plan to keep my C5 very long. Actually, I plan to buy a C7 (maybe). After reading through some other threads, some here are predicting that Chevy may cut out the Corvette all together, since the 2010 production was only 12,000. . I'm just going to sit back and wait.
Also, (flame suit is on).. Tires for the 98 can cost you anywhere from 1,000 to $2500 (set), depending on if you choose run flats or not. The 79 are about $120 each! Same goes for about everything between the C3 and C5. I like the fact that 98% of the time, when I needed anything for my last C3 (1980), I could find it anywhere I looked and sometimes the dealer even had some NOS !.. It all comes down to, what ever floats your boat! I own BOTH. If asked which one I would sell or keep? Right now, I would take the C3 over the C5 any day. I like the fact that I never will have to cross my fingers every time I pull into a rest area on a trip and wonder if it's going to start when Im ready to leave. (not a good feeling as I see it). My AAA will only tow me 200 miles..