Is Corvette a Good Daily Driver? (C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, Z06)
The Chevy Corvette is a massively capable yet comfortable daily driver with above-average fuel economy among V8 sports cars.
Corvette’s Positives as a Daily Driver
#1 Commendable Fuel Economy
Most Corvettes across all generations achieve an average between 18 and 19 mpg in mixed driving.
It’s nothing ground-breaking considering the amount of performance on tap, but it surpasses the fuel economy of similar-size V8s in the Audi R8, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Challenger.
| Fuel Economy | |
| Standard Corvette (Stingray) | 17 to 21 mpg combined |
| Z06 | 17 to 20 mpg combined |
| ZR1 | 15 to 18 mpg combined |
The C7 Corvette, in its base form and 6.2L V8, is the most fuel-efficient of all the generations, returning an impressive 29 mpg in freeway drives and low-20s-mpg combined.
It is an outstanding accomplishment for a V8-powered sports car.
(See the various Corvette generations and trims comparison later in this post.)
#2 Excellent Ride Quality (for a Sports Car)
The Magnetic Ride Control in newer Corvettes provides a surprisingly comfortable ride.
Its compliance over various road surfaces is excellent, smoothing out bumps and absorbing shocks that would likely upset other performance vehicles.
Further, the relative lack of wind and engine noise adds to the cabin’s overall comfort.
Past and present Corvettes are practical daily drivers for short and long trips.
#3 Generous Cargo Capacity
The Corvette underwent a fundamental change from a front-engine to a mid-engine layout for the eighth generation, reducing trunk space.
Still, the mid-engine C8 Corvette offers a reasonably good 12.6 cubic feet of cargo room in its coupe guise, a drop from the previous generation’s 15.0 cubic feet.
But if you need maximum room for your personal effects, opt for the C6 Corvette (2005 to 2013) with a substantial 22.4 cubic feet or C5 Corvette (1997 to 2004) with 24.8 cubic feet.
Corvette convertibles generally have a smaller cargo capacity than the coupe body style.
#4 Unbeatable Performance to Price Ratio
Despite being in a market filled with outstanding performance vehicles, the Corvette still stands tall.
The latest V8 engine in the Corvette produces close to 500-horsepower, while the supercharged version cranks out a monstrous 755-horsepower.
The engine is strong everywhere in the rev range, at partial or full throttle.
Steering is precise and well-weighted, and handling agility is superb, but the high-performance limits do not require extreme skills to reach.
Crucially, you get a great deal of performance for the money.
A brand-new Corvette Stingray retails for $70,000, while a Nissan GT-R and an Audi R8 breach the $100k mark.
The Corvette is crazy fast, it looks exotic, and it hits home what the car has always done well: providing maximum performance at a reasonable price.
#5 Above-Average Reliability
As a brand, Chevrolet ranked #14 out of 28 automakers according to Consumer Reports 2021 reliability survey.
However, the Corvette is one of the more reliable vehicles in Chevy’s lineup.
See JD Power’s reliability ratings for the Corvette below – above 80 over 100 is a good score.
| Model Year | Reliability |
| 2022 Corvette | 86/100 |
| 2021 Corvette | 86/100 |
| 2020 Corvette | NA |
| 2019 Corvette | 77/100 |
| 2018 Corvette | 79/100 |
| 2017 Corvette | 78/100 |
| 2016 Corvette | 81/100 |
| 2015 Corvette | 78/100 |
| 2014 Corvette | 82/100 |
| 2013 Corvette | 80/100 |
| 2012 Corvette | 81/100 |
| 2011 Corvette | 84/100 |
| 2010 Corvette | 84/100 |
| 2009 Corvette | 84/100 |
| 2008 Corvette | 83/100 |
| 2007 Corvette | 82/100 |
#6 Inexpensive Upkeep (Considering Its Price Tag)
A Chevrolet Corvette costs an average of $737 per year to maintain, according to RepairPal.
It is cheaper to maintain than a Porsche 911 ($1,072/year) or Audi R8 ($1,123/year) and slightly costlier than a Nissan GT-R.
As these figures are averages, let’s see how they differ from year to year:
| Year | Annual Costs (GT-R) | Annual Costs (Corvette) | Annual Costs (911) |
| 1 | $444 | $325 | $780 |
| 2 | $478 | $365 | $873 |
| 3 | $531 | $428 | $1,020 |
| 4 | $617 | $529 | $1,256 |
| 5 | $689 | $612 | $1,451 |
| 6 | $801 | $744 | $1,760 |
| 7 | $1,029 | $1,012 | $2,385 |
| 8 | $1,120 | $1,118 | $2,633 |
| 9 | $1,204 | $1,217 | $2,865 |
| 10 | $1,330 | $1,364 | $3,208 |
| 11 | $1,346 | $1,383 | $3,252 |
| 12 | $1,480 | $1,540 | $3,619 |
The probability of major repair logically increases with the Corvette’s age, but crucially, it isn’t a steep rise:
- 2.10% in year 1,
- 9.89$ in year 5,
- 20.36% in year 10, and
- 39.23% in year 12.
#7 Superb Value Retention
The Chevy Corvette holds value remarkably well, beating many cheaper and more expensive sports cars.
A Corvette depreciates 35% after the initial five years and 49% after a decade of ownership on average.
Let’s see how it compares with the competition:
| 5-yr Depreciation | 10-yr Depreciation | |
| Chevy Corvette | 35% | 49% |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 38% | 55% |
| Audi R8 | 40% | 47% |
| Nissan GT-R | 40% | 56% |
| Dodge Challenger | 40% | 61% |
| Chevy Camaro | 40% | 62% |
| Subaru WRX | 40% | 70% |
| Nissan 370z | 42% | 58% |
| Ford Mustang | 43% | 66% |
| Porsche 911 | 45% | 63% |
| Dodge Charger | 48% | 75% |
Other viable daily drivers in the high-performance vehicle market that command high resale values include:
Corvette’s Negatives as a Daily Driver
#8 Low-Slung with Limited Ground Clearance
The Corvette sits so low and close to the ground that accessing and exiting it may count as a daily exercise routine.
This problem gets worse in tight parking spaces.
Speed bumps and humps could be challenging to navigate without scratching the car’s underside given the low ground clearance, but it may not be an issue depending on your locality.
However, these drawbacks are minor gripes as the daily driving experience is well worth the hassle.
#9 Average Overall Visibility
The enormous rear roof pillars and tiny window hurt the driver’s view out the back.
The poor rear visibility is worse with the new mid-engine design of the C8 Corvettes (2020 onwards).
Forward visibility in the Corvette, especially the latest generation, is excellent thanks to the unobstructed view and the lack of a powertrain in the front of the car.
Thankfully, sitting in the Corvette isn’t as bunkerlike as in its sibling, the Camaro.
Still, lane changing and merging will pose a challenge, or even intimidating for less experienced drivers, given the low seating position.
Corvette Generations (Brief Summary)
These are the earlier generations of Chevy Corvettes:
- C3 Corvette – 1968 to 1982 model years (a.k.a. Stingray).
- C4 Corvette – 1984 to 1996 model years.
- C5 Corvette – 1997 to 2004 model years.
- C6 Corvette – 2005 to 2013 model years.
And the newer Corvettes include:
- C7 Corvette – 2014 to 2019 model years (a.k.a. Stingray).
- C8 Corvette – 2020 onwards (a.k.a. Stingray).
Chevrolet Corvette Trims Compared: Best Corvette for Daily Driving
Table Guide:
- Engine: SC=supercharged.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined.
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | |
| C4-CORVETTE: | ||||
| Base Trim | 5.7L V8 (up to 1996) | 245-300hp (up to 1996) | 17-18-mpg (up to 1996) | Regular (up to 1996) |
| ZR1 | 5.7L V8 (up to 1996) | 375-405-hp (up to 1996) | 17-18-mpg (up to 1996) | Regular (up to 1996) |
| Grand Sport | 5.7L V8 (1996) | 330-hp (1996) | 18-mpg (1996) | Regular (1996) |
| C5-CORVETTE: | ||||
| Base Trim | 5.7L V8 (1997-2004) | 340-350-hp (1997-2004) | 18-19-mpg (1997-2004) | Prem-ReQ (2003-2004) Regular (1997-2002) |
| Hardtop | 5.7L V8 (1999) | 345-hp (1999) | 20-mpg (1999) | Regular (1999) |
| Z06 | 5.7L V8 (2001-2004) | 385-405-hp (2001-2004) | 20-mpg (2001-2004) | Prem-ReQ (2001-2004) |
| C6-CORVETTE: | ||||
| Base Trim (GS) | 6.2L V8 (2008-2013) 6.0L V8 (2005-2007) | 430-hp (2008-2013) 400-hp (2005-2007) | 19-mpg (2005-2013) | Prem-ReC (2009-2013) Prem-ReQ (2005-2008) |
| Z06 (427) | 7.0L V8 (2006-2013) | 505-hp (2006-2013) | 18-mpg (2006-2013) | Prem-ReQ (2006-2013) |
| ZR1 | 6.2L V8 SC (2009-2013) | 638-hp (2009-2013) | 16-17-mpg (2009-2013) | Prem-ReQ (2009-2013) |
| C7-CORVETTE: | ||||
| Base Trim (Stingray) (Z51) (Grand Sport) | 6.2L V8 (2015-2019) | 455-460-hp (2015-2019) | 19-21-mpg (2015-2019) | Prem-ReC (2015-2019) |
| Z06 | 6.2L V8 SC (2015-2019) | 650-hp (2015-2019) | 17-18-mpg (2015-2019) | Prem-ReQ (2015-2019) |
| ZR1 | 6.2L V8 SC (2019) | 755-hp (2019) | 15-mpg (2019) | Prem-ReQ (2019) |
| C8-CORVETTE: | ||||
| Base Trim (Stingray) | 6.2L V8 (2020-present) | 490-hp (2020-present) | 19-mpg (2020-present) | Prem-ReC (2020-present) |
| Z06 | 5.5L V8 (2023-present) | 670-hp (2023-present) | 17-mpg (2023-present) | Prem-ReQ (2023-present) |
The base trim (named the Stingray for C7 and C8) is the best Corvette for daily driving with the ideal blend of lower pricing, powerful and glorious-sounding V8, and Corvette-best fuel economy.
Pre-C6 Corvettes (before 2005) run on the less expensive regular gas, so it’s one reason to get them if you wish to lower your fuel costs.
Can You Daily Drive a C3 Corvette?
The C3 Corvettes (from 1968 to 1982) are poor daily drivers with substandard ride comfort, cramped interior, and relatively inferior build quality.
They are more aerodynamically efficient than the C2s but are comparatively longer and heavier.
Can You Daily Drive a C4 Corvette?
The C4 Corvettes are capable and affordable sports cars, but they aren’t good daily drivers as they severely lack the safety features in newer generations, including airbags.
Adequate safety and crash protection are essential for an everyday car.
Can You Daily Drive a C5 Corvette?
Gen-5 Corvettes offer better value for money compared to gen-4 and gen-3 models.
The C5 Corvette is a much improved daily driver than the previous generations, with better interior quality, a huge and practical trunk (24.8 cubic feet in the coupe), and markedly enhanced ride comfort for day-to-day livability.
Opt for a C5 Corvette from 2001 onwards as it comes with modern safety features such as traction control, stability control, four-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).
Can You Daily Drive a C6 Corvette?
Overall build quality continues to improve with the sixth-generation Corvette.
The C6 Corvette is a capable everyday car, performing on par with the world’s best sports cars at the time and showing notable improvement in its feature offerings and refinement.
Its handling and ride quality improved significantly over the C5, regardless of the suspension package.
The Z06 of the sixth generation comes with a bigger and more potent V8 that cranks out 105 hp more than the base trim.
Can You Daily Drive a C7 Corvette?
If you want a front-engine, rear-drive Corvette, the C7 is the final generation with such a layout you can own.
Daily-driver livability in the C7 Corvette Stingray is at its best in fuel efficiency (2014 to 2016 model years), generous cargo space in the coupe form, and comfortable ride quality.
The ZR1, with a supercharged V8, is the most potent in the 2019 model year, pumping out an astounding 755 horsepower, and is a blast to drive without sacrificing the Corvette’s daily driver qualities.
Can You Daily Drive a C8 Corvette?
The C8 debuted the Corvette’s new mid-engine layout.
The C8 Corvette Stingray’s on-track performance metrics are impressive, but rearward visibility worsened and the cargo capacity shrunk compared to the C7, making it less convincing as a daily driver.
Still, those drawbacks aren’t deal-breakers, and the C8’s ride quality remains, and it is sleeker than ever, a definite head-turner.
Can You Daily Drive Z06 or ZR1 Corvette?
The ZR1 received its supercharged eight-cylinder powertrain in 2009 and the Z06 in 2015.
The ZR1 and Z06 Corvette are superb sports machines yet surprisingly easy to live with day to day; the Corvette’s compliant ride (for a sports car) and excellent value for money remain.
As long as you can accept the Corvette’s low-slung form and the drawbacks that come with it, any Corvette trims from the C6 generation onwards is a good everyday vehicle.
Best Corvette Year for Daily Driving
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base trim).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Complaints: total reported problems (CarComplaints).
| Model Year | Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Complaints |
| 2022 Corvette | 16/24/19 | 86/100 | – |
| 2021 Corvette | 15/27/19 | 86/100 | 2 |
| 2020 Corvette | 15/27/19 | NA | – |
| 2019 Corvette | 16/25/19 | 77/100 | 16 |
| 2018 Corvette | 16/25/19 | 79/100 | 1 |
| 2017 Corvette | 16/25/19 | 78/100 | 20 |
| 2016 Corvette | 17/29/21 | 81/100 | 15 |
| 2015 Corvette | 17/29/21 | 78/100 | 20 |
| 2014 Corvette | 17/28/21 | 82/100 | 8 |
| 2013 Corvette | 16/26/19 | 80/100 | 9 |
| 2012 Corvette | 16/26/19 | 81/100 | 3 |
| 2011 Corvette | 16/26/19 | 84/100 | 3 |
| 2010 Corvette | 16/26/19 | 84/100 | 3 |
| 2009 Corvette | 16/26/19 | 84/100 | 13 |
| 2008 Corvette | 16/26/19 | 83/100 | 18 |
| 2007 Corvette | 16/26/19 | 82/100 | 17 |
| 2006 Corvette | 16/26/19 | NA | 5 |
| 2005 Corvette | 16/26/19 | NA | 25 |
| 2004 Corvette | 16/23/19 | NA | 8 |
| 2003 Corvette | 16/23/19 | NA | 14 |
| 2002 Corvette | 16/23/19 | NA | 21 |
| 2001 Corvette | 16/24/19 | NA | 11 |
| 2000 Corvette | 16/25/19 | NA | – |
| 1999 Corvette | 15/23/18 | NA | 2 |
| 1998 Corvette | 15/23/18 | NA | 2 |
| 1997 Corvette | 15/23/18 | NA | – |
| 1996 Corvette | 15/23/18 | NA | – |
| 1995 Corvette | 15/23/18 | NA | – |
| 1994 Corvette | 15/22/18 | NA | 1 |
| 1993 Corvette | 15/22/18 | NA | 1 |
| 1992 Corvette | 15/23/18 | NA | 1 |
| 1991 Corvette | 15/22/17 | NA | 3 |
| 1990 Corvette | 15/22/17 | NA | 7 |
The seventh-generation C7 Corvettes are the best daily drivers, particularly from model years 2014 to 2016:
- The most fuel-efficient Corvettes – delivering close to 30 mpg on the highway, a rare feat for cars this fast.
- Comfortable highway cruisers.
- Well-built cabin.
- Sleek design.
Chevy Corvette Comparison with Other Sports and Muscle Cars
Corvette vs. 370Z as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Chevy Corvette | 5.7L-6.2L-V8 | 245-490-hp | 17-21-mpg | Prem-ReC (2009-present) Prem-ReQ (2003-2008) Regular (up to 2002) | $737 | Average | Good |
| Nissan 370Z | 3.7L-V6 | 332-hp | 20-22-mpg | Prem-ReQ (2010-2020) Prem-ReC (2009) | $504 | Poor | Poor |
You can get a 370Z at half the price of a Corvette of the same model year.
Overall, the Corvette makes a better everyday car than the 370Z:
- Excellent compliance over many road surfaces.
- Quieter cabin.
- Impressive handling.
- Poor rearward visibility, but the view forward is considerably improved.
However, the 370Z is more fuel-efficient and cheaper to maintain.
If you want a great sports car and love piloting one with minimal driving aids, opt for the 370Z.
Corvette vs. Camaro as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Chevy Corvette | 5.7L-6.2L-V8 | 245-490-hp | 17-21-mpg | Prem-ReC (2009-present) Prem-ReQ (2003-2008) Regular (up to 2002) | $737 | Average | Good |
| Chevy Camaro | 2.0L i4 T (2016-present) 3.6L V6 (2010-2015) | 275-323-hp | 20-25-mpg | Prem-ReC (2016-present) Regular (2010-2015) | $585 | Poor | Average |
Corvette vs. Camaro is a sports car against muscle car rivalry – the former is twice the price of the latter in its standard trim.
Despite posting superior engine and cornering performance, the Corvette outperforms the Camaro as the more comfortable daily driver.
The Corvette’s bigger engine in the base form is thirstier than the Camaro, but the newer Corvette is one of the most comfortable racing machines.
Corvette vs. Mustang as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Chevy Corvette | 5.7L-6.2L-V8 | 245-490-hp | 17-21-mpg | Prem-ReC (2009-present) Prem-ReQ (2003-2008) Regular (up to 2002) | $737 | Average | Good |
| Ford Mustang | 2.3L-i4-T (2015-present) 3.7L-4.0L-V6 (1994-2017) | 210-310-hp | 20-26-mpg | Prem-ReC (2015-present) Regular (1994-2017) | $709 | Average | Average |
Corvette vs. Mustang is a sports car against muscle car contest – the Corvette, in its standard form, is about double the price of a Mustang.
The Corvette boasts superior engine and cornering performance; still, it edges the Mustang as the more comfortable daily driver despite the more powerful V8 over the standard Mustang’s V6.
The latest iteration of Ford Mustang is a superb all-rounder, with a civilized ride and superior fuel economy.
If you have your heart set on a Mustang: it is the best daily driver among muscle coupes.
Corvette vs. Miata as Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Chevy Corvette | 5.7L-6.2L-V8-RWD | 245-490-hp | 17-21-mpg | Prem-ReC (2009-present) Prem-ReQ (2003-2008) Regular (up to 2002) | $737 | Average | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 1.8L-2.0L-i4-RWD | 116-181-hp | 22-29-mpg | Prem-ReC | $429 | Average | Average |
Although the Corvette is twice the price of a Miata, both offer superb value for money at their respective price points.
If affordability isn’t an issue, the Corvette coupe is a more practical and comfortable daily driver than the Miata.
It has considerably more cargo capacity than the diminutive Miata.
However, the Miata would make a better everyday car than the Corvette; it is cheaper to run and easier to maneuver with a significantly smaller turning radius at two-thirds the Corvette’s weight.
Corvette vs. Porsche 911 as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=tubro.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Chevy Corvette | 5.7L-6.2L-V8 | 245-490-hp | 17-21-mpg | Prem-ReC (2009-present) Prem-ReQ (2003-2008) Regular (up to 2002) | $737 | Average | Good |
| Porsche 911 | 3.0L-6cyl-T (2017-present) 3.4L-3.6L-6cyl (up to 2016) | 247-379-hp | 17-23-mpg | Prem-ReQ (2001-present) Regular (up to 2000) | $1,072 | Good | Good |
Corvette vs. 911 in the various daily driving aspects is a closely-contested match; the Corvette comes out the winner marginally, owing to its astonishing performance at a price that’s 60% of the 911 brand-new and without ceding any ride comfort to the Porsche.
But if you can afford the Porsche 911’s higher price tag and costlier maintenance, accessing and exiting the car is easier, plus it has better visibility than the Corvette.
Both are exceptional performance daily drivers that choosing one over the other boils down to personal design preferences.
Chevy Corvette vs. Other Daily Drivers
Table Guide:
- Horsepower: base trim.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Audi R8 | 420-562-hp | 17 | $1,123 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Nissan GT-R | 480-565-hp | 19 | $920 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Chevy Corvette | 245-490 hp | 19 | $737 | NA | NA | Average | Good |
| Porsche 911 | 247-379-hp | 23 | $1,072 | NA | NA | Good | Good |
| Nissan 370z | 332 hp | 22 | $504 | NA | NA | Poor | Poor |
| Ford Focus RS | 350-hp | 22 | $569+ | NA | 5/5 | Good | Poor |
| Chevy Camaro | 275-323-hp | 22 | $585 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Poor | Average |
| Dodge Challenger | 250-305 hp | 23 | $650 | 3.2/4 | 5/5 | Poor | Average |
| Dodge Charger | 178-300 hp | 23 | $652 | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | Average | Average |
| Subaru WRX | 230-271-hp | 23 | $682 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228-hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good | Average |
| Ford Mustang | 145-310 hp | 24 | $709 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Average | Average |
| VW Golf R | 288-315-hp | 24 | $903 | NA | NA | Good | Good |
| VW Golf GTI | 210-228-hp | 27 | $791 | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 116-181-hp | 29 | $429 | NA | NA | Average | Average |
| Honda-Civic-Type-R | 306-hp | 25 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205-hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | Good |
Competing sports cars to the Corvette include:
- Nissan 370Z – considerably cheaper than the Corvette. If you want a pure driving experience without excessive driving aids, consider the 370Z.
- Audi R8 – one of the more comfortable sports cars, but it’s pricier to buy and maintain than the Corvette.
- Porsche 911 – comparable ride comfort to the Corvette, but it’s a lot easier to see out of the 911.
Muscle cars at their higher trim levels have driving capabilities that can rival the Corvette’s on-track performance, and they are comfortable-enough daily drivers too:
- Ford Shelby GT350 and GT500 – powerful V8s yet are comfortable daily drivers.
- Chevy Camaro SS and ZL1 – smooth ride with agile handling. The latter has a supercharged V8.
- Dodge Challenger Scat Pack and Hellcat – two-door like the Corvette, but has a roomy backseat.
- Dodge Charger Scat Pack and Hellcat – roomier and more practical high-performance sedan than the Corvette.
But if rear-wheel-drive sports cars with superb handling at half of Corvette’s price tag appeal, you should consider these alternatives:
- Subaru BRZ – fun and easy to drive with better fuel economy and visibility than the Corvette.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata – respectably compliant ride, but most of all, highly fuel-efficient.
Undoubtedly, ride comfort features highly on a daily driver’s priority list.
In this case, these sporty daily drivers are compelling options:
- Volkswagen Golf R – a super practical hot hatch, and its outward visibility will make your life in the car a lot easier.
- Honda Civic Si and Type R – considerably more fuel-efficient than the Corvette, have good visibility, and ride well without sacrificing the fun-to-drive character. Plus, you get plenty of advanced tech and safety features.
References:
https://www.chevrolet.com/performance/corvette
https://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/corvette
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2022_Chevrolet_Corvette.shtml
