I need an opinion (or better facts) from those that have moved from a C4 to a C5. How would you rate the handling of a stock C4 against a stock, non
Z06 C5?? Thanks. Sid.

 

I haven't run it on a course yet but it feels "different", can't tell if its better or worse. The C4 I have has base suspension, KYB shocks,17" wheels and a camber brace. My C5 is a Z51 with Kumho MX's. The powerband of the L98 is low, the C5 is high. There is more grunt coming out of a slow turn in the C4 but in a quick moving turn, you can keep the RPM's up in the C5 and come out hard. The fact that the weight distribution is different also plays a big part, the C5 isn't as "darty" as the C4 but seems harder to correct when the back does come loose.

 

No comment and I've driven several of each.

 

I've always thought my C4 handled better. I don't know if the numbers back that statement up or not. My 1990 had the A mold wheels all around with 275's up front 315's out back. It just felt like it had more feedback in the corners. Very go cart like handling. I imagine when I get rid of the runflats and get some real rubber on my C5 it will be as good, if not better. :cheers:

 

I've owned both and there is no comparison...C5 is much easier to drive fast. Less body roll and just an overall more solid car.

 

Same here. :yesnod:

 

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I've owned both and there is no comparison...C5 is much easier to drive fast. Less body roll and just an overall more solid car.
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Same here! :thumbs:

 

I have a 2002 Z06 with OEM Goodyear supercar tires. My wife's car is a 2000 A4 coupe with Z51, G92 and new Goodyear F1-D3 tires. My previous car was a '96 LT4 coupe with standard suspension and '99 chrome 17/18 wheels with Goodyear run-craps (uh, sorry, run-flats). Both C5s have significantly quicker steering response than the C4. The C4 also understeered more and was useless at the drag strip (2.2 60'). These are the facts but keep in mind the tires and suspension I had on my C4. By the way, the Goodyear D3s are quite an improvement over the run-flats and are a good value as well. Tire Rack had a survey that rated them first overall in a comparison to other big name supercar tires. They are excellent particularly in the wet, although they are very good but not the best in dry conditions. Absolutely satisfied for an overall daily driven street car.

 

:iagree: A slightly modded C4 can corner. I have noticed a push in my slightly lowered C5 and the C4 had more feedback. My C4 also had Koni single adust. that I kept playing with all the way around :yesnod: Last fall on a North Georgia Cruise the lead group that was moving quickly was all Z06s except, my C4 with Konis on the factory 93 wheels running Nitto NT555s not Rs.

I hope the C5 respond well to a set of Konis and non run flats. I think it will and will handle better than the C4.

 

Here's my comparison:

1) Stock 92 C4 w/ FX3
2) 92 C4 w/ VBP Sport front spring, lowered front & rear, adjustable front shocks, Bilstein Z51 rears, 17x9.5" front & 17x11" rear wheels (275 & 315 tires f/r).
3) Stock 01 Z06

Stock vs Stock, the C4 is nowhere close to the Z06 in ride or handling.

Modded C4 w/ street tires vs Stock Z, the C4 comes closer in the handling department, but is worse in the ride department than it was stock.

Modded C4 w/ race rubber vs Stock Z, the cars have approximately the same handling capability, but are still different to drive. The Z is much easier to drive fast, while the C4 takes a lot more attention. On perfectly smooth asphalt the C4 is very comfortable to drive to it's limit, but minor bumps will upset it's rear a LOT more than the Z.

When I first got the Z, I thought, man my C4 really handles much better than the Z. Then I started doing some actual tests and looking at what speeds I could take a corner with in both cars. Turns out the Z can carry a LOT of speed through a corner, but because it rides so well compared to the C4, it doesn't feel like you're going as fast. With the C4, it feels a lot faster than it is, it feels more like a big go kart. :D This isn't a bad thing, just different. To be honest, there are days I miss the feel of the 92. Then I floor the Z and I forget all about it! :D :steering: :D

 

I think the C5 goes into the game with a bit more, with a better chassis and stuff, but judging from the number of C4's out there winning races, I'd imagine the cars are fairly equal.

 

I cant tell alot of diff. between my 99 C-5 and my 90C-4 both had select ride suspension and I think they both handle great. The C-5 seems alot better built and the active handleing is pretty impressive on slippery roads. Both the C-4 and C-5 put my 67 Vert. to bed as far as handling but the 67 had P205-75-15 cheap tires and seemed to hook up and launch just as good if not better than the 90 and 99.

 

Even if you don't consider which one handles better I have to pick the C5 because the driver location and view are better in my opinion that the C4. The C4 seems like you were sitting too far back and for me being 5'7" I sat too low in the cars to get a good feel for how the car was reacting.

 

I could speak for days on this subject. I have raced at nationally competetive levels in several c4's in stock, and a z06 in stock.

The 84-87 vettes handle best, bar none, at least on tighter tracks. They do not have great brakes. The later c4 cars have much less neutral handling and are just not as fast through tighter tracks even though they have better power and brakes (except for the ABS, which sucks and often ruins turn in dangerously). The 88-90 z51 cars still handle fairly well but are fairly stiff.

The z06 has some real low speed push, but basically handles extremely well.

All of this assumes proper alignment and tires. All vettes basically handle fairly poorly with stock alignment.

A c4 with minimal modifications can be made to handle like MAD, however; it is very easy.

Improving a z06 in the handling department is actually very hard to do. It is good to start with.

If you tell me what you really want to do I can give more specific recommendations.

 

I've been playing with a roadrace modified C4 for several years, lots of evolutions in better brakes, alignment, big motor and roadracing transmission. It's fast, but a real handfull in and out of the corners. I can put it on line and take the corner pretty fast alright, put it's not nimble so it's difficult to maneuver for a tight pass and it's difficult to recover if you have to move off your line.

Recently, I took my C5 out to the track on the sticky tires that I pulled off the C4. Only the suspension and brakes had been updated, still a stock engine. It was as if the lights just came on. The car handled terrific! You could plant the tire patch at will: On line or off line the maneuvering was easy. You could overspeed a corner and still easily gather it up. Not so much power to make you worry about getting loose off the corner, just enough to get the car to rotate ... and it would stop.

I say ditch the bitch, buy the babe.

 

:boxing

I say ditch the bitch, buy the babe. :lolg:

 

The much stiffer chassis of the C5 allows all the sub-components to work more effectively, keeping all four tires in contact with the road is the goal.

While I have no doubt a C4 can post similar lap times (in some instances) the fact remains that a stiff platform always out performs one that flexes/twists etc. This makes aggressive driving easier and more enjoyable too.

Tom

 

always the question of how much you wanna spend, isn't it? seems pretty simple in those terms.....(!)

my $60K '78 pacer handles if on rails............ :D

 

I currently own C4 and C5 Z51's and the newer the better !