What is a better choice
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 2
From: Surprise Arizona
What is a better choice
I im pondering a newer Corvette. I love my 88 but after four years I think I would like something else. I still must have a convertible. My choices are:
1996 Collector convertible LT4 with Red interior. This is a rare car as only 68 were produced. It might be a little hard to find but there are 68 of them. I have seen several come and go. If I get another C4 it would have to be this exact car. LT4 Collector convertible prices are running in the mid to upper $20's.
Early C5 convertible. I dont know that much about C5's paint and interior color's and rarity. The C5 has benefits that you just wont get from a C4. You all know that. Early C5 prices are running in the mid to upper $20's as well.
Can the LT4 keep up with the LS1 as far as performance or is there a big difference? I want another car that is show quality like my 88 is. We go on somewhat long trips with the club. But mainly it is a cruiser and weekend show car. I am concerned about future depreciation as well. My 88 is a great looking car but it is nothing special. I would like the next one to be special.
Please be honest and tell me what you think.
1996 Collector convertible LT4 with Red interior. This is a rare car as only 68 were produced. It might be a little hard to find but there are 68 of them. I have seen several come and go. If I get another C4 it would have to be this exact car. LT4 Collector convertible prices are running in the mid to upper $20's.
Early C5 convertible. I dont know that much about C5's paint and interior color's and rarity. The C5 has benefits that you just wont get from a C4. You all know that. Early C5 prices are running in the mid to upper $20's as well.
Can the LT4 keep up with the LS1 as far as performance or is there a big difference? I want another car that is show quality like my 88 is. We go on somewhat long trips with the club. But mainly it is a cruiser and weekend show car. I am concerned about future depreciation as well. My 88 is a great looking car but it is nothing special. I would like the next one to be special.
Please be honest and tell me what you think.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 24,592
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From: The Rock Arkansas
Elite Member
Cruise-In III Veteran
The LT4 is everybit as strong as a LS1. Most folks say the LT4 at 330HP was under-rated so as not to steal the LS1's debut. Seats in a C4 are also more comfortable than a C5.
Overal performance, chasis stiffness, the C5 has the edge. You can get some options on the C5 such as active handling and HUD that were not available on the 96 CE.
The C5 is never going to be a collectable. Too many made. The 96 CE will probably be one of the most desirable C4s in the coming years excluding the 95 ZR1 and more desirable from a collector's viewpoint than a C5 excluding the Z06 and 2004 CEs.
Both are great cars. I would say drive both and whichever one puts a bigger grin on your face, get that one!
Overal performance, chasis stiffness, the C5 has the edge. You can get some options on the C5 such as active handling and HUD that were not available on the 96 CE.
The C5 is never going to be a collectable. Too many made. The 96 CE will probably be one of the most desirable C4s in the coming years excluding the 95 ZR1 and more desirable from a collector's viewpoint than a C5 excluding the Z06 and 2004 CEs.
Both are great cars. I would say drive both and whichever one puts a bigger grin on your face, get that one!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
If I could I would get the 2004 Z06 CE. It is the best of the C5's in my opinion. I can say that now that there are no more C5's being made. My .02 Plus you just can't beat the C5.
Good luck with the decision! 
