C5 Respect from a C7 owner
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 72
Likes: 6
I drove a C7. I like the power, I LOVE the dash, I hate the clutch, and didn't really feel the car fit me well. While it may handle, brake, and out run my C5, I would rather have two C5 convertibles than a single C7. Put a better engine in my C5, and I would take it hands-down over the C7. Not looking for people to look at my car and give me a thumbs-up, I could care less. I love my 2002 Vert, if it had my 2014 Camaro 6.2 in it I would love it even more! 
If you love your C7, that is all that matters. What we like or dislike should not bother you one bit.
If you love your C7, that is all that matters. What we like or dislike should not bother you one bit.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Texas
I saw a black C5 at the intersection today where I turned in front of it. Now my silver 2004 is sweet, but looking at that one in the rear view mirror, with the fog lights. and that stance, it was quite a site.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
A C5Z is only a few bolt ons and a set of Michelins away from matching C7 base or C7 Z51 performance figures.
But I have to say as a C5Z owner, those C7s are absolutely drop dead gorgeous cars, the entire line up!
But I have to say as a C5Z owner, those C7s are absolutely drop dead gorgeous cars, the entire line up!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
That's funny. I have a black one and always liked silver.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 419
Likes: 140
but then performance numbers and spec sheet stuff isn't everything. Whenever I get in a new car of any sort I feel like I'm even further distanced from the driving. That was the case when replacing my old volvo and it was also the case when driving a C6 after having gotten used to the fiero. Think that's one of the best reasons one could have for staying with an older car.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 152
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From: Queens NY
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6,480
Likes: 556
Really, I would've thought a C5Z would be faster than a C7 base...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,429
Likes: 973
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
I’m not as schooled in 1/4 mile times compared to 0-60. Most tests show a range of 3.9-4.2 for the C5Z when it came out. I don’t remember what the various c6 and C7 model figures are. What I DO know is after driving what was to be my ‘02Z, I drove a base c6. The result of that was to send me running to the seller of the Z to give him a deposit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Technically it would be a driver's race between an M7 Stingray and a C5Z. The auto C7 would easily pull a few car lengths on the Z.
Base C6 vs C5 Z06- Z all the way, baby. I honestly prefer the base C5's to the C6's.
I’m not as schooled in 1/4 mile times compared to 0-60. Most tests show a range of 3.9-4.2 for the C5Z when it came out. I don’t remember what the various c6 and C7 model figures are. What I DO know is after driving what was to be my ‘02Z, I drove a base c6. The result of that was to send me running to the seller of the Z to give him a deposit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
Funny how that's pretty much what the fiero crowd keep saying
but then performance numbers and spec sheet stuff isn't everything. Whenever I get in a new car of any sort I feel like I'm even further distanced from the driving. That was the case when replacing my old volvo and it was also the case when driving a C6 after having gotten used to the fiero. Think that's one of the best reasons one could have for staying with an older car.
but then performance numbers and spec sheet stuff isn't everything. Whenever I get in a new car of any sort I feel like I'm even further distanced from the driving. That was the case when replacing my old volvo and it was also the case when driving a C6 after having gotten used to the fiero. Think that's one of the best reasons one could have for staying with an older car.
I NEVER SAID the C5 Z06 would be as plush, as refined, or as well equipped as a C7. Never said they would drive the same. I said the PERFORMANCE FIGURES were close and could be equaled rather easily. That's not fiction, it is reality. However, that does not mean the C7 does not have definite advantages, but that was not under discussion.
If you go back and read, I also said the C7s are drop dead gorgeous. I love the C7 and they are without a doubt, the best Corvettes ever made! I plan to have one in the near future, so that should tell you how I feel about them.
Last edited by bikeriderga; Apr 26, 2018 at 03:48 PM.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 3,929
From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
C5Z already matches base C7/C7 Z51 performance statistics. A little less power, but a lot less weight. It's all about power to weight ratio.
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; Apr 26, 2018 at 03:49 PM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 518
Likes: 264
From: Jasper GA
I keep looking at C7s and I like them a lot. The interior is strikingly similar to my old C4 ZR-1, which is flat amazing to me. Very American, nothing subtle about them at all. In any case, they are great cars...and I'm very happy with my C5.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,770
Likes: 3,701
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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I (still) receive many compliments on my C5 vert both from general car guys as well as the Corvette crowd. On many occasions, current C6/C7 owners I've met, have looked at my car, shook their heads, and comment "I wish I would have kept my C5" meaning not trading or selling, just adding. 
I added HID and LED lighting a few years ago and last year, when picking up my niece from an after school event, I pulled into the pick-up line right around dusk. I flipped on the lights and many of the kids standing in line starting pointing and freaking out over the car. I then realized that many of these elementary school kids probably never saw a car with pop-up headlights.
Newer Corvettes should be faster and more advanced. However it's still fun to drive an "old" one as well.
Last edited by MSG C5; Apr 26, 2018 at 07:31 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,429
Likes: 973
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
I added HID and LED lighting a few years ago and last year, when picking up my niece from an after school event, I pulled into the pick-up line right dusk. I flipped on the lights and many of the kids standing in line starting pointing and freaking out over the car. I then realized that many of these elementary school kids probably never saw a car with pop-up headlights.