Does a 84-96 C4 handle better than a similar equipped C5?

MoeJr · 05-01-04, 11:28 PM

I got to test drive a customers C5 Coupe the other day and loved it. However I felt my 84 Z51 handled better than it. Is this possible or am I nuts? I must admit I felt more stabe in corners in my 84 than the C5(which was a 00 coupe Automatic). I am interested in everyones opinion.

Edmond · 05-01-04, 11:35 PM

One of the earlier C4 Z51's was the roughest riding Z51's out there. I can't remember which year but it was a very stiff ride and they softened it up the year after that.

In terms of lateral G's; I don't think there is that much of a difference in C4's and C5's. At least not enough to notice a difference to the driver. With electronic equipment, yes.

6speeder · 05-01-04, 11:38 PM

Quoting two Corvette owners (they both owned C4's and C5's) at the race track: "The C5 is like night and day when compared to the C4".....Their preference was the C5.

vader86 · 05-02-04, 12:05 AM

An 84 Z51 would run circles around most C5s (not Z06), simply because the 84's suspension is so good for autox.

Only problem it really has is the lack of power. So on a tight course that 84 should win or be right there. On a long course, not as much of a shot, depends.

Later models, the C5 is better. Though driver means alot.

Tuna · 05-02-04, 11:10 AM

The maximum lateral G is probably better for the early C4 with Z51. They were advertised as being 1.0G cars. Of course you pay for that with a very harsh ride. The Z06 ads show 0.9+ G's.

The C4 and C5 are so different in chassis and suspension combinations that a subject feel for the cars just doesn't provide the answer. What my feel better may actually be slower. The only true way to know is to drive both on the same day on the same course with the same timing lights and see which one does better. Go to your local autocross course sponsored by either the SCCA or the NCCC and check out the times that are being turning in and talk to the drivers of the differents cars. The C4 seems to have a more 'aggressive' feel to it than the C5. The C5 just seems to take the road or course easier than the C4 - doesn't mean that it's slower or handles less well.

Skant · 05-02-04, 12:44 PM

I have seen both Z06s and C4s set the fastest time of the day of all stock classes at the local autocrosses.

I've often heard the comment that C5s clearly handle way better than C4s. But what I've seen at the track says otherwise. Evaluating the handling of a car just isn't very straightforward and is affected by driver preference and style.

My impression about the C5 handling is that it was set with more understeer from the factory than the C4 (which I think was quite neutral). This makes it easier to drive and feel more stable. And especially, it makes it less vulnerable to uncontrolled torque steering which a lot of folks had complained about in the C4 and continue to complain about even in the C5.

I'd rather keep the neutral steering and just learn to temper my lead weighted gas foot. I think it's funny reading magazine reviews on Corvettes versus other kinds of sports cars that were written by editors that are used to front wheel drive cars with considerably less torque. They seem to universally complain that the corvette torque steers badly in hard turns. To which I have to say... learn to drive! It's not something wrong with the car. It just has more brutal power than they're used to (which is available instantly without turbo lag), and it does take more skill to keep it under control since you can't just lead foot the gas pedal all the time.

- Skant

MoeJr · 05-02-04, 02:06 PM

At least I know my impressions aren't totally out of whack. I love my 84 and it has been a great ride so far. I really wanted a C3 but this 84 has made me think I would only add a C3 to the collection and not get rid of my 84 to get it.

MagikDraggin · 05-02-04, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6speeder

Quoting two Corvette owners (they both owned C4's and C5's) at the race track: "The C5 is like night and day when compared to the C4".....Their preference was the C5.

Is it possible to identify what that difference in handling can be attributed to? That is, is there something about the C4's suspension that can be updated to make it more "competitive" with the C5's, short of actually buying a C5 in order to get improved handling?

Bob_K · 05-02-04, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagikDraggin

That is, is there something about the C4's suspension that can be updated to make it more "competitive" with the C5's, short of actually buying a C5 in order to get improved handling?

Go to http://www.vbandp.com/ Vette brakes makes upgrades for about everything. I went through them for my C3's suspension. Everyone I've talked to raves about the quality and improvements their products make. I can't say for sure yet since I still need to put new trailing arms on before I can test drive, but from what I see I'm very pleased and very very excited about getting her back on the road!