During the 1980s the Corvette was a machine that never really suited my fancy. In 1997 GM decided to give the Corvette a much-needed revision. Is this Revision enough for me to change my mind about this car?

The 1998 C5 may not be as fast or as sporty in appearance as the new Z06, but it still has the typical stunning performance of a Vette. The '98 model, unlike previous Corvette's ('96 and earlier models) are without the major compromise which made Vettes so hard to live with; the rough ride, etc.

Driving Impressions:

The C5 Corvette offers an amazing blend of comfort and performance. As you may expect, acceleration is excellent! The LS1 V8 engine reacts instantly to throttle pressure and thanks to its new electronic throttle control, this pushrod V8 revs quickly, sending the '98 Corvette soaring to 60 MPH is less than 5 seconds and past 150 MPH with ease (according to popular published specs). Thanks to a redesigned body that is 4 times stiffer than its predecessor, the '98 Vette doesn't creak, groan or shudder over bumps, and the longer wheelbase and roomier cabin combine to make it much more comfortable than the pre '97 models. The 6-speed adds for some comfortable cruising, thanks to the tall final gear ratio. At 70 MPH the Corvette's engine barely turns at 2,000 RPM. Braking is also great, after driving my Ford Mustang the brakes took some getting used to, as they are very touchy; just like the throttle.


Interior Accommodation:

Unfortunately the interior of this car feels extremely dated. Although it offers a good combination of beautifully laid out ergonomics and a large quantity of noteworthy amenities, the quality of the plastics remain cheap. The completely redesigned cockpit is, however, more comfortable and user friendly than most sports cars on this planet for this model year. Although the C5's leather seats feel cheap to the touch, they offer great bolstering for aggressive driving.


Exterior Innovation:

The exterior looks a little like the 1993-1995 Mazda RX7's , but it's more aggressive looking. Dual exhaust, with quad tailpipes makes this car look like it is a rocket. This car is very aerodynamic looking, and is just that. The '98 Vette has a very low drag coefficient. This is a car that will turn heads no matter where you go, be prepared to be stopped by persons that just have to tell you how nice your car is. (Update) With newer cars entering the market for the 2003 model year the '98 C5 Vette does not turn heads like it used to. Even the Z06 can be lost in traffic, as these cars are becoming a dime a dozen.


Price:

The price has always been right for the performance the Vette offers. Even used this car will offer style, class, and performance for as long as you own it. The '98 Vette started out at around $40,000 back in 98, but now you can expect one for around $35,000 or less.

Conclusion:


If you are looking for a used 2 seater that offers amazing performance attributes in almost category the '98 Corvette is definitely worth a test drive.

Looking for a much more refined sports machine? You may want to check out my review on the 2003 350Z.

-Happy Car Shopping


Amount Paid (US$): 36,000
Model Year: 1998
Model and Options: C5 6-speed