96 vrs 97
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,500
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From: Scottsdale AZ
To your question...fewer issues with a well maintained 96- probably.
But IMO, the C5 is a far superior car overall and preferable. If its a budget thing, I would suggest you hunt for a 98 in your price range.
But IMO, the C5 is a far superior car overall and preferable. If its a budget thing, I would suggest you hunt for a 98 in your price range.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Another aspect is that by now any bugs would have been found by now on a 97.
After helping a buddy work on a 96,,you would practically have to give it to me to consider one! Cramped interior(I'm 6'2"),and in spite of the huge clam shell hood working room on the motor is horrible,,not to mention the bizarre ignition set up.We had to get the car on a lift with one up on the lift(a 4post drive on) and one guy under and eventually had to recruit My wife and her smaller hands just to get the plug wires on!!
Night and day difference between the two cars,,IMO,,NO comparison! The C5 has more comfort/room inside,rides and handles better and performs better! I rode with my buddy and with the passenger seat all the way back,my knees were in the dash and had to bend my neck with my head rubbing the roof. No contest,,,C5!!!
After helping a buddy work on a 96,,you would practically have to give it to me to consider one! Cramped interior(I'm 6'2"),and in spite of the huge clam shell hood working room on the motor is horrible,,not to mention the bizarre ignition set up.We had to get the car on a lift with one up on the lift(a 4post drive on) and one guy under and eventually had to recruit My wife and her smaller hands just to get the plug wires on!!
Night and day difference between the two cars,,IMO,,NO comparison! The C5 has more comfort/room inside,rides and handles better and performs better! I rode with my buddy and with the passenger seat all the way back,my knees were in the dash and had to bend my neck with my head rubbing the roof. No contest,,,C5!!!
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I would agree that the C5 is a much better car overall, but it depends on how well each car has been maintained and what the mileage is on each one. I wouldn't hesitate to own a '96 that was in mint shape (I owned four C4s before I made the jump to now three C5s), but would still prefer the C5.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
to the OP Historically the 96 probably did have fewer issues. I also think that most of the issues with any car that has some miles on it should be fixed.
If I was told that I could have NO Corvette or a 96 or a 97 and that was it. The C5 regardless of being the first year would be it.
If I was on a tight budget I would continue to save for a 98 or newer
If I was told that I could have NO Corvette or a 96 or a 97 and that was it. The C5 regardless of being the first year would be it.
If I was on a tight budget I would continue to save for a 98 or newer
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: oregon
would take a 97 in a minute. the c4 just had too many problems and got really sketchy the more power you made. the rear end still used truck u joints and the birdcage frame had a lot of flex. 97 is greatly improved. in fact 96 to 97 is probably the biggest leap corvette has ever taken since. only 82 to 84 would compare. as much fun as it is to trash talk c4's they were much better cars than c3's
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Last edited by racebum; Oct 13, 2013 at 03:06 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
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From: Dublin GA
[QUOTE=8VETTE7;1585103634
Can't really compare the two cars. I've owned both C4's and C5's. Unlikely to ever go back to a C4.[/QUOTE]
Ive had two of each. Liked the C4 at the time, but would never go back.
As a note, have also driven a few C6's, and still love the C5
Can't really compare the two cars. I've owned both C4's and C5's. Unlikely to ever go back to a C4.[/QUOTE]
Ive had two of each. Liked the C4 at the time, but would never go back.
As a note, have also driven a few C6's, and still love the C5
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Dallas Texas
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OP, test drive them both and let that be the deciding factor. Everyone complains about the LT1/LT4's Opti spark(its ignition system), honestly, it's not all that hard to replace. I know that because I replaced mine back in July. To answer your question, all depends on how the cars were maintained. And bobeast, come on man, they aren't that bad. 
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From: Clearwater Fl
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Another aspect is that by now any bugs would have been found by now on a 97.
After helping a buddy work on a 96,,you would practically have to give it to me to consider one! Cramped interior(I'm 6'2"),and in spite of the huge clam shell hood working room on the motor is horrible,,not to mention the bizarre ignition set up.We had to get the car on a lift with one up on the lift(a 4post drive on) and one guy under and eventually had to recruit My wife and her smaller hands just to get the plug wires on!!
Night and day difference between the two cars,,IMO,,NO comparison! The C5 has more comfort/room inside,rides and handles better and performs better! I rode with my buddy and with the passenger seat all the way back,my knees were in the dash and had to bend my neck with my head rubbing the roof. No contest,,,C5!!!
After helping a buddy work on a 96,,you would practically have to give it to me to consider one! Cramped interior(I'm 6'2"),and in spite of the huge clam shell hood working room on the motor is horrible,,not to mention the bizarre ignition set up.We had to get the car on a lift with one up on the lift(a 4post drive on) and one guy under and eventually had to recruit My wife and her smaller hands just to get the plug wires on!!
Night and day difference between the two cars,,IMO,,NO comparison! The C5 has more comfort/room inside,rides and handles better and performs better! I rode with my buddy and with the passenger seat all the way back,my knees were in the dash and had to bend my neck with my head rubbing the roof. No contest,,,C5!!!
I would agree that the C5 is a much better car overall, but it depends on how well each car has been maintained and what the mileage is on each one. I wouldn't hesitate to own a '96 that was in mint shape (I owned four C4s before I made the jump to now three C5s), but would still prefer the C5.
Plus, you won't have to wear a mask just to drive through the neighborhood either. 
