Coupe vs FRC
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
Coupe vs FRC
As a potential buyer, and corvette enthusiast, I myself have always been partial to the coupe. I like the roof lines, and the fact that it has the removable top, plus the glass top. Seems like the best of all worlds. Now recently, I've really been taking a liking to the FRC, and the look of that model. So I am curious what you have, and what you like about it. I.E. More practical, better visibility, structural rigidity, etc. What model is generally more expensive?
Unfortunately, I have not had the experience of driving either models, so any input would be appreciated.
Unfortunately, I have not had the experience of driving either models, so any input would be appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
There are also differences in what options you could get on the car between the FRC and coupe, so you might consider that.
For me - I just like the lines of the coupe better as a personal preference.
Here's a comparison photo for you.......
For me - I just like the lines of the coupe better as a personal preference.
Here's a comparison photo for you.......
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 58,524
Likes: 70
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
I went with the coupe and everytime the weather is nice and I take off the roof panel I am happy with my decision 
I also like the profile of the coupe better than the frc... it all comes down to personal preference.
You will be happy either way you go
I also like the profile of the coupe better than the frc... it all comes down to personal preference.
You will be happy either way you go
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 2
From: We cant stop here... this is bat country
I believe its more of a personal preference, but you do need to think of the options that you are after as well. Personally, I believe the FRC looks a bit more aggressive, but I have seen plenty of mean coupes.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
Likes: 1,038
From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
For me it was the open roof of the coupe that swayed me. In nice weather, the top stays off and in rainy weather (half of the year up here) the top is on and I have the convenience and protection of a closed car.
I also happen to prefer the overall shape of the coupe to the FRC. They are both great cars, but that's my preference.
I also happen to prefer the overall shape of the coupe to the FRC. They are both great cars, but that's my preference.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Mesa Az
When I was looking I knew that it would be between a coupe or an FRC because of the dollars that I had to spend and I knew that I wanted a low mileage car. When I saw the 2000 TR FRC online with 13K miles I called and put a deposit on it. Flew over the next week and had a great 1000 mile drive home. I have enjoyed every minute in the car and even though I have year round warm weather have not missed the open roof. Last Vette, a '93 was a coupe and I think I took the top off twice. Although the FRC has only 16K on it now there is not a squeak or rattle and it is still very tight.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
Is the FRC generally more rigid than the coupe? Less rattles? I would be in the market for a used one, so do the coupes generate any problems with higher milage/age?
Would you consider the FRC more of a "sports car?"
Would you consider the FRC more of a "sports car?"
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
Likes: 39
From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Something to remember is you cannot get an Automatic tranny in the FRC (in case that is an issue)
FRC is Manual only.
I love both equally
My .02 cents
FRC is Manual only.
I love both equally
My .02 cents
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
From: Northern KY.... Just 3 hours to Las Vegas in a 767
I prefer the looks of my FRC over the coupe. I also wanted a 6 speed.
I've had 4 vettes, 3 of which were coupes, and may have taken the tops off two or three times, so that wasn't an issue for me.
It all depends on what you like. There is no such thing as a bad
choice when it comes to vettes. Good luck in your decision
I've had 4 vettes, 3 of which were coupes, and may have taken the tops off two or three times, so that wasn't an issue for me.
It all depends on what you like. There is no such thing as a bad
choice when it comes to vettes. Good luck in your decision
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
Originally Posted by lemansbleu2004
You have something against convertibles?
I've had my share of automatics as I've been driving a Buick the last 4 years, so I am definitely looking at a 6 speed.
What are the trunk issues like? From what I can tell, it seems that the FRC has more trunk room, and a deep one at that compared to the coupe. Does anyone have any experience installing aftermarket speakers/subs in the hatch/trunk areas?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
I have an 01 Z06. I traded in a 93 Coupe on it. This is why I went with the FRC/Z06:
1. Much less wind noise than my 93
2. Much more sturdy/ridged than my 93
3. MUCH faster than my 93
Why I chose the FRC/Z06 over a C5 Coupe:
1. Found it had less wind noise.
2. Found it to be a little more sturdy (although the C5 Coupe was much better than my 93 Coupe)
3. Z06 is MUCH faster than the C5 Coupe
4. I like the lines of the FRC/Z06 better. It is cleaner, faster looking and looks more exotic...to me.
Visability: About the same in both the Coupe and FRC.
More practical: Well, this is subjective. The Coupe has a little more cargo room with the top on than the FRC, because you have a larger rear window that you can stack stuff up to.
In general, the Z06 is the most expensive (tied with the Verts), than the Coupes, than the FRC's.
Of course, after typing all of this including info about the Z06, I read the line that you are looking for a 97 to 00 Vette, which would rule out the Z06. Well, here is my take on it all anyway.
1. Much less wind noise than my 93
2. Much more sturdy/ridged than my 93
3. MUCH faster than my 93
Why I chose the FRC/Z06 over a C5 Coupe:
1. Found it had less wind noise.
2. Found it to be a little more sturdy (although the C5 Coupe was much better than my 93 Coupe)
3. Z06 is MUCH faster than the C5 Coupe
4. I like the lines of the FRC/Z06 better. It is cleaner, faster looking and looks more exotic...to me.
Visability: About the same in both the Coupe and FRC.
More practical: Well, this is subjective. The Coupe has a little more cargo room with the top on than the FRC, because you have a larger rear window that you can stack stuff up to.
In general, the Z06 is the most expensive (tied with the Verts), than the Coupes, than the FRC's.
Of course, after typing all of this including info about the Z06, I read the line that you are looking for a 97 to 00 Vette, which would rule out the Z06. Well, here is my take on it all anyway.
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
Likes: 39
From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by -Senza-
Does anyone have any experience installing aftermarket speakers/subs in the hatch/trunk areas?
Hope this helps
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
Originally Posted by EnglandGreen
12 inch Sub custom box - just bought one for my Rockford Fosgate Stage 2 12 inch you can see it here . It is awesome (if you are into this kind of thing as I am) and it sounds excellent with a cap and a decent sub amp.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
QuikZilver - Thanks for the response.
I do agree with you, the Z06 is the monster to have. Unfortunatly, and realisticaly, I will be looking no newer than an '00. I would like to get replica Z06 rims, rear brake ducts, etc to get the same look.
I do agree with you, the Z06 is the monster to have. Unfortunatly, and realisticaly, I will be looking no newer than an '00. I would like to get replica Z06 rims, rear brake ducts, etc to get the same look.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 29,617
Likes: 0
From: Ice Scoob
Photochop Terrorist
I like being able to take off the top and not have the lack of rear visibility in the vert with the top up. The glass top was one of the reasons I wanted the vette in the first lace. 
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
Likes: 39
From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by -Senza-
That is an interesting box. I'm guessing with the size of the vette, acousitics should be pretty good. Currently, I have a fairly large box holding 2 12" MTX subs. Although with the size of my trunk in my Buick, I still have lots of practical room. I love the Black BTW, nice looking vette!
I thought about using conventional bandpass, a custom built box or a pair of Bazookas originally before I found this box on eBay.
This way, I do not sacrifice any space plus I can still stow my top when I need to!!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
Originally Posted by EnglandGreen
Thanks for the compliment!!
I thought about using conventional bandpass, a custom built box or a pair of Bazookas originally before I found this box on eBay.
This way, I do not sacrifice any space plus I can still stow my top when I need to!!
I thought about using conventional bandpass, a custom built box or a pair of Bazookas originally before I found this box on eBay.
This way, I do not sacrifice any space plus I can still stow my top when I need to!!