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Old May 16, 2013 | 09:08 PM
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Default specific question between C4 and C5 vert's

Hello all, I'm currently working on selling my C4 and may purchase a C5 to replace it. I currently have a '93 Vert which I drive almost exclusively with the top down.

For those who own both (or, have owned both) C4 and C5 'verts I am wondering if the wind intrusion into the cabin is as bad, better, or worse on a C5 than my C4?

I ask as I also have a '01 Mustang convertible. The Mustang with the top down is much, much less windy than the C4. My understanding is this is because of the open rear seat area in that car vs. The high deck lid of my C4.

As a comparison between the Mustang and the C4 if I wear a ball cap in the mustang with top/windows down on the interstate I have never come close to having it blow off my head. It's not an issue. In the C4 I have to be very careful at interstate speeds as the wind wants to take the ball cap off my head.

Was GM able to make the cabin of the C5 less windy with the top down vs. the C4 or, is any 2 seater with a deck behind the seats always going to be more windy?

Thanks,

Last edited by VtVette; May 16, 2013 at 09:10 PM.
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Old May 16, 2013 | 10:00 PM
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I don't find it to be any less windy except for the fact that you sit lower in the C4 and wind is blocked a little better around the seats. Not much difference in the hat effect. I think the C5 is quieter with the top up and it's quicker to put up and down, and seems to stretch tighter.
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Old May 16, 2013 | 10:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 65GGvert
I don't find it to be any less windy except for the fact that you sit lower in the C4 and wind is blocked a little better around the seats. Not much difference in the hat effect. I think the C5 is quieter with the top up and it's quicker to put up and down, and seems to stretch tighter.
I can't compare a C4 vert to a C5 vert but I can tell you my C5 vert is night and day less windy and quieter than my wife's Lexus ISC which has a backseat.
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Old May 17, 2013 | 09:44 AM
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i have a c4 vert and a c5 vert
in the c5 there seems to be less wind. My wife seems to always pull her hair back or wear a cap in the c4, in the c5 it doesnt seem to matter as much. a big plus is the ease of putting the top down.
I also have a 96 mustang gt vert that is less windy then both the vetts.
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Old May 19, 2013 | 12:36 AM
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I don't remember the wind intrusion in my dad's C4 convertibles. One thing I do know is the operation of the top is WAY easier, I can do it from the driver seat. The C5 is better than the XLR for sure. The XLR was like it was pushing on the back of my head at highway speed. Not as good as the R129 benz, which you could probably talk on the phone with the top down.
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Old May 19, 2013 | 11:37 AM
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There may be less wind noise in my C5 vert with the top down than there was in my C4, but certainly no more. However,there is definitely less noise with the top up, probably because (as another member noted above) it stretches more tightly. I also like the glass window in the C5 with the defroster wires far better than the plastic window in the C4.
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Old May 19, 2013 | 01:00 PM
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Isn't comparing a C-4 to as C-5 something like comparing a VW to a Porche?
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Old May 19, 2013 | 01:04 PM
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PS these things work.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...enet-sale.html
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Old May 19, 2013 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by stevegray04
There may be less wind noise in my C5 vert with the top down than there was in my C4, but certainly no more. However,there is definitely less noise with the top up, probably because (as another member noted above) it stretches more tightly. I also like the glass window in the C5 with the defroster wires far better than the plastic window in the C4.
'94 - '96 C4's have glass rear window w/defroster. My '93 has one retrofitted.
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Old May 19, 2013 | 01:59 PM
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Thanks for all the tip's and advice.
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Old May 19, 2013 | 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Cliff8928
I don't remember the wind intrusion in my dad's C4 convertibles. One thing I do know is the operation of the top is WAY easier, I can do it from the driver seat. The C5 is better than the XLR for sure. The XLR was like it was pushing on the back of my head at highway speed. Not as good as the R129 benz, which you could probably talk on the phone with the top down.
Thanks for this info Cliff. I've always been curious about the XLR.

The C4 isn't horrible I just noticed the Mustang is much better in that department and wondered about the C5 is all.

The R129 was an amazing car in it's day. I don't recall ever driving one but that chassis had some serious engineering behind it.

Another on my short list is a R230 SL 55 AMG. I don't know if I could do an automatic though, even one as advanced as the Mercedes speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission

Last edited by VtVette; May 19, 2013 at 02:22 PM.
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Old May 19, 2013 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Phanni
Isn't comparing a C-4 to as C-5 something like comparing a VW to a Porche?
I don't know.

What the hell is a porche?
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Old May 19, 2013 | 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by JaxEagle
I can't compare a C4 vert to a C5 vert but I can tell you my C5 vert is night and day less windy and quieter than my wife's Lexus ISC which has a backseat.
Same here. I have never been in C4 vert, but my C5 vert is very much quieter and less windy than my wife's '08 Sebring vert. I believe this has something to do with the wind whip and air pressures created by the cavity of the back seat. My C5 is very comfortable with the top down. Not sure about the hat test. Not a big hat person. Very much conversation /radio friendly
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Old May 19, 2013 | 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by VtVette
I don't know.

What the hell is a porche?
I think that's where you sit and rock when it's raining and you can't drive your convertible with the top down. My porch isn't as windy most days as the either the C5 or C4 on the highway.
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Old May 19, 2013 | 07:52 PM
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Originally Posted by VtVette
I don't know.

What the hell is a porche?
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Old May 19, 2013 | 07:53 PM
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As a previous C4 vert owner myself, you may notice the wind being a little less than the C4. It more has to do with outside weather conditions also. If there is a strong wind, you will feel it no matter what....

As much as I did love my 87, I will say that you will love having a real trunk. It is really nice to pop the trunk and actually be able to carry stuff vs fighting with the convertible top and stuffing items in the back cargo area...
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Old May 19, 2013 | 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 87 Ragtop
As a previous C4 vert owner myself, you may notice the wind being a little less than the C4. It more has to do with outside weather conditions also. If there is a strong wind, you will feel it no matter what....

As much as I did love my 87, I will say that you will love having a real trunk. It is really nice to pop the trunk and actually be able to carry stuff vs fighting with the convertible top and stuffing items in the back cargo area...
The trunk is one of if not the biggest single factor in my decision to buy a C5. My commute to work is 30 miles one way so, I'm spending an hour or so in the car these days. I need more room than the C4 offers so I bought a '01 Mustang GT 'vert to commute with. When I bough the Mustang I was not sure if I was ready to sell the C4. I've put a lot of work into her. In the end it really makes little sense to pay maintenance/upkeep on two cars when a C5 will fit the bill of both.
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Old May 19, 2013 | 09:45 PM
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I find the wind to be about the same. I do find back of my right arm gets more wind from my C5 - seeems to flow easily down the the waterfall compared to the rear deck of the C4.

As already stated - the trunk will be the greatest thing since sliced bread for you!
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Old May 19, 2013 | 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by VtVette
Thanks for this info Cliff. I've always been curious about the XLR.

The C4 isn't horrible I just noticed the Mustang is much better in that department and wondered about the C5 is all.

The R129 was an amazing car in it's day. I don't recall ever driving one but that chassis had some serious engineering behind it.

Another on my short list is a R230 SL 55 AMG. I don't know if I could do an automatic though, even one as advanced as the Mercedes speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission
The XLR probably was worse because I'm on the taller side (6'2") and sit fairly vertical. I don't think the seats go as low as the C5 either. I don't know if the C6 is the same or not, but that's irrelevant to me as I'll probably never own one.

R129 is very solid... Our example is a '91 with the 6-cylinder and 5-speed manual (No OD). It's crazy that the top is fully automatic and even the inside rear view mirror is power adjustable with memory.
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Old May 20, 2013 | 02:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Cliff8928
The XLR probably was worse because I'm on the taller side (6'2") and sit fairly vertical. I don't think the seats go as low as the C5 either. I don't know if the C6 is the same or not, but that's irrelevant to me as I'll probably never own one.

R129 is very solid... Our example is a '91 with the 6-cylinder and 5-speed manual (No OD). It's crazy that the top is fully automatic and even the inside rear view mirror is power adjustable with memory.
A 5 speed manual R129? Wow that is a rare car here in the US!
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