Corvette C5, good or bad?
Discussion
I'm considering one of these for 2011, thing is it would have to replace something to make room.
My love of Vettes started with my Geneva- London drive in a Z06 http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=52&i=1775..., but as my wallet won't stretch to Z06 money, can the C5 seriously be considered as an alternative?
I'd want a manual, but I like the look of this one: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2156674.htm
What do we think.....?
P.S. This is not intended to start a HUGE debate on the merits of US cars in general, thanks
My love of Vettes started with my Geneva- London drive in a Z06 http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=52&i=1775..., but as my wallet won't stretch to Z06 money, can the C5 seriously be considered as an alternative?
I'd want a manual, but I like the look of this one: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2156674.htm
What do we think.....?
P.S. This is not intended to start a HUGE debate on the merits of US cars in general, thanks
I'm going for GOOD (as long as your expectations are right). Go for it.
Edit: Expectations: great noise, great straight line performance, interesting and fun if not hugely quick in the twisties, scary on narrow, slippery roads, thirsty but you can use standard unleaded, a hit with bystanders (lots of
), not very luxurious, not very refined.
Edit: Expectations: great noise, great straight line performance, interesting and fun if not hugely quick in the twisties, scary on narrow, slippery roads, thirsty but you can use standard unleaded, a hit with bystanders (lots of
), not very luxurious, not very refined.Edited by ewenm on Tuesday 14th December 16:43
I'll put it this way. Corvettes are cool. I love the idea of a big lazy thumping V8. However, they would be costly to run, probably wont go as fast as you'd think and they just don't fit in properly in England. They're too wide and have a bit too much plastic. God I sound like I'm moaning but It's what I think. Sorry Garlick
This has you written all over it, Paul...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2272659.htm
Chest wigs at the ready...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2272659.htm
Chest wigs at the ready...
Garlick said:
Mazdarese said:
Couldn't you just have PM'ed 300bhp/ton? 
Garlick said:
P.S. This is not intended to start a HUGE debate on the merits of US cars in general, thanks
The vette is a great Yank to own, not too big IMHO!
There are enough specialists to make ownership more of a joy than a burden.
The plastic panels is a good thing IMO, less corrosion - everything underneath can be waxoyled.
BHP may be lower than one might expect but the torque is fantastic, as is fuel economy for such a large engine.
Any model vette is a classy piece of Americana IMHO.
Go for it!
Dalto123 said:
I'll put it this way. Corvettes are cool. I love the idea of a big lazy thumping V8. However, they would be costly to run, probably wont go as fast as you'd think and they just don't fit in properly in England. They're too wide and have a bit too much plastic. God I sound like I'm moaning but It's what I think. Sorry Garlick
not as fast as you might think? Just how fast do you want? If I recall a sub 5 sprint and over 160 ain't exactly slow - and the lovely amounts of torque available throughout the rev range mean great overtaking ))) Mpg is not too bad and if driven with some restraint mid 30s should be attainable (again not shabby for a big motor) and insurance costs will make a German car enthusiast want to cry (as an example I'd be surprised if I couldn't get one insured for well under £500). As for the plastic - so what, aren't TVRs similarly bodied and most people don't have problems with them. Handling isn't too bad either from what I hear (ie people who've actually driven them rather than dole up the normal "yanks can't handle" stuff). I'll agree that the interior may not be as a place to be as an AMG Merc (as an example) but then again it's a sight cheaper to buy and run. As a final piece reliability should be a foregone conclusion
Enjoy!!
C5 Vette is a truly astounding sports car for the real world. Blistering performance with 350 bhp and 350 lb/ft, sensible fuel consumption (mid-20s average) and bullet-proof reliability. Good value to buy and incredibly low running costs are just a bonus!
For the best ride/handling you need to lose the run-flat tyres and get some high quality conventional rubber on there. M Michelin's Pilot Sports work nicely.
Criticisms? The chassis is a tad dead compared with the finest. Also the steering, whilst well weighted, is not the most communicative. However, you'll soon find yourself going quick enough not to notice! LHD is not a problem.
The world's most successful V8 sportscar. You know it makes sense.....
For the best ride/handling you need to lose the run-flat tyres and get some high quality conventional rubber on there. M Michelin's Pilot Sports work nicely.
Criticisms? The chassis is a tad dead compared with the finest. Also the steering, whilst well weighted, is not the most communicative. However, you'll soon find yourself going quick enough not to notice! LHD is not a problem.
The world's most successful V8 sportscar. You know it makes sense.....
Dalto123 said:
I'll put it this way. Corvettes are cool. I love the idea of a big lazy thumping V8. However, they would be costly to run, probably wont go as fast as you'd think and they just don't fit in properly in England. They're too wide and have a bit too much plastic. God I sound like I'm moaning but It's what I think. Sorry Garlick
That`s what I love about Pistonheads- full of experts!The C5 is a great car with both good and bad points. My old man has had his for near on eight years now so a few pointers.
In terms of straight line performance, very good. It pulls hard in each gear across the rev range. It hits 100 in just over 11 seconds and in the hands of Yanks can do a sub 5 second 0-60.
In terms of handling, not too bad. Steering is rather numb and mid corner bumps do have a tendency to unsettle the rear of the car. The car is very complacent in a slide though. Gathering the rear end is certainly not a steep learning curve as the car doesn't bite as long as you are careful in the wet.
A change of tyres to non runflats seemed to partially cure the problem of mid corner unsettling and also made the car more forgivable in both the wet and dry. Ours is running on Kuhmos.
Brakes as standard are fine for road use but will not stand up to track work. Quite a lot of owners have changed these.
There is also huge amounts of aftermarket parts at reasonable prices to improve handling.
Interior quality is pretty dire, but it does come with a number of gadgets. Head up display is fantastic and is probably a must seeing as it keeps your eyes away from the flimsy plastics.
The seats are extremely comfortable although a little lacking in support for the larger gentleman.
I've passengered in one for a number of trips down to the south coast of France and each time it has been extremely comfortable, so although quality is not there, comfort is.
Only problem my Dad has had with the interior is the vanity mirror detaching itself from the sun visor but it was fixed with little cost.
Reliability is excellent. Bullet proof is the best term for it. There are no worries leaving it for months at a time or using it everyday.
MPG is good. On the way back from LeMans, the Vette averaged 32mpg at over 80 with the aircon on. Our Focus instead averaged 25.
Size wise and in terms of b road driving, it never is going to be as easy as sports cars built for this specific task such as our Marcos but it is very dependant on your ability and experiece with larger vehicles.
Other than that maybe have a look at the active suspension option which includes the magnetorheological shocks. Not sure if these are 2003 onwards.
Also maybe see if you can get a C5 Z06 for your intended budget.
In terms of straight line performance, very good. It pulls hard in each gear across the rev range. It hits 100 in just over 11 seconds and in the hands of Yanks can do a sub 5 second 0-60.
In terms of handling, not too bad. Steering is rather numb and mid corner bumps do have a tendency to unsettle the rear of the car. The car is very complacent in a slide though. Gathering the rear end is certainly not a steep learning curve as the car doesn't bite as long as you are careful in the wet.
A change of tyres to non runflats seemed to partially cure the problem of mid corner unsettling and also made the car more forgivable in both the wet and dry. Ours is running on Kuhmos.
Brakes as standard are fine for road use but will not stand up to track work. Quite a lot of owners have changed these.
There is also huge amounts of aftermarket parts at reasonable prices to improve handling.
Interior quality is pretty dire, but it does come with a number of gadgets. Head up display is fantastic and is probably a must seeing as it keeps your eyes away from the flimsy plastics.
The seats are extremely comfortable although a little lacking in support for the larger gentleman.
I've passengered in one for a number of trips down to the south coast of France and each time it has been extremely comfortable, so although quality is not there, comfort is.
Only problem my Dad has had with the interior is the vanity mirror detaching itself from the sun visor but it was fixed with little cost.
Reliability is excellent. Bullet proof is the best term for it. There are no worries leaving it for months at a time or using it everyday.
MPG is good. On the way back from LeMans, the Vette averaged 32mpg at over 80 with the aircon on. Our Focus instead averaged 25.
Size wise and in terms of b road driving, it never is going to be as easy as sports cars built for this specific task such as our Marcos but it is very dependant on your ability and experiece with larger vehicles.
Other than that maybe have a look at the active suspension option which includes the magnetorheological shocks. Not sure if these are 2003 onwards.
Also maybe see if you can get a C5 Z06 for your intended budget.
Z28fan said:
Dalto123 said:
I'll put it this way. Corvettes are cool. I love the idea of a big lazy thumping V8. However, they would be costly to run, probably wont go as fast as you'd think and they just don't fit in properly in England. They're too wide and have a bit too much plastic. God I sound like I'm moaning but It's what I think. Sorry Garlick
not as fast as you might think? Just how fast do you want? If I recall a sub 5 sprint and over 160 ain't exactly slow - and the lovely amounts of torque available throughout the rev range mean great overtaking ))) Mpg is not too bad and if driven with some restraint mid 30s should be attainable (again not shabby for a big motor) and insurance costs will make a German car enthusiast want to cry (as an example I'd be surprised if I couldn't get one insured for well under £500). As for the plastic - so what, aren't TVRs similarly bodied and most people don't have problems with them. Handling isn't too bad either from what I hear (ie people who've actually driven them rather than dole up the normal "yanks can't handle" stuff). I'll agree that the interior may not be as a place to be as an AMG Merc (as an example) but then again it's a sight cheaper to buy and run. As a final piece reliability should be a foregone conclusion
When I say not as fast as you'd think, what I mean is compared to its rivals. I would exppect more from a a car with a 5 litre V8. I'm not saying 350bhp isn't a lot. But I'd want more power given the size of the engine. The 30mpg is fair enough, but only on a long journey over an average speed. This is a so called sports car and the type of driving thatI expect it'll get will drop that mpg. As for the plastic side of things, well I'll give you that one. TVR's do have have their fare share of plastic. but in the interior there is lots of leather and metal dials. In a corvette it seems to be built down to a price, and it really shows. :-)
snowy slopes said:
C5 BAD. It might tempt me to throw money in the direction of one of these, and spend all my spare time and money going sideways making yee hah type comments, so in that respect, bad. Not bad cars though IIRC
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