C5 vs C6 Corvette: Prices, Performance & Which to Buy

Comparison

Corvette C5

n=450 sold12-mo -7.1%

Avg Price

$22k

Range

$10k – $48k

Avg Mileage

47,569

Manual Premium

+2%

Avg Bids

25

Corvette C6

n=343 sold12-mo -12.3%

Avg Price

$36k

Range

$16k – $77k

Avg Mileage

38,930

Manual Premium

+43%

Avg Bids

27

Corvette C6 Z06

n=178 sold12-mo +11.2%

Avg Price

$51k

Range

$33k – $77k

Avg Mileage

25,763

Avg Bids

30

Corvette C5 Z06

n=148 sold12-mo +6.9%

Avg Price

$29k

Range

$17k – $44k

Avg Mileage

39,402

Avg Bids

24

Corvette C6 ZR1

n=59 sold12-mo +6.5%

Avg Price

$107k

Range

$74k – $148k

Avg Mileage

10,175

Avg Bids

31

Corvette C6 Grand Sport

n=34 sold

Avg Price

$46k

Range

$27k – $62k

Avg Mileage

27,126

Manual Premium

-17%

Avg Bids

23

How to Choose

• Budget: the C5 is the value play. A C5 Z06 averages $29K, less than a base C6 at $36K.
• Interior matters: the C6 is a significant improvement inside. The C5's cabin hasn't aged as well.
• Performance: both are fast. The C6 has more power and better refinement, while the C5 is lighter.
• The C6 Z06 (LS7 7.0L V8, 505 hp) is one of the great performance bargains, averaging $51K in our data.
• Manual or automatic: on the C6, manual cars sell for noticeably more than automatics; on the C5 the gap is small. The table shows the split.
• Both are mechanically simple and cheap to maintain compared to European sports cars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the C6 Corvette better than the C5?

The C6 is better in most measurable ways: more power, better interior, improved handling, and more refinement. The C5 is lighter and significantly cheaper. For pure bang-for-buck, the C5 is hard to beat.

How much is a C5 Corvette?

A base C5 averages $22K across 450 sales in our data, with most between $10K and $48K. The C5 Z06 averages $29K. Fixed-roof coupes (FRC, 1999-2000) are the rarest body style.

Is the C6 Z06 a good buy?

The C6 Z06 is one of the great performance bargains: 505 hp from a 7.0L V8 and an aluminum frame. It averages $51K in our data, with the cheapest 5% under $33K. It keeps up with far more expensive cars on track.

Are Corvettes reliable?

Very reliable. The LS-series V8s are durable, and parts are cheap and widely available. Known issues: the electronic steering column lock (C5), LS7 valve-guide wear (C6 Z06), and interior trim wear.

Will C5 and C6 Corvettes appreciate?

Z06 and ZR1 variants are the most likely to appreciate, especially low-mileage examples. Base Corvettes should hold value, but meaningful appreciation is unlikely. Over the last 12 months the C6 Z06 moved +11.2% and the base C6 -12.3% in our data.