I have had a C5 vert before and thought it was a great car. As a matter of fact I am kicking myself for selling it and will probably buy another shortly. Along came an opportunity to buy a 96 LT4 convertible with 6spd recently. I have never owned a C4 of any kind. Anyone that has had both, chime in with a comparison. Would I be disappointed with the C4 after having had the C5?

 

The only thing comparable is the spelling CORVETTE............

 

With the LT4, you'll be pretty close in the power department, but imho, that's about all. imho, the C5 is night and day better than my '93 that it replaced. About the only thing I missed was the nice snug seats of the '93. Once you get used to the C5, roominess, ergonomics, etc., it's tough to go back - and I know, because I'm currently driving an '85 coupe while my wife drives the 2002.

 

Having driven both - they are totally different animals. Powerwise stock-for-stock, the LT4 is very comparable to the LS1. The C5 chasis is stiffer, and the suspension more refined. The C5 is also easier to get in and out of.

When I was looking for a Vette, I compared a 98 coupe to the 96 LT4 in my sig. The deal breaker on the LT4 was the $7K difference in negotiated prices.

 

I had four C4's and now 2 C5's. The LT4 motor is very comparable in terms of power with the LS1. With the C4, the ergonomics are no where near as good as with the C5, but you did feel like you were more in the cockpit of a plane with the C4. Room, especially for the legs and feet, is limited in the C4. Gas mileage is about the same, but the C5 may have a slight edge. I liked my C4's and would get another one as a second Vette, but if I had to choose only one, it would be the C5.

 

I have both. 1994 convert and 2003 coupe. Two completely different CORVETTES. They are both great but the C5 is Top of the line in every respect. I do love my C4. It's a little tighter in the pass. compt and no room for luggage but fun to drive. The C5 is power and comfort. The C5 is the best if you can swing it.

 

 

Thanks for everyones advice and opinions. Money is not the deciding factor. I just haven't seen a C5 convertible as nice as the one I sold, and I came across this 96 CE vert w/hardtop and only 16000 original miles. You all have brought me to my senses and I will wait until I find the C5 I want. I am looking for a 02 or 03 convertible,6spd, heavily optioned,low mileage and one owner.

 

I like the C4s. In fact, it was the C4 that made me want to get a Corvette when I first saw one as a little kid. It was showcased at the State Fair of Texas just prior to that model's introduction.

 

I had an '88 (54K daily driver miles) and a '92 (157K daily driver miles) before my '02 (55K daily driver miles so far). Totally agree about the cockpit feel about the C4, ESPECIALLY my former '92. But, I do like my C5 as an only 'Vette. Would love to get my old '92 back as a second 'Vette though.

Good luck!

 

Having had many variants of both, I consider myself qualified to answer this question. The I own a 2004 C5 MN6 and have also owned a 99 vert auto. In the C4 dept, my Dad has owned an 85,86,88 and I have owned a 90 auto coupe 96 Polo Green Auto coupe, and a 1991 ZR-1 and 1994 ZR-1. I have had friends with LT4 Collector Editions and a 94 vert auto. This is for the background.

The C5 is the first Corvette for the masses. Driving it is like driving any other car until you push it. It appeals to the tall, the obese, women and those who want all the performance of a Corvette with everyday driveability. The C5 is a great looking car. The top is easier to remove and it has alot of room. The technology like the HUD is neat. The C5 is THE vette to have for everyday drivers..especially high traffic situations.

I consider the C4 to be the last Corvette to be a traditional Corvette and have all the inherent Corvette quirks. The LT1 can be a pain and does not mind eating water pumps and alternators. The L98 was almost as bad. The C4 suffers from cowl shake and the top is a PIA to remove. Tall and obese need not apply without suffering in a C4. The c4, however, is more related to what a corvette should be and even though I had one as a daily driver from 1991-1999, I would not do it again.

In comparison, here is the lowdown:

Radio: Advantage C4, the Bose 200 watt system had more bass and treble than you needed, which was great for those CDs you want to play that are mixed with little of both. Also, the radio could provide you with more bass at lower volume levels. The C5 radio lacks in all departments except loudness, you can play it MUCH louder without distorting...but who ever has this need?

Interior: Unless you get a color other than black...the C5 interior looks cheaper than my Grand Prix company car. Even then, it is challenged. The C4 post 1989, always had beeterlooking interior from the rubber console to the leather on the seats. Advantage C4

Looks: Bottom line, there is not an angle on the C4 that doesn't look great in a picture...especially the ZR-1. The C5 does not accomplish this (especially in the rear). The back of the C4 with the rectangle black exhaust tips (again especially the ZR-1) is the best looking azz this side of Jenny from the block.

Conclusion, the ZR-1 with its exotic engine...power..tranny..and all advantages mentioned above, is the end all be all of C4/C5s...I will own another this time next year. However, the C4 is a better Garage Queen/weekend driver. The C5 is a workhorse and more tame car with better appeal to a Broader range of consumer. The disapointing thing for me with regards to my C5 is, when I drive it, it just isn't much different from the car I drive daily (especially if it were an auto)

Flame Suit Activated....but you asked

 

Hi Rob,

I sure am glad you decided to get rid of your '02. We sure are enjoying it. As you know, I had a 96 CE Coupe LT1/Automatic. Had my '96 been a vert with the LT4/6speed I would probably still be driving it instead of your '02. My biggest complaints with the C-4 were the lack of rigidity in the chassis and the difficulty in removing the top. I sold my '96 shortly after I bought your '02.

Sanford

 

I love the C5's wide rear end with it's low stance. It is far easier getting in and out of. The ride is much better. I have previously owned a 1970 454 coupe and a 1984 Z51 coupe. The fit, finish, and reliabilty is better than the C4. The C4 is not a bad car, but IMO, it never earned or deserved the respect that the C5 attained and maintains. The C5 is the first Corvette that is truly World class. It dominates in ALMS, and for the first time in Corvette history, has won the 24 hours of LeMans. And did this three out of the last four years, 2001,02, & 04. IMO, the C5 is a better, more exotic looking car. I would not own another C4.

 

I think you would. I traded my C4 ('95 vert) for my C5 ('04) and the difference is very pronounced.. Better ride, more power, a little bigger (this may be a + for the C4), better technology, etc...

My '95 was cherry (when I traded it, it had 21K miles) so it wasn't that I had a "worn-out" C4...

I think I'd hold out for a C5.. There are plenty out there and some are in real good shape..

Best of Luck,


JCR_Indy

 

I liked the seats better on the C-4. The dash is much, much better on the C-5. Overall, the C-5 is winner.

 

The *** end of the C5 is my absolute favorite angle of the car...particularly at a 3/4 view.

 

completely!

 

I have both right now, till my C4 sells, Im skinny, but the C5 is much easier to get in and out of, and since my back is not like it used to be this is major to me, I love the C4...and have had a good time with it, but I cant see me ever going back to one, not with the newer one that I have and enjoy now, in fact actually, if I could I would have a C3 to play with again...but only as an addition to the C5

 

I'm keeping my mint 82 C3 just for that reason. I like the attention I get when driving the 82. For some reason the 82 seems to turn more heads than the 01 Vert, I guess you just don't see many mint C3s out there on the road. But the drive is like night and day, of course me driving my C5 most of the time makes my occasional drive in the C3 much more pleasurable.

 

As Sanford said above,he is the lucky guy that caught me during a weak moment. He bought my MY 02 convertible 6spd. He and his wife Peggy are great people and I know the car went to a great home where it is enjoyed and pampered. I currently am onto an 03 convertible,loaded,6spd with only 1400 miles on it. The current owner hasn't quite decided yet if he wants to part with it,but is leaning that way. It is Electron Blue with tan interior and top. I'll keep everyone posted. My 61 fuelie just got put away for the winter, so I am having withdrawl symptoms since I don't have a corvette to drive!