kimmer

apparently you haven't been looking. They started dropping a long time ago and it will get much worse. They can't give them away around here.

Camjamsdad

Are we at C-1 yet? Surely the first models are -C by now

In any event never buy the 1st year or 2 of a new model anything. Look at the 97 to 00. They ended up getting them right

o2bnkc

Oh wow, that really hurts, coming from a d.b. like you.

Johnz02Z06

First off, the ZR1 is a great car but I'd have to say a stock 2002 Z06 would as you say "kick butt" on a stock C4 ZR1 (each came out 4 years into their model class) The ZR1 is 3520 Lb. and the Z06 is 3118


Some ZR1 info...

C4 ZR1
The ZR1 consisted of an LT5 V8 engine along with 32 valves and four overhead camshafts and delivered an output power of 375 hp and 385 ft lb tq. The car consisted of modified steering and braking systems and ensured perfect driving control. The car also set seven international records for its speed at different races. The ZR1 reaches the speed of 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with top speed of 180+ mph.

1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

Engine: 375hp 350 c.i. V-8

Transmission: Six Speed Manual

Axle ratio: 3.45:1

Weight: 3520

Acceleration: 0-60 mph: 4.6
Standing 1/4 mi.: 13.4@109 mph
Source:
Car & Driver 9/1990

racebum

parts were ridiculous for the zr-1 a few years ago when i was racing. since 2006 when GM blew out all the c4 stock it's just that much worse. the dual whammy of the c4 being 2 generations old and no parts are what buried prices imo

the c5 should be getting cut off around 2014 and have the same 2gen old problem. i'm sure engine and drivetrain parts will be supported by the aftermarket but body panels, interior clips and all of that will get scarce.

that seems to be the kiss of death for resale. well, that and the fact c5's were getting affordable in 2006 just as c6s are creeping into what was nice c5 territory now.

flaagan

My only issue with the C5 dropping any in price is that it's gotten to a range where younger people who clearly don't have a clue (or respect) get into the 'vette scene. I'm 31, so I'm not exactly the "old crowd", but I was driving a C4 at mid 20's, and definitely got a mixed reaction from the 'older guys' who'd owned C4's for a while. I think the fact I try to show respect to both the cars and the owners got me past that hurdle.

Recently, I was selling a spare C5 transmission I had, and was in contact with a younger guy who flaked big time on the inspection costs he'd agreed to pay, and then tried acting like he'd never agreed to it. I've definitely noticed in the past year or two the local newer-vette owning crowd has gotten much younger and a lot more... varied... which has resulted in me distancing myself from some folks.

The C5 is what it is, much like the C4. They're both awesome generations of the same great car.

Just my $0.02 on the matter.

flaagan

On that matter... youtube up C4 ZR-1 vs C5 Z06... a freeway full-throttle run between the two cars... you may be in for a surprise...

kimmer

You forget in 93 it went to 405hp

racebum

what's the idea of the video? i've driven both these stock vs stock and the 02z will be a minimum of 3 tenths faster in the 1/4 mile. if you get a good launch in a zr-1 and bang it just right they are good for a 12.8 give or take a tenth

GoldenFlame

With the C7 coming out maybe the C6 guys will wave back now. That is the only generation I never get them from.

The C5 will never be "The new C4"

javifp

IMHO,

The C4 corvette was a performance break thru of its time... And that led to the innovation of the C5... I will respect that.

I wanted a C4 all thru out High school, then after I graduated college I bought a C5. Although I have driven both, The C5 felt like a glove.

I have road tested the C6, just was not sold on it...

Can't help but love the C5...

Lastly, I honor the C4 ZR1, and The likes such as the Callaway Hammer head... The C4R car competed against Ferraris and Porsches... That alone is a bench mark.

But the C5 will never be a C4, not in my opinion. The C5 is technologically light years ahead of the C4 just like the C4 was ahead of the C3.

One of the best C5 out there is the Guldstrand, no way I would pick a C6 over one of this...

A well cared for and nicely mod C5 is a Gem anyway you look at it...

flaagan

Who cares about the 1/4 mile, the ZR-1's got the long legs where most 'vette owners are likely to have their fun.

That being said, javifp is 100% correct. The C5 is way ahead in most any way to a C4, but still as approachable to work with (moreso in my opinion, our 86 can be a bear to wrench on at times).

roadbike56

IMHO, each version of the Vette follows it's own path. As an example, the C2 NEVER followed the C1, as the C1 hit really low prices (about 15% of list) in the early and mid 70's. The C2 reached a low point where an average car sold for about 25-30% of list in the early 70s, then quickly rebound to almost 75% of list by the mid 70s. The C3 went down a different path that it is still traveling.
The C5 is not the C4, it will not travel down the same road because it offers better performance car for car. The prices of the C4 are at the bottom now. Want to buy a car that will appreciate?, buy a LT-1 C4 in good condition.
Personally, I paid a premium to buy a mid mileage, 04, C5 and I'm not looking back, only forward to having fun with this car. I really like the look of the C7, but it has one attribute that turns me off, the price.

MSG C5

The original point I was trying to address with this thread is whether or not the aftermarket vendors will continue to support the C5 or are we now "the new C4" in terms of options. It wasn't my intent to degrade any other generation, simply question the laws of supply and demand and market drivers. I personally like the C4 design as well as other Corvette generations.

Take a look at any major aftermarket supplier catalog and it is filled with aftermarket and performance parts for the C6 and C5. However, the C4 has a limited supply in comparison and the C3 and earlier generations have pretty much only OEM-type replacement parts.

Interestingly, the C7 offers many more standard or available options that during the C5 run, would be considered pure aftermarket. Stuff like carbon fiber interior trim, leather trim, D-shaped steering wheels, LED lighting, etc. GM has certainly watched the aftermarket demand over the past few years and is incorporating them into the C7 design even more than the C6 models.

Daddyrama31

The C5 is a classic design, much like the C1 was back in the day. It will always be a classic design with lines that will never die. It is the last of the rounded designs. C6 started the cut flat sharp arrow design.

Humy

even after 11 years, I am no where near over her... in fact I am still very much under her spell

SoDiezl350

Too much hate for the C4 in this thread. My parents' neighbor owns a really clean 94. When I was over the other day I was admiring it and secretly wondering if it doesn't actually look better than C5.

nutseynut7

It doesnt

sfc rick

I own both and even I think that's hilarious!

FASTAZU

After reading all this I still think the C3 was the best looking Corvette ever built, But will not dis any of them with that said buy what makes YOU happy end of story.
Oh just for the record the the LS would not have come to be if the LT5 had not started it all.