The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette was launched on Thursday night and has already set the world of sports cars ablaze. It’s got a very interesting set of specifications that aims it squarely at Porsche’s iconic 911 for about the price of Porsche’s 718. It’s unlikely that the interior or driving dynamics will be quite as refined as the Teutonic champion, but with 495 horsepower, an engine mounted in the middle of the car, an 8-speed dual-clutch, and a zero-to-sixty time in under 3 seconds, and a price tag starting under $60,000 will you really care?
In comparison to the 992 base Carrera specifications, the Corvette is up 125 horsepower, runs to 60 in 1.5 seconds quicker, and costs at least $31,000 less. That’s an intense difference.
Chevrolet has had the Carrera in its sights since the 1960s, and the pair have been fighting it out on the street, and on the race track every since. While the Corvette has frequently had the upper hand on power and acceleration, the 911 has traditionally had a higher quality feel to the interior and a more engaging driving experience. In that way, the 911 has punched above its weight for quite a while. As the Corvette reached the upper limits of what was possible with an engine mounted ahead of the driver compartment, the engineers in Bowling Green decided to move the engine to keep up.
Both models have lots of history, tons of provenance, and an ability to lay down some serious lap times. Is this new Corvette enough to draw you away from the Porsche faithful? Weigh in below in the comments section with your choice and reasoning.
View Comments (8)
I want to like it, but my personal experience says no.
I've purchased two new Chevrolets in my life, a Camaro in 1983 and a Silverado in 2013.
Each had warranty issues right out of the box. I drove the Z28 off the lot with a hole in the dash where the tach resided as it didn't work and had to be sent back for repair. The truck had a bad master cylinder. I don't think I will be switching. And can you imagine the problems with the first-year production?
I have had a number of Corvettes and Porsches. I would be very concerned on the first year mid engine Corvettes. From my experiences first years, may have issues. That being said the Porsche is a much better car,
It is much better engineered and much better put together.
The Porsche is much more fun to drive. The car feels a part or extension of the driver. I feel I have a better control in a Porsche, and a lot safer as well.
it is certainly a tempting car but we have to see how it drives, how safe it is etc. i never had a corvette only 911 s since 40 years but since porsche is getting a bit ridiculous with their price increases i certainly will give the corvette a chance before making my decision what to buy
Not necessarily fair to compare current QC, assembly and design with cars made 50 years ago. First year models always have teething issues; most resolved, but on occasion some won't appear until later (e.g. head studs, IMS bearing, QC/reliability, resale value, etc.). Second year iterations should improve. That said, many will immediately jump in and place in cold storage. I'll wait and see.
For the first time I'm intrigued with the thought of a Corvette in my garage. I like the styling, very NSX like - sharp exotic style that's not too much over the top. Has a little Ferrari in there too. And the same price as my base 718 Cayman? Like I said - intriguing.
The Corvette is a good looking car, Bradley put the new Corvette and the Porsche on the track together and compare and see how the Corvette goes, it would be a fun day and interesting and then do a report.
No way. Corvette is and always has been a redneck, low tech, sports car.......big ass engine, etc.
No thanks.
Plus I have not forgotten how much money it costs the taxpayers to bail that company out,.
I would never sell my 2006 997 coupe with only 45K miles but if the stock market continues its run I might consider a Corvette . However I have never driven one so its a complete unknown to me . I would like a more comfortable sports car for long distance trips and one with lower service costs so we'll see. I agree with other posts that I would never buy a first year model . However I find it laughable that people complain about GM quality. I love Porsche and respect the brand greatly but was very disappointed in their response to the IMS and scored cylinder bores issues with the 997 . Luckily I have had neither problem and carefully maintain my car with over servicing. However IMO if GM had had the same major EXPENSIVE engine issues with one of their cars especially a halo car like a Corvette I believe that they would of supported their customers much better than Porsche who have from what I have seen done nothing expect in a few cases when they were sued .