C5 Vette best bang for buck performance car?
08-13-2017, 10:56 PM
#1
C5 Vette best bang for buck performance car?
I would think the C5
Vette is near if not at the top car as for bang for the buck in the performance department. Not to mention a sweet looking car. Especially the verts. Can anyone think of a better bang for buck used performance car?
Vette is near if not at the top car as for bang for the buck in the performance department. Not to mention a sweet looking car. Especially the verts. Can anyone think of a better bang for buck used performance car?
08-13-2017, 11:23 PM
#3
1/4 mile/AutoX
I was going to buy a older car a install a LS drive train, then thought why don't you just buy a C 5 ????
08-13-2017, 11:47 PM
#5
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The C5 platform during it's heyday was good enough to beat Viper and other's "best" for many years at the most prestigious races in the world. 20 years on, people that couldn't afford them new, can definitely afford them now. Although the car is '90's technology, the "bang for the buck" conversation/opinions, it would be hard to not include it being up there in many categories if not outright winning a few of them. It truly is a remarkable car but, I'm more than a little biased.
Last edited by C5R USA; 08-13-2017 at 11:49 PM. Reason: typing
08-13-2017, 11:52 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
08-14-2017, 12:16 AM
#7
Race Director
It definitely up there, of course it depends on how much u want to spend, for example, I keep looking at used ss camaro's but they are at least 20k and my C5 looks much better and it's not that much to make it faster.
so I stay with the C5
so I stay with the C5
08-14-2017, 06:37 AM
#9
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Hard to beat them at their current prices. Even the base C5's run low 13's, Z06's run 12's. They handle great and still look modern. I really didn't need another Corvette but couldn't resist at these prices. Great cars for the money
08-14-2017, 08:35 AM
#10
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It all depends on your definition of performance. There's drag racing, autocross and general on road driving. If you're into autocross a 175 hp Miata will eat a Corvette's lunch any day of the week so some may consider the Mazda a best bang for the buck. 
They are affordable, easy to maintain and cheaper to upgrade than a C5. 
The down side is they have a girly image. 
They are affordable, easy to maintain and cheaper to upgrade than a C5. The down side is they have a girly image.
Last edited by DDaaryl; 08-14-2017 at 08:43 AM.
08-14-2017, 09:16 AM
#12
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It all depends on your definition of performance. There's drag racing, autocross and general on road driving. If you're into autocross a 175 hp Miata will eat a Corvette's lunch any day of the week so some may consider the Mazda a best bang for the buck. They are affordable, easy to maintain and cheaper to upgrade than a C5. The down side is they have a girly image.
They are affordable, easy to maintain and cheaper to upgrade than a C5. The down side is they have a girly image. http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...trackday-hero/
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08-14-2017, 09:20 AM
#13
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It all depends on your definition of performance. There's drag racing, autocross and general on road driving. If you're into autocross a 175 hp Miata will eat a Corvette's lunch any day of the week so some may consider the Mazda a best bang for the buck. They are affordable, easy to maintain and cheaper to upgrade than a C5. The down side is they have a girly image.
They are affordable, easy to maintain and cheaper to upgrade than a C5. The down side is they have a girly image. 
Nothing like the Testosterone level surge when you slide into the driver's seat and turn the C5 on. 
08-14-2017, 10:04 AM
#14
1/4 mile/AutoX
It all depends on your definition of performance. There's drag racing, autocross and general on road driving. If you're into autocross a 175 hp Miata will eat a Corvette's lunch any day of the week so some may consider the Mazda a best bang for the buck. They are affordable, easy to maintain and cheaper to upgrade than a C5. The down side is they have a girly image.
They are affordable, easy to maintain and cheaper to upgrade than a C5. The down side is they have a girly image. Last edited by Pounder; 08-14-2017 at 09:50 PM.
08-14-2017, 10:06 AM
#16
Drifting
I think it is, particularly the Z06 if you are looking at a vehicle stock from the factory. That is some serious bang for your buck and is still pretty respectable compared to newer cars today....
Last edited by 02BlownZ06; 08-14-2017 at 02:02 PM.
08-14-2017, 10:06 AM
#17
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I'd have to agree that the C5 is a performance bargain. I can't think of many cars that would top it when it comes to all around performance versatility.
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08-14-2017, 10:27 AM
#18
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Guess Again
Not according to this article:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...trackday-hero/
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...trackday-hero/
Back to reality and "bang for the buck". A stock Miata will outperform a stock C5 at the autocross every day of the week. A Miata can be had for less money. In that event it's not all about horsepower. You could easily do well with less than $10k invested compared with the $20-25k your article suggests for the modified Z06 .
08-14-2017, 10:54 AM
#19
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Did you read the article you posted here? It clearly states you need to start with a Z06 and spend thousands on mods for suspension, brakes, cooling and more. It also states a well driven Miata will stick with 90% of the vehicles out there which confirms my earlier point.
Back to reality and "bang for the buck". A stock Miata will outperform a stock C5 at the autocross every day of the week. A Miata can be had for less money. In that event it's not all about horsepower. You could easily do well with less than $10k invested compared with the $20-25k your article suggests for the modified Z06 .
Back to reality and "bang for the buck". A stock Miata will outperform a stock C5 at the autocross every day of the week. A Miata can be had for less money. In that event it's not all about horsepower. You could easily do well with less than $10k invested compared with the $20-25k your article suggests for the modified Z06 .
Also, the C5 is not a one-trick pony (autocross) like the Miata is. It can do it all; a great well-rounded sports car. I get the feeling you are a current or former Miata owner?
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; 08-14-2017 at 10:59 AM.
08-14-2017, 12:07 PM
#20
Melting Slicks
Where else can you purchase a minty performance car with the capabilities of the C5 for such a paltry sum? I certainly don't know! Outside of the super exotics, I've owned a ton of different performance vehicles, both domestic and foreign, to includes Porsche and BMW. Sure, you can exceed the all around capabilities of the C5's, but check out the cost to do so. Try to match the capabilities of C5 Z06's with another make/model for less than $25K, the same goes for non Z's for under $20K. I don't think it can be done! You have to spend multiples of the cost of a perfectly cared for and low mileage C5 to even come close. Just my opinion, but I don't think I'm wrong. Take care!