Supercars: they’re fast, sound great, are exhilarating to drive, and expensive to own. For those with the budgetary resources, the question remains which one to pick. Should you go German or stick with the American supercar. Below are four reasons to buy a 2022 Chevy Corvette, not its German counterpart, the Audi R8.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette and 2022 Audi R8 at a glance

Dubbed America’s supercar, the 2022 Chevy Corvette is a mid-engine two-seater available as a coupe or a convertible. Previously, you could get it in three trim options, namely the Stingray, Grand Sport, and the Z06, although for 2022, you only get the Stingray. Like previous model years of the Corvette, the coupe features a removable hard-top that can be stashed away in the trunk.

Also, the Stingray is equipped with a 6.2 L V8 engine, and transmission is limited to an eight-speed automatic. Regarding the performance figures, the V8 produces 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, it’s a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

The Audi R8 shares a few design elements with the Chevrolet, including the fact that it’s a mid-engine two-seater sports car. Also, like the Corvette, body style choices include a convertible or a coupe option. However, the hard-top roof on the Audi is a permanent fixture.

The 2022 R8 can only be had with a 5.2 L V10 engine, producing significantly more horsepower than the Corvette’s powertrain at 562 hp for the rear-wheel-drive option. Torque peaks at 406 lb-ft. The all-wheel drive variants feature performance improvements with 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, with the transmission for both options being a seven-speed automatic.

Reasons to pick the Chevy over the R8 include:

The Chevrolet has a much lower starting price than the Audi R8

Pricing for the American supercar starts at $60,900. This is an absolute bargain considering the engine’s performance and vehicle design. The Audi R8’s starting price at $146,500, which is more than twice the Corvette’s MSRP, is a little more true to its luxury sports car class. Nevertheless, if you’re looking to save some money all while getting more value for your buck, the Chevy Corvette is the obvious choice.

Of course, the trend is the same for higher trims, with the starting price for the most expensive 2022 Corvette at just under $80,000. The Audi R8 equivalent, the Performance Spider convertible, will set you back well over $200,000.

The Corvette offers more trunk space

Sports cars aren’t typically used for carrying luggage. However, you may occasionally need to bring a suitcase or two, especially if you’re going on a long trip. In that case, the Corvette would be a better pick. Storage space is divided into two, with some in the front of the car and the rest behind the engine.

Buyers of the Corvette have 12.6 cu-ft of storage space in the vehicle’s default configuration. Nevertheless, taking off the roof on the coupe is bound to reduce the amount of usable space since it’s stored in the back trunk. On the other hand, the Audi R8’s trunk has been described as laughably small by U.S. News. After all, there is only 8 cu-ft of space on both the coupe and convertible versions.

The Chevy incorporates a few extra features as standard

With the purchase of the 2022 Corvette, buyers get a Bose premium sound system, according to Edmunds. That said, the number and configuration of speakers will vary depending on how much you pay. This is in addition to 8-way power driver and passenger seats.

While a premium sound system and power seats are available with the Audi R8, you may have to top up the already exorbitant asking price.  

The Corvette offers better gas mileage

Due to having a smaller engine, the Chevy Corvette is better for your fuel economy. Its EPA-estimated gas mileage figures include 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for a combined 19 mpg. While Consumer Reports gives the car different fuel efficiency ratings for city and highway driving, it seems the website agrees with the EPA on the 19 mpg overall figure.

In comparison, the Audi R8’s EPA figures are 13 mpg and 19 mpg for city and highway driving, respectively. Overall, the German sports car has a 15 mpg combined rating.