C5 verse C6, question?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 136
Likes: 24
From: Chico CA
C5 verse C6, question?
Before I get too old to get in and out of it, I am shopping for another Vette. The 2004 or 2005 are in my preferred price range. When looking for a super low-mileage car. Less than 50k miles. The 2005, C6 seems to be only about 2k to 3k more money, than the 2004, C5. So cost difference is not huge. ----- My question to folks who are familiar with both C5 & C6. -- Is the C6, with its later technology, really any better than the C5? Is it more dependable, more comfortable, less costly to repair, Etc. -- I did not bring up the question of style, because I like the look of both of them.
Bill, Northern CA
Bill, Northern CA
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 211
Likes: 9
From: Pekin Ill
I had several C5 s and loved them, but I finally made the move this past summer and got into a C6. I love the C6 much more. To me, just more refined, more performance, arguably better looks, etc...so far I have had no issues, less a selinoid for the npp exhaust, which is 08 and above. I think you will be happy with either, I personally like the C6 better.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 651
Likes: 32
From: MESA AZ
I'll stick with a C6,,,but my opinion is prejudice for the C6
Bill,,,,HOME PAGE at this site today, first segment, possibly answers your question about the difference between C5 and C6 Vettes in simple terms...........some will agree while others may not?
Or,,,,,,,,,,,watch this video:
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Or,,,,,,,,,,,watch this video:
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 347
From: yardley, pa 19067
I've had both but if I had to choose between an 04 or 05 it would be the 04 since I don't ever buy a 1st year of any new car. My C5 was a 99 and my C6 is a 13 GS. If your set on a C6 wait for an 08 with more improvements & the LS3.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 58,505
Likes: 1,832
From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I've had 2 C5's a 99 and a 04 and now the C6 for about 2 years. I think the C6 is about 35% better than the C5 in refinements. The C6 has a better feel.
Instructor
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 215
Likes: 134
From: Hydro, Oklahoma
Seriously, they have all been good and it seems like they just get better and better with each generation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 413
From: WV
If your into power, one of the nice things about a C6 is even the 2005-2007 base cars have about the same HP as the 2004 ZO6 had..And if you read up on the LS2 engines, those that have had there stock C6s on a dyno have reported as much as 411 HP, which is more then the 2004 ZO6 had at 405 hp ...
....WW
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....WW.
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Last edited by WW7; Mar 19, 2016 at 04:02 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 11,048
Likes: 3,390
Yeah if you're gonna go with the c6, don't get the debut year. I know I know what people are gonna say.
I know someone with a friend and his friends friend had an 05 that lasted 300k without skipping a beat.
And even if that was true, you get the UGLIEST steering wheel ever. Lol
I know someone with a friend and his friends friend had an 05 that lasted 300k without skipping a beat.
And even if that was true, you get the UGLIEST steering wheel ever. Lol
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 413
From: WV
Yeah if you're gonna go with the c6, don't get the debut year. I know I know what people are gonna say.
I know someone with a friend and his friends friend had an 05 that lasted 300k without skipping a beat.
And even if that was true, you get the UGLIEST steering wheel ever. Lol
I know someone with a friend and his friends friend had an 05 that lasted 300k without skipping a beat.
And even if that was true, you get the UGLIEST steering wheel ever. Lol
Last edited by WW7; Mar 19, 2016 at 04:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,587
Likes: 873
Before purchasing a C6, I was going from (and still have) my 4th gen 98 Camaro with LS3 transplant.
I had the opportunity to test drive a cousin's 04 C5 z06 and a few others before settling on the 05. Price wise, an 05 should be rock bottom of the prices and can be had in full trim. Any 05 to this point has passed those early teething problems and are more or less just cruisers. If planning for more power or anything else, go 06+ and if can 08 for the LS3. If just a cruiser, the 05 fits the bill. I found a nice LMB with LT3 level titanium interior with glass roof and near mint car which is always the color I wanted. My 05 wheel doesn't look like a Cobalt.... or almost every GM car in existence... lol Steering wheel aside a mint 05 is worth it if you can get one for a good price.
From a performance perspective, z06 and C6 Z51 are very close and a good driver will extract just that bit of performance to match a c5z06 easily. The interior is much improved over a c5. The C5 reminds me of my 4th gen camaro a LOT.
I had the opportunity to test drive a cousin's 04 C5 z06 and a few others before settling on the 05. Price wise, an 05 should be rock bottom of the prices and can be had in full trim. Any 05 to this point has passed those early teething problems and are more or less just cruisers. If planning for more power or anything else, go 06+ and if can 08 for the LS3. If just a cruiser, the 05 fits the bill. I found a nice LMB with LT3 level titanium interior with glass roof and near mint car which is always the color I wanted. My 05 wheel doesn't look like a Cobalt.... or almost every GM car in existence... lol Steering wheel aside a mint 05 is worth it if you can get one for a good price.
From a performance perspective, z06 and C6 Z51 are very close and a good driver will extract just that bit of performance to match a c5z06 easily. The interior is much improved over a c5. The C5 reminds me of my 4th gen camaro a LOT.
Last edited by SladeX; Mar 19, 2016 at 04:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 136
Likes: 24
From: Chico CA
You're right! First year is a consideration!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 136
Likes: 24
From: Chico CA
Bill,,,,HOME PAGE at this site today, first segment, possibly answers your question about the difference between C5 and C6 Vettes in simple terms...........some will agree while others may not?
Or,,,,,,,,,,,watch this video:
.
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M4GgwME0dE
Or,,,,,,,,,,,watch this video:
.
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M4GgwME0dE
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 136
Likes: 24
From: Chico CA
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 450
From: Texarkana Texas
Brother Firefighter...I came from an 01 coupe to an 05 coupe. Difference was night and day in favor of 05. More refinement, more power, better headlights, more comfortable, more room, better sound, quieter, better stereo. You can also add a set of headers and CAI with a tune and really wake up the LS2. I traded my 05 with 78k for my Z and would love to have the 05 back (and keep the Z).
(retired Captain, 26 1/2 yrs)
the steering wheel never bothered me a bit either
(retired Captain, 26 1/2 yrs)
the steering wheel never bothered me a bit either
Last edited by LMB-Z; Mar 19, 2016 at 05:00 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 25,105
Likes: 3,156
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
The 06 and up steering wheel is the same as whats on a Cobalt. 
I liked the 05 for long trips as you could rest your hand at the 6 o'clock position.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 136
Likes: 24
From: Chico CA
Brother Firefighter...I came from an 01 coupe to an 05 coupe. Difference was night and day in favor of 05. More refinement, more power, better headlights, more comfortable, more room, better sound, quieter, better stereo. You can also add a set of headers and CAI with a tune and really wake up the LS2. I traded my 05 with 78k for my Z and would love to have the 05 back (and keep the Z).
(retired Captain, 26 1/2 yrs)
the steering wheel never bothered me a bit either
(retired Captain, 26 1/2 yrs)
the steering wheel never bothered me a bit either
(can you or anyone tell me how to reply without quote)
Bill - retired Capt., 33 yrs. with CalFire
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,858
Likes: 694
From: Lagrange KY
IMO, it depends on how you intend to use the car. If just for cruising, all are comfortable, handle well and have more than enough power. I've had several C5's and now a C6 GS, all automatics. I think the C6 is a bit more refined, and I prefer the fixed headlights vs the pop up ones. But if deciding between an 04 vs 05, I'd go for the lowest mileage and best kept one. If you decide on C6, and want an automatic, I would try for an 06 or later version. It will have the 6 speed vs a 4 speed, and the paddle shifters as well. For me, they really enhance the fun factor.
Oh yea, one more thing. You didn't say if you wanted a coupe or convertible. If the latter, the C6 may have a powered top. Big plus IMO. Good luck with your search. I'm sure you will love whichever one you choose.
Oh yea, one more thing. You didn't say if you wanted a coupe or convertible. If the latter, the C6 may have a powered top. Big plus IMO. Good luck with your search. I'm sure you will love whichever one you choose.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,118
Likes: 122
From: Madison (Huntsville) Alabama
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
I've had both, and I like the C6 better. I actually like the appearance of the rear end of the C5 better though.
The C6 drives better and since mine is a 2009, has a lot more power (430 vs 350) and the gas mileage is about the same, if that's an issue. And the C6 interior is a little bit nicer than the C5 (the steering wheel notwithstanding ... I like the C5's better).
It has lots of little things too ... windows seal well so there's basically no air noise, the trunk has an electric closer, the tires are bigger, etc.
Drive them both and then decide. Reliability in my experience is about the same ... basically no repairs.
The C6 drives better and since mine is a 2009, has a lot more power (430 vs 350) and the gas mileage is about the same, if that's an issue. And the C6 interior is a little bit nicer than the C5 (the steering wheel notwithstanding ... I like the C5's better).
It has lots of little things too ... windows seal well so there's basically no air noise, the trunk has an electric closer, the tires are bigger, etc.
Drive them both and then decide. Reliability in my experience is about the same ... basically no repairs.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 136
Likes: 24
From: Chico CA
RocketDawg, We seem to agreement about the style or good looks of the two. --- I also, like the rear end look & headlights on the C5 best ------ But the C6 interior is way ahead. So style-wise they balance out about even. Glad to hear your comment about reliability ... "basically no repairs". I have done all the wrenching on cars that I will - and don't understand the electronics on modern vehicle. A 57 Chevy was easy to repair, bur not these new cars!