C4 or LS1 Fbody?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2004
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C4 or LS1 Fbody? I figured that this was as good a place as any to ask this question. Which one would you buy?
Edit: I'm only considering LT1 Corvettes.
Edit: I'm only considering LT1 Corvettes.
Last edited by Jonas427; Jun 1, 2005 at 05:11 PM.
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2005
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It depends on your budget and how many seats you need.The corvette will almost always handle better and have more power and usually hold its value a little stronger.What year LT1 vettes you like ? I just bought a 99 Hardtop vette and love it.I had a 97 ss camaro before.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,234
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
Why aren't you considering a C5? You can get a killer deal on a 97-98 right now, and they are incredible cars, far better in every way than the C4.
I would personally rather own a C5 with 100k on it than a C4 with 20k on it (but yet those two choices would cost roughly the same most likely)
I would personally rather own a C5 with 100k on it than a C4 with 20k on it (but yet those two choices would cost roughly the same most likely)
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 19
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Originally Posted by Patman
Why aren't you considering a C5? You can get a killer deal on a 97-98 right now, and they are incredible cars, far better in every way than the C4.
I would personally rather own a C5 with 100k on it than a C4 with 20k on it (but yet those two choices would cost roughly the same most likely)
I would personally rather own a C5 with 100k on it than a C4 with 20k on it (but yet those two choices would cost roughly the same most likely)
11 Second Club
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,320
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From: NE PA
Originally Posted by Jonas427
I figured that this was as good a place as any to ask this question. Which one would you buy?
Edit: I'm only considering LT1 Corvettes.
Edit: I'm only considering LT1 Corvettes.
Actually, I think Patman has the best idea. If you shop around, you can find some awesome deals on C5s right now. That's what I'd hold out for if I were you.
12 Second Club
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,201
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From: Philadelphia
Originally Posted by XTrooper
Apologizes to any C4 owners out there, but they suck. I hate the big step in and out, the funky digital instrument panel, and the overall styling had to be the low point for the Corvette. Of course, there's no comparison between the two powerplants. I'd definitely get the LS1-powered F-body over any C4 except possibly a Grand Sport (because of the exclusiveness of them, only 1000 built).
Actually, I think Patman has the best idea. If you shop around, you can find some awesome deals on C5s right now. That's what I'd hold out for if I were you.
Actually, I think Patman has the best idea. If you shop around, you can find some awesome deals on C5s right now. That's what I'd hold out for if I were you.
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Pasadena, MD
I agree with the others. Unless you’re looking for a 96 LT4 Vette you’re way better off going with the LS1 F-body. The LS1 F-body is going to be as fast as or faster than an LT1 Vette, and the LS1 will be way faster with a few bolt-ons.
The 96 LT4 Vette is decent, but a nice one will probably cost you the same as a cheap C5.
Drive the F-body until you’re ready for a C5 or C6 Vette. Don’t waste your time with the C4.
No offense to C4 owners. My last Vette was a 96 LT4 and it was a great car, but if I were on a tight budget and needed a daily driver, I would definitely go with the LS1 F-body.
The 96 LT4 Vette is decent, but a nice one will probably cost you the same as a cheap C5.
Drive the F-body until you’re ready for a C5 or C6 Vette. Don’t waste your time with the C4.
No offense to C4 owners. My last Vette was a 96 LT4 and it was a great car, but if I were on a tight budget and needed a daily driver, I would definitely go with the LS1 F-body.
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Just get what you can afford. Yes the C5 is a better overall platform than the C4 not only in engine, but interior ergonomics as well as exterior styling but if you can find a 50k mile LT1 vette and its in your budget, yet all the C5s are 7-8k more than what you can afford, get the LT1. They still handle amazingly, and w/ some bolt-ons you can get the jump on lazy LS1 drivers, and a hell of a lot of those pesky import guys in 350Zs, G35s, RX8s etc.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 1
From: Lincolnton, NC
I have owned a 91 conv (I know, L98) and a 92 ZR1. Never have owned the LT1 in a vette but did own a 95 Z28. Excluding the ZR1 (different league) I loved my 91 over all of my f-bodies (95Z28 & 97, 01 & 02 WS6's). Great car! Yes the others were faster but the vette was a better car. The C4 is a car you strap on. Older guys did not like climbing in and out. I personally did not mind. I would rather do that than deal with the extremely long doors on the f-body. That said, if your looking to spend $10k get the f-body cause its newer. A $10k vette will need some work or will break on you when you get it home. If you have more to spend then consider the C4. Drive both and make your own decision. Hell, either way your driving an icon!
My dad still has his 91 FX3 L98. Its got almost 88k on it, and it still is a blast to drive. Might not be the quickest thing on the planet, but its a blast once you throw in some twisties. My dads 51 and im 22, we're both 6'1 and while he's about 200 and Im 230 I find the seats are somewhat comfortable (least the non-sport seats are), but compare it to a C5 and its a cage. C5s are AMAZING in interior room.
I dont think there's anything wrong w/ owning a C4. If thats all you can afford, screw it. Again, it might not be the worlds fastest/quickest car, but you can still have plenty of fun w/ it within the legal limit on the street. I dont think you can go wrong w/ either car.
I dont think there's anything wrong w/ owning a C4. If thats all you can afford, screw it. Again, it might not be the worlds fastest/quickest car, but you can still have plenty of fun w/ it within the legal limit on the street. I dont think you can go wrong w/ either car.
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Mass
Originally Posted by XTrooper
Apologizes to any C4 owners out there, but they suck. I hate the big step in and out, the funky digital instrument panel, and the overall styling had to be the low point for the Corvette. Of course, there's no comparison between the two powerplants. I'd definitely get the LS1-powered F-body over any C4 except possibly a Grand Sport (because of the exclusiveness of them, only 1000 built).
Actually, I think Patman has the best idea. If you shop around, you can find some awesome deals on C5s right now. That's what I'd hold out for if I were you.
Actually, I think Patman has the best idea. If you shop around, you can find some awesome deals on C5s right now. That's what I'd hold out for if I were you.
Originally Posted by XTrooper
Apologizes to any C4 owners out there, but they suck. I hate the big step in and out, the funky digital instrument panel, and the overall styling had to be the low point for the Corvette. Of course, there's no comparison between the two powerplants. I'd definitely get the LS1-powered F-body over any C4 except possibly a Grand Sport (because of the exclusiveness of them, only 1000 built).
Actually, I think Patman has the best idea. If you shop around, you can find some awesome deals on C5s right now. That's what I'd hold out for if I were you.
Actually, I think Patman has the best idea. If you shop around, you can find some awesome deals on C5s right now. That's what I'd hold out for if I were you.
Originally Posted by z28nbr1fan
Holla...... from Metairie
Do NOT use the 3.42 gear in your car... You'll be sorry you didn't go bigger later, since that unit costs over $1000. I have a 4.10 (6-Speed) and it works like a charm.
Mike
