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While the latest Chevrolet Corvettes are seriously fast cars with supercar credentials, there are a couple of great alternatives for car shoppers who want something different. One such possibility is the Jaguar F-Type R. The F-Type offers different engine options and even a quick-launching all-wheel drive (AWD) platform in a usable sports car package. Better yet, the range-topping F-Type R AWD is a solid Corvette competitor. 

Is the Jaguar F-Type R fast?

While the earlier model year Jaguar F-Types with powerplants like the supercharged 3.0L V6 were swift, the F-Type R is seriously fast. The latest 2023 Jaguar F-Type R managed a sprint to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. That’s fast, but it’s not much quicker than previous versions. In fact, the 550-horsepower 2015 Jaguar F-Type R AWD hit 60 mph in the same timeframe during Car and Driver’s testing. 

The F-Type R is a solid AWD sports car alternative to a Chevrolet Corvette in just about any model year. Moreover, Car and Driver coaxed a 2016 model year AWD F-Type R to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. So, it’s not just the latest, post-facelift F-Type Rs that are blisteringly quick; the British marque has produced fast, planted AWD super coupes and convertibles for years. Also, regardless of the model year, the F-Type R will cover a quarter mile in around 11.7 seconds. 

Is the Jaguar F-Type R an AWD sports car alternative to a Corvette?

The Jaguar F-Type is fast, taut, and an great alternative to many sports cars.
Jaguar F-Type | Jaguar

The latest, mid-engine C8 Corvettes are nothing short of supercars. The 2020 Chevy Corvette Z51 can hit 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and smash the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds. That puts it out of reach for the newest front-engine AWD Jaguar sports car. However, the latest Corvettes are a hot commodity, and getting one at a fair price is nearly impossible. 

Still, you can snag a used 2015 Jaguar F-Type R AWD with its planted platform and snappy speed for much less than a used C8 Corvette. Moreover, the C7 generation of Corvette Z51 could hit sixty in 3.7 seconds, about 0.2 seconds slower than the AWD Jaguar sports car.  

How much is a Jaguar F-Type R worth?

The newest 2023 F-Type R starts at around $74,675. That starting price is quite a bit higher than the 2023 Corvette 1LT’s $65,895. However, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says a pre-facelift 2015 F-Type R coupe has a fair purchase price of around $45,223. For an AWD sports car that’s as swift as its newer variations, that’s a great bargain. 

Moreover, the 2015 Jaguar F-Type R AWD is around the same used value as a comparable 2015 Chevrolet Corvette. Specifically, KBB says a 2015 C7 Corvette has a fair purchase price of about $43,193. That means the AWD F-Type R is a comparably quick alternative to the front-engine C7 Corvette. 

Should you consider the Jag a serious AWD sports car alternative to a Chevy Corvette?

The Chevrolet Corvette (either the C7 or C8 generation) will be cheaper to maintain than the supercharged Jaguar F-Type R. However, if you want an AWD sports car alternative to the plastic fantastic to handle inclement weather, launch hard, and look good in the process, it’s difficult to top an F-Type R.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).