Reliving Another Epic Battle Between the Chevy Corvette and Porsche 911
Key takeaways
- A 2005 showdown revealed just how far each had come.
- And like so many icons, each is trapped by history.
- The Rivalry That Shaped Sports CarsThey've clashed many times over the past 40-odd years, these two, but rarely has the contest seemed so evenly matched.
Why this matters: an automotive development that could shape industry direction or buying decisions.
Two icons shaped generations of enthusiasts. A 2005 showdown revealed just how far each had come.
Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911. They're soul brothers. Survivors. They've weathered oil crises and recessions, safety nazis and boardroom bumblers; they've beaten rivals on road and track and showroom floor; and they've picked themselves up from the occasional pratfall—the clumsy 964, the asthmatic L82—to arrive in the 21st century leaner, stronger, and more fit than ever. Each is a true sports-car icon. And like so many icons, each is trapped by history.
The Rivalry That Shaped Sports CarsThey've clashed many times over the past 40-odd years, these two, but rarely has the contest seemed so evenly matched. Choose the right models, and they'll run identical quarter-mile times and lap Willow Springs racetrack within a second of each other. One has a top speed of 179 mph, the other 186 mph. They're even virtually the same size and weight—the 911 has grown larger and heavier over the decades, while the Corvette, having ballooned like Elvis in the Vegas years during the 1970s, has since gotten smaller and lighter, to the point where the C6 is actually an inch shorter, two inches lower, and 16 pounds lighter than the Porsche.