C3 VS C4,C5 cornering
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 411
Likes: 1
From: Newhall CA
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I had a 75. It creaked, rattled, was hot, the AC and defrost never worked right, it leaked from numerous places in the rain, etc. and something always needed to be repaired or replaced. And that was a relatively decent 1-family owned car (my Dad bought it new) that had about 70K on it when I sold it in 2000. You couldn't pay me to have that car back as a daily driver or even as a part time car for my wife.
I WOULD love to have it back for the looks, the nostalgia, the uniqueness (you hardly ever see c3s on the streets around here anymore) and as a project to tinker with, but not as something to use on any sort of regular basis.
Keep in mind that the NEWEST C3 is about 25 years old, and,unless it's has a lot of upkeep, the handling is going to be far from what it was even when it left the showroom... the bushings are hard, craked and shot, the shocks are gone, there's probably play all through the suspension and steering, etc.
In short, if YOU want a project, get a C3. If you want a Corvette that will make your wife happy and appreciate 'Vettes, get a later C4 or early C5.
I WOULD love to have it back for the looks, the nostalgia, the uniqueness (you hardly ever see c3s on the streets around here anymore) and as a project to tinker with, but not as something to use on any sort of regular basis.
Keep in mind that the NEWEST C3 is about 25 years old, and,unless it's has a lot of upkeep, the handling is going to be far from what it was even when it left the showroom... the bushings are hard, craked and shot, the shocks are gone, there's probably play all through the suspension and steering, etc.
In short, if YOU want a project, get a C3. If you want a Corvette that will make your wife happy and appreciate 'Vettes, get a later C4 or early C5.
"the looks, the nostalgia, the uniqueness (you hardly ever see c3s on the streets around here anymore) and as a project to tinker with, but not as something to use on any sort of regular basis. "
Get your wife a nice C5 Coupe or vert AUTOMATIC and she be very happy!!
I have a 71, (had a 85) had a 98, have an 02 ZO6 and the wife has an 06 C6 Z51.
I love the 71 for its "looks, the nostalgia, the uniqueness and sexy body lines" !!! Its a cool car to drive every once in a while.
Like NocarbutaVetteforme stated, they leak, there HOT and sort of uncomfortable,,,,but,,,there fun to drive. They handle well but NO WHERE near what even a base C5 on a bad day can handle like!!
The C4 handles way better than the C3 but people don't call them the FLEXIBLE FLIER for nothing. When I took my targa top off, you could actually see the fenders flex on bumpy road. I had a lot of fun in my 85 Auto Coupe but I don't look back now that I have a C5! Especially the ZO6
The C6 is a LEXUS Corvette! My wife LOVES hers and wouldn't trade it for anything (well maybe a C7)
I personally love my ZO6 for the way it feels connected to the road! Thats the car for me.
Find some dealer ship that has an auto C5 and let her take it for a drive!!
BC
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: San Pedro California
I love my C3, but it doesn't handle anywhere near as good as my C5. There are aftermarket suspensions, and steering set-ups that will make your C3 perform, but why spend all of that time and money, when a nice C5 vert/auto will still blow the doors off the C3? C4s, in general, are a lot more prone to mechanical difficulties, and are very expensive to fix. I think the C5 is the best all-around vehicle for looks, comfort, performance, and reliability. Just my nickel's worth...
