Daily Slideshow: When Titans Collide: The GT2 RS Vs The 2019 ZR1
This epic pair of supercars debuted mere weeks apart. Which means it's time for a detailed comparison to see which one will come out on top!
Corvette ZR1 vs 911 GT2 RS
To say that we're lucky enough to live in the golden age of performance might be a bit of an understatement. Cars just keep getting more powerful and faster each and every year. With numbers that once only seemed possible in some sort of video game. The latest and greatest 2019 Corvette ZR1 and Porsche 911 GT2 RS, have both exploded onto the scene in recent weeks, both of which represent the ultimate iteration of both legendary models. So it only makes sense that we'd match them up, head-to-head, to see which thoroughbred will come out on top!
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Power
It was only a few years ago that 500 hp was considered pretty stout for a factory-built performance car. And now, we've got a pair of 700+ hp rockets to choose from. The most powerful Corvette ever pumps out an astounding 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque thanks to a supercharged and intercooled LT5 V8. It's a new school take on an old-school engine, the same of which can be said for the 911 GT2 RS. Like a proper Porsche, the mighty GT2 RS uses a flat-six, albeit one with twin-turbos and an aluminum block to pump out an even 700 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The Chevy is available with either a 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Porsche comes with any tranny you want so long as it's a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Winner: Corvette ZR1
>>Join the conversation about the 2019 ZR1 vs the 911 GT2 RS here at the LS1 Tech Forum!
Performance
All the power in the world doesn't mean a thing if you can't get it to the ground, of course. And thanks to modern suspensions, traction control systems, and tire technology, both of these cars figure to do a much better job finding traction than their predecessors. Manufacturer estimates are rarely accurate, but unfortunately, that's all we have to go off of at the moment. And Porsche estimates a 2.7-second 0-60 time and 211 mph top speed for the new GT2 RS. Chevrolet will only say that the ZR1 will get to 60 in "less than 3.0 seconds" and achieve a 212 mph top speed. For what it's worth, Car & Driver estimates the Porsche will get to 60 in 2.4-seconds and the 'Vette at 2.9 clicks. This is because, despite the 55 hp and 162 lb-ft advantage the Corvette holds, it also carries a weight penalty of at least 300 pounds. But this race is too close to call until we get some real world testing in the books.
Winner: ?
>>Join the conversation about the 2019 ZR1 vs the 911 GT2 RS here at the LS1 Tech Forum!
Handling
When the straightaway ends, the real fun begins. And both the Corvette ZR1 and Porsche GT2 RS promise to be thrill machines on the circuit. The Porsche has already set a new record at the Nurburgring, outrunning the Lamborghini Huracan Peformante by nearly five seconds around Germany's legendary track. Both of these cars are relatively lightweight and use tons of aero and large rear wings to manipulate air to their advantage. Both are rear-wheel drive, while the Porsche is rear-engine and the Corvette front-engine. And both make use of massive carbon-ceramic brakes. We've learned not to underestimate modern Corvettes at the track, so we're not going to crown the Porsche just yet, despite its weight advantage and record-setting performance. So we'll leave this one a tossup until further testing.
Winner: ?
>>Join the conversation about the 2019 ZR1 vs the 911 GT2 RS here at the LS1 Tech Forum!
Price
Chevrolet has historically offered unmatchable bang for the buck when it comes to the Corvette, and the 2019 ZR1 is no exception. The fastest Corvette ever built will only set you back $119,995, or $123,995 if you want a drop top. For comparison's sake, that's less than a new 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet stickers, a car with only 420 hp. You'll have a hard time finding anything nearly this capable anywhere near this price range. And you can buy a coupe and a convertible and still have nearly 50k left over before you'll reach the GT2 RS' lofty $293,200 MSRP. Considering how incredibly close these two cars promise to be in nearly every measurable category, it's impossible not to crown the 2019 Corvette ZR1 as the better buy here. And the overall winner...for now!
Winner: Corvette ZR1
>>Join the conversation about the 2019 ZR1 vs the 911 GT2 RS here at the LS1 Tech Forum!
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