I have had my 1999 Coupe next to C7's and my car appears much lower and that is primarily due to the nose which starts out much higher on the C7. The C5 is a couple of inches longer which also makes it appear lower. Every Corvette show I have been to since 2014 has had C5's and C6's next to C7's and both the C5 and C6 appear lower and sleeker due to the height of the nose. The C5 windshield has more of a rake to it than the C6 and the C7, that is a fact, and this also contributes to an overall sleeker appearance. I like the fact that GM made the C7 longer than the C6 and brought the width back to the width of the C5 again plus .3".

Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
Wheelbase 104.5 in (2,654 mm)
Length 179.7 in (4,564 mm)
Width 73.6 in (1,869 mm)
Height 47.7 in (1,212 mm) Convertible: 47.8 in (1,214 mm)

Chevrolet Corvette (C6)
Wheelbase 105.7 in (2,685 mm)
Length 174.6 in (4,435 mm) 175.6 in (4,460 mm) (Z06, ZR1)
Width 72.6 in (1,844 mm) 75.9 in (1,928 mm) (Z06, ZR1)
Height Coupe: 49 in (1,245 mm) 2005–06 Convertible: 49.2 in (1,250 mm) 2007–09 Convertible: 49.1 in (1,247 mm) Z06 Coupe: 49.0 in (1,245 mm) 2010– Convertible: 48.7 in (1,237 mm)

Chevrolet Corvette (C7)
Wheelbase 106.7 in (2,710 mm)
Length 176.9 in (4,493 mm)
Width 73.9 in (1,877 mm)
Height 48.6 in (1,234 mm)
Curb weight 3,347 lb (1,518 kg) (Base) 3,444 lb (1,562 kg) (Z51) 3,523 lb (1,598 kg) (Z06)

 

i hear ya! Well I agree the c5 is a bargain for all that it offers and it's potential when compared to most other sporty cars for the price. Also the corvette styling is a bit timeless although so many cars these days look aggressive and sporty- its kind of hard to go wrong ( however I can't see myself in a Miata). I just think the c5 is showing it's age in other ways that start to matter a lot more as the newer generation competitors depreciate within $5-7k of c5 pricing. Other cars might not have the brute-power of the corvette but they are still plenty of fun to drive and potentially more enjoyable to own overall. I came from the import community and I can clearly see a difference in the refinement and build quality. I miss it. Even if they cost more and move slower!

 

You state "other cars"...exactly what other cars are you referring?

 

"Looks" "Appearance"... I was parked right next to it in a regular parking spot, my FRC is lowered on cut bushings with 18's and his had factory 20's and his roof line was much shorter, at least a couple inches. The side windows are also shorter. Judging my the 90 year old man that got out, I doubt his was lowered. Either way, his was much lower.

 

The C5, C6 and C7 have basically the same structure with minor changes such as slightly increasing the wheel base and now the C7 is currently made out of aluminum and sectioned whereas the C6 and C5 was a one peice hydroformed steel structure so I can't see how a C7 is "much lower" than a lowered C5 when underneath they are basically the same and the stock ground clearance is also the same for all 3 generations. It is the body style that gives the visual "appearance of being taller and chunkier. The C7 is actually 1 inch taller and the lowest point on the nose of the C7 is noticeably taller than the C5 primarilly due to the C5 being a bottom breather and the C7 taking air in through the large opening in the front facia. I also think that the hidden headlights on the C5 make it "appear" lower than the C6 and C7.



















Just like the C2 and C3 are built on basically the same structure. It's all about the appearance of the body styles.

 

Don't know about the base C 6 but the ZO 6 is on aluminum frame !!! (I suspect the base is also aluminum):cheers :

 

Yes the C6 Z06 and ZR1 are on an aluminum frame, forgot to say that. Not the base C6 though.

 

Road and Track for more years I can remenber has put the Corvette up agents 20 -30 other Sports car ,price looks speed and on and on Corvettes wins every time some years not my much but for the price been proven over and over the best NOT ROD on the road ..