Confirmed C4 Guy tries C5

[tlong]

A co-worker just let me drive his 2004 vert. 100 miles since born in Bowling Green. I have never driven a C5 before a few minutes ago.

The comparisons have been made here, and they are accurate except for one thing...my '96 would kill that thing accelerating. That was very surprising. It was an auto like mine. When she kicked down it turned into a Buick Lesabre. The exhaust note was poor.

You enter the vehicle in a regular fashion, not like my cherished F-16 style. The HUD is awesome. The seats suck. The stereo was Bose and just didn't make it either.

Love the trunk. The ride is very civilized, almost cushy like a Caddy. The brakes are spectacular. The front visibility is better as the engine is tucked under the dash. The hood felt flimsey compared to the awesome clam shell. The gas door on the side is a minus to me.

He shelled out $55,000 fo it. It is vey pretty. Mine is harsh, loud and much faster, and better looking for $40,000 less. I think my paint was better too. I love my 'old' model more now.


Tim

[tyrel]

I tend to agree on a lot of your points. The car feels very big, and I didn't like the rubber membrane that covers the window buttons. The interior surfaces seem a little flimsy, and have an unpleasant oily sheen. The power and acceleration are awesome, and the car is very quiet, and the handling is good too, but it somehow feels less like a sports car than my 89. I'll need a new corvette eventually, and the c6 sure looks like a fantastic car compared to its predecessor, so my next one won't be a C5.

[tlong]

I expected more neck snapping horrifying power. It was watered down to me. I can stay scared in mine. Kinda show-no go.

[Gman]

I thought about selling my LT-4 and buying a C-5 until I drove a friends '02 6-speed. I still have my LT-4. Maybe a Z06 would change my mind.

[craig0ry]

You were putting the pedal to the metal with only 100 miles on it???

Not too sure that qualifies for a "break in" man!

[atmmac]

Originally Posted by craig0ry

You were putting the pedal to the metal with only 100 miles on it???

Not too sure that qualifies for a "break in" man!

Yea seriously that could be one of the reasons the car didnt have that much get up and go. Im pretty sure the LS1 is putting out more HP than your LT1. If you had the LT4 then thats a different story because it should be very similar.

-Andy

[tlong]

The acceleration factor is but one comparison. I asked before hitting it and got the thumb up. The A4/LT-1 kicks down with about a 1/2 inch on the pedal. His stayed in 3rd much longer, and when it did go it just didn't sound or feel angry. I am sure the hp is more, but the sotp didn't feel as good.

The car is absolutely far superior in ride, as the convertible is much stiffer and smoother than my coupe with the top in. The entire experience is insulated from the drive train and suspension. It was great to drive, especially comparing it to my '63 vert and 41 years of refinement. I think the C-4 captures the sports car experience better.

With the air induction and exhaust on my ride along with some other tweaks it's a bit more than stock 300 horses. The throttle response is better than his. Even sitting still revving a little. But maybe it just needs to break in and loosen up.

Damn fine automobile and the last C-5. I was proud of him for jumping in!

[vettepilot]

Just wondering, does your 96 have the performance axle, and did the 2004 have a perf. axle? If yours does, and the 04 didn't, there would be a pronounced lack of percieved acceleration on the 04. 50 extra HP and about 50 more lbs of Tq in the o4 should feel a little stronger than what you described. I think the C5 chassis is so much better refined that not only does it soak up the road better than the C4, but on hard acceleration, it seems to also reduce the feel of the hard acceleration. Side by side acceleration between the two cars will probably reveal a quicker acceleration factor for the 04 than can be felt driving the two.
I also like the C4 design, but after driving the C5, I convinced myself that it was really a well designed Corvette, then I drove the Z06, and was convinced I had to have one. Of course comparing the Z06 with the standard LT1 engined cars and even the LT4 cars isn't a fair comparison. It needs to be compared or driven against the 93 and up ZR1 to make things even. Love those ZR1 LT5 engines, still a remarkable engine 15 years later.

vettepilot

[94C4]

Sometimes the sound of the car can have an affect on perceived acceleration. In other words, if it's louder it usually feels faster. I know that my 94 LT1 is no match for a C5, but it sure sounds good! I have to agree that the C4 feels a bit more like a sports car too. When I climb in, I feel like I am part of the car. There's nothing like that intimate feeling of a C4 interior.

[Remo]

Originally Posted by tlong

He shelled out $55,000 fo it. It is vey pretty. Mine is harsh, loud and much faster, and better looking for $40,000 less. I think my paint was better too. I love my 'old' model more now.
Tim

I'm sure your car is more harsh, louder and of course faster. And your paint job is breath taking. Get in your C4 and leave town.

Remo

"can't we all just get along?"

regardless of the year, it's still a Vette! I'd rather drive any Vette than most of the other garbage I see on the road.

- there should be a rule against threads like this

</opinion>

Will

[tlong]

Hey Remo, we're all in the same club. Leaving town won't change my evaluation. No flame against C5. They are great cars. It's just that I was surprised to be in the same ballpark on performance as it is assumed the LS-1 is so advanced and more powerful. They're both just 350 truck motors.

No offense there C5r. They are very different only the same, ya know?

As far as rules against opinions and observations, hope not. That's the reason for this web site! The test ride just calmed a little C5 envy and I got excited. I still get pumped every time I crank it up, and love any American performance car no matter what kind or year or model. I like vettes the best. And a rough, loud, rowdy vette is my preference.

[Edmond]

I agree that the stock C5 exhaust is pretty tame. Remember when they didn't even put tips on? I can't believe that GM would ship a $40,000+ car without tips on the exhaust pipes!

[spyysee]

my 2 cents.
My brother-in-law has a 2002.
It is definately a fast car, however my car IS faster off the line for about an 1/8mi, giving the perception of greater low-end torque

Originally Posted by tlong

a rough, loud, rowdy vette is my preference.