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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
Your observations are mine ET, but a bit different... Moving forward from my 356 to my 914 to my 944 to my 911 to my present '99 C5 vert.. the "advancement" has been linear and always older to less older.. Each step newer then the last and Always for me Traumatic.!...are you at all conflicted?.. I've Always felt ET will Never "move on".
Nope. Happiness is being happy with what you have.
I have an older BMW motorcycle. A simple, classic, carbureted twin. Air cooled. Took a new Boxer for a ride recently, and most of the "features" are electronic. Traction control, electronic shift assist, hill start assist, etc. etc. In terms of styling, the new bikes are God awful ugly. I get back on my old bike (140k miles) and appreciate it for what it is, and can't wipe the smile off my face.
Same with my C5 Convertible. Honestly, it doesn't feel 20 years old. 345hp is way more power than I need. Handling, precise. No squeaks, rattles, or issues of any kind. And classic flowing lines, make me appreciate its design every time I drive it. It's surpassed my expectations and I don't have a desire to own anything newer to be honest.
Yeah, I feel the C5 is a very dated design but that, to me, is also its charm. I had a C5 convertible a few years ago and thought I'd never want another C5 if I were to buy a Corvette again. However, when I recently decided to get another Corvette I looked at many different generations and the old and dated C5 still looked good to me. I was even ready to pull the trigger on a nice, very low mileage C7 when I happened upon the C5Z I ultimately bought.
I am still happy with my decision as the 2003 Z06 I got, while dated in so many ways, is still a classic design that checks all the boxes I need checked. Its still an attractive design that incorporates many of the traditions the Corvette was known for and it can still hold its own to many of the newer cars performance wise. So despite its age a C5Z still works for me.
Last edited by brandyspaw; Sep 1, 2019 at 02:12 PM.
I saw a c7 earlier today (might have been a c6, actually) and from my angle I did not like it. Personally I'd probably take c5 over either a 6 or 7. And pocket the extra $20-30k.
My 03 Z06 has 23,xxx miles and have always enjoyed driving it. Have auto crossed it some and enjoyed that aspect of the car as well. My 2017 grand sport is an automatic, and I love driving it as well. Does the Z06 feel dated, in some respects it does, the first thing I noticed when I get in the Z is the larger steering wheel and lack of gadgetry. Both cars are fantastic, with each car having its own strengths and weaknesses. That’s why I keep them both.
I'm heading into 70 years old so I guess I'm pretty dated. That being said I must say I love my "dated" C5! I love the"dated" interior layout, I love the "dated" analog gauges and I love the "dated" smooth and slippery aero type styling. The only other vette I truly wish for is the extremely "dated" '67 big block coupe. Y'all can have anything newer than the C5's. Have a good one!
I'm heading into 70 years old so I guess I'm pretty dated. That being said I must say I love my "dated" C5! I love the"dated" interior layout, I love the "dated" analog gauges and I love the "dated" smooth and slippery aero type styling. The only other vette I truly wish for is the extremely "dated" '67 big block coupe. Y'all can have anything newer than the C5's. Have a good one!
I am 72 and I feel the same about the C5 but I do love my C7 also. Wasn't too crazy about my C6-C51/2 (interior didn't fit me well).
Take that f-cking fin off it it might be the best looking c5.
It obviously has purpose, along with the front splitter,, looks like the whole back of the car is customized. I'm guessing it's not running 400hp. Plus there's a NHRA decal on it.
