C4 vs C5 vs C6: Which Affordable Corvette Is THE BEST? (Owner's Review)

The first IN-DEPTH comparison test between the C4, C5, and C6 Corvette!
I'll compare all three of the most affordable Vette generations back-to-back on performance, power, pricing, specs, problems, comfort, and quirks that you might not notice unless you've owned or lived with these cars (like I have).

CHAPTERS
0:00 The Comparison Test
1:27 C4 Platform Overview
2:19 C5 Platform Overview
3:11 C6 Platform Overview
3:47 C4 Positives
7:58 C4 Negatives
14:34 Oops
14:50 C5 Positives
16:13 C5 Negatives
16:53 C6 Positives
19:19 C6 Negatives
20:53 Conclusions: Which Is Best?

THE CORVETTES

OTHER CORVETTE VIDEOS I'VE MADE

ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE
Sourced from General Motors and Motorweek

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#c4 #c5 #c6 #corvette

[RetroCarsForever]

Here's more retro Corvette videos that I hope you enjoy next...

Thank you for watching!

[ericburton]

I have My Mom's C-4. It sat, & sat & sat in Her garage for years. Being neglected, I begged Mom for it.
Finally She caved ( I was the reason it was parked), but Mom folded & said just come & get it, make it run again, take Me for a ride, & it's
Thank GOD for Mom's, n Corvettes. I love Mine. My Mom that is, & the Vette

[Viper]

I'm 32, about to buy my 3rd C5. I've driven a ton of Corvettes over the years and obviously the C5 is my favorite. Like you said in the video, it's the Goldilocks Corvette for me. As a 90's kid, I get those vibes from the car, which is very sentimental. Apart from sentiment, the C5 for me is the perfect blend of classic and modern. It's the recipe of a classic with just enough technology to satisfy most needs. Plus, with the aftermarket you can address many of it's shortcomings, like the headlights, radio, and interior pieces. There are so many upgrades available now that it's crazy. It has that raw driving feel, the famous LS engine, the stiffness and weight distribution to give you confidence when driving it hard, and it's a very reliable, easy to live with platform overall. I love the styling, with the smooth curves and pop up headlights. But don't get me wrong, I love all Corvettes. There's no denying that each generation takes many leaps, so it will only get better as time goes on. But another huge part of the reason I have such an affection for the C5 is it's story. It has one of the best stories in automotive history. The book "All Corvettes Are Red" is a must read and details the development of the C5 behind the scenes. To summarize quickly, GM was in financial trouble in the 90's and planned on canceling the Corvette. Some diehard Corvette guys at GM moved money around without management knowing and developed the C5 IN SECRET. They had a very limited budget and knew in order for the Corvette to survive, they had to absolutely knock it out of the park. When they were satisfied with the car, they presented it to the executives, who had NO IDEA they were working on it. The executives were so impressed that they gave it the green light immediately and allowed them to continue development. It's an incredible story, and it makes you realize that the Corvette was so close to dying, but the C5 saved the entire brand from extinction. For those reasons it will always hold a very special place for me. Great video, I really enjoyed it!

[xymfzzty]

Heart says c4, brain says c6 as it’s an absolute unit

[Wondersell]

I got the c5, tons of tuning potential, easy to work on and those soft curvy body lines that sold me.. From time when cars still had character

[guiitarfreak_]

C4 here, absolutely loving it. Still got some stuff to do (headlight repair, stereo, etc.). I can't complain, though, definitely the most fun I've ever had driving.

[KA-texk]

C5 ALL DAY!! THE C5 has the most under-rated body lines in the game truly timeless look 💯

[brucekopping]

i owned a C4 for 22 years and i loved it. i got it in 1999 with 39 k miles on it. i traded it in with 101k miles for an 05 C6 with 34K. in my opinion, the C6 is better. it is comfortable and performs well. it is also easier to get in and out of unlike the C4. good video

[ctoph]

Common sense tells us the C5 and C6 are better cars but my aqua 92 turns a lot of heads. Great seasonal ride.

[ccorvette]

C6 Grand Sport here and can honestly say... these cars are a dream to drive. Even driving a C4 a couple of times in the late 90's... very impressive. C6 is a whole other level. Nice vid!

[kfh]

I've wanted a Corvette since I was kid growing up in the 70's, but I never could afford one, and it just wasn't a practical car as a year round daily driver, especially in the winter up here in the Great White North. Now five decades later, I finally bought my first Corvette, a 2013 60th Anniversary C6 with super low mileage and in excellent condition... And I couldn't be more pleased, it's a life long dream finally realized!!!

[-POISON-]

I'd get a 2004 C5. Last of the pop-up headlights cars. Also, an excellent sports car. Plus, my childhood dream car.

[Slowgroovin]

C4 for me, particularly the early angular bodystyle and digital dash. 80's icon and loads of nostalgia. Best bang for the buck. You can see it's bodyshape influence all the way through the C7 cars.

[jaxoneering]

A month ago I was C6 shopping and a friend called me and asked if I wanted to look at his low mileage 2003 C5 Z06. I figured what the hell why not. I checked it out and liked it but when I drove it, to me this thing just hit different. I've driven all gens of the Corvette except the C1 and this C5 Z06 (in my opinion) is hands down the most visceral, raw and light on its feet "drivers" car out of the bunch and its the one that captured my heart. I bought it the next day. I love this car. Ill never sell it. :)

[laithellabban]

excellent video. very in depth, you go over important details that actually affect daily life with them. thank you

[JGL]

C6 is the one for me, I’m an 01 baby when I first saw it I thought it was the most beautiful car on the road

[CarsandCats]

The C4 flexed so much that my Dad stripped out the screw holes on the targa top TWICE while trying to remove it on his uneven driveway. The dealer replaced the panel free under warranty, but we learned that it had to be level when removing/installing the panel!

[jeffkline]

Good review! I own a 2004 commemorative edition C5 vert. I'm 6'7" and this car is the only corvette with enough room to drive. I have made several mods and I'm planning on gifting to my grandson when he turns 21 (6yrs).

[phtgnc_trsh]

19 and my first car is an 86 corvette. Have had it for a year now and while its the most basic option and an auto and therefore not as fun as manuals. I still love love the car and driving it gives me life. Its a beautiful car.

[HippuJiima]

I've been waiting for this since you teased it on instagram! Awesome!!! I love my '94 a ton and im glad i have it. It may not be as reliable or performance capable as the C5 and C6 but it's weirder and i like that. If i ever get the opportunity to have either of the newer gens I'd take them too. These three gens have been a massive part of my childhood.

High quality video as always Brad!