Refreshing or Revolting: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette vs. Porsche 911
We’ve examined the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette’s design compared to its C7 predecessor, and to its exotic mid-engine rivals. Now, we’re taking a closer look at how the Stingray differs from the only vehicle to ever truly challenge its title as the everyday sports car: the Porsche 911. So, what should an everyday sports car look like? Big and brash or classic and svelte?
Both the Corvette and 911 have been completely redesigned for the 2020 model year. While the Corvette looks considerably different from its predecessor thanks to its switch from a front- to a mid-engine setup, the 911 retains its signature shape, despite the fact that it shares no body panels with the previous iteration. A gaping maw characterizes the front end of the Corvette, along with angular headlights. The 911 offers little in the way of drama, with an understated grille and circular headlights that have long been the model’s signature.
The Corvette looks larger than the 911, and that’s because it is. The C8 is 4.4 inches longer than the 911, and its wheelbase is a whopping 10.7 inches bigger. It’s also 2.5 inches lower than the 911, giving it a more planted look. The 911 measures 72.9 inches in width with the mirrors folded while the Corvette is 76.1 inches without any mirrors, so the American sports car is quite a bit wider, too. Thanks to its new mid-engine layout, the Corvette inherits a dramatic, windswept cab-forward look similar to supercars like the Ford GT, Audi R8, and Acura NSX. A bold side cutout adds visual appeal, and the boxy hipbone juts out in the rear. The 911 can be mistaken for nothing else; its skillfully sloped roofline makes a big impression when looking at the side profile. It’s tauter than the Corvette and makes an argument for the case “less is more.” Of course, that’s not what Corvette owners are looking for, though.
In the rear, the Corvette continues its muscular appearance. In addition to bold vents, it features double C-shaped taillights and dual-exhaust outlets. The base 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera gets standard rectangular exhaust pipes at either end, but you’ll also find single oval outlets and dual oval outlets in the lineup depending on the configuration. The 911’s rear also stands out with its elegant, thin light bar.
Open the Corvette’s doors, and you’ll find a driver-centric cabin. Along with a flat-bottom steering wheel, there is a large central screen canted toward the driver, and a fully digital instrument cluster. While the 911 has a traditional shifter stalk, the Corvette gets a push-button setup that takes up little space. We don’t know if we like the long row of buttons on the right of the center console, but at least it keeps the area near the driver uncluttered. Like the 911, every part of the interior looks luxurious. The 911 features a more traditional interior setup with buttons arranged logically on the center console, although the showcase is the wide touchscreen.
So who wins the design battle: the rear-engine 911 or the mid-engine Corvette Stingray? Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.
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