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I've always loved the C4 Corvette styling, partly due to the fact that when my wife and I were first married (1989) we lived in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and it seemed that every other neighbor had a C4 in their driveway.
Now, all theses years later I've made up for lost time and I own two Corvettes, a triple Black 1990 Convertible and a stunning (all original) black 1996 Coupe. The 1990 is a great cruising car, but I understand that the major knock against it is that it is underpowered.
My 1996 with it's improved 300 hp engine and awesome body styling turns heads everywhere I go. What does the 1997 have that the 1996 does not?
Nice car , my friend has a mid year . C5 is just an improvement on everything and you feel it in the tightness of the car , it's faster , handles better , brakes better . Normal Corvette evolution , getting better all the time .
Yes. It was the beginning of the evolution of the styling from a car that looked like it belonged on a racetrack to a car that looked like it belonged on the open road (like the C1 and C2). A major step forward. I've never been in one, so I can't comment on the handling, etc. Love my C5 though.
I'll be honest, and I fully well realize that this is strictly MY opinion.....I feel that the 1984 Corvette is the best, cleanest looking Corvette made. And I say that as a C-5 owner.
While I was never a huge an of the C4 body style, I bought a '94 on a whim and just fell in love with it. White with black wheels, black windows and glass roof, it just looked awesome. Driving it was a pure joy. Even though it was an auto, it was the funnest car I had ever owned. But after I wrecked it, I bought my C5.
The difference is shocking. My C5 HAD to be a 6 speed. But the performance of the LS1 and the stiffness of the torque tube chassis was a quantum leap ahead. The engine performance alone (mpg) is incredible, but the chassis stiffness is night and day.
I took my roof off once in my C4 and pulled over to put it back on shortly afterwards. If the sun is out, my C5 roof is off and there is no noticeable flex, period.
Yes, the C4 was great for its time. But progression is a good thing.
I just sold mine 2 weeks ago. I do have some sellers remorse I must say. I sold it and bought a mind 2003 z06 that is modded. z06 is much more rigid and quiet. much lighter and handles better no doubt. Much faster even though both were modded. the problem with the zr1 is only a handful of people in the country know how to work on them period. I got tired of trucking my car to different states to get things done and each time the things were not done right so the talent is not there either. Only two guys I would use to fix those cars period. I love the zr1 c4 and mine was especially beautiful with refinished black motor. I have piece of mind with my z06. I can take it anywhere and the place I go to is an expert in modding these things.
I was never much of a fan of the C4, the styling just didn't appeal to me. Can't really comment on the mechanical/electrical/engineering because I had gone over to the Porsche camp for quite a while and never had any driving experience with C4's. Changed my mind when C5's came out, just gorgeous! I must say your C4 is a beautiful example, black does it justice! Best wishes!
Had a 1987 convertible for a few years. Had some good points, but hated limited storage space, especially with roof down. Also a pain to get in and out of.
I love all of them. I love my C5 but also enjoy my C4 even if it's a milder less powerful one.
What's not to love, even the Atari instrument cluster is neat.
I've never driven a C4, but I test drove a lot of convertibles. The chassis stiffness of the C5 stands out from the crowd. Most convertibles ride like noodles, but the C5 vert handles like a sports car.
Is there any love for the 1996 C4?
