Corvette C4 vs C5: Prices and Which to Buy
Summary
In our sales data a 1984-1996 C4 Corvette typically sells for $12K and a 1997-2004 C5 $19K. The C5 is the better car to drive and the C4 the cheaper classic: the C5 has the LS1 V8, a rear-mounted gearbox and a stiffer body, and is faster than any regular C4. The fast versions reverse the price order: a C4 ZR-1 typically sells for $35K and a C5 Z06 $28K, though the Z06 is quicker. The 1996 Grand Sport, 1,000 built, typically sells for $40K. Engine swaps, convertible conversions and race cars are left out of these figures.
Comparison
Corvette C4
n=679 sold12-mo -1.0%
- Median Price
- $12k
- Range
- $8.6k – $16k
- Avg Mileage
- 48,965
- Manual Premium
- +21%
- Avg Bids
- 22
Corvette C5
n=378 sold12-mo +1.5%
- Median Price
- $19k
- Range
- $15k – $23k
- Avg Mileage
- 46,372
- Manual Premium
- +11%
- Avg Bids
- 24
Corvette C4 Grand Sport
n=39 sold12-mo -5.9%
- Median Price
- $40k
- Range
- $31k – $47k
- Avg Mileage
- 23,444
- Avg Bids
- 24
Side by side
| Model | Median Price | Typical Range | Sales | 12-mo Trend | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corvette C4 | $12,100 | $8,600 – $16,252 | 679 | -1.0% | 48,965 |
| Corvette C5 | $18,750 | $15,000 – $23,212 | 378 | +1.5% | 46,372 |
| Corvette C4 ZR1 | $35,000 | $27,250 – $46,275 | 164 | 0.0% | 21,878 |
| Corvette C5 Z06 | $27,880 | $23,257 – $34,000 | 132 | +16.2% | 38,517 |
| Corvette C4 Grand Sport | $40,000 | $31,450 – $46,600 | 39 | -5.9% | 23,444 |
How to Choose
- Buy the C5 to drive: it has 345-350 hp, better brakes and a more modern interior. The C4 suits buyers who want the 1980s and 1990s look for less money.
- On the C4, 1992-1996 cars with the 300-hp LT1 are the best regular cars. Early 1984 cars have the least power.
- The ZR-1 is a collector car, with a Lotus-designed, Mercury Marine-built 32-valve V8. The Z06 is the faster driver's car for less.
- Check C5s for a failing steering-column lock, a known fault, and both for water leaks around the roof. Factory Callaway Twin Turbo C4s (RPO B2K) and Lingenfelter cars are left out of the base averages.
- Low mileage matters most on the ZR-1, Grand Sport and Z06. Compare the mileage on each card before the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I buy a C4 or a C5 Corvette?
- Buy the C5 if you want the better car to drive; buy the C4 for the cheapest classic Corvette. A C4 typically sells for $12K and a C5 $19K in our data.
- Is the C4 ZR-1 faster than the C5 Z06?
- No. A C5 Z06 with 405 hp reaches 60 mph in about 4 seconds, quicker than a C4 ZR-1 with 375-405 hp. The ZR-1 costs more because of its rarity and its special 32-valve engine: a ZR-1 typically sells for $35K and a Z06 $28K in our data.
- How much is a C4 Corvette?
- A C4 typically sells for $12K across 679 sales in our data, with the middle half of sales between $8,600 and $16K.
- How much is a C5 Corvette?
- A C5 typically sells for $19K across 378 sales in our data, with the middle half of sales between $15K and $23K.
- What is a 1996 Grand Sport?
- A send-off for the C4: 1,000 cars, all Admiral Blue with a white stripe and red hash marks, with the 330-hp LT4 V8. It typically sells for $40K in our data.
Methodology and sources
Based on 1,392 completed auction sales from the last 2 years on Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, Collecting Cars and other auctions. Fixed-price listings are left out, since they record an asking price. Prices are normalized to USD. Each price is the median sale, the way our valuations work, and typical ranges show the middle half of sales (25th–75th percentile). Stats update daily.
Related Guides
- Corvette Generations: Every Corvette by Year and Price (C1-C8)All eight Corvette generations with model years and real sold prices, from the 1953 C1 to the mid-engine C8
- Corvette C5 vs C6: Which Generation Is the Better Buy?Chevrolet Corvette C5 vs C6 compared by price, performance, and value
- Cheapest Corvette in 2026: Every Generation by PriceEvery Corvette generation and trim ranked by real sold price, cheapest first, from the C4 and C5 to the C7 Z06 and C6 ZR1
- Fastest Corvettes Ever Made, Ranked by 0-60 TimeEvery fast Corvette ranked by its published 0-60 mph time, from the ZR1X and ZR1 to the C5 Z06, with what each sells for
© 2026 Hypercars Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
Hypercars Technologies Inc. is not affiliated with the companies or individuals mentioned on its site. Third-party trademarks and logos belong to their respective owners; use does not imply endorsement or affiliation. Data is provided "as is" without warranty of accuracy, completeness, or timeliness.
© 2026 Hypercars Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
Hypercars Technologies Inc. is not affiliated with the companies or individuals mentioned on its site. Third-party trademarks and logos belong to their respective owners; use does not imply endorsement or affiliation. Data is provided "as is" without warranty of accuracy, completeness, or timeliness.