2024 Chevy Corvette Stingray vs. 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse: What’s the Better American Sports Car?
American sports car enthusiasts relish a good debate over which model is the best. While there are other performance sports cars on the market, we’ll focus our comparison on Corvette vs. Mustang. More specifically, the entry-level 2024 Chevy Corvette Stingray and the top-trimmed 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Traditional comparisons pit the Mustang against the Chevy Camaro, but the Dark Horse trim’s price lofts it into Corvette territory. So, how do they compare?
Does the 2024 Chevy Corvette Stingray or Ford Mustang Dark Horse have more power?
Chevrolet advertises the 2024 Corvette Stingray with a maximum of 495 horsepower when equipped with the Z51 package or performance exhaust. However, the standard 6.2-liter V8 produces 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The standard drivetrain also includes an eight-speed automatic transmission.
With its limited-slip rear-wheel-drive-only differential, the Stingray accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.9 seconds. Additionally, Chevrolet reports the Stingray’s top track speed at 194 mph.
Ford powers the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8. Nicknamed the “Coyote,” the fourth-generation 5.0 produces 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. The Dark Horse standard drivetrain features a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential in its rear-drive-only configuration.
MotorTrend reports the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse’s 0 to 60 mph acceleration at 4.1 seconds with the standard drivetrain. However, with the optional 10-speed automatic transmission, that time drops to 3.7 seconds. Additionally, The Detroit News says the 2024 Dark Horse has a top speed of 165 mph.
Does the Dark Horse or Stingray have more interior space?
First of all, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse seats four people compared to the two-seat Corvette Stingray. With comparable front seat headroom, 37.6 inches in the Dark Horse and 37.9 in the Stinray, the Mustang provides slightly more legroom than the Corvette, with 44.5 inches compared to 42.8. Trunk volume goes to the Mustang with 13.3 cubic feet, compared to the Corvette’s 12.6 cubic feet. However, that’s not as close as it looks on paper since the Corvette’s value is split between front and rear trunks due to its mid-engine layout.
Which sports car offers better fuel economy?
Typically, the more powerful model loses the fuel economy battle. However, this time, the 2024 Chevy Corvette Stingray came out as the winner. Edmunds reports an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined for the Stingray compared to the Mustang Dark Horse’s 17 mpg. The Corvette also bested the Mustang in both city/highway ratings with 16/24 mpg vs. 14/22 mpg estimated values.
With its larger 18.5-gallon fuel tank and superior fuel economy, the Stingray goes farther between fill-ups than the Mustang. Based on the EPA-estimated combined rating, the Corvette can cover about 351 miles before running out of gas. In contrast, the Mustang leaves you stranded after 272 miles.
Is the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse or Corvette Stingray a better value?
Chevrolet lists the starting price of the 2024 Corvette Stingray at $68,300. It comes with three-year or 36,000-mile limited bumper-to-bumper and five-year or 60,000-mile limited powertrain and roadside assistance coverage. The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse costs $59,270 and offers nearly identical warranties and roadside protection.
However, value, like beauty, is often “in the eye of the beholder.” The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse has a lot going for it compared to the 2024 Corvette Stingray. It’s a less expensive, premium trim compared to the more costly entry-level Stingray. It seats four (admittedly, the two rear seats are small) compared to the ‘Vette’s two-seat layout. Finally, it has more trunk space for luggage on weekend getaways. On the other hand, the Corvette Stingray has more horsepower and torque, better fuel economy, and more range between fuel stops.
In the end, it’s a personal choice. Which one makes your heart beat faster?
