C6 vs C3
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 14
From: Tulalip WA
The only thing I can add is that if you want to go C3, at least go with the more desirable model years. With the right engine (427, 454, or LT-1) and options, a '68 - '72 C3 can be great. Once you get into the '73s and newer, things go downhill with each successive model year.
Well, I'm going to agree with Mike again.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Derby, Kansas
A C5 or C6 will make you happy. My 08 is hard to pass up on any day. I get the 82 out just to keep the tires round and the fluids moving. I only drive it on short runs so I can keep the miles low. I wish I drove it more but I cant make myself turn the key vs. push the button.
As an owner of both I do not drive our 82 as much as I used to. The biggest issue for me is reliability. It seems that I am constantly worried about things going wrong on the older car, where as in the newer one I just get in to it and go. With all of that being said I still love the looks of the older car, and it does garner a lot of attention. It is really pretty cool to have both, and I commend my wife for talking me in to keeping both.
If I had to choose between the two I am taking the C6 without a doubt.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 4
From: Flower Mound TX.
I'd say everyone here has great points about both cars. I too have a C3 and C6 and they are both great to own. Sure everyone who has a C3 has to work it from time to time but that's part of owning one. Still the rewards are great with: Good looks, People always asking about it, the old school feel of driving, and the list goes on. Now for the C6. It's the car to have if you planing on a daily driver or road trips. If you're planing track days... C6 again is the way to go. Also if you know nothing about car repairs... Best go with the C6 or the C3 will make you go broke. For a first time owner I would always say C6 or C5 if it's with in the $$$ you have spend on a vette. Remeber a C3 in the long run can cost the same or more on repairs alone then a C6. Unlike most of the guys here I drive my C3 more then the C6... But I do my own repairs. Wish you the best with what ever Vette you get!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 0
From: Bonsall CA
I had a '66 roadster, a stunning car, always my favorite design, and bought an 85; this being back in 87. From that point on, the 66 sat in the garage, because each time I had to make a decision as to which would be more fun to take, the answer was always the newer one.
Yes, the C2's and C3's are beautiful cars, but it stops there. Are you driving to enjoy yourself as much as possible, or for other people to oogle at you car. There's nothing like driving them, and all the time, as drivers.
Yes, the C2's and C3's are beautiful cars, but it stops there. Are you driving to enjoy yourself as much as possible, or for other people to oogle at you car. There's nothing like driving them, and all the time, as drivers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,205
Likes: 67
From: Cumming GA
I think the consensus is if you own one, get the current generation. If you own two, get the current generation, plus whatever previous model appeals most. I know I would really love to pick up a C3 and cram a monster motor into it.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Shrewsbury MA
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,185
Likes: 99
From: West Chester OH
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In IX Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '13
I have a 68 and am going to buy a C6 in the near future. I don't plan on selling the C3.
The C3 is a great car for buzzing around in on a sunny afternoon. I drove it to the cruise in 2 years ago (200 miles) and it was "uncomfortable". Needs more leg room, noisy, no cruise control, no A/C, hot, need I go on?
But then again, there is nothing like going into the garage and seeing it sitting there
If you plan on going on any road trips get the C6. If you're just going to cruise around get the C3 (and yes, get a chrome bumper
)
The C3 is a great car for buzzing around in on a sunny afternoon. I drove it to the cruise in 2 years ago (200 miles) and it was "uncomfortable". Needs more leg room, noisy, no cruise control, no A/C, hot, need I go on?
But then again, there is nothing like going into the garage and seeing it sitting there
If you plan on going on any road trips get the C6. If you're just going to cruise around get the C3 (and yes, get a chrome bumper
)
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
C3s require a lot of attention especially on the brakes, rear trailing arms, etc. They are fun cars, and in my opinion the best looking vette ever made. As for choosing what you want to buy, I'd suggest you completely understand what you are getting into when buying either car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,798
Likes: 25
From: Pine Bluff Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21
I have a C3(82) and a C6 Z06. I have no desire to even get in the C3, anymore.
I always thought the Z06 would not get as much attention as the C3.....wrong...it gets more.
Like someone said above. I'm selling the C3 for the garage space.
Larry
I always thought the Z06 would not get as much attention as the C3.....wrong...it gets more.
Like someone said above. I'm selling the C3 for the garage space.
Larry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 4
From: S.F. Bay Area CA.
The only thing I can add is that if you want to go C3, at least go with the more desirable model years. With the right engine (427, 454, or LT-1) and options, a '68 - '72 C3 can be great. Once you get into the '73s and newer, things go downhill with each successive model year.
I owned a '69 427, 4 sp, coupe as a DD, I bought it in 1977, it had only 13,000 miles on it, and I paid $4,000 for it. When I first got it, I was in love, but after driving it, day in , and day out reality set in. These cars look cool, and haul a$$, but really, they are a POS as an only car, they're nothing more than a weekend toy, and not a car you would want to take on a long weekend trip either. Seeing as how a C3 would be nothing more than a car show car, if you have to have one, stick to '68 - '72, and '69 would be the top choice.
Get a C6, it's the best Corvette EVER made. They're comfortable, practical, great on gas, pretty much trouble free, they're a REAL car that you can use every day. They are the best looking, handling, and fastest Vettes too.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 2
From: Broken Arrow Oklahoma
St. Jude Donor '09
As an owner of both I do not drive our 82 as much as I used to. The biggest issue for me is reliability. It seems that I am constantly worried about things going wrong on the older car, where as in the newer one I just get in to it and go. With all of that being said I still love the looks of the older car, and it does garner a lot of attention. It is really pretty cool to have both, and I commend my wife for talking me in to keeping both.
If I had to choose between the two I am taking the C6 without a doubt.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 6
From: Waynesville NC
The only thing I can add is that if you want to go C3, at least go with the more desirable model years. With the right engine (427, 454, or LT-1) and options, a '68 - '72 C3 can be great. Once you get into the '73s and newer, things go downhill with each successive model year.
I've always heard the original 74-77's were some of the worst ever Corvettes...(slow, etc). I'd love to have a 72 someday, along with my C6.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Derby, Kansas
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
Well...
To be honest....
Do you want a transportation car to drive, or a weekend toy?
I love my 1972, Chrome Bumper Car... It has never been an issue of repair.. Ok it has a ZZ4 and I had the 4 Speed rebuilt... so it runs and i can drive anywhere.
But if I have to go somewhere, and PARK IT.. I take the C6...
If it is a matter of money... a NICE C5 is a GREAT First Corvette Also, you can't lose much... and can trade up in a few years.
Do you want a transportation car to drive, or a weekend toy?
I love my 1972, Chrome Bumper Car... It has never been an issue of repair.. Ok it has a ZZ4 and I had the 4 Speed rebuilt... so it runs and i can drive anywhere.
But if I have to go somewhere, and PARK IT.. I take the C6...
If it is a matter of money... a NICE C5 is a GREAT First Corvette Also, you can't lose much... and can trade up in a few years.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,273
Likes: 8,545
From: Rochester, NY
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 847
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
Both a C3 and a C6 share space in my garage. There are numerous advantages to the C3 besides the price differential that you mentioned.
1) The C3 has looks that draw the vast majority of attention between the two.
2) Long ago the C3 quit depreciating.
3) The insurance is very inexpensive.
4) The engine is very easy to work on.
However the C6 has significant advantages of its own.
1) It is considerably quicker.
2) It both rides and handles better.
3) Everything works well all of the time.
4) It is far more fuel efficient.
Nine days out of ten I'm going to choose to drive the C6, but on that tenth day the C3 wins.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
1) The C3 has looks that draw the vast majority of attention between the two.
2) Long ago the C3 quit depreciating.
3) The insurance is very inexpensive.
4) The engine is very easy to work on.
However the C6 has significant advantages of its own.
1) It is considerably quicker.
2) It both rides and handles better.
3) Everything works well all of the time.
4) It is far more fuel efficient.
Nine days out of ten I'm going to choose to drive the C6, but on that tenth day the C3 wins.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Having had an 82, an 07 and now a 10 GS, there is no comparison. Love the GS. But I also find myself looking to get another C3...go figure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 4
From: Henderson Nevada
While I totally agree that chrome bumper cars are the way to go with C3s, you are talking much more money than the later cars. I wouldn't mind having my '68 427 coupe back, but I wouldn't drive it everyday like I do with my C6 Z06. I don't think my back (and back side) could stand it at my age. 
Of course, in the late 60s and early 70s, I did drive my Vette every day.
Of course, in the late 60s and early 70s, I did drive my Vette every day.
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