Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Vs. Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Which 1 Is the Faster Automotive Athlete?
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 exploded into the Plastic Fantastic’s lineup by taking the nameplate’s track acuity to another level. What’s more, it defied the expectations of fans by producing big power sans supercharged as with the previous Z06 and ZR1. However, the track-ready ‘Vette has serious competition in the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. So, which naturally aspirated (N/A) performance car takes the cake?
Is the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 faster than the Porsche 911 GT3 RS?
On paper, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 outsprints the Porsche 911 GT3 RS off the line, if only just. Despite the 168 horsepower gulf between the V8-powered ‘Vette and the GT3 RS, the Porsche manages to stay just 0.1 tick behind the Kentucky supercar in the dash to 60 mph.
| Model | 0-60 mph | ¼ mile | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | 2.6 seconds | 10.5 seconds | 189 mph |
| Porsche 911 GT3 RS (PDK) | 2.7 seconds | 10.9 seconds | 198 mph |
However, the Z06’s 670-horsepower LT6 V8 is enough to build a more comfortable lead by the quarter-mile mark, beating the GT3 RS by 0.4 seconds. Still, the manufacturer’s top speed claims put the GT3 RS ahead of the Corvette Z06 in an all-out sprint. However, neither car is in its element on the drag strip. No, this Corvette and 911 rivalry is better resolved by clipping apexes and following racing lines.
Is the Porsche 911 GT3 RS better on a track than the Chevrolet Corvette Z06?
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is considerably heavier than the Porsche 911 GT3 RS by a portly 467 lbs. The impact of the extra heft is apparent when considering braking time and distance from high speeds. Specifically, the GT3 RS will out-brake the Corvette model with relative ease.
| Model | Braking 150-0 mph | Braking distance 150-0 mph | Lateral g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | 5.7 seconds | 604 ft | 1.16 g |
| Porsche 911 GT3 RS | 5.2 seconds | 514 ft | 1.16 g |
However, both models returned a lateral g figure of around 1.16 g in Car and Driver’s skidpad test. When I got a chance to head out onto the track in a Z06, the ‘Vette didn’t disappoint. The Corvette’s grippy, staggered Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R ZP refused to give up an inch of traction. What’s more, the rev-happy flat-plane V8 adds a welcome tenor to the Vette’s typical range.
Despite their differences in power and weight, the GT3 RS and Z06 would make for a spectacular pair of pugilists on any track.
The 911 GT3 RS demands more than just a tire budget
Still, looking past the similarities between the GT3 RS and the Z06, the Porsche model starts at over twice as much as the Z06.
| Model | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | $109,295 |
| Porsche 911 GT3 RS | $225,250 |
