2022 Chevrolet Corvette vs 2023 Porsche 911

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette channeled an aura akin to that of a Ferrari, evident in its aesthetic choices such as the engine under glass, side air intakes, a pointed nose, and a tapered body that widened towards the back. It was certainly a head-turner, albeit with minimal cues to specifically mark it as a Corvette. The coupe variants included a lift-out roof panel for that occasional open-air driving experience, whereas the convertible models boasted a retractable hardtop that could lower in 16 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, utilizing six electric motors as per Chevy’s claims.

Both flavors of the Corvette Stingray rode on staggered wheels and tires, with 19-inch fronts and 20-inch rears. While Michelin Pilot Sport All Season tires were standard, grippier Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer performance tires were an optional upgrade. Inside, the Corvette’s interior was unmistakable. The square steering wheel, flanked by a digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen, was a daring design choice. The dashboard layout evoked the classic dual-cockpit shape of former Corvettes but took it further with a spine-like structure that separated the driver from the passenger, housing buttons for climate control and other functions.

In contrast, the 2023 Porsche 911 carried forward a legacy that spanned nearly six decades. Rather than undergo radical redesigns every few years, Porsche chose an evolutionary approach, making the 911 one of the most recognizable vehicles around. It catered to drivers with a thirst for performance, evident from its low-slung, sleek profile. Its styling was relatively subdued for a sports car, projecting more refinement and seriousness compared to its more flamboyant competition. For some, its design was classy; for others, it was repetitive. Nonetheless, the superior build quality and stirring performance were incontestable.

Entering the ownership realm of the 911 came with a starting price tag north of $100,000, making it more exclusive and enhancing its aspirational charm. While some models could rule the racetrack, the 911 signaled success without shouting, embodying the idea that one didn’t need to flaunt to establish prestige.

The 911 was also more user-friendly compared to other sports cars, likely due in part to its long evolutionary journey. While not the most convenient vehicle overall, it remained a comfortable and accomplished tourer, a benchmark that competitors continued to aim for.

The current-generation C8 Corvette, introduced for the 2020 model year, broke traditions by adopting a mid-engine layout. This shift helped improve weight distribution and traction for the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Corvette. The standard Corvette Stingray for 2022 sported a 6.2-liter V8 engine that churned out 490 horsepower (hp) and 465 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. With the optional performance exhaust system, these figures bumped up to 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. This LT2 engine, a familiar Chevy small block V8, underwent alterations to fit the mid-engine layout. The 2022 model came equipped with calibration changes, an upgraded direct injection system, and effective use of the Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system, all paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Chevy claimed that with the Z51 performance package, the Corvette could achieve a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and cover a quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 121 mph, just 0.2 seconds behind the considerably pricier Porsche 911 Turbo. Even without the performance package, the 2LT test car felt rapid and invigorating, supported by the characteristic roar of a Chevy small block engine – a sound reminiscent of a movie effect in real life.

The Corvette balanced brute strength with nimble handling. Its steering was communicative and precise, and the chassis was always ready for sharp maneuvers. Despite the footprint, the Corvette felt playful and approachable, lacking the nervous disposition of other mid-engine counterparts. It came equipped with an optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension that made it remarkably comfortable, even on rough roads, making it an excellent daily driver. It delivered the preferred engine noise without excess wind or tire noise, maintaining comfort over long drives.

The Porsche 911's performance lineup was one of the most varied in the automotive world, boasting around a dozen distinct models. For many drivers, the base 911 Carrera with 379 horsepower was more than adequate. Some models like the Carrera 4 added all-wheel drive to the mix. The new Carrera T model prioritized weight savings and included enhancements like a GT Sport Steering Wheel, a seven-speed manual transmission, and a Sport Exhaust System, while others like the Carrera S and Carrera GTS elevated power to 443 hp and 473 hp, respectively.

New models like the Sport Classic upped the output to 543 hp with a vintage touch, whereas the top-range 911 Turbo models offered 572 or 640 hp from their twin-turbo six-cylinder engines. However, the sportiest were the non-turbo variants - the 502-hp 911 GT3 and the 518-hp 911 GT3 RS, fine-tuned for high-performance driving. The outlier in the lineup was the 911 Dakar, inspired by the Paris-Dakar off-road rally race with the GTS engine, lifted off-road suspension, and specific all-terrain features.

Driving the Carrera T was a revelation; its 379 hp was ample even for seasoned drivers. It was engaging, thanks to its manual transmission and weight savings, yet retained comfort. Higher-end models like the GT3 and GT3 RS sacrificed comfort for performance with stiffer suspensions, ideal for track-focused enthusiasts. The rest of the 911 lineup, apart from the Dakar, provided an optimal mix of sporty capabilities and commendable comfort.

As a two-seater sports car, the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette wasn’t built for practicality, but Chevy made notable efforts. Due to its mid-engine layout, it had two trunks – one in the front and the other at the back, combining for 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. While that was marginally less than the previous generation’s single rear trunk, Chevy assured that the rear trunk could hold a set of golf clubs. The front trunk could accommodate an airline carry-on bag. However, the removable roof ate up the entire rear trunk space, significantly reducing storage. Both trunks had irregular shapes, with the front being deep with a narrow opening and the rear being wide but shallow. Unlike the Porsche 911, the Corvette lacked rear seats that could double as a parcel shelf.

Focused more on the driving experience, the Corvette’s design decisions supported that. The square steering wheel allowed an unobstructed view of the instrument cluster and remained practical for hand-over-hand maneuvers. The touchscreen was easily reachable and angled for quick glances, and the center console put controls within easy reach. Visibility to the rear was limited due to a narrow rear window and thick pillars, but large mirrors, a rear camera mirror, and a front camera helped. Forward visibility was excellent, with the driver positioned comfortably in relation to the windshield.

Passenger comfort wasn’t as ideal, with the cockpit heavily centered around the driver. Optional GT2 bucket seats in our test car offered more bolstering and cushioning. Power adjustment was standard, with optional lumbar support and heating. A power tilt/telescope steering column also helped in finding the optimal driving position.

In contrast, the Porsche 911 combined its historical cues with modern technology. The central analog tachometer referenced traditional Porsche design, flanked by digital multifunction displays meeting contemporary standards. While secondary controls were integrated into the central infotainment touchscreen, enough physical knobs and buttons remained for quick adjustments.

The standard Sports Seats Plus were padded for long drives and provided lateral support for more dynamic driving. Available Full Bucket Seats made from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic offered more aggressive side bolstering, which might be too restrictive for larger occupants. Tall drivers had enough space up front, but the rear seats were outrageously small, making them impractical even for children. Thus, it was wiser to use the 911 as a two-seater with extra cargo space.

In summary, the 911 had a small, 4.6-cubic-foot storage space under the hood, enough only for a few grocery bags. A carry-on suitcase needed to be stored in the rear passenger area. The interior storage was sparse with a multipurpose cupholder, a shallow armrest bin, and minimal door pockets, advising lighter travel.

The convertible Cabriolet models retained their convenience as the inherently limited rear seats didn’t lose much utility. The fabric top folded in 12 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph and provided sufficient sound insulation. Interior quality was top-notch, meeting the expectations of a $100,000 sports car, but customization options were expensive.

All 2022 Chevrolet Corvette models came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM with a free trial, and built-in WiFi. Navigation was standard except on the base 1LT trim, and a head-up display was also available. The infotainment system stood out for its user-friendly interface, straightforward graphics, and crucial functions that weren’t hidden in submenus.

The base 1LT offered a 10-speaker Bose audio system, while higher trims got a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system. Our 2LT test car had the latter, which sounded good but couldn’t overpower the engine noise right behind the seats. Chevy also included its Performance Data Recorder, which could capture dashcam video and data traces during track sessions, helping drivers improve their techniques. Additionally, the Corvette could be fitted with a front-end lift system, capable of raising the nose by 40 millimeters to avoid scrapes, with the ability to remember up to 1,000 locations for automatic operation.

The 2023 Porsche 911, though engineered for performance, also offered contemporary technology features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with CarPlay operable wirelessly. The 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen was mounted lower on the dash, which added a level of distraction while driving due to necessary eye shifts. The on-screen buttons were small, complicating usability.

The base audio system was underwhelming, making the midgrade Bose or top-of-the-line Burmester systems recommended for audiophiles. The Sport Chrono package added several sporty elements like a lap timer with detailed analysis accessible via a smartphone app. Numerous systems enhanced performance or comfort through selectable drive modes.

The optional front-axle lift system was practical, lifting the 911’s nose by 1.5 inches to prevent scraping on inclines. The system could also keep track of locations, allowing for automated lifting in frequent spots.

Like many sports cars, the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette was light on driver-assist technology. It featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, helpful given the limited rear visibility, but these were unavailable on the base 1LT trim. There were no crash-test ratings available from IIHS or NHTSA due to the lower sales volume of such niche models.

Similarly, the Porsche 911 had not undergone crash test evaluations by NHTSA or IIHS, typical for luxury sports cars. It featured basics like frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist as standard on the base Carrera. Adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and blind-spot monitoring were available via the optional Premium package. Night vision and an integrated dashcam were other notable features.