USA vs USA — 1963 vs 2009
| Corvette Sting Ray C2 427/435 | Corvette C6 ZR1 LS9 Supercharged | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 435 hp | 638 hp |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft | 604 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,997 cc | 6,162 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.8 sec | 3.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 156 mph | 205 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 12.8 sec | 11.3 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,350 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,489 mm | 2,686 mm |
| Length | 4,445 mm | 4,476 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 4,684 |
| Original MSRP | — | $111,100 |
| Value (Excellent) | $400,000 | $130,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 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 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray C2 427/435 counters with its unique character, 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.
Tracing the evolution of the Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray from 1963 to 2009 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Chevrolet. The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 LS9 Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 638 hp compared to 435 hp, a 203-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 6,997 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 4.8 seconds. From a collectibility standpoint, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 LS9 Supercharged rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.