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Should You Get A C5 Corvette Over A C8 Corvette Today?

In this video courtesy of The Fast Lane Car, we get to see a comparison between the C5 Corvette and the current C8 Corvette, examining whether it’s actually worth spending five times more for the new, more potent ‘Vette.

The C8 Corvette boasts a 6.2-liter V-8 engine producing 490 horsepower, paired with an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the C5 Corvette is equipped with a 5.7-liter V-8 engine generating 345 horsepower (350 horsepower in 2001) mated to a dated four-speed automatic transmission.

Obviously, the results of the tests are all in favor with the C8 Corvette. With its rear mid-engine layout, the C8 offers superior traction, enabling it to complete the quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds at 113 mph, while the C5 takes 15.5 seconds at 99 mph. In terms of braking performance, the C8 stops shorter at 95 feet, but the C5 is not far behind at 112 feet. Although the C8 has a slightly better engine sound, the C5 is still impressive, considering both cars are naturally aspirated.

Despite its age, the C5 delivers commendable performance, particularly for a sports car that costs around $14,000, which is a fraction of the C8’s base price of $61,900 ($82,115 as tested).