Battle of The Cheap Corvettes: 1980s (C4) vs 1990s (C5) Drag Race, Roll Race, & Brake Test

[@TFLclassics]

Check out the CRAZY cool Dakota up for auction HERE: www.tflbids.com/product/2001-dodge-dakota-v8-manual/

[@speedracerjeff]

The 4.7 is ok but a Dakota R/T with the 5.9 is way cooler!

[@richardsenkBeachwalker]

BTW you can manually shift the auto in the C5 for better performance in the quarter mile or rolling race. Having it in 3 instead of D vastly improves performance as it locks out 4th which is an overdrive gear. Also, with very few mods the C5 can easily gain another 100+hp, so it is far more upgradeable than a C4 Looks are subjective but the C5 has a much better interior build quality and no annoying hump to hinder the entrance. Handling is much improved on C5 as well as how easy it is to remove the top

[@mMORrissjim90]

@@speedracerjeff

[@rmm2424]

What's the DA?

[@DanOnFire]

I think a comparison of a 1996 LT4 vs that C5/LS1 would’ve been a better comparison.

[@ebkbk9902]

💯💯💯

[@BlackRam17]

Much better, even the LT1 would’ve been better

[@edconatser5330]

I agree,. I have a 96 C4 LT1 with 300 hp. racing a 245 hp against a 345 hp is not a good comparison . that being said, this is fun to watch. long live the C4

[@jake_of_the_jungle9840]

Some people say that a 96 lt4 anniversary is faster than a 97 c5 stock for stock

[@nomakewan]

@Darth Shibby And the technology jump from the 88 to the 96 is just as massive as the 88 to the C5. In fact, the ABS unit in the 97 C5 is the same one as the 95-96 C4. The C4 was not a monolithic vehicle. It was pretty much three or four different vehicles, all with huge differences in technology and drivetrain. So yeah, a 96 C4 manual versus a C5 would’ve really let the C4 shine.

[@edwardpate6128]

I have always preferred the looks of the C4.

[@wilhelmtrager7875]

Me also, but in the last years I changed my mind. The C5 has aged very well and I found out that I need one...but, to be honest, a C4 and a C6 too. It will be a long and hard work for me. Corvettes are affordable, but the money must be earned first.

[@Untainted313]

It’s a box

[@Shitnugget69]

They have grown on me over the years. I used to think they're ugly, but now I think they look great.

[@Iexpedite1]

I had an Lt1 C4 and then I bought a C6. I missed the C4.

[@AquarianAngel]

​@@Untainted313A great looking box.

[@Austin_Shredder]

Really enjoying all of the positivity around the C4. I bought my ‘95 in 2021 with only 12k miles and it’s been a great experience so far. Very special cars! 🔥

[@RyGuy42089]

You got the best C4 because it has an LT1 in it. The 80s C4 was trash..

[@thecozyexoticscrew4837]

I have a 94 vette with About 440 whp

[@stevenhaffley9852]

@@RyGuy42089 The best C4 is a ZR1, you obviously never heard of the engine that inspired the LT1, because GM was butthurt that the LT5 was better than their engine.

[@RyGuy42089]

@@stevenhaffley9852 I'm pretty sure the LT1 is just a detuned LT5. I also believe the 96 and 97 SS had the LT5

[@juliancoletti4073]

@Ryan Walker no the LT5 is a whole different beast. DOHC all aluminum designed by lotus and built by Mercury

[@LebronPhoto1]

I like the styling of the C4 but the reliability (and less rattling) of the C-5.

[@donwilber1628]

Had my C4 from '85 to the early 90s, and it was flawless...zero issues.

[@robwhite3241]

@@donwilber1628 20+ years later not so much. Mine just won't die and its a tough thing don't get me wrong but I have had to do just about everything to keep it running. The radiator busted last month and I think that may be the last straw.

[@elev8torguy130]

The ls1 took performance to a whole new level in its day. If you had a trans am, Camaro or vetted with an ls1 you were dominating in the late 90's early 2000's. I had three of them. Sounded awesome and fun to drive

[@S8ER]

I still have my 2001 Z28 (6 speed manual) it ran 13.1 @ 108 bone stock and now it has LS6 Cam, 1 7/8 Lts and 3.90s. It's been an amazing car considering it was 23K brand new and has 223K on it now.

[@ebkbk9902]

the lt4 in the 96 grandsport actually made more power then the ls1 and was underrated from factory. this comparison would of been better with a lt1/4 car not an l98.

[@jared101502]

My favorite is the 87-91 Trans Am GTA

[@elev8torguy130]

@@S8ER my 1998 6 speed z28 ran 13.3 bone stock. I also had a 2002 35 anniversary convertible z28 red with tan top. Loved those cars.

[@BlackRam17]

Doesn’t take much to get them to 400 wheel either

[@lhinze]

I really dig the 80s synth music y'all have been putting on some of these classic videos with 80s cars.

[@d.michaelpratt5987]

It was nice to see a couple of guys, clearly friends, saying nice things about each other and about each other’s cars. As a long-time Corvette guy, the satisfied owner of an ’01 C5, I will tell you this: I would happily take either of these wonderful cars in a heartbeat!

[@ravioli2389]

As a Corvette owner for 14 years and having a late great dad (R.I.P.) that owned over 10 Vettes in my lifetime. There is no car like a Corvette, just from the thumbnail, the C5 will beat the C4 always, because of the newer technology engine. And the 1988 C4 yall have got 1990 Vette rims on it. Good video 👍&✌

[@gregHames-u6n]

I agree with that!

[@ravioli2389]

@@gregHames-u6n - Thank You 🙏

[@dalejones4322]

Great comparison. It'd be neat if you went to the old course and ran them around the track with all the turns. BFG or any tire company should donate some tires for the C4 to show what they can do for the old car. Great video guys

[@donwilber1628]

I had an '85 C4 with the 4+3 stick, and if I recall correctly, the performance figures were about 6.0 to 60, and 15 sec 1/4 mile. I was fortunate enough to have mine on the Autobahns where I saw 155mph. While those numbers are weak by today's standards, they were top of the spectrum back in the day.

[@wesbaucom1368]

I hit about 155 running from a cop in mine 96 c4

[@donwilber1628]

@@wesbaucom1368 That was top end for my ‘85, but then, you had a lot more power in ‘96. Also, over 140mph, I really needed a nice clear day and open road…things got scary near the top speed.

[@wesbaucom1368]

@@donwilber1628 when I got to my girls house I was obviously shaking and sweaty and I hit that close to that speed often. I think it was the first time running from the cops that really gave me the excitement

[@hyperATVS]

Look up the sledge hammer corvette! Lol

[@dougpendleton1266]

Much respect to Kase for knowingly bringing a knife to a gunfight!!

[@smykster007]

I've been waiting so patiently for some C5 content! Great way to start this dreary friday!

[@FugitiveVette]

My channel will be having C5 content in the future

[@GregSr]

I happen to own a standard C4 and a standard C5. Both are stock with automatics. I think the difference in braking came down to tire size. The stock tires on my C4 are wider than the stock tires on my C5. That additional contact area with the ground makes the difference.

[@jeepzjken]

Back in my younger days I had a C3(78) Corvette and that was even slower(under 200hp) but man was that car sexy.

[@jgizzy]

I think the C3 was the most stylish of all body styles, but yet it has some sort of hatred for being a mullet-mobile. If done up correctly, the things look like works of art IMO.

[@hondaman6918]

C8 and C3 are the sexiest designs of the corvettes, IMO.

[@jendrarambharos4379]

i hope TFL is helping Case with the cost of his C4, you guys are getting a lot of good content out of it, and these constant drag runs aren't easy on cars, or his clutch!

[@BrandanZmaster]

I own an 85 and a 93 Anniversary. Love them both. Have buddy's that think they aren't fast and that would mean they are not fun, and that couldn't be the furthest from the truth. I like my 85 a little more with the really old and retro style dash, but my 93 is an Anniversary so the color is 10/10. C5s are better than both in performance and comfort, but C5s lack the personality that C4s do. The interior of a C5 looks like a Silverado or an S10 from that area whereas in a C4 there is no mistake that you're behind the wheels of something special and unique. Great video, keep it up!

[@bradkeeney5236]

Thank you for doing that, that was fun! I’ve kind of lived it, as I’ve had a 69 427 (and yes it was a 435 horse one!), 88 supercharged 383, stock 90, a stock 92 six speed, which made me buy a 98 with a six speed. Six speeds are the only way to go! Well, unless you’re competitively drag racing like I was with the 88, then you need the consistency of the automatic. Finished fourth in the King Street class at Bandimere in 1997 with the 88.

[@cpnolto]

Call me crazy but since I sold my C4 and bought a C5 I've kind of fallen back in love with the C4's. I do love my C5 but it does lack in the quirkiness department as noted. I may have to buy a c4 again. I would go for the 94-96 models however and definitely a six speed. Cool cars. Thanks for this video.

[@Carguylogan]

There's almost no difference in acceleration between an LT1 C4 and a LS1 C5, trans for trans. In Phoenix at 1,500' DA my stock automatic 92 Corvette did 13.80 @ 102 mph with the base 2.59 axle ratio. I actually brought my Dragy to Prescott AZ once and ran a 14.3 1/4 mile at 6,800' DA so i'm not sure why you only got 15 seconds with that C5 at that type of elevation. I had a C5 Z06 for 3 years, I've had my LT1 C4 for about a year now and I just picked up an LS2 C6 vert. I've driven a handful of auto C5s and they don't feel any different, power-wise, then my C4. I much prefer the 90-96 C4 interior over the C5 though. Definitely a cool retro cruiser.

[@Robert-bg2nm]

c4 interiors are too tight and rattle boxes.....c5s have big interiors and no rattles due to hydroformed frames.

[@Carguylogan]

@@Robert-bg2nm Uh, C5s are known for rattles. Even my 15,000 mile Z06 had a buzz from 2 different spots. My C4 has more noises but it's also 30 years old. At least the C4 has a sports car cockpit unlike the C5. I sold my Z06 specifically because the seats were absolute trash and the car felt like a Hyundai inside. Basic and boring. It was only fun when driving fast. The C4 has much more personality and sports car feel in the cockpit, starting with the sport seats. Again, I'm referring to the 90-96 interior. I don't care for the 89 and older interiors.

[@gregHames-u6n]

Cool man

[@gregHames-u6n]

I agree. I believe I could launch an auto faster than I can with the clutch. It really sticks good until just before it's time to get 2nd. gear. More consistent.

[@sirlancair]

@@Robert-bg2nmc4 f16 vs 67 malibu interior..i prefer the jet.

[@kirkcunningham6146]

A better comparison would have been a 95-96 LT-1 C-4. Not an early car.

[@Itsjamilagain]

Exactly. KZbinrs love to show off the L98 which is garbage compared to the LT1 and LT4. Not to mention literally everybody knows in the 90s manual cars were much faster than automatics.

[@MAllen-ng8pl]

These guys drive like my 81 year old grandma. And they like the same 80s backing tracks on the videos

[@27Zangle]

I LOVE the C4 and digital gauges. The first memory of my grandfather was when he came to visit in a new 1988 red C4. I was about 5-6 years of age and it had left an impact with me. The very car that started my love for automobiles. After he was done visiting, he had left behind a little red plastic C4 toy. I would love to find an early '90s version that is a manual, dark green, and tank leather interior.

[@thadevilzadvocate]

I have one.

[@moodberry]

I have a 92, manual. All stock and only 64K miles. Drives and looks like new. I take it out just for fun. Acceleration isn't the only thing I like about this car. Honestly, my newer other car outperforms the C4 for power. But the handling I can stack up against ANY newer car. Love taking corners at high speed. Sticks like glue to the road.

[@TheMeanmarine13]

I love the old throwback commercials. Feels like something you would see while watching a Robo cop marathon lol

[@JREwing78]

That was a solid demonstration of the massive progress the GM powertrain folks made between the L98 small block and the LS1. And as mind-blowing as the ZR-1's LT5 DOHC 5.7 was in 1989, the LS1 would ultimately surpass it without having to resort to a DOHC valvetrain. Although, let's be fair, the LT5 sitting in that engine bay is as bad ass as anything GM has ever produced.

[@eurocarpleurocarpl2057]

ZR-1 is faster than LS1 C5.

[@jeladsnikpoh1289]

LT5 is one of the most beautiful displays when popping that cool clamshell hood, but the LS (anything) is a far better performance bang for buck. The LT-5 was certainly incredible for its time and to be respected, but the the LSs used its tech and adopted it into a more user-friendly (famously known for its popularity for swaps) pushrod design. (Simpler, cheaper, lighter, lower center of gravity, smaller exterior dimensions, better low end torque, better fuel mileage).

[@ebkbk9902]

late model c4 zr1s were making 405 hp 93-95 as much power as the ls6 which the c5z06 came with. It would demolish a base c5 any day wouldnt even be fair.

[@ike01coolxd29]

The lt5 motor in the c4 zr1 wasn't made by GM

[@kim99jung]

@@ike01coolxd29 designed by lotus and made by mercury marine

[@getlosttoday4045]

Merry Christmas!

[@BlaseThreadgaming]

I just bought my 1986 Corvette and I'm so excited to get it run and Cruise

[@ianm9853]

I laugh at any C4 critics. I bought mine (10k for 21k total miles in cherry condition) for such a bargain in 2022. It has so much torque, great road feel, and a classic corvette look. Chicks still turn heads and it's reasonably fast for me with good gas mileage. One of the best purchases I've made in my life.

[@Suck_ondeeznut]

My dad got it for 1k it a steal

[@AOCyrus]

I was born in 1988 and I’ve always wanted a manual 88 with red interior. Even down to the saucer wheels, this is my dream c4!

[@extremedrivr]

I would take a C4 first because of it being Old School tech, 350SBC, and smaller in width than the C5. And I think a bit more reliable of a drivetrain too just because its the 350. And you can still make loads of power with a 350SBC. I like old school Chevrolet more.

[@ebkbk9902]

exactly the lt1/lt4 corvettes came with 4 bolt mains from factory the l98 and crossfire didnt.

[@z512345]

Why didn't you people use a 1996 C4 with the 300HP LTI instead of the anemic 1988 TPI 245 HP

[@Itsjamilagain]

More importantly, 335lb/ft of tq. And because these guys are not true Vette enthusiasts. Looks like someone found an old C4 for cheap and was like "LeTs RuN iT wItH a C5".

[@jsomething2]

@@Itsjamilagain no way a mint condition manual c4 is cheap. and I'd take the tpi over the lt anyways day.

[@z512345]

@@Itsjamilagain Looks like.

[@jamesstaggs4160]

A 92-96 woulda been a better comparison. The L-98 has,gobs of torque but the runners are so short it just runs out of breath too fast. The LT engines are much closer to the LS series.

[@bartsullivan4866]

I still love that C-5 Corvette the best looking model they every put out IMO.

[@HonJazzz]

It’s crazy to think a stock base C5 could do 175 MPH. That was huge back then and it’s still impressive today, especially for the money.

[@noahreinhardt2909]

I own both models a 1989 and a 2004, ill take the c5 any day of the week it’s more comfortable to drive around in day to day compared to the c4 and just noticeably faster definitely a big difference when you drive them back to back.

[@alphacapo]

C5 doesn't have the cool 80s looks

[@chrisskljavinsh3966]

I definitely prefer the C4 looks, especially the front end. Sure the C5 has more power over the C4, but they are both no supercars in comparison to modern cars or even some that were available back when the C5 was being built. Having owned and driven faster cars than any of those 2, I would prefer the C4

[@whatchalookin429]

It's not only your C4, mine had some of the best stock brakes I have ever used. Rock solid pedal, with good tires they could damn near check your head off the steering wheel😅 Not suprised it beat the C5

[@daveds50]

Actually, put some good equal tires and brake pads on both, and the C5 wins in braking. Both my 1996 C4 manual, and my 2000 C5 manual were running Bridgestone RE71R tires in a 275/35/18 in front, and 315/30/18 rear, and Hawk HP+ brake pads all around. the C5 was considerably better at braking, but not as good as my C5 Z06 with the same setup. Makes sense as the C5's are lighter cars.

[@jeffreywolf5235]

I had a couple c4s when they weren't cheap. The one was stock and the other one was built to the hills with 500 horsepower. What a difference. People are jumping out of the street three blocks away from me as I just came driving normally by. That's how nasty this thing sounded.

[@lucass3786]

what all was done to it?

[@Tacticoolpapi]

Love these videos because its obtainable performance. Please keep them coming ! How about the same comparison with a New edge mustang gt and mach1, vs the 3v mustang ?

[@331Grabber]

I have an 03 Mach 1. I've done those comparisons on the street :)

[@SLVRFOX88]

A 95-96 C4 would have been a better comparison to a c5. I prefer the C5 hands down but I would take a 95 ZR1

[@ebkbk9902]

💯%

[@jorgenunesdasilva4965]

Guess that with a manual 6 speed C5 the gap would be even bigger, even nowdays It still feels like a fast car

[@smykster007]

yeah the auto with the 2.73 gears is rough. Best upgrade for an auto C5 would be to get your hands on some C5 manual rear gearss 3.42s.

[@Itsjamilagain]

They should have used a manual C4 with the LT1. I don't know what these guys were doing here. In my 95 I'll drop straight from 4th to 2nd and I'm killing modern STis and S3/4s on the highway. The LT1 puts down Civic Type R numbers in 0-60 and the quarter mile.

[@Corvolet5]

Pro tip: never buy an automatic from the 90s

[@corvetteswithbowie7529]

I love my 99 corvette. Has a 6 speed manual with a short shifter. It is a blast to hammer through the gears.

[@sjsz06]

I had a c3 - 427 390 HP. 1/4 mile in Tulsa was 13.38 @ 107 mph. Never timed 0-60. Then I had a C5 2002 Z06. 0-60 around 4 sec. 1/4 mile in Atlanta about the same as the C3. Never took it down the strip after all the mods brought it up to 441 RWHP. (Stock was 357 RWHP) Fun car though. I did run it on Road Atlanta. That was a blast.

[@richardkoch4386]

I understand your dilemma about which to buy. I solved it with a ‘94 convertible and an ‘02 Coupe. Love driving both!

[@tryjames1ify]

I ENJOY this video an like everyone comments. I have a 93 Convertible with low mileage and enjoy the Supercar. Envious of your access to the Airstrip ✌️

[@scottyellis3442]

Exactly what I've been wanting to see. Great video guys.

[@motaz1975]

c5 still looks good and modern. c5/6 were the best looking modern vettes in my opinion. c7/8 are to angular looking.

[@MrKeef23]

Facts

[@Itsjamilagain]

They picked the pre-refresh C4. The LT1 is *gorgeous* in person. I chose it over the C5 and couldn't be happier.

[@sharonw2475]

Of course the C4 stopped shorter because it was going slower. I've owned both models and there just isn't any comparison between the two, the C5 will blow the doors off a C4 all day long. Also wait until those digital lights in the C4's dash start to fade or burn out, then you have a big pain in the arsh to repair/replace them, and they will fade.

[@jamesantonacci888]

I really like the new videos! The period correct music is fantastic also. Keep up the great work and thank you for the content.

[@carllange3950]

I got to drive my friend’s 1996 C4 with the LT4 engine. It drove fine, but as with all pre-C5 Corvettes, the ergonomics didn’t work well with my 6’4” height. I considered a C5, but ended up springing for a used C6 Grand Sport.

[@spokentruthfully]

In 38-45 degree weather at 2400' above sea level the 86 auto c4 I had did a 13.9 @108 mph. It had the 3.07 gear and a shortened exhaust and muffler delete. Its best 0-60 mph was 5.8 seconds. I only paid $3300 with 107000 miles. Really cant go wrong with either car though some of the simplest mods go a long ways with these cars.

[@jeffflaig362]

Yeah I had a 89 as auto with 3.07 gears just aftermarket mufflers and went 13.70s in Ohio. The c4 and c5 should be neck and neck at the 1/8 mile but the c5 should start to creep ahead at about a1000 feet.

[@charlesturner5195]

Not a chance a stock tpi car traps that high especially at elevation.

[@jeffflaig362]

@@charlesturner5195 yeah mine would only trap right at 100

[@danielfair4675]

@Jeff Flaig lol, my wife had an '88 auto Vette & I had an '87 5.7 IROC ... ran them at Kil-Kare Dragway in Ohio. I ran faster times in the IROC than the Vette, not by much (10th's of a second), but faster.

[@jeffflaig362]

@@danielfair4675 yeah I had mine at kilcar once ran a 13.90 there. I usually went to Edgewater or tgi state. Doesn't surprise me you ran faster in the iroc. It probably had 323 gears while the vette probably had 259 gears.

[@morecars324]

You guys make great videos really enjoy watching the comparison. I bought a 90 6 speed c4 last December so these videos have been perfect timing!

[@ramieperkins8113]

Great video ,, as if we all didn’t know what the outcome would be . I would have liked to have seen a slalom . I own a L-82 C-3 . I must say that the C4 is a far better car overall for the performance. Style wise the C3 IMO is the best looking of all the Vettes . Hands down the best bang for the buck nowadays is the C6 .

[@Toys4Life]

Fun video! - thanks for making! One minor correction, rear end gear in the auto C5 is usually 2.73.

[@jeladsnikpoh1289]

2 of the slowest examples of both generations. I do love C4s and C5s, owned one '95 LT-1 6spd C4, and two C5s (2002 with auto and 'performance' 3.15 gear ratio, and much quicker 2003 with proper 6spd). Next one will likely be another C5 6spd 2002 or newer. Simply not a true Vette experience with a 2.73 ratio slushbox, or even the 'performance' 3.15 auto. Btw, newer 2002+ manuals had a bump in torque to like 365 at lower RPM, small 5hp bump to 350, which was noticeable, but the closer ratios and more gears really made the biggest difference in acceleration. Taller top gear really improved the fuel mileage too. I easily got 40mpg taking it real easy.

[@Robert-bg2nm]

lol 40 mpg........maybe thats what the display said but not actual mileage.....btw close ratio 6 speeds were only z06 corvettes......i cannot believe all the comments with inaccurate info.

[@Cartier_specialist]

The C5 is the first Corvette I really wanted to own. They will get 30 mpg on the highway so how could you not like that?

[@midnight347]

Yea they get 30 on the highway with a 277 gear or something and a tall 6th gear and very slippery aero which has as much to do with that highway mpg as anything. Around town you'll be lucky to see mid teens.

[@davidgoodwin6997]

@@midnight347 all 6 speed C5’s had 3.42 gears. I also get low 20’s in the city easily.

[@vetteluvnh]

THIS is what I love to see!

[@MrFcwright]

I have owned a C4 a C5 and a C 6 I love them all.

[@mattgambrel715]

Me too! M5 c5 caught fire though. But currently, c3, c4, c6. Very surprised how much I love the 4.

[@alexhodson5430]

The C5 Corvette was awesome I grew up on those things

[@rtmdlawncare5774]

I’ll take either one. Both have their qualities.

[@mistah_nahamsha]

I love both, so I'm torn! I'm leaning toward a C5. More power, better gas mileage, and a heads-up display which I find so cool 😂😂😂 The C4 reminds me of my Matchbox cars I would play with as a little kid. I actually had a couple Corvettes. I also have a model C5 and C6 somewhere in my basement that I played with as a kid 😂😂

[@edwardepps1513]

I used to own an '85 (C4) and I currently own an '02 (C5). Both cars were stock both non Z51 but the C4 felt more raw while the C5 felt more computerized. I loved the dashboard of the '85 and even the ride quality. What I didn't like of my '85 was the build quality. The '02 is a much faster car better build quality, and better engine LS1. The C5 in this video is doesn't have the optional fog lights (like my C5 don't have) but it's standard on the C4. I'm wondering if you guys would do a comparison of these two Vettes versus a C6 non Z51 in a 3 way race. Also I wished you guys did a 0-60 comparison on these Vettes. Keep up the good work!

[@AustinShockSS]

I had an 87 with the L98 engine. Fun car, but had a huge breathing problem - not much after 4000 RPM. The clamshell hood was awesome, too bad it went away.

[@BlackRam17]

Yep. Fall on their face after 4500. Headers, IAT relocation, and throttle body coolant bypass helps.

[@n2cycles]

I had a 90 C4 automatic. It ran 13.80 at seal level at 98mph. The 60ft time beat every car in the local corvette club this was in yr 2001

[@waltermiller249]

Got a 95 c4 80k for 4,100. And a 99 c5 with built motor 110k for 7,300. Now prices are crazy

[@l042987]

I love these guys together best 2 on tfl

[@justinfahnestock5067]

I think this should continue he should have definitely did a good burnout got those tires nice and hot knowing it's cold

[@N8RTH]

C4 looks better

[@67FORDTRUCKF250]

Yep, and doesn't have the reputation of being an old man's corvette.

[@rjoetting7594]

I wonder how much closer it would be if the C4 was the later LT1 engine 1992/1996 300 HP at 5,000 RPM ; Torque: 340 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. My 1993 had a little less than 69,000 miles when I bought it 6 months ago for $7,000 garage kept and very well maintained. I should add mine also automatic I'm looking for a C5 now to add to the stable, a base coupe preferably 2001 to 2003. I'll just take my time and wait for the best deal for the money.

[@robvas]

LT1 would get smoked

[@ebkbk9902]

@@robvas lt1 was underrated and if you didnt know no LS manual car has ever been 6s in the 1/4 yet grubbworm went 6s with a lt1 🤣😂🤣😂

[@Robert-bg2nm]

just a little closer but no cigar

[@johnsonckchu]

there is no best generation Corvette in real world all depends on which generation you grow up from

[@xnadave]

"My tires are really old." Later, "The braking system is perfect." Love the video - get some tires.

[@Brandon-ll3ff]

Had a 1994 with 36,000 miles. Biggest problem for them is aftermarket support and next to nothing for tuning. You end up spending 2500 to 3k just to upgrade engine management to allow easy tuning for future mods.

[@David-li4uw]

Love the C4. Especially the LT4.

[@dirtsoap9333]

There's a big reason they didn't use an LT1 or lt4 car.

[@diplexnormal3353]

I have a 1986 c4 and the only issue with it as of right now is a bad headlight motor that needs to be repaired to replaced, bad suspension (which was already notoriously bad), and oil burning on a cold start (mostly likely rubber valve seals). other than that, I love my car and she’s amazing for age that she is.

[@ProCoach2373]

Kase is the best orator you have on staff! By the way, my C5 Z for the crown. LOL

[@lappydog9020]

Awsome vid. I had a 90 back in 93 and i loved it

[@reallyemptypockets6509]

Love the black one more.

[@Zephc4]

I can tell those tires were giving him some hell. I have brand new 285 sections on the rear as opposed to the 255 that came on it and just a normal intake + full exhaust and I'm running circles around c5s and some c6 grand sports

[@davidmckinney8423]

Ive owned an 85' and a 99'. I enjoyed the C5 more but I paid a quarter of the price for my C4. It had issues, both cars are for sure showing age, Ive enjoyed them both a lot.

[@35RSkyline]

Oh hell the cold weather is great for the power. My truck feels like it makes 50 more hp when it's below 30 out.

[@beaches2mountains230]

AS A KID I USED TO WORK AT A CORVETTE SPECIALITY SHOP DURING THE HOLIDAY AND SUMMER BREAKS..I REMEMBER THE DOOR SILLS IN THE C4 WERE A PAIN IN THE ARSE EVEN FOR MY (AT THE TIME) YOUNG ASS. C5 SEEMED SO MUCH BETTER WHEN IT CAME OUT IN 98'.

[@jdangberg]

I own a 90 6speed and a 2001 Z06. The C4 is more relaxing to drive street because it is not secretly plotting to kill me.

[@SKRooU2]

To me the c5 still looks good and the performance still beats most new cars on the road whereas the c4 looks really dated. My cousin had a 85 Vette and that thing was super rough riding and hard to get in and out of. Alot of ppl hate the c5 interior but I really like it. I think the c5 interior looks better than the c6 interior. I would pick the c5 over the c4 all day long. I have an all original stock 98 Trans Am with the LS1 and it is super quick with the 3.23 posi. It is also super reliable.

[@thecozyexoticscrew4837]

C4’s have the best suspension out of all the corvette models

[@scotturich]

Great Video guys. Now I just need to complete my 2001 weird car collection. Already have the 911, need a C5 and a Honda Prelude SH and I would have the trifecta for me🤣

[@DoctorHemi]

In my mind, in 1992, when the C4s got the LT1 ('92-'96), that was the moment when American V8s finally made their way back out of the emissions dark ages. Then in '96 when all 6-spd manual C4s got the LT4, that was even better...and then, of course, the LS1 in '97 just sealed the deal.

[@speedracerjeff]

A better comparison would’ve been a LT4 or LT1 C4 vs a C5…. Yeah there’s no contest between the LS1 and the L98 lol. I owned a 88 C4 coupe, good torque but falls on its face in 3rd gear. The L98 has no top end.

[@9874561203]

Quit wasting time and put good tires on that C4. With "old tires" like stated none of these tests are worth doing. Tires are the only thing touching the road, so why compare anything if the tires are old?

[@sebastien4565]

Agreed. To be fair, both car should have the exact same brand/model of new tires (factory sizes on each) to remove that factor from the get go. Still a cool video though.

[@9874561203]

@@sebastien4565 then further on I heard them say the C4 had all new brakes... If one car is gone through the other should be as well. I have a C4 with the same engine (slightly modified for more power) and with the 275s and good tires it doesn't spin them that badly off the line. Only time I would agree to have different tires when doing tests like this is stock for stock on brand new cars.

[@kasevr]

Id love to put tires on it theyre just expensive so i cant swing it yet. Still cooling off the credit card after christmas haha

[@9874561203]

@@kasevr can afford the car but not one of the most important safety aspects... There's a lot of C4 owners who found out the hard way why not to trust old tires. Whether the tire blows apart or just poor traction and crashing them... New tires don't have to be top end costing $1500 you can spend half that and get good tires that will perform much better than 10 year old tires that the previous owner left on there. What's cheaper, new tires or a body shop, medical expenses or even your life?

[@DonutGuard]

The LS1 was a beast, but the Tuned Port SBC was close to the peak of what you could get out of one of those old motors. The king of the original SBC engine award goes to the LT1. Yes, I know it was "technically" Gen 2 but it's also technically not. An LT1 Vette vs the TPI Vette would have been a great matchup.

[@Joose]

I wish that C4 had the LT1... but it's still rad.

[@darkcornholio]

I just bought a super clean 1993 40th anniversary with 39k miles and all the original paperwork and whatnot for $14k.

[@IKnewMickey]

Tommy is the only guy I've ever heard who has added the words V 8 to the small block Chevy moniker.

[@Short_Bus]

That must have been a late '80s early 90s commercial vocals. The voice sounded a lot like Reagan. That tends to be in our advertising culture, have your announcers have similar voices and sometimes faces to iconic figures.

[@charlessalsman7709]

Love the cars, but not really a fare race, a L98 is not even a challenge for an LS, maybe an Lt1 would be more competitive in this instance....the l98 would even have a hard time up against the lt1....

[@armindapereira4433]

I love c4, but with good interiors… the style is amazing!

[@OmegaGreedAK47]

When I was deciding between the C4 vs C5 it all came down to the LS1. I wanted the most modern engine in the price range

[@sirlancair]

ls1 cars..engineers could decide if they wanted it to look likle a rx7, an nsx, the rear of a c4, a little viper... c4 looked like a missile from day one, and only improved with age, and that f16 cockpit, was amazing..

[@lolguppyo]

Just got a C4!!!

[@jakerazmataz852]

4:10 Super cold outside is ALWAYS a performance plus

[@tlmessage9196]

If they've both got summer tires, they're never gonna grip.

[@juanluishernandez3515]

Cool video! I have a '91 C4 and my cousin have a '03.

[@jfrank8348]

The C5 is easier to get in and out of because it has a transaxle, more foot room.

[@30smsuperstrat]

Its time for performance mods and see which comes out ahead.