98 Vette or 2003 G35 Coupe?

[firefighter1234]

Hey! I've been looking into getting either a 97/98 Vette or a 2003 G35 coupe.
I'm aware that each is a totally different car and each serves there own purpose.
I just got a new job and I have to travel about 45 minutes
to an hour each day. I currently own a 99 Camaro SS and although I love it
to death it won't cut it as a daily driver. The problem I'm facing is that I need to
drive in the winter months also. I'm aware this is a G35 forum and some replies will
be biased, but I would ask for any opinions. Perhaps, there are some former Vette
owners here? Thanks!

[izmir41500]

if the camaro won't cut it then the vette will definitely not cut it. it's probably too sporty for your daily commute. the G is plush and luxurious, but it's goin to lack a lot of the power that you crave like the corvette has.
for daily driving, the g is the better choice. it may be more practical too because of the back seat and a little bit of trunk space.

[Jtrain]

I believe the 98 is a C5? I am personally not very impressed with the C5 corvettes, Especially if it was for a daily drive, I'd look at more cars than a G-coupe and vettes...

[trippy]

Well, good question. I've had Camaros and other american cars, and some japs too. I would say that if you are looking for a "better daily driver" than your Camaro, don't get the Vette. The Vette will be a lot like the Camaro since it has a lot in common. The Vette may be tighter, a bit faster, maybe lower to the ground. I don't see much quality improvement from Cam to Vette. The Vette might cost you more insurance...

I would say the G35 would be a better daily driver. It will be less hardcore, still very good performing and there's room to improve the performance based on your budget. All three of the cars in question are rear wheel drive, so the winter driving question is more of a personal question - are you comfortable, confident and ultimately ABLE to drive it in the winter? I know people who will blast RWD and say that FWD is better - and I know other people who will only drive RWD all year long.

My best advice though is to go and try those two cars, look at them extensively. Go see other cars too. I think you will be more comfortable in the G35 in terms of daily driverness though, just my opinion.

Good luck!

[giddyup69]

i used to own a 98 vette and i also leased an 01. the corvette would be a terrible car for the winter. it is simply too low to the ground. also... c5's prior to 2000 had many problems with them. my 98 was constantly in a state of repair. the service bulletin list alone is huge. there was a whole slew of component changes in 2001 for example. if you really want a vette i would personally look at an '01 model year or higher.

i currently drive my Gcoupe in the winter time. with snow tires, i haven't had any problems.

[SeismicGuy]

I have a C4 (1995) which is very crude compared with the much more refined C5. I have found the Vette to be surprisingly reliable as a daily driver but here in SoCal we do not have to deal with inclement weather very often. I certainly would not attempt to drive the car in snow. I test drove a G35 in 2005 and was fairly impressed, but nothing like the Vette experience. To some, that is a bad thing as the Vette (at least the C4) is reasonably fast but also has a harsh ride, creaks and rattles, etc. You should probably go with the G35 as you will get maybe 80% of the "thrill" of the C5.

[Red_G35]

Definitely the G. Not biased here, really. My friend just bought an 01 vette for less than I paid for my 04 G. He got it for just under $20k with 50k miles. It looks alright, the C5 is definitely dated, but I found myself not to be jealous at all. Test drive 'em both...
Also, I noticed the interior on his was quite beat up, the leather doesnt age well. I couldnt imagine a 97/98. Plus, the 97 vette is 10 years old! Not to mention the first year. Thats a no-go. Just be prepared to dump money into it when you buy it. It just isn't reliable... especially 97/98.
Oh yea, I work for a chevy dealer, i almost bought one myself but went for the G, I love vettes.

[beav626]

All Right now I have both 01 Vette and 05 G35 Coupe.

both cars suck in the winter with ice or snow on the road...

I drive my vette as much as possible as a DD and I am in advertising so I put 400 +- miles a week on my cars.

The Vette gets better MPG by far... Highway 30-31 at 75mph
City 20-24
Not to mention the power and performance gains.

Now the G35 kills the vette in luxury. They each have the same equipment (dual AC, power seats, windows etc...)
The vette has the option of HUD
G35 has heated seats.

the G35 is much quieter on the highway than the vette.

Go drive both and see which one fits you best. I would say they are both awesome cars!

[TURBOTOM]

G35

[Callaway]

You are thinking about switching from an SS Camaro to a Vette for better winter driving???? Common sense tells you that is not the brightest decision. But hey, just my humble opinion.

[Exodus]

if you be driving it on the snow then vette and G coupe will not do you any better. try the G35x sedan. The 07's are fast...

[beav626]

I would say get which ever car fits you best.
then get a beater to drive on the snow.

[RealDeal]

Has everyone forgotten about something called a "beater?" A '99 SS is a nice car, it would probably be MUCH more cost effective for you to pick something up for $3K or so, put the miles/wear on it, and baby the SS. Plus, driving a beater will make your SS feel new and faster when you do hop in it.

I'm thinking a smaller truck or SUV (Cherokees are cheap). A truck will give you the utility of a bed, while an SUV gives you 4-5 seats. There is NO ROOM in the back of your SS for passengers, haha.

I've got the G, but 90% of the time, you'll see me in a black '99 Cherokee 4wd. She's got 125,000 miles on her and counting!

[bassholic]

G's are garbage, not even sure why you are considering

[mistermojorizin]

i had an 01 vette b4 the g. Very similar to 98 vette. The vette is perfect for daily driving as long as you're ok with 2 seats. Vette gets better gas mileage and is much more fun to drive and a lot quicker than the G. Vette's interior is not as good. Vette has things go wrong a lot more often than on the G (mine was brand new and it had many issues, including stalling which got fixed, and the window seal wasn't good above speeds of 80 and never got fixed, and it had problems with active handling and traction control malfunctioning that never got fixed which i felt was a safety hazard). Vette tires are more expensive and they don't last as long. Same with vette breaks.

The vette was a good car for me when I was 19-23. If you are older you'll be perceived as having a midlife crisis. Better to get it when you're young and you're supposed to drive fast cars and have fun.