C5 vs C6 Corvette: What's the Difference?

It's a perfect time to buy a C5 Corvette as many of the models from this generation reach 20 years old. If you aren't looking for that much of a classic car, then a C6 may be more your speed.

Not sure which model is right for you? The only way to know for sure is to compare the C5 vs. C6 Corvette. That way you can make an informed decision and buy the car of your dreams.

Keep reading for an in-depth review of the two Corvette generations, including how they are similar and where the differences are.

The Design

We can all agree that the C4 Corvette design left something to be desired. The C5 and the C6 made vast improvements to the body design of the Corvette.

C5

Chevy realized that the C4 was losing favor. They weren't going to let people fall out of love. The C5 Corvette broke us out of those lackluster looks with an aggressive stance and womanly curves.

The entire car got its curves back with a sloping nose, fenders that curve and flare and well-defined side panels. To finish the car off Chevy reshaped the rear end to be more upright.

C6

While the C5 made significant improvements in the design of the Corvette, some say that the design didn't really hit its ideal until the C6.

The all-new body features more bulbous fenders, a feature that harkened back to the Mako Shark, one of the greatest Corvette models ever made. The lines of the body introduced in C5 became sharper and more well defined.

Another significant change to the design was the removal of the signature pop-up headlights. In its place, Chevy installed exposed headlamps styled after the European supercars. This style of the headlight was last seen on the Corvette in 1962.

This is the model that brought the Corvette from just being an American sports car into a supercar that rivals even its European counterparts.

The Engine

While there have been a few misses along the way, Chevy has continually revamped and improved upon the Corvette's engine throughout its history.

While the engines improved and evolved, the transmission is the same on both the C5 and C6. Owners have the option of a four-speed automatic or a six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission. The C6 also had the additional option of a 6-speed automatic.

C5

To continue with this trend, Chevy gave the C5 a new generation of engine. This V8 with an aluminum block was a 5.7 liter. It is known as the Generation III LS1.

This was a revamp of the original 1955 small block engine. The first years of the C5 generation produced 339 horsepower. By 2001 they boosted the horsepower to 350.

Skilled drivers could reach zero to sixty in 4.8 seconds.

C6

Not allowing themselves to get complacent, the C6 Corvette could beat the C5's zero to sixty time. The C6 can perform the feat in 4.5 seconds.

To achieve this, the team at Chevy put in an LS2 6 liter V8 engine that pumps out an impressive 400 horsepower.

If this wasn't enough, owners could opt for the Z51 package. This bumps the Corvette's horsepower to 420. Then there is the Z06 package also.

The Z06 has an even bigger 7-liter V8 engine. The 505 horsepower enables the Z06 to do zero to sixty in just 3.6 seconds.

Then there is the holy grail of Corvettes, the one that shook the Corvette enthusiast world. The ZR1 has a 7-liter engine that gives the car a top speed of 200 mph thanks to the 620 horsepower it produces.

The Suspension

When it comes to suspension, it is vital that the Corvette has an effective system to smooth out the bumps and dips of the road.

C6

When it came time to build the C6, the Corvette got a redesign of the steering gear and stabilizers. This was necessary because it significantly improved steering and handling. With all of the extra power the beefed up engine produces, you need an improved method for controlling it.

It also received an improved suspension system. This gave the C6 a much smoother ride. There are three different options for the C6 -- Standard FE1, F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control and the Z51 suspension package.

Dimensions

When it comes to dimensions, we are all accustomed to the unusually long front end and wide stance. Chevy made slight changes from one generation to the next in the specific dimensions.

C5

The C5 had a wheelbase of 112.2 inches. It measures 179.9 inches long. The total weight of the C5 is 3,300 pounds.

C6

The C6 is slightly more narrow at 105.7 inches. It is also slightly shorter at 174.7 inches. Understandably, it is also somewhat lighter at 3,240 pounds.

The Smart Key

When it comes to modern technology, there is no argument that the C6 wins out. It has an unseen key system to back it up.

The C5 isn't totally lacking in technology; it has remote power locks. The C6 has a smart key though. This lets owner remote start the ignition and control the locking and unlocking centrally.

Interior Design

Obviously, both the C5 and C6 models have two seats. But they differ in the amount of space.

The base model of the C5 comes with 42.7 inches of front leg room. While the C6 base model comes with more at 43.1 inches of legroom.

While you get more leg room with the C6, you lose out on cargo space. This loss is pretty significant at almost three cubic feet less.

Another small difference between the two cars is the material the seats are made out of. The C5 has leather with vinyl trim seats.

The C6 model loses the vinyl and has full leather seats. This gives the car a more modern and luxurious feel.

Colors

Sure, everyone thinks of that bright red when they think of Corvette, there's even a song about it. But, the Corvette comes in many other color options. Let's explore.

C5

For the C5, owners had the option of choosing from white, two different silver shades, two blue shades, black, two red shades, yellow and dark hunter green. For the interior, the options are black, light oak, light grey and a bold red.

Convertible models also come with a choice for top colors. These options are white, black, shale and light oak.

C6

Many of the same colors continued through the C6 generation from the C5. You'll find the same blue, white, black and silver. Another yellow became available, so now future owners have their choice of two different yellows.

When it comes to red, there were four different shades chosen. This is unprecedented when it comes to vehicle production. A new color, orange, was also added.

When it comes to the interior, there are new names, but it is the same basic colors, red, tan, black and grey. The same goes for convertible tops, beige, grey and black.

Special Editions

When it comes to special editions, Chevy loves producing them. They will find almost any reason to create a special edition Corvette.

C5

During the C5 generation, the Corvette turned 50, and with it, a special edition anniversary model came out. In 2003, the 50th Anniversary Edition sported a unique deep, dark burgundy red paint.

The interior was outfitted in a shale color. The ride was enhanced by the Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension system.

A year later Chevy produced another special edition model to celebrate the Le Mans Blue. This model had silver hood stripes, a carbon fiber hood and shale interior.

C6

During the C6 generation, we saw the Ron Fellow Championship Z06. This special edition Corvette celebrated win in the American Le Mans Series of the GT1 championship.

The car features a crystal white paint job and red accenting. This paint theme is an homage to Fellow's Canadian roots. Other unique features on the car include a lip spoiler and 20-inch chrome wheels.  

In 2008 Hertz teamed up with GM to create the ZHZ. This car became a part of the rental lineup for Hertz alongside the Shelby GT-H. The ZHZ produces 436 horsepower with a 6.2 liter V8 and six-speed automatic.

C5 vs. C6 Corvette, Make Your Choice

Whichever one is your preference when comparing the C5 vs. C6 Corvette, we can all agree that both are an impressive piece of American design. The unique ability of the Corvette to be a high-performance car and daily driver makes it a staple in the hearts of car enthusiasts of any age.

One thing both the C5 and C6 have in common is that their owners love to modify and boost their performance. So what have you done to your Corvette?

We can help you boost the horsepower, performance and looks of your Corvette. Browse our extensive inventory today of Corvette parts.