C6 after C5 ownership
07-31-2017, 06:58 PM
#21
Racer
Thread Starter
Of course I'm aware the oldest C5 is 20 years old. Can anyone speak to the difference in dependability and build quality of the C6 over the C5?
07-31-2017, 07:05 PM
#22
Team Owner
Only two things I miss about my 2004 Z16 compared to my 2009 Z06.
The hard-top roof and actual trunk. Better looks and more useful.
The raw, visceral feel of the Z16. The C6Z is almost too restrained in both NVH and steering feel.
The hard-top roof and actual trunk. Better looks and more useful.
The raw, visceral feel of the Z16. The C6Z is almost too restrained in both NVH and steering feel.
The following users liked this post:
JohnRogers (07-31-2017)
07-31-2017, 07:50 PM
#23
Racer
Thread Starter
07-31-2017, 08:32 PM
#24
I had a C5Z and now a '13 GS and the biggest difference for me was the build quality. The C6 is just miles ahead of the C5 in terms of quality. The C5 interior was just dreadful. On lighter colors, the C5's factory painted bumpers were so mismatched from the body it looked like they were painted by Earl Scheib. I also think the C6 styling, now 12 years old, is still modern. The wide body, well what needs to be said that hasn't already - it is fantastic. The C5, while classic, is just so dated looking. That said, I really do like the FRC on the C5Z.
Cons of the C6 for me - interior is tighter, ride is more refined than the C5Z. I will eventually lower mine and go to a 19/20 and that should help..er, hurt the ride quality (which is what I want!).
Cons of the C6 for me - interior is tighter, ride is more refined than the C5Z. I will eventually lower mine and go to a 19/20 and that should help..er, hurt the ride quality (which is what I want!).
Last edited by Z0SIS; 07-31-2017 at 08:35 PM.
07-31-2017, 09:21 PM
#25
Racer
Thread Starter
I really think the C5 with the side molding is a much better looking car than the C6. When pricing a really nice 2004, the hardware upgrades of the C6 are looking to good to pass up. A 2006-2007 doesn't cost too much more coin.
07-31-2017, 11:54 PM
#26
Race Director
The C4 was revolutionary for bringing the Corvette from a muscle car to a real sports car. The C5 was revolutionary in that it dramatically improved the packaging of the car, giving more space for people and stuff. The c6 and C7s are evolutions of that, bringing improved performance and features but not much else. Truth be told, you could make the argument that the c5 is evolutionary of the c4, and just was the biggest step change evolution wise.
The c6 has a bit more steering feel than the c5. Outside of that, it's just more. More power, more performance, more features, etc. The difference you'd notice the most is probably the headlights or the 6 speed automatic.
The c6 has a bit more steering feel than the c5. Outside of that, it's just more. More power, more performance, more features, etc. The difference you'd notice the most is probably the headlights or the 6 speed automatic.
The following users liked this post:
JohnRogers (08-01-2017)
08-01-2017, 12:26 AM
#27
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Everett WA
Posts: 7,690
Received 477 Likes
on
353 Posts
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
It's so interesting to come upon this and read the responses to the OP post.
So many of the differences mentioned; tighter overall car, more refined interior, more overall performance even in everyday driving....
and they are so similar to the differences between my C4 95 Z07 and my 04 C5 both are auto coupes but the C4 had a few mods to give it about the same RWHP as the stock C5.
My driving was daily 50 mpd for years with each car.
The C5 is a better car in every way mentioned ... but the C4 is actually more fun to drive. Feels like it handles like a slot car, more steering feel, lower to the ground, jet fighter cockpit ..... but parts ... way more difficult to find. Try finding a good quality opti-spark these days.
Drive both cars..... drive as many as you can before you decide. There are really great examples of both C5 & C6 out there. Each generation is better than the previous....... and you generally get what you pay for.
So many of the differences mentioned; tighter overall car, more refined interior, more overall performance even in everyday driving....
and they are so similar to the differences between my C4 95 Z07 and my 04 C5 both are auto coupes but the C4 had a few mods to give it about the same RWHP as the stock C5.
My driving was daily 50 mpd for years with each car.
The C5 is a better car in every way mentioned ... but the C4 is actually more fun to drive. Feels like it handles like a slot car, more steering feel, lower to the ground, jet fighter cockpit ..... but parts ... way more difficult to find. Try finding a good quality opti-spark these days.
Drive both cars..... drive as many as you can before you decide. There are really great examples of both C5 & C6 out there. Each generation is better than the previous....... and you generally get what you pay for.
The following users liked this post:
JohnRogers (08-01-2017)
08-01-2017, 12:40 AM
#28
Racer
Thread Starter
I really did enjoy my '96 LT4, six speed manual of course. I thought I should experience something different this time.
'82 CE, 2004 base C5 or spend a few more sheckles for a C6...since I'm going automatic this time I'd like paddle shifters.
'82 CE, 2004 base C5 or spend a few more sheckles for a C6...since I'm going automatic this time I'd like paddle shifters.
08-01-2017, 06:22 AM
#29
Le Mans Master
The mismatch was also embarrassingly apparent on the rear fascias. I had a 2004 Machine Silver coupe that was wonderful in every way except for that damn paint mismatch. Under certain lighting conditions it was horrible. Went to several high-end body shops to see if the front and rear fascias could be repainted to better match the body. No one would touch them without blending in the the adjacent body areas. That seemed like overkill, so it was never attempted. Not too long later, I traded the car -- mostly because of the sh*t factory paint work.
My GS C6 is black -- problem solved.
Although I've had three Corvettes (C4, 5 and 6), quality can be elusive with these cars. And from what I've seen on the C7 forum, the same is true with the latest Corvette.
08-01-2017, 01:20 PM
#30
Safety Car
Member Since: Feb 2001
Location: yardley, pa 19067
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 0
Received 289 Likes
on
160 Posts
Owned a 99 C5 for 9 1/2 years. I would only upgrade to a Grand Sport C6. The power of the LS3 over the LS1 is pretty huge. The widebody with big brakes and tires handles like a dream. I did feel my C5 seats were more comfortable. If your gonna upgrade the GS is the way to go.
08-01-2017, 06:27 PM
#31
Race Director
I'd get the 82 CE. Always wanted one of those.
08-02-2017, 11:41 AM
#32
Intermediate
Have had 3 c5's and 3 c6's. Two c5z's one c5 convertible. One base ls3, one modified ls3 and now an 11 grandsport. I really feel that each copy of the corvette has its own character and cannot be relegated to the actual model. My first c5z had issues with heatsoak and rode very badly, my 2nd c5z had over a 1ook miles, but was the tightest, best handling and riding car I ever owned. My base ls3 car was kind of loose and sloppy...rattled a lot. My current grandsport is the best looking vette I have ever had and c7 owners are constantly staring at it at stop lights...it is pretty tight except for the roof creak which I still have not been able to totally solve...the handling is a little vague, so maybe I need new shocks or bushings or alignment, but car is very plush and feels like a cross between a luxury car and a sports car...it is my first auto and I love not having to shift...that said, as a drivers car my 2002 c5z with a 100k miles is much better..just has a shitty interior
"it is pretty tight except for the roof creak which I still have not been able to totally solve"
My roof was driving me crazy... 2013 GS , constant popping / cracking. It was the rear roof latch that needed to be tightened. If your latch is real easy to lock then it's probably loose. You should feel more resistance. There is a allen screw that you loosen to turn the adjustment screw to tighten. If you need more help. I can send pics / more info on how to do it.
08-08-2017, 05:04 PM
#33
Racer
Thread Starter
08-08-2017, 07:48 PM
#34
Drifting
I went from 98 couoe, to 02 z06, to 06 vert.
Got the z06 because I lives the idea of having the Z....however, too much driving in town reminded me how lazy I am lol. And at the time, the c6 hadn't grown on me enough. So when shopping this time I went with the c6 vert w auto. Love the look, can cruis and relax, no hassle top removal, and just as much HP as my 02Z. Wanted 08+, but love the Lemans blue. I'm totally happy w the purchase and would only consider upgrading to a GS....but I'm too cheap.
Got the z06 because I lives the idea of having the Z....however, too much driving in town reminded me how lazy I am lol. And at the time, the c6 hadn't grown on me enough. So when shopping this time I went with the c6 vert w auto. Love the look, can cruis and relax, no hassle top removal, and just as much HP as my 02Z. Wanted 08+, but love the Lemans blue. I'm totally happy w the purchase and would only consider upgrading to a GS....but I'm too cheap.
08-08-2017, 08:22 PM
#35
Drifting
Had an 87 then 02 white, had problems with the HUD and the flip up head lights. Also had color match problem with the rear half of the car. I had to have it blended in. After that I said goodbye, Went with an 07 and I never ever looked back!!!
08-08-2017, 09:36 PM
#36
I had a C5 Auto coupe before my 2 C6 Grandsports.. both C5 & C6 are very nice driving cars... but with the GS both have manual trannys -- which makes a big difference in the smile factor. The C5 Auto was just a nice driving sports car. the C6 with an M6 is a big smile maker every day I drive it. Also - I get more " Jesus CHRIST!!!" from the passengers in the C6 than I did in the C5. 
Last edited by C6 Snowboarder; 08-08-2017 at 09:38 PM.
08-09-2017, 10:31 PM
#38
Race Director
Member Since: Jul 2000
Location: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
Posts: 15,251
Received 1,435 Likes
on
779 Posts
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I went from a 98 conv. to a 2006 conv. For me the biggest upgrades were the seats and the headlights.
08-10-2017, 12:28 AM
#39
Racer
Thread Starter
