The $60k 2021 Corvette Embarrasses The $100k Porsche 911
Vehicle comparison highlights for 2021 Corvette and Porsche 911:
- The 2021 Corvette C8 continues offering world-class performance at a low price
- The American supercar’s new mid-engine design vaults it to the Porsche 911’s class
- Porsche balances excellent track performance with a refined daily-driving experience
The Porsche 911 is an icon. Since 1964, the 911’s rear-mounted flat-six engine and rear-wheel-drive layout has made it one of the world’s most capable all-around sports cars. Porsche launched the eighth generation of its 911 in 2019. The automaker took the opportunity to refine some aspects of its flagship but made no major drivetrain changes.
Chevrolet has offered the Corvette since 1963. In that time, the American sports car has leveraged several layouts. For the Corvette’s eighth generation, Chevrolet unveiled a mid-engine sports car, the C8 “Stingray.” The 2021 Corvette C8 is a finely tuned supercar that can perform as well as a Porsche 911–at a fraction of the price. Though equally capable, the Porsche 911 and the 2021 Corvette are very different cars offering opposite driving experiences. Which sports car is right for you will depend on your preference.
2021 Corvette vs. Porsche 911: by the numbers
| 2021 Chevrolet Corvette | 2021 Porsche 911 | |
| Price Range | $60,995 – $80,000+ | $99,200 – $216,000+ |
| Layout | Mid-engine, RWD | Rear engine, RWD or AWD |
| Seating | Two | Four |
| Body Style | Targa, Convertible | Coupe, Targa, Convertible |
| Weight | 3,366 pounds | 3,263 – 3,770 pounds |
| Base Engine | 6.2L small-block V8 (LT2) | 3.0L twin-turbocharged flat-6 |
| Engine Upgrades | NPP sport exhaust | 3.7L twin-turbocharged flat-6 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-6 |
| Horsepower | 490-495 | 380-641 |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft | 332-590 lb-ft |
| Automatic Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch (Tremec TR-9080) | 7-speed or 8-speed dual-clutch (Porsche PDK) |
| Manual Transmission | N/A | 6-speed |
| 0-60 MPH | 2.9 seconds | 4.4 seconds to 2.7 seconds |
| MPG Rating | 15 city/27 highway (19 combined) | Base: 18 city/24 highway (20 combined) Turbo: 15 city/20 highway (17 combined) |
| Cargo Space | 12.6 cubic feet (front + back trunk) | 9.3 cubic feet (rear trunk) 13.8 cubic feet with rear seat area |
2021 Corvette C8 Stingray
- Pros: Supercar performance at a fraction of the price.
- Cons: No manual transmission. No rear seat.
With the new mid-mounted V8 layout, there’s no doubt the 2021 Corvette C8 is a supercar. Reviewers find it as nimble as a mid-engine Ferrari in the corners. In addition, the base-model 2021 Corvette can reach 60 MPH in less time than a Porsche 911 that costs twice as much. Die-hard fans of the old Corvette may object to the new, mid-engine layout. But Chevrolet leaned into the retro-styling with the C8, even resurrecting the old “Stingray” nickname for the coupe version. Some of its downsides are unsurprising to longtime Corvette fans: it only has two seats and limited cargo space. Other downsides are new. For example, for the eighth generation, there is no Corvette manual transmission option.
2021 Porsche 911 “992”
- Pros: Refined on the road, capable on the track.
- Cons: Expensive base model, supercar priced top-trim.
The Porsche 911 is a brand in and of itself. You could say Porsche got it right the first time: All 911 models feature the signature “Boxster” flat-6 engine. Porsche 911s are also rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. This drivetrain has won Porsche countless races and sold millions of cars.
Internally, Porsche calls the car’s eighth-generation the 992. 992 models include the base-level 911 Carrera with a 3.0-Liter twin-turbocharged engine, the 911 GT3 with a naturally aspirated 4.0-Liter, and the 911 Turbo with its race-ready 3.7-Liter twin-turbocharged engine. Every 992 costs more than $99,000 new. But fully-optioned, customized 911 Turbos can run well over $200,000. What you get for that price is one of the best all-around sports cars. Every new generation of Porsche 911 is more refined than the last. The automaker has tuned its engine, in-house automatic transmission, and steering to be downright tame on the road. But from throttle to steering, all inputs are perfectly linear: as you push the 911 harder, you awaken its inner supercar.
2021 Corvette C8 vs. Porsche 911: performance
The Porsche 911 dominates all manner of racing events. You can spot 911s everywhere from Le Mans to rally spec off-road events. The 2021 Porsche 911 992 is as capable as you would expect on the track. Driving a 911 at high speeds does require a bit of a learning curve. The rear-engine design means you sometimes need to drag the brakes to keep the nose down while cornering. But experienced Porsche 911 drivers can keep up with almost anything on the track.
The surprise in the performance category is how well the 2021 Corvette C8 keeps up with the Porsche 911. With its mid-engine layout and powerful V8, the new C8 Corvette challenges Ferrari handling. It is surprisingly nimble, changing directions rapidly on a road course. In addition, its steering is superb, providing the driver with lots of feedback. In a straight line, the 2021 Corvette performs better than its predecessors. The base-model Corvette can beat all but the most expensive Porsche 911 Turbos in a race to 60 MPH.
2021 Corvette C8 vs. Porsche 911: daily driving
The Porsche 911 excels as a daily driver. Firstly, it is a 2+2 grand tourer. This means it has four seatbelts, though the rear seats might be uncomfortable for larger adults. In addition, every 911 comes standard with a 10.9-inch display and the Porsche Communication Management software. The car also boasts driver assistance including collision detection. New for the eighth generation, the Porsche 911 uses acoustic sensors to detect wet driving conditions and adjust stability control, aerodynamics, and shift points. The 2021 Porsche 911 has less trunk space than the 2021 Corvette. But if you are willing to set your bags on the rear seat, it has more overall room for two people and their luggage.
The 2021 Corvette C8 “Stingray” is a V8-powered muscle car. It performs excellently on the track and still drives a bit like a muscle car on the road. A Porsche 911 aficionado might be off-put by daily driving a Corvette, though a Chevy Performance fan might prefer it. For its price point, the 2021 Corvette offers a range of luxury options. The Corvette’s driver-centric cockpit features an 8-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument panel. In addition, every 2021 Corvette offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Corvette also features Chevrolet wireless charging, though the dock is inconveniently located between the seats, and you can’t see your phone while it’s charging.
Even the hardtop 2021 Corvette coupes offer removable “Targa” roof sections (also called a T-top). Porsche buyers will need to shell out extra for the Targa or convertible option. The C8 Corvette’s storage is split between front and rear trunks. Chevrolet advertises the Corvette’s trunk space as 13 square feet, or enough for two sets of golf clubs.
The superior supercar is a matter of preference
The 2021 Corvette C8 is miraculous. The base model costs less than an exotic European car, less than a Dodge Hellcat, less than a fully-loaded pickup even. Yet it boasts track performance akin to a mid-engine Ferrari and acceleration faster than a Porsche 911. European automotive critics have had to sit up and take notice. Some point out that the 2021 Corvette does not offer as “refined” an everyday driving experience as the beloved Porsche 911. But if it did, it would not really be a Chevy Corvette.
