c5/c6 comparison
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 423
Likes: 48
From: winchester Virginia
c5/c6 comparison
Sadly, sold my 05 vert due to move from CO to VA. Time to replace with another. Since I'm seeing a lot of low mileage c5's out there I was wondering if anyone who has owned both could give me pros/cons of each. The c6 was fabulous but $ is always a consideration when shopping for a weekend car. Not interested in Autos. and not into Z06.
Many thanks, E-fish
Many thanks, E-fish
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 17
From: Lee's Summit MO
I had an '03 that I traded for my '10 GS. The C5 is a great car and the LS1, a great engine. C5 will get better fuel economy by a few mpg... I actually loved my Spiral Gray '03, and the only reason I traded was because I had the money to buy a new one.
I would have been happy to stay with the '03. Great vehicle....
(After looking back at the pics of my '03, I actually kinda miss that car!)
The "old"...
The "new"...
I would have been happy to stay with the '03. Great vehicle....
(After looking back at the pics of my '03, I actually kinda miss that car!)
The "old"...
The "new"...
Last edited by Luster; Jan 9, 2012 at 04:36 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,450
Likes: 371
From: Maryville TN
St. Jude Donor '06-13,'16-'17, '19
If I had it to over I would have kept my C5.
My C6 just doesn't look as good as a C5 and the difference in driving isn't all that much better.
Here's a pic of my old C5 parked next to my C6. The C5 is WAY better looking in my opinion.
So why did I trade? I just had to have the latest and greatest!
Tom
My C6 just doesn't look as good as a C5 and the difference in driving isn't all that much better.
Here's a pic of my old C5 parked next to my C6. The C5 is WAY better looking in my opinion.
So why did I trade? I just had to have the latest and greatest!
Tom
Last edited by TCW; Jan 9, 2012 at 04:57 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
Likes: 164
From: queensbury ny
In my opinion,there is no comparison.Just as the C5 was way better the the C4 according to many,the c6 is way better then the C5 according to me!
POWER
SEATS
LOOKS
just 3 of the things that make it better!
Headlights are another.
POWER
SEATS
LOOKS
just 3 of the things that make it better!
Headlights are another.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 972
Likes: 11
From: Dawsonville, GA
Considering that the C6 is still in production... a 2005 C6 still "looks" like a new/current model. Even after C6 production stops... it will be several years before people look at the C6 as outdated, old, wornout or cheap.
The C5 looks to me like an old, outdated and wornout body style... much like the previous generations.
I look at C4's as if they all belong in a junkyard. I had an '89 and will never feel otherwise.
I was looking at C5's when I bought my C6. I couldn't find anything I liked for the money I wanted to spend out of pocket (without financing)... so I decided instead to just finance the difference and get a better car. I don't regret it for a minute.
The C5 looks to me like an old, outdated and wornout body style... much like the previous generations.
I look at C4's as if they all belong in a junkyard. I had an '89 and will never feel otherwise.
I was looking at C5's when I bought my C6. I couldn't find anything I liked for the money I wanted to spend out of pocket (without financing)... so I decided instead to just finance the difference and get a better car. I don't regret it for a minute.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 972
Likes: 11
From: Dawsonville, GA
This is exactly why personal taste is the only thing that can decide what is best.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 8,244
Likes: 850
From: Hamilton Square NJ, Ocean City N. J. Key Biscayne Fla.
Everyone likes the one they drive. 
I loved my C5Z. But, the GS is way better in every way. As it should be, being eight years newer. Do yourself a favor. Buy a used, low mile C6. You won't regret it.
I loved my C5Z. But, the GS is way better in every way. As it should be, being eight years newer. Do yourself a favor. Buy a used, low mile C6. You won't regret it.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: Palmdale California
Different Game....!!!!
I couldn't agree more..... I had a 99 c5 and it was a great car, but it's not as good as my 08. In my opinion c6 is the only way to go......oh and one other plus 08 and up direct connect for your ipod, unless you get nav. system.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 407
From: Naples, Florida
I had a 2002 and enjoyed it for a couple of years until it became too much work to drive. It had too much interior noise and the ride was rough. It was at that point that I decided to test drive the C6. The difference was MILES better than the C5.
Like every generation of Corvette, the newer one is better than the previous. From what I've heard, the C7 is going to be spectacular. Let's hope it is. In the mean time, I'll stay with my 2005 coupe and enjoy it.
Like every generation of Corvette, the newer one is better than the previous. From what I've heard, the C7 is going to be spectacular. Let's hope it is. In the mean time, I'll stay with my 2005 coupe and enjoy it.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 55
From: Minnesota
I had a 2004 C5 coupe 6M and traded for a 2009 C6 A6. The C6 is faster, quicker, handles better, is quieter, doesn't have wind noise associated with the roof and has a nicer interior. On the down side it has less driver leg room and gets fewer mpg. The LS1 was quick, the LS3 is scary quick.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,020
Likes: 3,427
From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
C6 all the way if you can afford it but if you cannot the C5 is a great vette also! Good luck Dave!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 149
Likes: 4
From: Coatesville Penna
I had a C5, and saw an add for a low mileage C6. I took off a morning from work and drove the 60 miles, down the turnpike, to see the C6.
All the way there, contemplating the trade, I realized how great my C5 was. So much so, that I nearly turned around,twice.
Then I got to the dealership, and drove the C6. Immediately my worries about the trade were over.An hour later, I was westbound on the pike in my new Vette. No regrets here.
All the way there, contemplating the trade, I realized how great my C5 was. So much so, that I nearly turned around,twice.
Then I got to the dealership, and drove the C6. Immediately my worries about the trade were over.An hour later, I was westbound on the pike in my new Vette. No regrets here.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 1,193
From: La Center WA
Obviously, styling is subjective and a matter of personal taste. i personally GREATLY prefer the styling of the C6 over that of the C5 but only you know what you like. Styling notwithstanding, there are other things about the C6 that give it an edge over the C5 IMO:
- Availability of heated seats
- Availability of factory navigation (yeah, I'm one of those who actually likes it - go figure)
- Xenon headlights
- Keyless start
- Shorter F+R overhangs (I guess that still falls under styling)
- Significanly more powerful engines
- Availability of dual-mode exhaust
- Availability of 4LT interior
- No tools needed to remove roof (coupes)
- Availability of power convertible top
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
If I had it to over I would have kept my C5.
My C6 just doesn't look as good as a C5 and the difference in driving isn't all that much better.
Here's a pic of my old C5 parked next to my C6. The C5 is WAY better looking in my opinion.
So why did I trade? I just had to have the latest and greatest!
Tom
My C6 just doesn't look as good as a C5 and the difference in driving isn't all that much better.
Here's a pic of my old C5 parked next to my C6. The C5 is WAY better looking in my opinion.
So why did I trade? I just had to have the latest and greatest!
Tom
only reason I sold my C5 was because the C6 Z's new/used were dipping into the 40's and for that kind of money and the performance the car has, I could not pass it up. If I could have afforded it, I would still have my C5 (TR) and the C6Z.The widebody on the C6 is the only way to go IMO
pretty much goes along with what I posted above To me the refinements the C6 has, do not make up for the C5 looking a lot better IMO...but thats JMO
Last edited by FrankTank; Jan 9, 2012 at 10:00 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,801
Likes: 33
From: Out west in the mountains
Good comments all.
Had a '93 AE MN6 coupe when I saw my 1st C5. What an ugly POS with that huge rear end.
Guess what? 10 years later had to have an '03 AE MN6 coupe.
Saw my 1st C6, what an ugly front end like some cartoon smiley face.
Yup, 5 years later had to have an '08 VY Z06 somewhat due to my younger brother having bought an '08 VY MN6 coupe.
These are my opinions: C6 more refined, nicer interior (3 LZ & 4 LT) nicer ride and newer styling.
Honestly don't think you can go wrong with a nice C5 or C6. Gotta check you finances and do some shoppin.
Had a '93 AE MN6 coupe when I saw my 1st C5. What an ugly POS with that huge rear end.
Guess what? 10 years later had to have an '03 AE MN6 coupe.
Saw my 1st C6, what an ugly front end like some cartoon smiley face.
Yup, 5 years later had to have an '08 VY Z06 somewhat due to my younger brother having bought an '08 VY MN6 coupe.
These are my opinions: C6 more refined, nicer interior (3 LZ & 4 LT) nicer ride and newer styling.
Honestly don't think you can go wrong with a nice C5 or C6. Gotta check you finances and do some shoppin.