C6 vs C3
 

Hi, All

New to the forum and I can not wait to get feedback and gain more confidence for my first Vette purchase!

Until recently, I was set on looking for my '74-'77 Vette. I love the curves of a C3 and thought it would be a fun trip for my first Vette.

However, I visited a dealer and a couple of used C6's (2005-2007) caught my eye. The price difference is give or take $10k (a good chunk of change, I know), but I wanted to get some comments about what you think are pros/cons for owning a C6 vs. vintage. The obvious ones are more reliability, less maintenance, etc., but send any/all comments.

Would love to hear and it will help me make my decision.

Thanks in advance!:D

I think you know the answer! New vette = more hp, more tq, more creature comforts and better driveability. The only thing the C3 offers is vintage status. What are your plans with the car? If it is car show bound only get the C3, otherwise get the C6

A C3 is cool to look at, but have you driven one? The difference in ride between C3 & C6 is night and day.

I can't think of one reason to prefer the C3 over the C6.:confused: I guess you need to drive each and decide for yourself. Good luck.

Both a C3 and a C6 share space in my garage. There are numerous advantages to the C3 besides the price differential that you mentioned.

1) The C3 has looks that draw the vast majority of attention between the two.
2) Long ago the C3 quit depreciating.
3) The insurance is very inexpensive.
4) The engine is very easy to work on.

However the C6 has significant advantages of its own.
1) It is considerably quicker.
2) It both rides and handles better.
3) Everything works well all of the time.
4) It is far more fuel efficient.

Nine days out of ten I'm going to choose to drive the C6, but on that tenth day the C3 wins.

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3316/bct3993.jpg

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The most obvious difference is a 35 yr old car with everything on it worn out vs a new one with everything working that can be driven and is reliable.

You said it all right there, I also own both but only put 500 miles on my C3 last year due to driving the C6, the C3 definitely gets more comments from onlookers though. :cool:

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd147/Jeff78/005.jpg

I get way more attention when I drive the C3. My C6 is really nice but most people view it as just another car on the road. JMHO...

Have to agree with everyone above. I own both and the C3 is for sale. I need the garage space.

Two completely different cars. No comparison other than they are both Corvettes. Personal choice for which car will work for you. :thumbs:

I also own both - a '77 and an '06, and the comments above from 3Gen and Jeff describe my feelings well.

You will need to decide what you want out of the car and what's most imporant. You really need to drive both under similar conditions to make a good decision.

I sold a 71 LS5 4-speed convertible. Pain in the azz, always working on it, even though I had replaced everthing. When I began to replace things the second and third time around, I was done. Great looking car, turns heads, fun to blow the tires off of, but definitly a garage queen

Jim

Many thanks!
 

Thanks all for the comments! I hear ya; 2 completely different cars. Your replies have helped (I think I may have known the answer, but it always helps to hear from current Vette owners) and I am leaning towards a C6. I have driven both and I agree they are completely different. I've been weighing my wants/ don't wants and I don't want to be working on the car (C6 score: 1) and if we want to take it to The Keys and back (9 hour trip), we can do that in a C6 (C6 score: 2).

Thanks, again! Will post when I get my new Vette :)

I'm surprised you're talking 10k between a C6 and a 74-77 C3. Cheapest C6 I know of is upper 20's, but unless you're talking a big block '74 vert, or maaaaybe a 75 vert, what other model would be pushing 20k?

To answer your questions, I'll go w/ the other guys. The only thing common between them is the name, and thats the truth. I'd love to have a '70 LT-1, but I don't want to fix it all the time either. I'll probably have one someday, and if I do and it bites me, CF will be the first to know! Depends on what you want, do you want a vintage cruiser, or a modern supercar? Both have their merits, but if you decide on a C3, look at chrome bumpers.

The only thing I can add is that if you want to go C3, at least go with the more desirable model years. With the right engine (427, 454, or LT-1) and options, a '68 - '72 C3 can be great. Once you get into the '73s and newer, things go downhill with each successive model year.

I owned a 79' L82 4spd, black/oyster/spoilers. Nice looking car. But, it's prehistoric.

Slow by todays standards. Even modfied they aren't much to worry about unless you go all out.
Handling is spooky, to say the least.
Cramped and hot interior.
Build quality doesn't exist.
And, it's old, meaning you'll be working on it and even then it just can't do what a modern car does.

:iagree:

These C3s were mine, and I would love to have either or both of them back, but not at the expense of my C6 - no way, no day!

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i1...er/70Vette.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i1...er/73Vette.jpg

I've owned 4 C3 Vettes over the years. Two '77s, an 80, and an 82. I enjoyed them for what they were at the time. The C6 is a different and better experience in my opinion.

If you do not know everything to check on a C3, you might want to steer clear. There have been more than a few novices get burned after buying one only to find out the birdcage was rusted out. They learned a very expensive lesson.

Go to the C3 board and let everyone know you are looking to buy your first Corvette. More than a few will caution you about the rust issues. Yes, Corvettes DO rust.

A C5 or C6 will make you happy. My 08 is hard to pass up on any day. I get the 82 out just to keep the tires round and the fluids moving. I only drive it on short runs so I can keep the miles low. I wish I drove it more but I cant make myself turn the key vs. push the button.

:iagree:

Well, I'm going to agree with Mike again. :D

:iagree:

As an owner of both I do not drive our 82 as much as I used to. The biggest issue for me is reliability. It seems that I am constantly worried about things going wrong on the older car, where as in the newer one I just get in to it and go. With all of that being said I still love the looks of the older car, and it does garner a lot of attention. It is really pretty cool to have both, and I commend my wife for talking me in to keeping both.

If I had to choose between the two I am taking the C6 without a doubt.

http://64.66.93.243/IMG00272.jpg

I'd say everyone here has great points about both cars. I too have a C3 and C6 and they are both great to own. Sure everyone who has a C3 has to work it from time to time but that's part of owning one. Still the rewards are great with: Good looks, People always asking about it, the old school feel of driving, and the list goes on. Now for the C6. It's the car to have if you planing on a daily driver or road trips. If you're planing track days... C6 again is the way to go. Also if you know nothing about car repairs... Best go with the C6 or the C3 will make you go broke. For a first time owner I would always say C6 or C5 if it's with in the $$$ you have spend on a vette. Remeber a C3 in the long run can cost the same or more on repairs alone then a C6. Unlike most of the guys here I drive my C3 more then the C6... But I do my own repairs. Wish you the best with what ever Vette you get!

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...66b12253_b.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...n/IMG_1883.jpg

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I had a '66 roadster, a stunning car, always my favorite design, and bought an 85; this being back in 87. From that point on, the 66 sat in the garage, because each time I had to make a decision as to which would be more fun to take, the answer was always the newer one.

Yes, the C2's and C3's are beautiful cars, but it stops there. Are you driving to enjoy yourself as much as possible, or for other people to oogle at you car. There's nothing like driving them, and all the time, as drivers.

Nice pics of two very nice cars.:thumbs:

Great pics!! Thanks for sharing...I am steering towards my first Vette, a C6!

I think the consensus is if you own one, get the current generation. If you own two, get the current generation, plus whatever previous model appeals most. I know I would really love to pick up a C3 and cram a monster motor into it.

C6 is a drivers car
 

:iagree: C3 would be a great car for a garage queen and show car, but, if you want to go out on the open road and travel it is C6 all the way.

I have a 68 and am going to buy a C6 in the near future. I don't plan on selling the C3.

The C3 is a great car for buzzing around in on a sunny afternoon. I drove it to the cruise in 2 years ago (200 miles) and it was "uncomfortable". Needs more leg room, noisy, no cruise control, no A/C, hot, need I go on?

But then again, there is nothing like going into the garage and seeing it sitting there :thumbs:

If you plan on going on any road trips get the C6. If you're just going to cruise around get the C3 (and yes, get a chrome bumper :cheers:)

C3s require a lot of attention especially on the brakes, rear trailing arms, etc. They are fun cars, and in my opinion the best looking vette ever made. As for choosing what you want to buy, I'd suggest you completely understand what you are getting into when buying either car.

I have a C3(82) and a C6 Z06. I have no desire to even get in the C3, anymore.
I always thought the Z06 would not get as much attention as the C3.....wrong...it gets more.
Like someone said above. I'm selling the C3 for the garage space.
Larry

:iagree: I owned a '69 427, 4 sp, coupe as a DD, I bought it in 1977, it had only 13,000 miles on it, and I paid $4,000 for it. When I first got it, I was in love, but after driving it, day in , and day out reality set in. These cars look cool, and haul a$$, but really, they are a POS as an only car, they're nothing more than a weekend toy, and not a car you would want to take on a long weekend trip either.

Seeing as how a C3 would be nothing more than a car show car, if you have to have one, stick to '68 - '72, and '69 would be the top choice.

Get a C6, it's the best Corvette EVER made. They're comfortable, practical, great on gas, pretty much trouble free, they're a REAL car that you can use every day. They are the best looking, handling, and fastest Vettes too.:thumbs:

You used to drive it to Eureka! Thats a clean 82 that I always enjoyed seeing. LASTC3 always got my attention.:thumbs:

:iagree:

I've always heard the original 74-77's were some of the worst ever Corvettes...(slow, etc). I'd love to have a 72 someday, along with my C6.

Yeah, that would be me. Now I just rub it with a diaper, and listen to my kids beg me to give it to them. :lolg:

Well...
 

To be honest....

Do you want a transportation car to drive, or a weekend toy?

I love my 1972, Chrome Bumper Car... It has never been an issue of repair.. Ok it has a ZZ4 and I had the 4 Speed rebuilt... so it runs and i can drive anywhere.

But if I have to go somewhere, and PARK IT.. I take the C6...

If it is a matter of money... a NICE C5 is a GREAT First Corvette Also, you can't lose much... and can trade up in a few years. :thumbs: :cheers:

:iagree:

:iagree:

Having had an 82, an 07 and now a 10 GS, there is no comparison. Love the GS. But I also find myself looking to get another C3...go figure.

While I totally agree that chrome bumper cars are the way to go with C3s, you are talking much more money than the later cars. I wouldn't mind having my '68 427 coupe back, but I wouldn't drive it everyday like I do with my C6 Z06. I don't think my back (and back side) could stand it at my age. ;) Of course, in the late 60s and early 70s, I did drive my Vette every day. :D

Have you checked the Forum's "Corvettes For Sale" yet? The '05 pictured below is for sale.
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../ZR1Wheels.jpg[/IMG]

After doing a 2 year frame off resto to my 72 (avitar pic) I sold it because it just was not a comfortable car to drive, for me. It turned out beautiful did get alot of attention and won several car show awards (things I can not say about the C6) but the fun factor driving the C6 is off the charts! :thumbs::thumbs:

What he said: my thoughts exactly and I also have a beautiful red C3 and a black C6. I love them both but for different reasons....

The C6 sits in the garage ready to go on my whim. The C3 sits on the top of a four post lift, just for safe keeping. Got her out this past weekend and brought home a trophy so it was worth the rearranging.

:iagree: I used to own a 72 454 auto with real saddle leather, AC and other options.
It was like driving with the heater on all the time. Trying to access anything in that car was a PIA because you had to take one part out to get to the part that needed replacing. There was not any room in the engine bay. Had to go through wheel wells to change spark plugs and found different brand spark plugs in each socket.
The brakes on these cars do go out so get one or expect to replace with stainless steel calipers.

One thing though these Corvettes are appreciating in value while our new C-6 cars are depreciating just like any other new car. But then perhaps that is the price you pay for reliability and having a warranty.
New Corvette has a larger body than the new Corvette which is like a Cadillac compared to the old C-3 1968 to 1972 Corvettes.:bigears

Huh? :willy:

No way
 

a c3 would have to be free! Had a 73 , talk about slow and
poor handling . That ordeal is over. C6 is ten times the car

I agree! How do they think the c3 gets more anything?

Love my c6 but once the bank is paid for it, im looking for a c3. Second only to the c6, the c3 is my favorite.

Steve, good to see ya on the forum. Havent seen or heard from ya in a while. Im sure ill see ya in dfw this weekend.

C3 just flat out looks cool!

It gets more looks and attention hands down.

And I do take mine out!

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/DSC06747.jpg

The ride is much more smoother and quiet on a new C-6 vs. an older C-3 Corvette 1968 to 1972. On the freeway It was difficult to have any kind of conversation because of noise/exhaust and this car was factory. It was a mellow Corvette compared to the 1969 Corvette nonetheless I found out that the car was shaking itself apart.
This is the most recognizeable body that the Corvette is known for.:bigears

I just love the pre-1972 C3's with their chrome front & rear bumpers. And if you're lucky enough to have one of the early C3's with their big block power mills; you'll just have gobs of torque.

The front and rear urethane bumpers along with those "crazy wheels" on the pictured late model C3 looks like some Hugh Hefner would have owned. :lol:

What? Dirk Diggler is going to hunt you down for that comment....:lol::lol:

On the 68-72 Coupes the rear window is removeable and there is a tray to put window in behind the seats and tucks up out of the way.