pgtr

Has anyone seriously considered an '04 C5 over an Rx8?

I've been tire kicking at getting an Rx8 and enjoying a rotary again but recently I rediscovered C5s. I'm also disappointed w/ the unimpressive mileage (a new Rx8 would likely be the most innefficient cars I've owned in decades including several Rx7s!) and so-so torque (whoever said sports cars can't enjoy torque!?). W/ the upcoming C6 release the C5 discounts are getting so deep as to be those once in a model run deals. After lurking some Corvette boards, it seems like $10K is or soon will be the standard deduction off the MSRP. C5 Coupes MSRP at $44K placing them at $34K street prices. Selection will be diminishing thru the summer months and some options may be necessary so I figure $34K to $37K. But then again some speculate that prices could drop further to $12K discount by late summer though selection will be further down.

The C5 simply offers another level of performance - 170ish top speed, miserly gas mileage (boards antecdoally report MPGs well above EPAs at 30+ hwy), blistering straight line acceleration, world class handling, a decent automatic tranny option if so inclined. But NO back seat...

Styling can be subjective - I probably give the edge to the Rx8 but personally it's close for me - The C5 looks much better than a 350Z for me. But all that is just not something that can be quantified and is for each to decide for themselves.

GM has typical giveaway GMAC financing. Cheaper cost to operate but probably more to insure - maybe a wash there. Hands down I would give credit for their GM dealership network - one can be found in any hick town, they tend to be better stocked and priced for parts as well. (Mazda is in my experience is abysmal in it's dealership network - something they have acknowledged in the past and keep trying to fix).

I suppose other advantages might include tons of go fast googahs and appearances on weekend racing on TV if those are your bag.

While I love the Rx8 styling and form factor w/ back seats and all and have a soft spot for rotaries... lets say for roughly ~$5K more has anybody else seriously considered an '04 C5 coupe over an Rx8?

Ophitoxaemia

i strongly considered a C5 before i bought the rx8. they are a great car and you cant beat the performance. but the 8 has 4 seats. i already have the ultimate 2 seater car, otherwise i probably would have gone for the vette. black convertible, yum.

james

c2k4-8

I had a 2000 C5 Covette, I leased it and when the lease ran out bought the 8. I beleive it will be hard to get a new Vette at 34K. Most of the dealers on the Corvette forums offering 10K below invoice have upped the invoice price to cover their discount.

zoom44

no because it doesn't have a back seat

neit_jnf

I've been in love with Corvettes since 1990 ZR-1 but I've always thought they're too big and on the heavy side. I love the RX-7 and RX-8 light feel and small form factor. I've seen the new C6 and I definetely hate that they don't have popup headlights, the new design doesn't look good IMO. Besides looks I think the higher power and better chassis are great!

You have to be wary of mileage reports on the forums, most people post to complain not to praise. I've seen a few >25mpg even some 30ish highway mpg (higher than EPA ratings!) reported for the RX-8 and this is suposed to improve with the latest PCM calibrations.

zoom44

btw here are a couple links to previous conversations on the subject

here


and here stand out amongst the bunch of them.

MTCD01

Never crossed my mind for 3 reasons:

1. The RX-8 was at the top of my price range and a Vette is just out of reach.
2. The Vette is a two seater and I have a child on the way.
3. The Vette is a Chevy...I won't buy American made cars.

pgtr

James! - what's your ultimte 2 seater? inquiring minds want to know...

I think today 36 - 38K is realistic - late this summer 34K will be but selection will be awfully limited and you might have to factor in a plane ticket somewhere and a drive home.

In C5s (and C4s) I failed to notice any significant complaints about mileage whatsoever on those boards and numerous posts complementing above average mileage often in conjunction w/ mods that pumped already high HP figures higher. Relative to it's perormance, my perception is that it's miserly w/ gas. GM engines generally are pretty efficient in this dept.

When I say MSRP I mean MANUFACTURERS Suggested Retail Price not 'DSRP' - go to chevrolet.com... for msrp - base is 44K.

Why too big / heavy? Dimensionally comparable to an 8 and about 200 lbs heavier (better performance/mileage) and same 50/50 weight distribution.

I'm sorry - I must have failed to notice any 25 - 30mpg claims in posts - in fact reading post after post on various topics here the below EPA mileage seems to be all but an accepted de-facto standard.

Thanks zoom - I should have done a search - but I got the hint and also did a search on the other car I'm considering, a BMW. There were some good comments in those Corvette threads once you filter some of the sillier/erroneous stuff.

The only thing I can add here that wasn't really mentioned before is that between now and the end of the summer the new '04 coupes can be had for ever cheaper prices between now and sell-off putting them in the ballpark for consideration compared to a new fully contented 8 pricewise. It will take lots of incentives to move the remaining C5s w/ the new C6 well advertised...

A brand new Corvette simply wasn't on my radar screen until recently but a mid 30K priced brand new 04 Coupe is not something I can lightly dismiss.

zoom44

you're welcome

that goes for most of our other threads too!:D

jonnyb

there is one simple question that will help you decide between a vette and an 8.

do you want a sports car or a sports sedan?

BIMMER5&RX8

I don't think GM can charge you much more than 30K for the low rent rental car interior in the C5. Not to mention the huge and uneven gaps between the fiber panels. Like they say on Wall Street, cheap craps are still craps.

mazdabob

I have an RX-8 and a 2003 C5 coupe, and they are both great cars. I picked up my C5 at the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, (near the factory), and got 28 MPG on the trip home to CA. It's a great trip car - plenty of luggage room. The quality is very good. There's nothing like a V8 - loads of torque. The RX-8 is a great everyday car - easier to park, more maneuverable in traffic, more people room. I've always loved rotaries - this is my 6th. The sound and wide rev range are unique. You can't go wrong with either car.

c2k4-8

Well, I loved my C5 Corvette. And for those of you who will not buy American, I feel that is so wrong on many counts. I've had three GM cars, loved them all!

jonnyb

yes, especially seeing as how americans are now ranked above europeans in quality.

vudoodoodoo

Apples and oranges.

rxeightr

The C5 was in the hunt for me when considering my next purchase. At the time the limiting factors were reliability ratings, 2 seater & higher price.

If the RX-8 and C5 could be bought for the same price, would I have changed my mind? What a tuff call that would have been, as I am naturally attracted to all vette designs (own a '64 Stingray) and have always wanted to own a new Vette.

After 9 months with the RX-8, it makes the response to the above question easier to answer. I made the right choice, for me. The RX-8 would still be in my stable. Those 4 seats come in way too handy, and the 9500 rpm romp is exhilarating.

The only other issue I see with the C5 (other than insurance cost) is high depreciation for a sports car.

You are considering very worthy choices. Either will be enjoyed immensely. I have no regrets with my decision.

MTCD01

c2k4-8:
I see nothing wrong with not wanting to buy American. Why support an industry that makes a sub par product. It is my right as an American to buy whatever I want.

If you want to buy American go right ahead (It's your choice).

jonnyb:
As far as American cars being better than European cars...I wouldn't know as I won't buy those either. I buy Japanese cars that are assembled in Japan.

BIMMER5&RX8

If the Big 2 1/2 don't get their acts together the twenty-year trend of losing market share to the Asians and the Europeans will continue until it reaches zero. If C5 is the best GM has to offer as a sports car that is very sad indeed. The C6 looks better but the steering wheel still looks very low rent.

911SC

Every American car we've owned was a disapointment. Buick Skylark, Mercury Cougar, Merkur Xr4ti [had a Mustang SVO turbo 4], Camero, Mustang, just to name a few. All the Japanese cars, Honda Civic [2], Acura Legand [2], Mazda rx7, Acura Integra, Suzuki Sidekick, lasted well past 100,000 miles with little or no problems. No trim falling off, no rattles, not even the Suzuki. I just can't get myself to by another American car, sorry.

rxeightr

Personally I've owned 8 american vehicles, 6 japanese & 2 european.

The japanese vehicles are more reliable.

There is something to be said to own a part of americana hardware, especially when you can wrap your *** in fiberglass, i.e. Corvette.

We should understand this concept, since the rotary engine is equally unique.

babylou

GM has posted market share gains in the USA and worldwide going on three years now. I assume GM is part of your Big 2 1/2.

babylou

Gawd you are closed minded. Some of the US based Japanese factories have lower assembly defects than their Japanese counterparts. However, this is not that large of a factor since the majority of what most people consider "quality" is designed into the product not inspected in.

BIMMER5&RX8

There are up days even during a secular bear stock market. In fact, the trend has been going on for 30 years now. And 3 years don't make a trend.

GM may have been getting shares at the expense of its American counterparts. The Japanese autos' market share continues to go up. I hope you are right and GM is turning the corner.

MikeW

I thought this was going to be a USED C5 versus a new RX8.
A 1997 C5 is about $15K. No one really wants the first year. (if at all)
The C5.5 fixes the problems with the C5.

babylou

I believe a three year trend is very significant in the Auto biz. The life cycle of a car is what, six years?

I believe the Euros have lost market share in North America and worldwide over the last few years.

I didn't say GM is turning the corner. I just wanted to refute the incorrect 30 year claim. However, I do see a GM resurgence. GM is doing well in China and likely will continue to do well there. It seems they are getting strong in North America and beginning to get a handle on Europe. Not coincidentally their products are beginning to become more appealing.