In the age of cars, when automakers are shying away from robust engines and heart-thumping performance, Chevrolet remains true to its reputation with the Chevy Corvette. The Corvette has been at the bleeding edge of performance since the mid-50s. Equipped with booming, high-powered engines, and made up of swooping, air breaking edges, the Chevy Corvette has been a champion of performance on the road for over fifty years, and the 2020 Chevy Corvette hopes to continue that lineage. The 2020 Chevy Corvette is a true stand out compared to other vehicles of today that sport zippy little four-cylinder engines and underpowered hybrid drivetrains, and we have little problem with that. That said, the 2020 Chevy Corvette is a clear sign of change for Corvette history. A lot has changed since the 2019 model. While the previous iteration was still a breath of fresh air, we believe that it might be worthwhile to compare these two performance champions, the 2020 Chevy Corvette vs 2019 Chevy Corvette.
From a Bird’s Eye View
From afar, both the 2019 and 2020 Chevy Corvette issue quite a statement. Low to the ground and shaped like a sleek arrow cutting through the air, the Chevy Corvette is by no means trying to be modest; and that is hardly a problem. The two-seater coupe has never been designed with utility in mind, and while automotive trends may determine that to be a problem, it’s clear that there are plenty of drivers who’d rather have a fast-moving heavy hitter.
So far, Chevy has only released information regarding the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray, so for the sake of consistency, we’ll be comparing how the 2019 and 2020 Stingray models stack up, one on one. When taken from a distance, the 2020 Corvette looks like a sharper version of its 2019 variant, with its redesigned front grille and arrow-like front hood. While the 2019 model is still a showstopper, it’s the 2020 model that will truly stand out when carving the racetrack.
Two Champions of Performance
The Chevy Corvette has developed a reputation for being a master of the pavement. Since as far back as its introduction to the market in 1953, the Chevy Corvette has been low to the ground, powerful, and simply vicious when it comes to speed and handling. Engine builds have always come with no shortage of power, giving drivers complete access to some of the best engines that Chevy has to offer. The 2019 Chevy Corvette joined the Corvette family, introducing more of the same, giving drivers a wide array of different engine types to choose from. There is still a lot that we’re learning about the 2020 Chevy Corvette, especially with the only the Stingray having made a solid appearance, however, what we know so far shows us that the 2020 model is going to be the black sheep of the family.
Taking a step back, let’s check out the engine performance of the 2019 Chevy Corvette Stingray. As to be expected from a top-tier vehicle like the Chevy Corvette, the 2019 model had a 6.2-liter V8 engine settled into the chassis, which delivered about 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft worth of torque. This robust V8 engine could launch you from 0 to 60 in as little as 3.7 seconds, which was certain to get your heart thumping. Drivers also had the option of selecting either a 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission for their Corvette Stingray, both of which handled superbly whether driving down the highway or roaring around the curve of a racetrack.
The 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray has shifted things from 2019, and some would say for the better. Dropped beneath the hood is a completely reimagined 6.2-liter LT2 V8 engine, which is unapologetic about offering drivers a jaw-dropping 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft worth of torque to play with. Reaching top speeds of 194 mph, the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray further solidifies the Corvette’s place as a high-performing vehicle that exists in a league of its own. Although, one thing that might really upset Corvette purists is the lack of a manual transmission. Instead, Chevy has equipped their flagship sports car with a lightning-quick dual-clutch transmission that offers all of the seamlessness of an automatic transmission with the hands-on experience of a manual transmission. And yet, this is a first for the Chevy Corvette, and it is bound to polarize the Corvette audience.
Both the 2019 and 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray offer the Z51 Performance package, which takes things another dramatic step further. The Magnetic Ride Control found in the 2019 version of the Z51 Performance Package was quite impressive at the time, but the 2020 model is expected to upgrade an already buttery-smooth ride. In the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray, Chevy has introduced Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, which constantly adapts to the ever-changing road to give you the smoothest ride possible.
Beyond just performance, the 2019 and 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray both offer a truly outstanding driving experience thanks to the many bells and whistles tucked behind the wheel.
The Bells and Whistles
While the Chevy Corvette has never been a great people transporter, it has certainly always provided an incredible ride for those behind the wheel and their single passenger. Both the 2019 Chevy Corvette and the 2020 Chevy Corvette bring plenty to the table when it comes to providing luxury-level comforts. The 2019 model, for instance, offers a slew of interior features such as 20-way adjustable seats, genuine-leather dressings, and an intuitive infotainment touch screen that is both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. Last year’s Chevy Corvette also sports a 4G LTE mobile hotspot, giving drivers the ability to stay constantly connected to the web rain or shine day or night. Although, while the 2019 Chevy Corvette offers plenty of tech that delivers a great amount of comfort, you won’t find much in the way of driver-assistance; and when we mean ‘not much’ we mean ‘not at all.’ This lack of active safety may not be an issue for some drivers who are all-in for performance, but it is certainly a drawback.
Fortunately, the 2020 Chevy Corvette makes up for this flaw in last year’s model. The 2020 Chevy Corvette is made for every day driving, offering features like rear-cross traffic alerts, side blind zone alerts, a rear and front camera, a rear camera mirror, and rear park assist. These intuitive active safety features are coupled with a number of interior luxuries, such as a sprawling infotainment screen that is smartly angled towards the driver to provide easy access.
The Verdict
When you get down to the nitty-gritty, both the 2019 Chevy Corvette and the 2020 Chevy Corvette bring plenty to the table. Now the question is, which is superior? Well, it all comes down to what you’re willing to sacrifice and what you expect out of a top-performing sports car. For instance, if you’re one of those purists who can’t separate from a clutch and manual gearbox, we’d recommend that you stick with the 2019 model. Although, if not being able to adjust your gear shifter manually is no big deal, and you’d prefer the same performance with some of the latest active automotive safety features, we’d suggest the 2020 iteration. That said, no matter which version you pick, you’re in for quite a ride.
