Mat Watson, the ever excitable host of Carwow, has pitted American muscle against German precision once again. This time it’s a detuned European-spec Chevrolet Corvette Z06 against a Porsche 911 GT3 in a quarter-mile drag race.
Chevrolet’s Corvette Z06, even in its toned down European form, is a beast. Its 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 produces 646 horsepower and 595 Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. With the Z07 Track Pack—carbon wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, and big carbon-fiber aero bits—this Z06 weighs 1,714 kg. In the UK, where import duties add to the cost, this car costs a whopping £209,000 ($279,000). For context, a fully loaded Z06 in the US tops out at $143,685, a bargain compared to the European price
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Yianni drives Porsche’s 911 GT3, which is lighter and more nimble. Its 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine generates 510 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. At 1,479 kg, it weighs 235 kg less than the Corvette. Yianni’s car costs £173,000 ($230,500 in the US) with extras, whereas the GT3 starts at £158,000 in the UK.
The first run is a nightmare since Mat is unfamiliar with the Z06’s launch control and struggles to maintain traction on cold tires. The Corvette spins furiously, and Yianni’s GT3 races forward, only to encounter its own grip troubles. Neither car connects perfectly, and the result is inconclusive. Mat is keen to redeem himself, so he ignores GM’s recommendation to warm the tires, saying the Michelin’s don’t have any grip.
In a half-mile roll from 50 mph, the GT3’s lighter weight and quicker gear changes mean it beats the Z06’s horsepower advantage. Mat is baffled, expecting the Corvette to pull in the Porsche. A second rolling race in manual mode produces the same result: Yianni’s GT3 leaves the Z06 for dust. But the brake test goes against the script. The Z06’s carbon-ceramic brakes, combined with Mat’s surprisingly good pedal technique, means it stops faster than the GT3.
In the UK the Z06 costs £209,000, the GT3 £173,000, a £36,000 difference. In the US the difference is lower – $143,685 vs $230,500 – but the Corvette still undercuts the Porsche. Mat says for the Z06’s UK price you could buy a 1,064 horsepower Corvette ZR1 in the US and still have money left over.
