Does your C5 feel dated?
No Hostility Be Happy
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 10,069
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From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I think there is some confusion with the definition of the word "dated" in this thread.
It sounds like some people are taking it as meaning "no one likes it anymore", or "doesn't get attention anymore". That's not what dated means.
The C5 is 100% dated. If someone who didn't know anything spent any amount of time with one, it would be clear as day it's a product of the 90s. It has a casette played for God sakes.
It sounds like some people are taking it as meaning "no one likes it anymore", or "doesn't get attention anymore". That's not what dated means.
The C5 is 100% dated. If someone who didn't know anything spent any amount of time with one, it would be clear as day it's a product of the 90s. It has a casette played for God sakes.
Hmmmm I normally agree with you on a lot of things but not so much this time.
Dated has nothing to do with a calendar. It has to do with an emotional feel for something that when you are around it you think holy crap this just won't work todays world. My example would be a Gen 1 Honda Ridgeline. I commend Honda for trying to do something different but holy crap that thing looked dated when it was brand new. That's just an example.
To me I feel the C5 should be classified as TIMELESS, and until something better comes along I think it will hold the record for the most timeless body style Corvette for years to come.
The C7 is a Transformers car and will fizzle in due time. The C8 I am intrigued by but it's styling is still nothing special. Thanks for the great C8 videos by the way.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 375
Likes: 116
From: MN
Dated? No way. Just bought my pristine one-owner 2002 Coupe with 17k miles a few weeks ago and could not be happier. Years ago I had 3 different C3's and have always been a fan of hide-away headlights. The C5's are my favorite years, and Lord willing I'll own this car for many years to come.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 987
Likes: 224
From: Motor City, MI
Nope.....I see so many pristine C5’s in SW Florida and they all draw attention here. I love mine especially in silver with black interior. Just updated the stereo to a pioneer touchscreen which the shop installed perfectly. I actually like the interior of the C5 more than the C6.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,205
Likes: 281
From: NoVA
When the C7 was out for a few years I thought the C5 was getting a bit long in the tooth. Then when I was C7 shopping I came upon my current C5 and couldn't pass it up. The only thing that seemed truly dated was the radio/stereo. I replaced with a 2 DIN android unit with wifi/gps/camera and BAM, it's caught right up with the 21st century. The exterior looks are timeless and unmistakable as a Corvette.
C5 satisfied my appetite where the C7 didn't but I am for sure on track for a C8 once the crazy is over and the wrinkles ironed out.
C5 satisfied my appetite where the C7 didn't but I am for sure on track for a C8 once the crazy is over and the wrinkles ironed out.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 157
Likes: 48
From: Charlevoix, Mi
Dated has such a negative slant.
There are all kinds of very cool cars and boats that are not on the breaking edge of technology. I prefer to call them classic. Would you go to a car show and call a 1969 Z28 dated? How about a 1965 Impala with a big block? Also, not a lot of us retirees care about back up cameras, info centers, etc. . My 1999 is fun to drive, still turns heads, and is pretty trouble free. I also have a 1985 sailboat that I much prefer to newer versions of the same model. Think classics, not dated.
Last edited by Bubba1951; Aug 15, 2019 at 08:47 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
Dated?? The more I see new cars that look like a collection of parts from other cars, and techno gadgetery - the more I appreciate the classic lines of my half century old car......
The C5 is classic and tasteful without being over the top.
Last edited by warren s; Aug 15, 2019 at 09:19 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 831
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Look at the original picture and compare it to women. From left to right you have your choice of a fat chick, a college chick, and the college chicks mom. Now who would you rather take home and in what order????
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 257
Likes: 97
From: Bucks County PA
Is this a real picture or a photoshop? The C8 looks humongous next to the C5.
As to answer your question, no, it does not feel dated to me. I view my C5Z as an analog race car for the street and it still performs incredibly well even by today's standards. Digital technology in a sports car is of very little importance to me.
That being said, I plan to buy a C8 but keep the C5Z as they are two totally different types of cars (gearbox, weight, technology, engine placement, etc.) and can suit different moods of driving experiences.
As to answer your question, no, it does not feel dated to me. I view my C5Z as an analog race car for the street and it still performs incredibly well even by today's standards. Digital technology in a sports car is of very little importance to me.
That being said, I plan to buy a C8 but keep the C5Z as they are two totally different types of cars (gearbox, weight, technology, engine placement, etc.) and can suit different moods of driving experiences.
Last edited by JimInPA; Aug 15, 2019 at 10:17 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,101
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From: Los Angeles CA
So true, guy in the off topic said the same thing. I'm starting to give up on the way a lot of cars look. If I can find the right color, it's like, Don't worry, Be happy. Lol
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6,480
Likes: 555
There are all kinds of very cool cars and boats that are not on the breaking edge of technology. I prefer to call them classic. Would you go to a car show and call a 1969 Z28 dated? How about a 1965 Impala with a big block? Also, not a lot of us retirees care about back up cameras, info centers, etc. . My 1999 is fun to drive, still turns heads, and is pretty trouble free. I also have a 1985 sailboat that I much prefer to newer versions of the same model. Think classics, not dated.
Last edited by grampi50; Aug 16, 2019 at 09:15 AM.
Race Director
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The moment the C7 was reveled. I watched it online and the second it rolled out I looked at my wife and said, I'm trading.
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If you look at things like tech advances and performance in stock form, then I would consider the C5 dated. But in terms of design, I still think the C5 is a classic that will have appeal for years to come.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,657
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From: Boxford Massachusetts
Yes, father time always wins. But with new electronics (double din, Android auto, backup camera, Sirius XM), new 18/19 wheels and other goodies (windscreen, for example), it stays pretty current. The exterior is pretty classic and it still turns heads.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 157
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From: Charlevoix, Mi
I love your torch red coupe! I also have these very same wheels to put on mine. I am looking for one exactly like yours, except I want one with a torch red interior. Also has to be a 6M, and would like the body colored roof panel if possible. Looking for an '01-'04 model...they are actually pretty difficult to find...yours appears to have the light oak or grey interior?
Team Owner
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
I never felt my C5 was dated. I added enough modifications to keep it fresh, the Nav system helped a lot. The wide fenders, big tires, MCM hood, big rotors etc.. The car always turned heads. Kudos every time I took it out. I look at pictures of it and feel it is still very relevant today and not so out of place. My C5 was not your average C5.. it never looked 20 years old to me, nor did it appear to have 100,000 miles.. always to the amazement of those viewing the car.
However, not to put down the C5 in anyway. Driving a C7 is a totally different experience.. The fee,l the power, the handling, and the overall aesthetic difference ( sensory overload ) is easily seen and felt. The C8 and the C7 was intended to be a distraction from my health issues. The C7 is doing that for me right now. With the C8 as a goal my health will have to sustain. There is a hug difference in the two cars. Looking back on my C5 while in the seat of my C7 it does seem dated. But there is something about the C5 ( My C5 ) that will never be replaced. I probably should have kept it, but I am thrilled that its in the hands of someone who will take care of it. While it is now Jay's car, its still my baby
Bill
However, not to put down the C5 in anyway. Driving a C7 is a totally different experience.. The fee,l the power, the handling, and the overall aesthetic difference ( sensory overload ) is easily seen and felt. The C8 and the C7 was intended to be a distraction from my health issues. The C7 is doing that for me right now. With the C8 as a goal my health will have to sustain. There is a hug difference in the two cars. Looking back on my C5 while in the seat of my C7 it does seem dated. But there is something about the C5 ( My C5 ) that will never be replaced. I probably should have kept it, but I am thrilled that its in the hands of someone who will take care of it. While it is now Jay's car, its still my baby
Bill
