Chevrolet Corvette

vs

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

USA vs USA — 1990 vs 2015

Chevrolet Corvette (1990)
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2015)
Specifications
Corvette ZR-1 (C4)Corvette Z06 C7 LT4 Supercharged
Horsepower405 hp650 hp
Torque370 lb-ft650 lb-ft
Engine Size5,727 cc6,162 cc
0-60 mph4.5 sec3.0 sec
Top Speed176 mph194 mph
¼ Mile12.9 sec11.0 sec
Weight3,524 lbs
Wheelbase2,440 mm2,710 mm
Length4,534 mm4,514 mm
Units Produced6,93936,667
Original MSRP$79,995
Value (Excellent)$75,000$110,000
Collectibility5/106/10
Rarity6/104/10
The Verdict

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7 LT4 Supercharged emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (C4) counters with greater rarity, 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.

Overview

Tracing the evolution of the Chevrolet Corvette from 1990 to 2015 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Chevrolet. The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7 LT4 Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 650 hp compared to 405 hp, a 245-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Chevrolet Corvette uses a V8 DOHC 32V displacing 5,727 cc, while the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 relies on a V8 OHV 16V Supercharged with 6,162 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7 LT4 Supercharged edges ahead at 3.0 seconds versus 4.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 6,939 units built, the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (C4) is considerably scarcer than the Chevrolet Corvette Z06's 36,667 examples.