Does the 2020 C8 Corvette Make Porsche Obsolete?
A longtime Porsche fan changed his mind about Porsche’s superiority, and a few ‘Corvette Forum’ members agree.
Comparing the Corvette to vastly more expensive supercars is not a new exercise. This has been happening for years, as GM has given us cars that are more than capable of competing with high-dollar exotics for far less cash. And now that the C8 is here and has gone mid-engine, we don’t expect those comparisons to stop – only to get more frequent and intense. There have been quite a few heated debates on this topic at Corvette Forum recently, including this one started by former Porsche apologist cardood5000.
“Longtime Porsche fan here. I used to always believe that Porsche was superior to Vettes in terms of handling, interior materials, ride comfort, quality, sound insulation, etc. Thus, I thought the price premium was justified. Ever since the official announcement of the C8, however, I no longer see the value in the Porsche brand that I once did. I can no longer see any significant objective measure by which Porsche maintains superiority. For somebody comparing, say, a C8 to a 911 Carrera S, who does not care about the branding and who likes the look of both cars equally? What, if anything, justifies the huge premium that the Porsche commands?”
It’s a fair question, especially considering the fact that the gap between a base 911 and C8 aren’t terribly far off. And it’s one that several of our members, including fpfaeth can answer subjectively. Because they’ve owned both.
“I’ve had them both – several 911s (including a GT3 and recently an NA GTS) and a C7 Z06. I find it hard to differentiate them. Both are excellent daily drivers, both are superb for long trips with more than sufficient luggage space. Both are quick, and both reward great drivers and have dual personalities. What I didn’t like about my latest GTS was the lack of low-end torque, which the C8 will have and the new Turbo 911 addressed. In the end, assuming you don’t need AWD, it boils down to the total cost of ownership. Hard to beat the Corvette on that aspect. What the C8 engineers have achieved is nothing short of outstanding. If you extend this analysis further, you really need to compare the 911 against the upcoming Z06 for price parity. At that point, the 911 will seem anemic.”
The same goes for C8 Gator, who just can’t justify the price gap anymore.
“I had a GT4 on order and cancelled it after the C8 was revealed. My spec was about $115k. I couldn’t rationalize paying over $40k more for the GT4 than a nicely optioned C8. I also looked at used GT3s and GT3 RSs, but lack of warranty and some known engine problems led me to the ME C8. It will be interesting. I have some reservations, but it’s under warranty. And with the current demand, I can always sell it without getting destroyed. I have an Audi R8 that has been bulletproof, but I’m looking for more of a daily driver that doesn’t attract as much attention.”
So far, this thread has sparked a very interesting and rather lengthy debate. And it makes us wonder – will the new C8 really hurt Porsche sales? Will people simply switch sides because there’s no tangible reason to spend the extra money anymore? Head over here and tell us what you think!
Photos: Corvette Forum, Porsche
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