2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 vs. 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Comparison
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is finally here. Like the base C8 before it, the new Chevrolet brings some intense changes to the Corvette name. Where the 2023 Z06 completely changes the formula, the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 refined what was at the time the best Corvette formula GM was capable of: front-engine and RWD.
Now, the new Z06 changes everything.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 specs (2023 & 2019)
| Pricing | 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: $86,400 MSRP (MotorBiscuit est.) | 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: $90,940 MSRP |
| Engine and power | 5.5L N/A DOHC V8 “LT6” with flat-plane crank 670 hp @ 8,400 RPM 460 lb-ft @ 6,300 RPM Redline: 8,600 RPM | 6.2L Supercharged DOHC V8 “LT4” with cross-plane crank 650 hp @ 6,400 RPM 650 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM Redline: 7,000 RPM |
| Transmission | M1L 8-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) | MEK 7-speed manual transmission 8-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) |
| Dimensions and weight | 184.6 in (L) x 79.7 in (W) x 48.6 in (H) | 177.9 in (L) x 77.4 in (W) x 48.6 in (H) |
| Tire Type & Size | Font: 275/30/R20 Rear: 345/25/R21 | Front: 285/30/R19 Rear: 335/25/R20 |
| Features & Safety | Optional Z07 pack with carbon fiber wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes & carbon visual cues Standard rear park assist, HD Rear Vision Camera (1LZ), HD front & rear cameras with curb view (2LZ, 3LZ trims), blind-spot monitoring (2LZ, 3LZ trims), rear cross-traffic alert, Standard heads-up display, rear camera mirror (2LZ, 3LZ trims, standard for convertible), removable targa roof | Optional Z07 pack with carbon fiber wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon rear wing, and visual cues, automatic rev-matching, Heads-Up Display (HUD) removable targa carbon fiber roof, GM Performance Data Recorder, curb and rear-view cameras, OnStar |
On paper, these two cars are almost entirely different in their approach to the Z06 badge. The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 pushes the envelope of what “Corvette means, and the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 harkens back to an era of hot rod tuning and brute force. Really, it’s down to your preferred flavor of Corvette.
Philosophically, this is a classic case of the hammer vs. the scalpel. Where the 2019 car smashes, the 2023 car cuts with lazer-like precision befitting its obviously European influence. Then there’s sound to consider. The old car’s mill was a supercharged cross-plane V8 with a supercharger and a stick shift. The new one is a flat-plane unit with more power but an automatic transmission.
A 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a bargain
First, the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Demand for these is unusually high right now, owing largely to the launch of the new car. People want Z06 now. However, expect prices to calm down a hair and stay right around the $60,000-$70,000 mark. Obviously, manual models will command a premium.
That said, compared to the estimated $80,000+ 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the 2019 model is a bargain. It’s also 99% of the performance. Sure, the mid-engined car will eat it alive on the track, but who cares? Your hypothetical 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will still leave just about anything short of a 911 or Ferrari dead in the water for half the price. A bargain is an understatement.
When can you order a Corvette Z06?
While the new car certainly won’t be a bargain, with Z07 package models coming up on $100,000, it is the obvious favorite here. It’s newer, faster, and sounds like Hell itself opened its maw. Frankly, a manual transmission may require one hand on the wheel for longer than anyone is comfortable with. On paper at least, it’s the clear winner, money aside. How the two compare on the street will have to wait.
