AwesomeC5

What are the key differences between a fixed roof coupe and a regular coupe? I know the FRC's don't have the removable top, they are all 6 speeds and they all have black interiors. Anything else unique about the FRC? Thanks.........

VaTechHokie

FRC is a notchback where coupe is a hatchback

Z-07 freak

FRCs have the FE3 "sport" suspension.

JTS97Z28

They were only made in 99 and 00 then started in 01 as the Z06. All hardtop corvettes are manual 6spds, all 99-00 hardtops have Z51 handling package. Interiors are all black with base seats (IMO much more comfy also). Very limited production numbers compared to coupes. Hardtops are said to be a little stiffer due to the fixed roof and are slightly leighter in weight. Colors available in hardtop were white, red, black, pewter, nassua blue (I think thats it).Hope this helps.

JT

BlueDream

Keep this in mind when thinking about how you will use the car. In my case, the C5 is a daily driver so the additional room from the Coupe has definately been beneficial.

Also, I believe that there were several options that I don't think were initially available on the FRC.

The FRC is a little lighter and according to some has a slightly more "firm" feel to it due to the solid roof.

hardtop

I still can't figure out why it is so important that the coupe guys point out they have soo much cargo area. Its not like you could stack up groceries to the ceiling to take advantage of the extra space

The most important difference is the look from 20 yards away. And, do you want the top to come off. Do you want to road race? if so, the FRC is MUCH stiffer then the coupe. Of course, that can be fixed with a reinforced tunnel plate.
Go with what attracts your eye. everything else can be "modded" in. there is even a mod for a targa FRC.

jangelo

I own a 99 Blk. hardtop with 10,000 on the clock. I would only add, it was simular to the convertible with a hardtop permanently bolted and bonded in place. It had the same external trunk as the convertible. It was not a version of the coupe less targa.

BigButtLover

I think the FRC looks better personally, but that's a personal
choice.

bozo4onion

Can't get the heavier (and better looking) sport seats in the FRC either.

FrankTank

I would say the key differences are: FRC is stiffer, only comes in a 6 speed, is a little lighter, does not have as much storage, does not come with as many options, and obviously no removable top, more of a stripped down vette....has as a standard equipment Z51 sport package suspension
The coupe comes with a lot more options, is a bit heavier, comes in Automatic or 6 speed, has a bit more storage, removable top, Z51 is optional not standard, coupe not quite a stiff but can be made so with a few adjustments and tunnel plate.

I have a coupe, but I also like the FRC......oh hell I like em all

Silver98

Actually, you'd be surprised how much stuff you can get in the hatchback. Besides the 3 underfloor compartments, there really is a ton of room. It never ceases to amaze my wife how much I can pack in the hatch. Very helpful for taking a woman on vacation

And with the full width of the car available, you can load golf clubs very easily across the width and a shotgun fits also (trap & skeet shooting), and with the long back, you don't need to pile stuff on top of other stuff. Makes it easier to get selected items out, like chairs and cameras and binoculars for the ALMS races.

IMHO

SmoothFRC

the early 99's had little to no options, nick named the "billy bob" vette.

Late 99 and 00's could get almost all the options that a coupe can have minus things like an automatic (supposed to be a sports car, right?) and upgraded seats, etc...

My 00 frc has HUD, Dual Climate control, fog lights, power driver seat etc....

In reference to the space issue - The one thing i dislike about mine is that i cannot fit alot of larger items, not because i dont have space, but because i cannot get it to fit in the trunk lid - I often find myself putting things in from the front and sliding it into the trunk (mine is a DD)

My buddy had a coupe, and that thing creaked like crazy with the roof and all, also leaked - the creaking would drive me crazy, but i guess a tunnel plate could help that.

Just depends on what you want, personal preference.

themonk

Fixed antenna.

Vetteman Jack

My wife and I have taken our coupe on several long trips and the extra room in the back does make a huge difference. We never seem to pack light and the extra room is a plus. And yes, you can just about stack groceries up to the roof on the coupe - I speak from experience.

Glennm27

Coupe Background, FRC Foreground

frckid

Yeah the optionless hardtops were the early 99's. My late 99 has fogs, hud, power drvs seat, bose stereo, etc

Glennm27

2KFRC5

Here's a nice little write-up on the "Billy-Bob".......errr......scratch that, the William-Robert.

http://www.idavette.net/hib/99hdtp.htm :o

81c3

Coupes are said to have a bit higher maximum speed ability due to better aerodynamics of the rear window rake.

nmp27

FRC = Factory Race Car