Biggest changes to a Corvette ever.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 395
Likes: 136
From: Goldens bridge NY
Biggest changes to a Corvette ever.
So i am posing the question. Which model year corvette represents the biggest change from the prior generation. This includes styling, mechanical, performance. Was it the 1968 C3 or maybe the 2014 C7. Lets see where this goes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Las Vegas NV
Without a doubt — the 1984 C4.
The transformation from C3 to C4 was epic in its changes (except perhaps engine, which was previewed in the 1982 final year C3), and totally changed/set the direction for Corvette as a “world class” sports car.
Reminder: OP asked about the biggest generational *changes*, not “best”, “most popular”, or “most iconic” generation.
While the C7 is, in my opinion, the best and my favorite, the changes from C5/C6/C7, while significant, were really more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, especially if you look at it from a chassis and engine perspective.
The transformation from C3 to C4 was epic in its changes (except perhaps engine, which was previewed in the 1982 final year C3), and totally changed/set the direction for Corvette as a “world class” sports car.
Reminder: OP asked about the biggest generational *changes*, not “best”, “most popular”, or “most iconic” generation.
While the C7 is, in my opinion, the best and my favorite, the changes from C5/C6/C7, while significant, were really more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, especially if you look at it from a chassis and engine perspective.
Last edited by Kent1999; Feb 1, 2018 at 07:33 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 647
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From: Big Canoe Georgia
Historians might say 1955, the first V8. That transformed the car from a touring car to a sports car.
Saying that though, 1997, the first C5 was much more of a car than the C4. C6 was a big improvement over the C5 but not revolutionary. The C7 is revolutionary.
Disclosure, I've owned a C5, C6, and now a C7.
Saying that though, 1997, the first C5 was much more of a car than the C4. C6 was a big improvement over the C5 but not revolutionary. The C7 is revolutionary.
Disclosure, I've owned a C5, C6, and now a C7.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 442
Without a doubt — the 1984 C4.
The transformation from C3 to C4 was epic, and totally changed/set the direction for Corvette.
Reminder: OP asked about the biggest generational *changes*, not “best”, “most popular”, or “most iconic” generation.
While the C7 is, in my opinion, the best and my favorite, the changes from C5/C6/C7, while significant, were really more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, especially if you look at it from a chassis and engine perspective.
The transformation from C3 to C4 was epic, and totally changed/set the direction for Corvette.
Reminder: OP asked about the biggest generational *changes*, not “best”, “most popular”, or “most iconic” generation.
While the C7 is, in my opinion, the best and my favorite, the changes from C5/C6/C7, while significant, were really more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, especially if you look at it from a chassis and engine perspective.
Then C4-C5 would be next with the total remake of drive train, chassis, interior, body.
C5-C6 was a new car but the same rear mount trans/differential.
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 569
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From: Michigan Thumb
Without a doubt — the 1984 C4.
The transformation from C3 to C4 was epic, and totally changed/set the direction for Corvette.
Reminder: OP asked about the biggest generational *changes*, not “best”, “most popular”, or “most iconic” generation.
While the C7 is, in my opinion, the best and my favorite, the changes from C5/C6/C7, while significant, were really more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, especially if you look at it from a chassis and engine perspective.
The transformation from C3 to C4 was epic, and totally changed/set the direction for Corvette.
Reminder: OP asked about the biggest generational *changes*, not “best”, “most popular”, or “most iconic” generation.
While the C7 is, in my opinion, the best and my favorite, the changes from C5/C6/C7, while significant, were really more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, especially if you look at it from a chassis and engine perspective.
It wasn't until Bill Mitchell retired that the Corvette really went the way of the engineers. As much as Zora Duntov wanted the Corvette to be a true performing sports car, Bill Mitchell out ranked him being head of design and was only concerned with how the Corvette looked no matter how much lift the shape of its nose made.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 2,079
From: Guelph, Ontario
I also say it was the C4. It took the Corvette into an entirely different category at the time, it got much more respect from the entire world, it was no longer seen as just your average sports car but it was elevated to almost super car status at the time. Don't forget, it was boasting a 150 mph top speed, which was very impressive for the early 80s. I do agree that each generation improved upon the previous one and the C7 is definitely a big improvement over the C6, but the biggest jump still has to be the C3 to C4.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 442
I agree.
It wasn't until Bill Mitchell retired that the Corvette really went the way of the engineers. As much as Zora Duntov wanted the Corvette to be a true performing sports car, Bill Mitchell out ranked him being head of design and was only concerned with how the Corvette looked no matter how much lift the shape of its nose made.
It wasn't until Bill Mitchell retired that the Corvette really went the way of the engineers. As much as Zora Duntov wanted the Corvette to be a true performing sports car, Bill Mitchell out ranked him being head of design and was only concerned with how the Corvette looked no matter how much lift the shape of its nose made.
Duntov was truly way ahead of the times. When he saw his Gran Sports getting beat by mid engine cars and the lightweight Cobras he saw the writing on the wall.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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I agree w/ the C4 being the biggest change in direction for performance reasons well stated in post #10 by Patman. If you're focusing upon looks alone, one might make another choice.
Last edited by Foosh; Feb 1, 2018 at 08:12 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Lagrange KY
My vote goes to the C5. Had a C4 and was amazed at the improvement of the C5. IMO, the C4 flexed quite a bit with a lot of squeaks, rattles, etc. The C5 felt like it had been carved out of a block of wood. Was very solid with almost no flexing or twisting of the body. I thought the body looked more appealing as well, and appreciated that it was much easier to get in and out of. Performance was vastly improved, and I also felt the interior was much less gimmicky. Still think the C5 was one of the best Vettes ever built. Of course the C7 has reached another level in nearly every respect.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
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From: cookeville tennessee
Without a doubt — the 1984 C4.
The transformation from C3 to C4 was epic in its changes (except perhaps engine, which was previewed in the 1982 final year C3), and totally changed/set the direction for Corvette as a “world class” sports car.
Reminder: OP asked about the biggest generational *changes*, not “best”, “most popular”, or “most iconic” generation.
While the C7 is, in my opinion, the best and my favorite, the changes from C5/C6/C7, while significant, were really more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, especially if you look at it from a chassis and engine perspective.
The transformation from C3 to C4 was epic in its changes (except perhaps engine, which was previewed in the 1982 final year C3), and totally changed/set the direction for Corvette as a “world class” sports car.
Reminder: OP asked about the biggest generational *changes*, not “best”, “most popular”, or “most iconic” generation.
While the C7 is, in my opinion, the best and my favorite, the changes from C5/C6/C7, while significant, were really more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, especially if you look at it from a chassis and engine perspective.
c3 to the c4 then to the c1 to the c2 
It was funny how when the c7 came out are the pic's did every one almost hated the rear lights on the car.Robert
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Boxford Massachusetts
My only vette is a C5 and I'd love to own a C7, but the C4 was the version that brought me around to respecting the Vette. It had some subtlety that was missing during the C3 run, and made me think that it was turning into a sports car rather than a dragster. Completely different image, and one that I could see myself in. Love my C5 for the improved solidity but the C4 started Chevrolet down the right path.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Hot Springs AR
IMO both the C4 and the C5 were revolutionary changes. C4 brought in amazing styling, cockpit instrumentation, and performance improvements over the late C3s.
C5 had all-aluminum LS1 stock, transaxle, SLA suspension all 4 corners, and a real upgrade in driveability.
C2 was a big styling change, but otherwise was fairly evolutionary. C3 was again evolutionary, and had the misfortune of being the generation that got hammered by EPA regs.
C6 is definitely a evolution of the C5.
C7 is once again, a revolutionary change over the C6. Not as big a game changer as C4 or C5 were, though.
Have a good one,
Mike
C5 had all-aluminum LS1 stock, transaxle, SLA suspension all 4 corners, and a real upgrade in driveability.
C2 was a big styling change, but otherwise was fairly evolutionary. C3 was again evolutionary, and had the misfortune of being the generation that got hammered by EPA regs.
C6 is definitely a evolution of the C5.
C7 is once again, a revolutionary change over the C6. Not as big a game changer as C4 or C5 were, though.
Have a good one,
Mike
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I'm really quite surprised that not more people said the change from the C1 1962 to the C2 1963. Although the 327 did make its first appearance in 1962, pretty much everything else on the car was new. In second place ( in my opinion) would be the change from the 1982 C3 to the 1984 C4. Same set of circumstances as my previous choice - the engine was previewed in the previous generation, but everything else was new. Either one would be a good choice for "Biggest changes to a Corvette ever....."
