I'm coming down to the home stretch after several months of searching but still need some help. I'm still torn between a C3 and C4. A rather well known fellow here in the East has recommended buying a C4 for the following reasons: better bang for the buck,less problems, more performance, better handling, you get the picture. I however am drawn to the C3 style and have found an 82 black/grey with 9800 documented miles for around $13K. it's not necessarily my first choice in a C3 but it's in near new condition and has NO rust! I'm preaching to the choir but what are your opinions on C3 reliability. I want a car I can drive, has some comfort (AC), and is fairly reliable. Your comments please.

Both C3's and C4's have their own particular strong and weak points. Trying to be completely objective about each, C3's are more cramped in the interior, but as a buddy of mine has a C4, I find it to be much more difficult to get my 6'3" frame in and out of, though it is more roomy once I'm in.

The early C4's have a spotty history for repairs. The '68 C3 had a bad rep for quality control as well.

C4's are very expensive to repair after a collison due to the clamshell hood design, though it does make for easier servicing under the hood. I understand it was insurance companies pressuring GM was the reason for Chevrolet abandoning the clamshell design in the C5.

C4's, even though certain versions are great perfomers, they are very expensive to repair due to the computer operated electronics. Some, like the LT-1, have a very specialized engine. My buddy's LT-1 doesn't use a standard Chevy water pump like C3's do. It's driven off the camshaft and cost somewhere around $200-$300 just for the part, much less the labor to replace it. He about s__t when he had to replace it recently. Not too long before that a replacement alternator cost about the same for his car.

Something else to consider is values today. C3's have pretty much bottomed out in values and are rising. The C4's haven't bottomed out yet.

In my opinion, there are far more interesting and fascinating C3's than C4's. LT1's, L71's, L88's, L46's, etc. They were built in an era where there was a great deal of diversity in the cars and levels of performance. C4's may be more sophisticated, even better performers, but they don't have the "character" the C3's do...rip-roaring engines...big and small blocks, solid lifters, side exhausts, huge four barrel carburetors, etc. There are lots of C3's around, and you can far more easily modify or personalize them.

That '82 you're looking at is fine car at what I think is a fair price. The fuel injection doesn't put out any more power than the carburated cars before it, but is a mighty smooth runner. Being the last of the C3's, it is desireable in its own right.

Here's my take on this very interesting topic. I was faced with the same decision about 2 months ago when I bought my '73. I looked at several C4's varying in price and quality. Besides the obvious styling differences (I think the C3 is one of the best looking production cars ever made) the C3's....for the most part...were built in the muscle car era. Which for me is a huge plus. The C4 is a sports car, always has been. I wanted something that ...I...could work on and tune and the C4 makes that just about impossible unless you are well educated on the cars systems and how they work together. That's point 1...point 2: return on investment. As was mentioned earlier, the C3's have bottomed out and are on the way up in value. Now most owners say...I'll never get rid of it...but let's face it, It's real nice to have a car in the garage that is appreciating in value each year. The C4 is way behind there...they're still falling. Point 3: just take notice when you are driving to work....how many C4 & C5's do you see....how many C3's? My good friend has a nice '88 convertible and when we take to the road together my '73 gets all the looks...not to brag, it just does...it's not a car that's seen everyday.
And my final and most important point...chicks dig sharks!

Good luck with whatever you choose....just don't buy a Mustang!

Gents, thanks for the advice. I too like the overall C3 package and will most likely go down that path. I could even work on them! The most disturbing problem with a C3 is rust. Not only can this be a nighmare but an expensive one in time off the road and money out of the wallet. But hey, if I take my time what the hell maybe I find a decent one. I'm going to look over the weekend at a 69 vert 454 4sp that has some body modification (fender flares). Nice ride but truly a toy. Keep the advice coming!

The 82 you looked at is a gem and price is ok too. the 69 may have more rust unless it has been repainted underneath. we looked a while too till we found Ian and glad we did. any Vette you buy will be a project unless it is brand new one. but c3's are far better looking than the c4's. and yes their price is dropping and you can get one for a deal. but c3's sure turn more heads and lookers than c4's for sure, happy hunting!

|UPDATED|10/30/2003 6:03:31 PM|/UPDATED|

Hello all,

I own both a C-3 and C-4 and so I can speak for both.

If I want a nice comfortable ride, A/C, quiet interior, and lots of creature comforts I drive the C-4. It is fast, reliable, and a pleasure to drive.

However, if I want to get some attention, I drive the 73. Without a doubt, the C-3 grabs more attention. The kid's all give the thumbs up, and dad tries to to look like he is not looking. It's great for the ego, if you are into that. (I am.)

As to which one I would keep if I had to make a choice, I would keep the C-3 even with all it's comfort draw-backs. If I need comfort I can drive a Cadillac. I like the visceral feel of the C-3. Especially since I have done some upgrades in the power department.

Well theres my two cents worth.

Alex

When I've got the tops on and the windows rolled up, wondering why on this earth I would ever buy a Corvette C3 with broken A/C and drive it to work in the rain on a 90+ sweltering day. When I've got the tops on and the windows rolled up, wondering why on this earth I would ever buy a Corvette C3 with broken heat and drive it 100 miles to work in 4 inches of fallen snow and blizzard conditions. I have merely to look at the cars I'm passing, or the cars passing me, and see the moronic grins on the kids in their dad's sedan. I have merely to tap the loud pedal. The C3 is the least comfortable car I've ever driven. That being said, I'll never want to live without a C3 in the garage with my name on it. I get a silly grin just thinking about the car. Its that awesome.

I've driven a C4(once). Had an 8k$ paintjob and less than 20,000miles on the clock. I think it was an 88. It was, a high performance car to be sure, but it was just a car to me. Once inside, I felt like I was in any other GM. *shrug*

I'd never not have a C3 if I were you, but the C4 is what I would think normal people would consider a more suitable "daily driver" car. I like the giant grin and ego factor of the C3. Its been said before and will be said again. CHICKS DIG SHARKS!! Is a good thing!

snivek73 said: Here's my take on this very interesting topic. And my final and most important point...chicks dig sharks!

No matter what you decide I hope it goes well for you and I for one want to see some pictures of the final beast or beauty you bring home and call your new baby.
Good Luck!

Scot
C3 To The Core!

here's a little story I still smile about when I think of it. last summer I had to go to the grocery store so I jumped in my 79 and headed out. when I got there I parked well away from other cars. when I left the store I noticed that there was a white car parked in the spot right next to mine. there was an older lady, mid 60's, in the passenger seat listening to the radio. she leaned out the window as I was unlocking the door to my car and said "I just love your car". (great pick up line, huh?) I said to her "thank you Mam. that's the nicest compliment I have ever had about my car considering what you are sitting in." It was a beautifully restored 57 TBird. don't know a better way to explain how people react to C3's.
good luck with your Vette no matter which you buy

Thanks again for the advice and comments. I'm checking out an 82 and 74 today and will post more later on.

I have owned a '69 Chevelle SS, a '69 "442", and a '79 T/A. When I test drove a C4 (about 8 years ago), I felt like I was driving any of the above cars. It definitely didn't feel like vette. After my one drive, I knew I would never want one. I may consider a C5 someday, because they have a look more like a C3, but never a C4.

Don't make a mistake you'll regret later!


Just my opinion.

Kevin