dizwiz24

I keep hearing about these comparisons between C5's, and C4's

Well what about C3's. Whats a C3 like in terms of handling? Fit finish, storage space, looks (lets get some opinions), gauges, instrumentation, interior, etc.

I realize acceleration/top speed is all across the board because is some years (like 68-72) they had great engine options, but in other years they had emissions-choked down engines.

Ive never driven/ridden in one.... What are its pros and cons to a C4.....?

ductape

C3's and C4's aren't even in the same ballpark. They are both corvettes, but that's where the similarities end. I've got one of each. The C4 is a performance rod that you could drive to anywhere, no matter how far, in comfort. The C3 is the one you take to the oldies cruse-in. Raw power. Straight line hotrod! And SEXY!! You can take the C4 too, of course, but the nostalgia isn't the same. Like a '32 duece and a camaro. Just different worlds.
That's my $0.02 anyway. :seeya

C10 JDR

The C3 is not in the same league. It feels like an old car. The steering (recirculating ball) is vague, there are lots of joints in the steering system which wear to accent the vagueness.

It's sort of an old collectors car now IMHO, like an E-type Jaguar, great for a day out in the summer, but that's about it. I could use a C4 as a daily driver, but I wouldn't want to use a C3 like that. Still got that great SBC in there though!

I just sold my C3 last month, great car but feels dated compared to the C4.

Maybe I am just getting old :sad:

Cozmo

The C3's are nice, but the visibility is terrible.

1989redvette

the C 4 is all around far superior in ride, quality,comfort, handaling,storage, and in most cases performance...

a C 3 is like riding a skateboard with a seat ...rough and bone jarring..most were dogs and the later years were even slower..the handling isn't as great either.... i have drove many of each of the years other than a C 1 ..
the c3's are just not the car but in thier defense the technology wasn't there either like we have today...thuis why the C 5 is superior in certain characteristics..
:cheers:


[Modified by 1989redvette, 4:32 PM 12/7/2003]

96KICKS

I agree!!!!!!!!!

CentralCoaster

I've been curious about this too. I don't intend to start a flame war, but I'm gonna post a link to this thread in the C3 section just to hear some of their opinions. :auto:

edsalinas

We know what your up to, you old flame war starter you....

:lolg: :lolg: :lolg:

Should be interesting....

:lurk:

Corz

well.. I'm a C3er and I've got to say that my 69 rides like a buck board. It handles nice if its got good tires, but it rides like a pickup truck. I have to choose between storing my t-tops in back or speakers :crazy: Yeah its got some good straight line power if you can keep the thing pointing straight. The brakes are aweful (I've driven a ton of other C3's so its not just mine)

I've come to the conclusion that you can ride in a C4 - C5, but you really have to DRIVE an early vette.

:cheers:

LiveandLetDrive

Are you sure that's what you meant to say? That kindof implies that '68-72s were slow, which is completely untrue. After compression dropped, those HP figures are embarassing. I can't quote C4 numbers, but I assume they climbed steadily toward what we see in the C5 today.

As far as handling goes, yeh, completely different ballpark. Our suspension is virtually identical back to '63, that's 20 years without a change....ouch. I think the front end is even older than that. 50s sedans or something. Still, compared to other cars of the era, not too many had 4-wheel disc brakes and IRS! Despite it's many many flaws, a set of 17" wheels and some (major and/or minor) suspension mods can change a C3 into one fine handling car. The only thing after that is dropping some weight!

Interior wise, I like the analog gauges, especially the 2 huge ones for speedo and tach. I'm not a fan of completely digital dashes. Storage space is probably about equivalent to a C4 in the '78 and later years with the fastback glass.

And lastly, the C4 has a cool sporty look, but I'm afraid there's just no comparison :cool:

bamavettes

I have owned many of both of them. In the C4's I have owned a 84, 86 Malcolm Konnor Special Edition, and a 92 LT1.

The C4's have all the comfort creatures, and the computer technology. They are both Corvettes in name only. They are totally different cars.

After driving Corvettes for 40 years, I will stick with the steel bumper Corvettes. I like my 427 Big Block 4 speed that was dynoed at 475 H.P. It might be ancient , but I wouldn't bet against it in one on one competition with any year Corvette, including the C5's.

As far as collectible. The C4 prices are flat and will stay there. The C3's are increasing rapidly.








[Modified by bamavettes, 4:56 PM 12/7/2003]

edsalinas

Awesome, that's my next car...........

Nice pic's bro.......

:cheers:

BSeery

well, most C3's are pretty worn out by now. That and the fact that the frame and suspension were designed in the late '50's (same as a C2) and the rest of the car was designed in the mid 60's, it's pretty amazing it does what it does.

In stock condition my C3 was mushy, vague and gutless.
After some refinements, I can hang with most any C4 and some C5's in 1/4 mile and handling. Comfort, I think my 1980 is more comfortable than a C4. It's easier to get in and out. The A/C is not as good but seating position is excellent. I have taken care of cabin heat and noise so that is no longer an issue. Changing to better springs and shocks makes the car nice and easy to drive and it sticks like glue in the corners thanks to the 1996 C4 wheels and tires. The engine has as much power as the late C4's early C5's and with overdrive transmission my mileage is not that bad either.

In stock trim a C3 is what it is. But with some work you can have C3 style with C4 handling and C5 power.

GreyGhost

Two different worlds :eek:

I love my 93 for the long distance comfort and performance but you can not beat the looks of the C3's going down the road. I do not care that my 79 has only 195hp :cry and most cars today can beat it..thats not the reason I drive it. I love the look of it.

If I want to kick someones butt..I'll be taking the 93 out that day :D

It all depends on what you want out of the car. I am glad I have both of them. It just depends on my mood as to which one I will drive.

AlwaysWave

I have a 72 and a 95, I much prefer the 72. It feels just right. As far as drivability and comfort? Nooooo problems. We take that car cross country regularly.

aharte

I don't know how any comparison could be made. I've never driven two C3's that felt remotely similar. Some ride hard, and some soft. Some have "point and pray" steering, but you'll occasionally find one with a near perfect steering feel. Same with brakes. Handling also runs the gamut. My 74's suspension has been modified a bit, but the car has much higher limits than I do. The later years were slow (stock), but so what? For a couple grand, they could smoke most stock C4's.

LiveandLetDrive

I should have mentioned that I drive my car TONS. I often go home from school, 2 hours each way. To my friend's house, 3 hours each way. Etc. And never worry about a thing. A little loud, but comfortable enough for me.

This winter, like last winter, I'm driving out to the East coast. KS>WV>MD>NC>MD>NC>KS :crazy:

NOTHIN'LIKE'A'69'

I'm a new vette owner and a young guy(31) .... nothing else compares to the classy lines of a chrome bumper car!... A true classic.... do you guys really think the C4 will be a classic in 25 years.... I think not! :rofl:

mrvette

BSeery is just about 100% right there....

GENE

ROCKY85

My first vette was a 74' convert/hardtop rode like a lumber wagon good power, changed to composite spring rode much better. But there is no comparsion to my 85', with its performance and handling, but I'd love to have the 74' back.