USA vs USA — 1968 vs 2009
| Corvette C3 Stingray | Corvette C6 ZR1 LS9 Supercharged | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 638 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | 604 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,736 cc | 6,162 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.7 sec | 3.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 139 mph | 205 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.1 sec | 11.3 sec |
| Weight | 3,300 lbs | 3,350 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,489 mm | 2,686 mm |
| Length | 4,635 mm | 4,476 mm |
| Units Produced | 542,861 | 4,684 |
| Original MSRP | $4,663 | $111,100 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $130,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 7/10 |
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 LS9 Supercharged emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The Chevrolet Corvette lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray with the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 LS9 Supercharged reveals how Chevrolet refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 LS9 Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 638 hp compared to 300 hp, a 338-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Chevrolet Corvette uses a V8 OHV (small-block) displacing 5,736 cc, while the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 relies on a V8 OHV Supercharged with 6,162 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 LS9 Supercharged edges ahead at 3.4 seconds versus 5.7 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 4,684 units built, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 LS9 Supercharged is considerably scarcer than the Chevrolet Corvette's 542,861 examples. On the collector market, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 LS9 Supercharged commands a significant premium over the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 LS9 Supercharged rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.