C3 vs C4 corvette, which is the better buy? 

just letting the viewers know that the white c4 is not a 1990. 90 was first year of the updated interior. 89 was the last year of the interior you have in this c4.

Anyone considering getting a late C3 consider the following: 1) Get one with a manual transmission. Both manual/auto had the same 3.07 rear end. So the C3 auto was 3 spd with a 2.52 first gear (2.52x3.07=7.74); the 4 speed manual first gear is 2.88 (2.88x3.07=8.84) - in other words the manual car amplifies the engines power much more than the auto and has an extra gear - you can do burnouts with a manual car. 2) Fix or upgrade your ignition. The HEI was “ok” for its day but on a 43 year old car it’s more than likely tired even if it’s been maintained adequately. Far better “bolt on” options available that will give noticeable improvement immediately. 3) Similar to above - fix the carburetor. Undoubtedly some monkey has messed with that carburetor over the last 43 years to squeeze “mo powa” out of the smog-era motor - find an old timer who knows how to tune the darn thing. 3) Advance the timing. Factory set the initial timing at 4 BTDC to make the exhaust run very hot to burn more hydrocarbons. Unless you have to take it for emissions testing there is no reason to care about that anymore. Set initial timing to 8 or so; engine will be peppier and run cooler - trade off is you may need to run premium fuel. 4) Fix your vacuum leaks. Pop up headlights, heater controls, power brakes, emissions all run on vacuum. Just removing the air cleaner assembly often disconnected or broke vacuum connections. 5) Unless you are a stickler for originality (or live in an area that inspects your exhaust) remove the catalytic converter and run true dual exhaust. 6) Don’t waste your money doing a head/cam swap - the bottleneck is the low compression pistons. If you fix the ignition, carburetor, timing and exhaust you will find these 4 speed equipped cars are very spirited and fun to drive. If you must have “mo powa” swap in a nice 383 - big blockesque torque in a lighter package and, unlike an LS swap, you and one of your buddies can do the swap in a weekend. Consider though, if you are going that route might as well install a Tremec 5 speed. At that point, financially you would be much better off buying a 68-72 L79, L46 or LT1 car… In my opinion the 1980 Corvette is the “sweet spot” for late C3s; nicer looking and lighter than the 78/79 and the 81s were the first year with a computer; manual transmission wasn’t available in 82. And they are relatively cheap, and as Junkyard Joe says you can fix them with a ball-peen hammer.

Personally I far prefer the shape of the C3, regardless of what others think.

Don't push/pull on the steering wheel getting into or out of the C4! You can damage the steering column. Use the side rail when getting out if you need to give yourself a push.

The C4 is undoubtedly a better car, but I'd rather have the C3 every single time because it's just that much better looking. The 1980-82's were among the most beautiful cars ever, IMO. Thanks for the video!

My father designed the early Corvettes and used to restore and put together events for them in St Louis(where they were built)! I still have one. It has 88,000 miles. Beautiful car, thanks.

I have a 1990 and it's like getting out of a bathtub. I am 72.

I had a black C3 coupe, it was a primitive car, but still a ton of fun! I got so much attention even in car snobby Los Angeles! There is huge aftermarket support for all Corvettes.

Enjoyed your video. Looking forward to seeing more

Had a 1990 'vert and it was fun, but had some issues. The top leaked a lot even after full replacement and once the electrics/wiring got wet in the back...problems. The interior was falling apart at 100K miles, which sucked because I liked the design, layout and dash. I put in a mild 383 and kept the TPI and it was a giggle inducing burnout machine with a lightly stalled 700-R4.

Great Video. Reminds us of just how bad Us cars were in 1980. the 1980 C3 A once great sports car With the performance of a 4 CY Honda. That is if it could keep up. But that being said it is a beautiful car and it is a classic and design we love It.I'm not a corvette fan but if I were to buy one get the better LS engines You will spend more but they are truly great cars.

I hate it when people compare all c3s like that with a L82 in the 80's with 190hp. Mine is 390 hp factory 1969 c3. Starts no problem. Burn outs easily. This car he has obviously has issues. They don't handle like wagons if you have good shocks, springs suspension. That stuff will wear out. They are almost 50 year old cars. Mine has oem replacement suspension and drives pretty good. He pics the 90's car for daily driver because it has AC. Mine factory has AC from 1969 and power windows. His comparison is of two cars that have not been taken care of and both of them were running like shit.

I do have both!! Well… I mean, i own both as projects…. Wonder when I’ll get to drive them again 😂😂. Awesome video btw!

Great vid, enjoyable,thanks. Love the c3😮

Great comparo breakdown. TY

8 secs 0-60? Your C4 is broken. Its supposed to be more 5,5 to 6 secs.

Depends on what you want! If you want a classic looking car with absolutely no performance whatsoever or if you're looking to have some fun behind the wheel! If you want just the classic look then the 80. If you want to actually have some fun then the C4!! The C3 needs all kinds of work to have fun! The C4 is fun right out of the box!

Great video thanks

without a cat pluggin the exhaust, the 80 should be around 240 horsepower. check the timing and carb function

Nice cars it is a tough choice to decide when they're both fun rides

In 1980 the L 82 emblem was on the fender and the engine valve cover was not blue. They were finned black. The frame was basically the same from 63 -82. The C 3 ran 68 -82. Do some research. I've owned 3 C3s 2 C4s. Corvette lost their soul after 82.

You're absolutely right, definitely buy both if you like them. Also I think both of them need some work cuz they should perform better and both should be able to do a good burnout easily.

C3 much better looking c4 much better driver.

The C3 looks way better in my opinion. Love the "Maco Shark" look.

I loved driving my C4 Corvette, once in the seat. That rocker height and trying to slide my feet in and out from under the dash though suck. So does changing the spark plugs. My C3 Corvette I still like for what it is as a weekend cruiser. C6 Corvette, although the interior isn't the best and the steering wheel was used on everything Chevrolet at the time, is a decent long distance cruiser. Not familiar with the C5, C7, nor C8.

The 1980 L-82 Corvette had the L-82 insignia on the fender, not on the cowl like the 1979. It also had 230 horspower from the factory, not 190 like the non-L-82. Something is amiss here.

Basically, where I'm at with Corvettes is 1965 to 1972 are the highly desirable Corvettes. The power is there, and it's just before all the anti-emissions regulations strangled the horsepower out of them. Plus, those C2s and early C3s look terrific. I also like the late C7s and current C8s. Of the newer Vettes, I think the peak is the 2019 Grand Sport. So, in the clip, I wouldn't want either Corvette. Even for just $5,000. Any Corvette that's $5,000 has a reason (or three) why it's $5,000.

I loved my red C-4 convertible and I'd like to get a really nice C-3, both of these cars have their issues, its all a matter of what your skill level is as a wrencher or how deep your pockets are. Both of these cars need a skilled owner because shops today wont even wanna bother with these cars, also get to know the people over at "Eastwood" for all of your Corvette wants and needs😮

I like the interior of the 90

The simple facts are it would take an aluminum block and head engine and several thousand dollars worth of chassis parts and nearly 4k of wheels and tires to get the C3 to pull 1g on a skid pad. The C4 will do it with new tires and some better shocks wouldn't hurt the effort. However the C3 will easily accept any configuration of big block Chevy engine that you are willing to fork over the cash for and with at least 5 different transmissions and or a solid rear axle since no factory stock Corvette third member is strong enough for more than 500 hp you could out run that C4 in the quarter mile like it wasn't moving. All aluminum twin turbo 427 Ls with a built 4l80e trans and a specially fabricated rear driveline for the C4 would give you cheap near supercar performance. All it takes is about 75 to 100k in parts to make it all workout.

The C3 straddles this weird line between a sports car and a muscle car while the C4 is definitively the former. It's for that reason I like the C3 more, getting a car to live in both worlds like that is unique.

good info

Like your channel about c 4

I like the looks of the C3..My favorites design wise is the C2 1963 to 1967 The C 5 fastback.The C7 models.All of that I listed.I don't like convertibles. 11:10 The 1980 to 1982 models were beautiful cars

Cool video. Have to disagree with modern cars not having the porno red interior. They still do.....thank goodness... "Bow Chicka Bow Wow"

I have to go with the C3. My 72 is special (to me) because of the Steel Cities Gray paint, I've never seen another. The motor is from a 63 Vette, a much wider power band than the 350 the car came with. Power windows, brakes and steering, it's a wonderful cruising car. My dad had an 84, which was IMO, not a very nice car. Strange design elements and slower than a Honda Civic. Still a Vette, though, and all Vettes are cool.

“Both”… My type of guy 💯 Couldn’t agree more ‼️ If I absolutely had to choose though, gonna go C4 for the win. Updated in almost every way just not as aggressive looking but who says that’s a bad thing. The C4 is almost as classy as the C1 & C2.

Can find plenty of C4 for 5k wish I could find a C3 for 5k. Had both. Find a clean C3 install crate motor and 4sp. Enjoy.

The 82 body design is a much better looking Corvette. The engine and horsepower can Always be improved

What stopped me just recently from getting a C4 is at 1:38. I've always liked the C4 and performance-wise, they are way ahead of the C3 in most ways. They don't compare to the old big block acceleration, BUT, unless you are buying a '68 to '72 big block, AND have a source of good gas (which most isn't today), then you really aren't getting all that those old big blocks were known for. I can speak with experience on this having my '68 427 from 1978 (last of the good gas years) to today (horrible ethanol crap). But back to 1:38, notice how little passenger foot room there is. Everyone used to complain about my '98 Camaro Z28 passenger seating with the catalytic convertor intruding into the floorboard. Well, there is no room for your feet in the C4. What is the point if you can't take a passenger in comfort? If you are solely autocrossing the car, or intend on never having a passenger, the C4 is great. But for a passenger, it sucks. At 2:01, you can see so much more foot room. How the engineers messed this up, I will never know. As far as daily drivers, the '89 without question. It is an early '80s design in suspension, driveline, and comforts, where the '80 is an early '60s design in all of those with a few minor updates. The overdrive makes long commutes or traveling much more enjoyable and affordable. The TPI makes the economy much better. The '80 has more room for long traveling. You can take a lot more stuff in the back. Of course, the C4 coupe has a lot more room than the nearly non-existence room in the C4 convertible. And I found many C4 convertible owners fill that with an amp and subwoofer so you have nearly zero room for luggage.

Great ending. Why not both 😂

Yes, 80 seats are definitely aftermarket. Didn’t have the logo and the bolsters don’t stand up to sliding in and out before they tear.

I collected for a long time. I absolutely loved the sexy C3 body. But every one Ive had, the heads were cracked. Rebuilt it, about 4500 in and I had to take it away from my wife. Im in my company car and watched her light the tires up at a stoplight.

Not sure about that really being an L-82. They had finned aluminium valve covers from the factory. They were no slouches and with minor tuning would really run. That car might have originally been an L-82 with an engine replacement sometime in its life.

& Idk where you live but I live in Michigan & no one is selling their C3 for 5 Grand unless it’s a POS. I tried to buy one from an older guy for 7 grand & his Vette had a large dent on the hood & all types of functionality issues & he still wouldn’t come down form 9 grand. 5 Grand is a dream!

Engine swap in the 80. It is a cooler car. . Unfair to compare the 80 to the 90, both are ancient. The 80 car if set up right will be cooler. The 90 car will have a little better engineering and stiffer and better designed suspension and rear end. Better ergonomics and hopefully after ten years Chevrolet designed the chassis for better leak control, body twist and protection from rust. Love the C3 shape, the C4 nice too, but very clean lines and 80's. Love the C3 from 68' and 69'. Comparing these would be quite hilarious.

Hey, great video, thanks for the comparison!! Just one question: Am I looking in all the wrong places? Where can you find one that runs for $5,000??

Where you can buy driving corvette c3 or c4 at that price? Could you please advise any website ? :) Both are great cars, Corvette ❤

why is the front end so high??? The C4 was so good and dominant , it was kicked out of the Escort Race Series. It was something like 29-0 against the 944 turbos and the other cars didnt stand a chance. THey had to create a series just for the corvette called the , " Corvette Challenge Series". The 1984 vette ( though the cross fire was terrible) pulled 1.0g on the skid pad with the z51 suspension. The next year the z51 was softened up because it was way to stiff ( but i found a set up front and rears and put them on my 1985 and koni adjustable shocks) .

I'd buy a c3 before I'd buy a c4. Bigger aftermarket and less to go wrong. I do like the c4 though....

C4 is the better car by far, even with it's quirks. One thing I can say, you need to adjust the TV cable on that 700R4 in the C4, the 1-2 shift is WAY too short. Also, check the main battery wire where it crosses over the steering shaft, every C4 I've owned or seen has had damage to that wire.

You can get side exhaust for the C4, but they are far more uncommon than side pipes for a C3 so expect to pay a premium to get some.

Now which Vette would be best if you intend to ls swap it to be more reliable and have more power? Bonus: engine components are ready available. I think the C4 lends itself better for a swap. But the look of the C3 🤔

That’s what we are missing in the world today, “Porno Red” car interiors.

The c3 was a beautiful work of art. News flash , nothing was really fast in the mid to late 70s. The only reason the c3 isnt considered as the beauty that it really is , is that they where mass produced. I don't own one and never will because i couldn't stand every know -it-all boring me with horsepower stats every time i park it.

While I respect your views there are some I disagree about. A C4, even bone stock, is a superior handling car even by todays standards. While the L98 is not overly complicated to work on it does require the removal of components before you can access what you are after, think EGR valve for one. If you're not handy with a wrench you'll need deep pockets to pay for servicing the car, if you can find a guy familiar with older technology. Lastly, a heater core replacement will set you back $$$$ if you can't remove almost all of the interior dash and a bunch of stuff under the hood yourself. It's cheap to begin with but they can be money pits.

Before you make the wrong choice, try both out. I finally drove a new C5. The C4 was so uncomfortable and low to the ground.

Wheels are on backwards on that 89.

I would go c4 because it’s newer however, there are probably at least numerous problems with both so who knows?

I would take the 80 Vette , you can’t beat the style !

Handle like wagons? The C4 was and is a world class handling car. They were world beaters in S.C.C.A. in their day. Still one of the few cars that can pull 1G on a skid pad

I own a 90 that's not a 90 - that's an 88-89 - The 1990 has a one off wheel design - similar to above except the lug nuts are exposed - the 1990 dash was re-designed as mentioned below - updated interior

Personally I’ll take a pass on all corvettes 1973 through 1994. The gutless years. 95’ forward so much better power plants. Still not without its quirks but so much better than the dead years 73-94.

I like the C3 better, although I'd rather have a 1970 454...

The Porno red comment made me lol.

Pretty good comparison. Being a child of the 60's & 70's I prefer my QJet powered 75 for a weekend cruiser. The C3's were designed to be operated and when properly tuned and maintained they can be very dependable. Theres an art to properly operate a carb'ed engine. After watching your vid a couple times I'll venture a guess that the C3's timing is too retarded and you may not have allowed the engine to warm up enough for the QJet's secondaries to open up. It didn't sound like the engine was at it's optimum performance setting. GM designed the QJet's so the secondaries won't open on a cold engine. I don't know if you're aware of that so I'm throwing it out for GP. Perhaps a choke adjustment could help. Lighter flyweight springs in the HEI, capped smog and headers can wake even an L48 up. L82's have 4 bolt main's along with a better rotating assembly and is well worth investing in some performance mods. Also based on the interior ergonomics I would prefer the C3 over the C4 based solely on ease of ingress & egress. The C3 is bad enough, LOL.... The thing about power is moot as it's something that can be increased without altering the fine curves of the C3 and it won't break the bank either. All that said I wouldn't turn down a great deal on a C4 but I've been digging the C5's anymore, LOL. Carry On.

bros even got the corvette guy fit😭

That L82 sure didn’t wanna take off too fast! You should put an LS in er!

Hey man that c3 isnt running well at all . Sounds like its running on 7 legs and it should light the tires right up , my 78 l82 lights the tires up easy

Hopping into the C3 at the dealership and seeing that speedo that only goes to 85mph😅 'Ok, I think we're done here. Lemme look at the outside again.'

So are you offering to c3 for sale 5K? I think the c4 is appropriately call that because he needs a little dab of that in the trunk and run like heck and watch it explode. I seen these things running for$1,500. I'm not paying to seaport it reminds me of a Ford probe. I guess all the car designers close to the same school every generation. Now I like the original stingrays but my wallet doesn't have enough in it for that. I'm not a big fan of Vettes. But that c3 is appealing. I membered a rich girl in school back her brand-new c3 that our daddy bought her. Write out under the bus as it was driving behind her. I'm pretty sure the bus driver could have stopped before the back tires of the school bus drift back into that car apart. They never did get that car lined up right. That's what I think of when I see c3. Thanks for showing this I enjoyed the demonstration of both cars. Mechanically speaking the c4 would be smarter choice at The wider tires all the way around the tilt hood on front for easy accessibility the extra horsepower. But he buys a vet for logical reasons? Both cars are nice examples of what they are.

Your C3 is ill. It didn't even spin the tires in the 0-60 run. I had one myself, and watching your run there was painful LOL. It should pull much harder than that.

i choose the sharper one

I'd take the 1980, no computer, everybody makes hi-po parts for 350s......but where did you find ones for $5000 ? I see them for 10 or 11 at least , and average $25000

When running them he had to have been scared to break them by pushing them because I know both of them perform way better. Because my grandmas 73 convertible should not be able to dust a 93

"Let's talk about the interior" Shh. Let's not 😆

Where are you getting these things for $5K?

Those 80’s are skyrocketing. If you can find a half decent one for 5 g’s you better jump on it.

The 80 should run better. Check the emmission parts for leaks. Mine leaked on exhaust manifold egr parts has cracks in the tubes. Where I live I could remove all the engines egr stuff leaving that huge octagon catalytic converter that needs to still be replaced with free'er flowing cat. The L82 has 225hp And the factory ribbed valve covers designating the last yr corvette with a high performance option read about that engine its a good one. Mines an L48 and can squeal the tires at launch and chirp on 2nd gear. My dream is to install a rack and pinion steering system on it, the early 60s steering is dated feeling to me. A wild styled easily leakable system imo. Still love the car. It is the last corvette with out a brain 😲

How about the C zero corvette? The 6 cylinder automatic. GM wishes you would forget about THAT generation of Corvette. They say that if it has a solid axle it is a C 1

THEY BUILT THE 68. TO 82. 14. YEARS. THE FRAME CAME FROM. THE. 63 TO 67. ...IT WAS TIME TO UPDATE....THE C4::WAS A QUANTUM LEAP.......ITS JUST A STYLE CHOICE...A53. WOULD BE A SAD COMPARASON.....BUT ITS A COLECTORS ITEM.

I don't think that 1980 Vette is the L82 version as it has L48 valve covers. A five thousand C3 or C4 is a tar baby.

BTW, that isn't a 1990. The 1990 got an updated interior with a mix of digital and analog gauges that was actually really nice.

Sorry sir... for 5k.. I'd actually get a 87 v6 or 4cyl Pontiac fiero... smaller frame easy to get parts. And still has a trunk for over night bag and a full size space..plus the mini spare up front.. . but you have fun with your vettes...

The C3 styling is vastly superior to the C4 If you want performance you'll be doing an LS swap in either one but good luck finding a C3 for 5k. If the C3 leaves you stranded then you don't know how to maintain your car.

The c8 literally has a bright red interior

In stock form? The C4 makes a better "daily driver" but that's about all I could ever say to recommend it over the C3. Here's the unvarnished truth from someone who has owned both cars over the years and still owns a C3 today yet wouldn't even consider a C4 again for purchase beyond a possible chance to "flip" for profit. Both cars suffer poor build quality and by today's standard are super weak performers in stock configuration. With that said I could never live with either of these cars "stock". So now you gotta do some work to make them "better". This is where the C3 becomes the objectively argued far better choice. Subjectively I just the style better too. The C4 hasn't aged as well to my eye but that's just opinion yours may vary. So If I stick to which car is easier, less expensive to work on and up grade it's pre computer era C3 I find the far better choice. It will never match the MPG of a modern car but I don't see any car this old as a daily driver. Stroked small block chevy engines making 400-500+ HP with modern roller cam profiles and aluminum heads are super easy today. Upgrading suspension also very easy and many very complete set ups balanced and available all just bolt in place. Where this really works in the C3's favor is found in the over all simplicity of it all. I can think of nothing on the car that should be beyond the ability of the DIY guy to accomplish in his own garage. The C4 shares some of these positive points too but ultimately the car is a big step into the world of tech and a lot of it is not only more expensive but also may prove tougher for the DIY guy to accomplish.

I would buy one of these corvettes just to beat the shit out of it at a drift track. I hate corvettes 😂

I owned a 1989 Corvette when it was only 5 years old and had 2600 miles the day I bought it. You aren't correct in your assessment. When they were new, they had a really good ride, firm but a float similar to a Cadillac. In 89k miles, my car had absolutely no issues, and not once did it fail to get me home. I assure you I romped the snot out of that car everybday too. The 1989 Corvette was better handling and faster than the Ferrari Testarossa and the Lamborghini Countach of the same year. Regarding the handling, your examples are tired. I assure you my car in its prime would smoke nearly all contenders of its day. Just like the C8 is highly competitive in its market and time. Somwone will be bashing it in 30 and 40 years without a clue of how good it really is.

Nothing rides like a c4

The C3 doesn't sound like it's running right

No offense but you shifted the C4 at 2.5 rpm into 2nd gear…. Lol i feel like you could have easily pulled a 7 second time!!

I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT 89 VETTE WITH 83,000 MILES ON IT WAS ANYWHERE NEAR $5,000. C3 FOR 5 GRAND IS MORE PLAUSABLE

that c3 sounds like it is sick...not good.

L82....thats about how much horsepower it had

That 80 is running like shit, my 75 and 81 will both light the tires and not sound like there miss firing

POS #1 vs POS #2

The 1980 is NOT an L-82 unless someone changed out the valve covers. You can also tell by the Tach, which would have a 6 grand red line and actually say L-82. This one does not. Also, either the distributor is a tooth off or the timing is drastically retarded. Missing the cold air intake too. Those are free horsepower. A true L-82 will have 9 to 1 compression and forged everything with 4 bolt mains. This has 8 to 1 and cast everything. The heads are the worst things GM ever made....useless, but they function. This car needs a real tune up and vacuum leak going over. The quadrajet will run fine if you know how to tune them and rebuild that version properly. You MUST use the correct kit with the correct needle and seat or it will never work properly. An L-82 only came with an automatic. It has a lock up converter and you can run a little better stall unit and make it work better. Your best bet in swapping a 700-R4 unit with the lower first gear. The parts from an 82 will allow it to bolt right in....best mod you'll ever do! Hooker makes an affordable true dual exhaust system that bolts on. Worth it. A REAL L-82 made 230 HP at the rear wheels in total stock form. I've dyno'd two of them and thats what they made. Mine was one of them. Mine is making 302 HP now with the 700-R4 and its more than enough to have fun with and still be a docile street driver that gets 25 mpg on the highway. WITH a carb...no EFI. It also looks bone stock (except for the headers) under the hood with the factory cold air intake system.

Porno red....hasaa....we called it whorehouse red especially in cordobas and Chryslers in general

5k??? Where tf you at