NVaughn

Even though both are unmistakably Corvettes, the C4 and C5 are very different cars.

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SVTBAIT

Step 1: Choose C5
Step 2: Don't look back?

Patches

Flattering article (for me). Two of the pics, the C5 engine bay and the rear shot of the TR C5 are of my C5.

I like the accentuated positives of each gen the author focuses on.

Corvette#2

I drove a few C4s back in the day. The clam shell hoods are neat. And they have a cozy feel to the cockpit. That generation had huge performance gains over time. Going from a cross fire injected 84 to a ZR-1 is almost a doubling of power to weight ratio.

C4s are pleasing to my eyes, although I think the curvier C5 design is more interesting. And I much prefer analog gauges to the digital style in the C4.

myredhead1

I went from my torch red 95 to my current torch red 2000. Love them both but two totally different beasts. The C5 is night and day better if you are looking for a DD.

Chicago1

I wanted a C4 then I looked at them..

Vetteman Jack

I would take that '96 Grand Sport in a heartbeat.

zmm1990

91-96 C4 > C5 > 84-90 C4

The look of the 91-96 C4s (especially the ZR1s) are timeless

rkj427

Great article which highlights both the C4 and C5 generations, as well as reminds us that all things change or evolve over time.

This coming from one who owns both a C4 and C5.
I prefer the C4 for the "old school" performance from days gone bye, and the C5 as a more refined driver, one which could be taken on cross country trips comfortably.
JMHO

grandsport2

i love C4s, However, the C5 is better in every way. I have owned 2 1996 grandsports, a 405 hp ZR1, droptop, and asst. coupes. I have also owned C5 Z06s (2) coupes, and now a six speed convertible. There simply is no comparison between the two Gens, refinement, ride, comfort, brakes, engines, etc... the list goes on. I still love to see a nice C4, but the C5 is simply better.

Monkey D. Luffy

/Thread

roadbike56

Well written article. Reminds me of the decision I had to make when I returned to Corvette ownership in 2012, the question buying a C4 or a C5.

guyster05LBM

I'd love to add a C4 95 Pace Car to my stable someday, but overall the C5 can't be beat for looks.

89 Vett

Well, I wasn't terribly impressed with the article honestly.

1st off, I am a C4 owner/enthusiast. That out of the way, here are a few criticisms.

1. It's a minor thing but it's the most visual. These older cars (C4 and C5) benefit greatly in appearance when lowered and a nice set of rims are added. The pics chosen were of a stock C4s and upgraded C5s.
2. We all know what these cars look like, and we all know how much horsepower they had. Setting these two things to the side eliminates the majority of the article.
3. I think the article is better served in performing a comparison by sticking to the base model of both generations.

Now, with a "which is better" question we have to first ask, what's the point... what's the goal of the buyer?

• If you're looking for a high-performance car on the cheap a C5 Z06 is an excellent option.
• If you're looking for an investment in a car to be worth a lot more later, the ZR-1 is a great buy.
• If you're looking for the absolute cheapest way to drive a Corvette, meet the 1984 Coupe.
• If you're wanting fun summer drives with the least amount of fuss and plenty of cargo space, go with the 2004 C5.

Everyone will have an opinion here, most of them don't matter to the person buying.

Corvette has always been a car that stood apart. Every year, and every generation was sexy, fast and a step forward from the history behind it.

So, why do I think C4s in particular are great?

• They are unique even among Corvettes. The clam shell hood, the digital dash.
• They are the beginning of an era. Corvette went from muscle car to sports car with the C4. It challenged European sports cars and won. Corvette rewrote its own genetics with the C4 and came up with something new.
• They wowed everyone. The ZR-1 was way ahead of the pack.
• They are an icon of the 80s. That might seem unfashionable now, but they embody the decade which has value later.
• They capture the imagination. The C4 inspired aftermarket greatness from Callaway, Guldstrand, and Lingenfelter to name just a few.

There's very little the C5 and C6 have done to change the game the way the C4 did. They do it better in pretty much every conceivable way, but they haven't been revolutionary. On top of that, Corvette slipped against Europe.

The C7 is great by once again putting Corvette back as a leader. While it hasn't changed the game the way the C4 did, it has reclaimed the position that Corvette hasn't held since the C4.

Though the C4 receives very little love there is much to admire and the low opinion and expectations many have of the C4 will just be a part of its history.

1blkc4

totally different car I had a c4 before I bought my c5 . They ride better plus newer technology and dont run as hot you cant go wrong with the c5

PHIL MEMPHIS

C4 and C5 are totally different cars. Had 93 C4 loved it, but the C5 is a much easier car to live with. Easier to get in and out of and handling and ride are better.

Had them both for a couple years, but drove C5 much more often.

89 Vett

You would have a difficult time finding any Corvette that was a step backwards. Comfort, horsepower, reliability, etc.:

C1<C2<C3<C4<C5<C6<C7

To say you'd rather have a '62 convertible over a '02 convertible is not a decision based in any of those reasons.

f6john

Enjoyed reading your viewpoint. I always thought I wanted a C4 until I would drive one and each time I would find the car to be lacking in some way. I didn't drive a C5 until 2005 and knew it was the model for me. Took several more test drives and several years before I bought the right car for me. That said, I still like the LT1 C4's since I have an LT1 Impala with 200k that still runs great.

RPM's96

I have owned an 85 auto, had the loan of an 87 4+3 for an extended amount of and currently own an 96 LT4 ce. I think the c4 is one of the best looking corvettes, and as stated previously, a real game changer for the model. To tell the truth I am not a fan of the c5 and when I upgrade it will be to a 2010 c6 most likely.

rx4arx

Loved my 94. 1st real muscle/sports machine I'd ever owned. I'll never forget the 1sr feeling of OMG when pulling out in a passing lane and just hitting the juice. Wow !! It was a nice design bodywise, a pleasant 'new' generation from the sharks. I started to be concerned about parts availability. And that got me the 04. Still the same Wow factor but a little roomier inside and the more modern A/C etc are nice.

Either is a great summer fun machine.