If you’re a fan of sports cars, you’ve never had a better or more vastly different selection to choose from. In spite of this variety, many people still go back to the classic — the Chevrolet Corvette.
Even though it does tend to be a little bit more expensive than some of the other sports cars on the market, hardcore Corvette fans won’t choose anything else. Why are these sports cars so popular, and why do they generate such devotion from their fans? More importantly, what makes someone choose a Corvette over something slightly cheaper like a Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger. The most recent versions of those have vastly improved and have similar numbers. But is that what it’s all about?
The Look
There is something about the sleek styling of a Corvette that just draws the eyes. The sharp tail lights and trunk paired with the smooth hood and low body just scream speed.
The Mustang, by comparison, has squarer lines and a slightly higher front end. It doesn’t affect performance, and there are plenty of people who love the look of the Mustang. When you look at the newer models, though, they’re just not as sleek as the Corvette.
You Can’t Beat That Roar
The roar of the massive 6.2L V8 engine under the hood of the newest Corvette is something you can’t find anywhere else. If you’ve never had the joy of hearing one as it takes off down the road, YouTube is your very best friend.
The 5.0L Coyote engine in the 2018 Mustang might have a throatier growl — though we can possibly attribute that to the echo chamber, aka the parking garage. The Dodge Charger has a tenor trill that sounds more like a purring cat than a roaring tiger — but you just can’t compare it to the massive sound and power created by the big Corvette Engine.
The Power
Here’s where things get interesting. The Corvette has an enormous engine under the hood. The Stingray’s 6.2L V8 engine generates 460 horsepower. In 2014, this engine was confirmed as the most powerful standard engine ever by SAE. It’s a legacy that started with the first small block that debuted in 1955 — that 4.3L engine helped the Corvette win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960.
The Mustang has gone back to its roots with the 5.0L Coyote engine, and the European 2018 version of the Mustang GT will be able to generate a comparable 450 horsepower as well. If you go for the more common EcoBoost, you only get 290 and will just never catch up to a Corvette.
It’s All About Loyalty
When it comes down to it, there will always be people who love the Corvette in all its incarnations more than any other sports car. Whether you attribute this to nostalgia, brand loyalty or just a love for that exhaust roar, the Corvette is and will always be one of the greatest sports cars ever made.
The newest model, coming out for the 2018 model year, only serves to reinforce the sometimes fanatically Corvette brand loyalty that Chevy has spent the last 60 plus years earning. Don’t take our word for it, though — go try one out for yourself. You may find that after spending a little bit of time behind the wheel, you love the Corvette just as much as its hardcore fans do!
Related:
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Report: 40 Percent of Corvette Buyers Pay with Cash
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![[VIDEO] Chevrolet Was Prepared to Build the C7 and C8 Corvette Simultaneously](https://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/uploads/2024/04/042224_7-218x150.jpg "[VIDEO] Chevrolet Was Prepared to Build the C7 and C8 Corvette Simultaneously")
The Corvette z06 produces 650 horses not 400
Because Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger are 4-seat sedans. Why are you even discussing them in the same breath with a two-seater sports car like the Corvette? They aren’t even in the same league. They aren’t even sports cars. They’re fast, to be sure, but so are some trucks.
And I do have to say… just cuz….. I mean it’s The Heartbeat of America! Who would not want a Corvette??
I also wonder why more people don’t consider a Corvette and instead choose something more expensive. In the used market, you can get so much car for the money with Corvette and with so many decades of production, there is really a Corvette for every budget out there. These cars are capable and terrific commuters with a flat depreciation curve and very high enjoyment.
I agree with Michael, talk about apples and oranges, Mustangs and Camaros and Challengers don’t even deserve to be lumped in with ANY sports car never mind the Corvette.
Makes me wonder how much you really know about cars.
To Michael and Bill, or anyone else wondering why compare them.
Here’s Car and Driver comparing them and placing Mustang on top: https://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2016-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-z51-vs-2016-ford-mustang-shelby-gt350-comparison-test
Here’s Popular Mechanics doing it a decade ago: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/a297/1760457/
Oh and why not, here’s Top Gear doing it but throwing in a Viper as well:
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/road-trips/corvette-z06-vs-mustang-gt350r-vs-viper-acr#1
It isn’t some sort of crazy idea that people could be interested in both.
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