Why the C5 is the best Corvette
12-15-2016, 08:22 AM
#41
That's what makes it so great.....why drive a Corvette that's uncomfortable, gets poor gas mileage, and has a finicky engine that requires frequent tuning when you can have your cake and eat it too?
12-15-2016, 09:45 AM
#42
5th Gear
Member Since: Apr 2013
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C5 vs C6
I have owned both a C5 and a C6. I agree with Brownell. The C6 is faster and handles equal to or better than my C5. The C5 has the C6 beat hands down in overall quality. C5 never has a squeak or rattle. I can't say that about the C6. BTW - Both are coupes. And I think like 4 round taillights, a Corvette needs hideaway headlights!
12-15-2016, 09:49 AM
#43
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Pre C5
I had a lot more fun with my mid-year '65 than with either the C5 or the C6. But then (and I don't know how) I got older and more interested in hit the switch and go!
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JimHarris4 (10-18-2020)
12-15-2016, 11:42 AM
#45
1/4 mile/AutoX
12-15-2016, 01:18 PM
#46
Advanced
I still haven't figured out which brown wire to cut to prevent the fuel cut off! Send instructions, please!
But from the following list of manual cars I owned, nothing compares to the visceral feel of my C5Z '04:
300ZX '95 N/A, 3rd gen. M3 'vert US spec with upgrades, V6 'Stang '02, BMW 330i sports sedan '02, PT Cruiser (original non-turbo).
Wish list: easier shifting (C6 should be better), but I test drove a '10 GS manual and it would have been a huge disappointment if I woke up the next morning with that rolling computer in my garage.
But from the following list of manual cars I owned, nothing compares to the visceral feel of my C5Z '04:
300ZX '95 N/A, 3rd gen. M3 'vert US spec with upgrades, V6 'Stang '02, BMW 330i sports sedan '02, PT Cruiser (original non-turbo).
Wish list: easier shifting (C6 should be better), but I test drove a '10 GS manual and it would have been a huge disappointment if I woke up the next morning with that rolling computer in my garage.
12-15-2016, 01:44 PM
#47
Advanced
C5 The Best
I own a 2003 50th Anniversary edition. It is far superior to the 1970, 1977 and 1994 that I owned, although the 1970 was a 454. Wouldn't mind owning it again. But the C5 stock is fast enough, I know there are faster models out there like the Z06. But I plan on owning mine for a long time. besides I can't afford a C7 which I think I would like.
12-15-2016, 04:58 PM
#49
Instructor
The C5 is not the best Corvette ever. I owned a 2001 ZO6, it was a great car, quick, responsive, and good looking in a different sort of way. I mean that notch back roofline is so different than the coupe or convertible. I replaced that ZO6 with a C6 ZO6, a much more developed car.
Most people probably don't remember that when the C5 first came out, it was thought to have a huge ***. It did. I remember going into a dealer when the first one arrived in town. Everyone in the showroom felt the same about the huge rear. Otherwise the car looked fine. Over the years we have grown used to the rear of the car and it isn't so obvious, but it's there.
But the real reason I don't consider the C5 the best Corvette ever is the archaic hidden headlights. The 1936 Cord had hidden headlights, although they had to be cranked up by hand. Mid-40s Chrysler products had hidden headlights. Hidden headlights time had passed really before the C2 Corvette arrived on the scene. The C3 looks great with the lights down, but pretty cumbersome when raised.
Hidden headlights by the time the C5 arrived really weren't necessary, headlight design and laws allowed some awesome lights.
Even many C5 owners agree according to all the C5s running around with aftermarket lights that don't have to be raised.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Pete
Most people probably don't remember that when the C5 first came out, it was thought to have a huge ***. It did. I remember going into a dealer when the first one arrived in town. Everyone in the showroom felt the same about the huge rear. Otherwise the car looked fine. Over the years we have grown used to the rear of the car and it isn't so obvious, but it's there.
But the real reason I don't consider the C5 the best Corvette ever is the archaic hidden headlights. The 1936 Cord had hidden headlights, although they had to be cranked up by hand. Mid-40s Chrysler products had hidden headlights. Hidden headlights time had passed really before the C2 Corvette arrived on the scene. The C3 looks great with the lights down, but pretty cumbersome when raised.
Hidden headlights by the time the C5 arrived really weren't necessary, headlight design and laws allowed some awesome lights.
Even many C5 owners agree according to all the C5s running around with aftermarket lights that don't have to be raised.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Pete
12-15-2016, 05:15 PM
#50
Instructor
Thank you for that ! I would be happy to own any Corvette , I'm reading some strange stuff here , in the almost 40years between selling my '58 and joyously acquiring my 2000 almost a year ago I looked at every one I saw longingly....... " huge asses " " drive to much like 'real' cars " notwithstanding......weird......
12-15-2016, 05:35 PM
#51
Drifting
Love the looks of the C5 over the C6 although the C7 is one bad looking machine. I have only owned a C4 and a C5. I am going to go against the grain here and note that I find the later model C4's such as the ZR-1 and Grand Sport, and esp. the Verts appealing to my eye, plus it was a version I owned. It's like the era of music you grow up with. You will tend to have a bias toward it your whole life. So call me crazy but there are a few C4's out there I like to look at and love the achievement of the ZR-1 for its time. I think the early C4's are kind of ugly however. An '84 makes me want to gag, LOL.
As for the C5, The Z06 is what really caught my eye and is why I bought one. crazy good performance for the money and a beautiful looking car. I think they kind of screwed up shortening the rear and changing the headlights. I would still own one though just to see how it performs with my preference being a Vert in that version. I will probably skip right to C7 though. Just my .02.
As for the C5, The Z06 is what really caught my eye and is why I bought one. crazy good performance for the money and a beautiful looking car. I think they kind of screwed up shortening the rear and changing the headlights. I would still own one though just to see how it performs with my preference being a Vert in that version. I will probably skip right to C7 though. Just my .02.
12-15-2016, 05:39 PM
#52
Melting Slicks
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I like no headlights since I do not drive at night anymore for fun. So for those that do like to drive at night with your vette, I can see why you rather have non flipped ones.
12-16-2016, 01:07 AM
#53
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
The debate about which 'Vette is the "best ever" (or whatever) is endless and a personal thing.
Here is what irritates the hell out of me, from the ARTICLE:
"the car was finally capable of competing on a world stage"
The Corvette has "finally" been able to compete on the world stage with the introduction of EVERY gen (except perhaps the first). Virtually those exact words have been written by car reviewers/mags etc. at the introduction (and mid cycle too, at times) of the C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and now...mercifully, the C7 is finally capable of competing on a world stage.
Competing on a world stage is definitely not special or unique to the C5, that is for sure.
.
Here is what irritates the hell out of me, from the ARTICLE:
"the car was finally capable of competing on a world stage"
The Corvette has "finally" been able to compete on the world stage with the introduction of EVERY gen (except perhaps the first). Virtually those exact words have been written by car reviewers/mags etc. at the introduction (and mid cycle too, at times) of the C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and now...mercifully, the C7 is finally capable of competing on a world stage.
Competing on a world stage is definitely not special or unique to the C5, that is for sure.
.
Last edited by Tom400CFI; 12-16-2016 at 01:08 AM.
12-16-2016, 06:44 PM
#54
My taste for Vettes throughout all of the versions is as follows; I like all of the C1s and C2s, the '68-'72 C3s are awesome, but quickly go down hill after that. I didn't care for the C4 at all, I absolutely love the C5s and C6s, and even though the I know the C7 is an awesome car, I just can't warm up to the looks...
12-16-2016, 06:47 PM
#55
The debate about which 'Vette is the "best ever" (or whatever) is endless and a personal thing.
Here is what irritates the hell out of me, from the ARTICLE:
"the car was finally capable of competing on a world stage"
The Corvette has "finally" been able to compete on the world stage with the introduction of EVERY gen (except perhaps the first). Virtually those exact words have been written by car reviewers/mags etc. at the introduction (and mid cycle too, at times) of the C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and now...mercifully, the C7 is finally capable of competing on a world stage.
Competing on a world stage is definitely not special or unique to the C5, that is for sure.
.
Here is what irritates the hell out of me, from the ARTICLE:
"the car was finally capable of competing on a world stage"
The Corvette has "finally" been able to compete on the world stage with the introduction of EVERY gen (except perhaps the first). Virtually those exact words have been written by car reviewers/mags etc. at the introduction (and mid cycle too, at times) of the C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and now...mercifully, the C7 is finally capable of competing on a world stage.
Competing on a world stage is definitely not special or unique to the C5, that is for sure.
.
I think the guy is a bit off on his prices...at least I am not seeing prices as low as he claims....
12-16-2016, 07:04 PM
#56
Drifting
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A cam, exhaust sytem
The C5 looses the Corvette feel of ALL previous Corvettes. It feel to much like a regular car. It does everything better then previous Corvettes, but it depends what your looking for in your Corvette. Tradition, memory all adds in my case to buying a older Corvette. If i could afford one I would own a C1.
Last edited by David Shiel; 12-16-2016 at 07:13 PM.
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Pounder (12-16-2016)
12-16-2016, 08:06 PM
#59
Race Director
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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
I am very close to pulling the trigger on a 2017 C7 Z06. I just can't pass up on the opportunity of a V8, 650 HP beast with a M7 transmission. It quite literally, may be the last opportunity in my life to own such a car.
However, even though I'm adding to the stable, there is no way in hell I am parting with my C5 vert. Every dealership I've stopped in while shopping the C7Z asks me if I'm trading my C5 vert. One service manager even told me that if I trade it in, it will never see the lot. Some dealer staff member will want to buy it first. Sort of cool.
Since the C7Z will be a coupe, I will enjoy the best of both worlds with my C5 vert cruiser. Still one of the sexiest designs ever, plus the Corvette generation that saved the brand - Read "All Corvettes are Red" and you will know why!
However, even though I'm adding to the stable, there is no way in hell I am parting with my C5 vert. Every dealership I've stopped in while shopping the C7Z asks me if I'm trading my C5 vert. One service manager even told me that if I trade it in, it will never see the lot. Some dealer staff member will want to buy it first. Sort of cool.
Since the C7Z will be a coupe, I will enjoy the best of both worlds with my C5 vert cruiser. Still one of the sexiest designs ever, plus the Corvette generation that saved the brand - Read "All Corvettes are Red" and you will know why!
12-17-2016, 06:34 AM
#60
Racer
previous rides
I have to agree with you. I too am up there in years and have owned many vehicles. My Anne is the best of the bunch. I had a '59 C1, it was a 'go fast' car, but did not have the refinements as this C5. This is a keeper!