C5Z still Baller or outdated?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
C5Z still Baller or outdated?
I am new to this site but would like to hear some opinions. I own a new Camaro SS but looking at trading it in on a 03-04 C5Z but dont know if its a good idea or not. I like both cars but the feel of the Z is awesome. Please share your feelings. Is the C5Z respected by people who dont know cars?
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,075
Likes: 24,732
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
The C5 has classic lines, great performance and right now is a fantastic value for the money. I definitely do not think the C5 is outdated by any means. Find yourself a very nice '03-04 Z and don't look back.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,093
Likes: 267
From: Oklahoma City
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'19,'22
It's not baller, but still a solid car. Most people can't tell a 2001 from a 2013.
I think you'll like it over the Camaro. Of course the interior is a bit dated considering it's the same from 97.
I think you'll like it over the Camaro. Of course the interior is a bit dated considering it's the same from 97.
Speedy
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,109
Likes: 931
From: Tn
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I rode in my friends C5Z and its just plain cool, very rugged, connected and aggressive feeling. New Vettes will come along but I think all of the years hold special value to someone so they will never be forgotten
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,755
Likes: 3,688
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
The C5Z is a great car with a timeless design (fixed roof). They simply don't make them that good looking anymore.
There are some dated elements compared to today's cars, however you can upgrade most of them (HID/LED lights, NAV/stereo system, interior leather) to catch up to today's technology and materials.
Plus, have you ever seen a C5 Corvette right next to a current model Camaro? To me the Camaro looks like a truck compared to the Corvette!
There are some dated elements compared to today's cars, however you can upgrade most of them (HID/LED lights, NAV/stereo system, interior leather) to catch up to today's technology and materials.
Plus, have you ever seen a C5 Corvette right next to a current model Camaro? To me the Camaro looks like a truck compared to the Corvette!
Last edited by MSG C5; Nov 12, 2012 at 09:24 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
...must be a generational thing...sorta like 'gangsta' or '**ga' that come out of (C)rap music.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 47
From: Helotes TEXAS
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 256
From: St. Louis Missouri
As others said, most people don't know the difference between a well-kept 1997 and a 2013. Car guys, on the other hand, probably don't think C5s are quite so "baller" anymore. When the C7 comes out, the C5 will fade quickly. The fact is, if you can buy a well kept, low mileage car for $10k (base 97 C5), then I think they are not baller in any shape of the imagination.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: edinburg VA.
The FRC is a awesome looking ride. I had a 99 white one with a S/C LS6 with 550 RWHP and it was another world, at least to me. However I always liked the open air feel. I wish the factory would have made the option of a removable roof like the C3's had . I thought the C3 vert with the hard top looked better than the T-Top. Now I have the Vert and love it. It still has the great look to it. All the C5's had great lines.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
without a doubt...you will love the C5Z. They are quick, durable, and a great value for the $$. It will feel like you can toss it around alot more than the camaro....and they are a blast to drive. I would do it. 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
Toque
Last edited by Toque; Nov 12, 2012 at 05:04 PM.
Pro
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 576
Likes: 6
From: St Louis Missouri
I think it depends on how radical the look of the C7 is. The change between C5 and C6 wasn't enough where the average Joe could easily tell. A modified C5 can look better than a base C6. I don't think any Modified C4 can look better than a C6, but that's just my opinion.
So if the C7 is that much different then the C5 and C6 may take a hit and not be "baller" anymore.
As time goes on, I find my self really not liking any C5 but C5z... maybe I'm bias because I own a C5z.
I can tell you that I drive my C5 to work a few times a month, and a co-worker of mine couldn't tell the difference between my Z and a 97 stock on chrome wagon wheels when they were sitting next to eachother... I was irritated... as I think my car looks 10 times better. Some people don't care/know. They liked the "blue" 97.
Here's my C5z
So if the C7 is that much different then the C5 and C6 may take a hit and not be "baller" anymore.
As time goes on, I find my self really not liking any C5 but C5z... maybe I'm bias because I own a C5z.
I can tell you that I drive my C5 to work a few times a month, and a co-worker of mine couldn't tell the difference between my Z and a 97 stock on chrome wagon wheels when they were sitting next to eachother... I was irritated... as I think my car looks 10 times better. Some people don't care/know. They liked the "blue" 97.
Here's my C5z
