USA vs USA — 1968 vs 2019
| Corvette C3 Stingray | Corvette C8 Z06 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 670 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,736 cc | 5,474 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.7 sec | 2.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 139 mph | 195 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.1 sec | 10.6 sec |
| Weight | 3,300 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,489 mm | 2,722 mm |
| Length | 4,635 mm | 4,630 mm |
| Units Produced | 542,861 | — |
| Original MSRP | $4,663 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $180,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray brings stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Chevrolet Corvette. The 1968 and 2019 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 670 hp compared to 300 hp, a 370-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 relies on a V8 DOHC 32V Flat-Plane Crank with 5,474 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 edges ahead at 2.6 seconds versus 5.7 seconds. On the collector market, the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 commands a significant premium over the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.