2022 Chevrolet Corvette vs 2022 Porsche 911

The 2022 Porsche 911 maintained its legacy as one of the most recognizable sports cars. Introduced in 1963, the 911 retained its rear-engine layout and iconic styling throughout the decades. Porsche favored gradual evolution over radical redesigns, making the 911 a consistently top-rated sports car. The 911 was designed primarily for driving enthusiasts, offering performance at the expense of some practicality. Though challenging for some shoppers, this made each drive exhilarating, creating a strong emotional connection with drivers. Its sturdy build quality and refined interior justified its high price. The internal combustion engine era for the 911 was speculated to be under threat with the automobile industry moving towards electrification, adding urgency for those contemplating a purchase.

By contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette embraced a new and bold design, inspired by Ferrari aesthetics. With its mid-engine layout, pointed nose, and expanding rear body, it surprisingly didn’t have distinct features identifying it as a Corvette. Both Corvette coupes and convertibles offered an open-air experience, with the convertible featuring a retractable hardtop controlled by six electric motors, stowing away in 16 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. All Stingray models included staggered wheels—19-inch fronts and 20-inch rears—with options between all-season and summer performance tires.

The Corvette's interior was unmistakably unique, with a square steering wheel and a spine-like dashboard structure separating the driver and passenger areas. This bold choice allowed for an intuitive layout while emphasizing a dual-cockpit feel. The Corvette invited excitement in its design without losing everyday practicality.

The performance of the 2022 Porsche 911 was synonymous with its character. Powered by a horizontally-opposed six-cylinder “boxer” engine placed behind the rear axle, the 911 was tailored for those seeking high-performance driving with its responsive handling. Despite its rear-end weighting, advancements had made it more manageable over the years.

The 2022 Porsche 911 lineup was diverse, featuring 10 variants. The base Carrera’s 3.0-liter turbocharged boxer-six produced 379 horsepower, while the Carrera S offered 443 hp. The GTS model boasted 473 hp, positioned between the Carreras and higher-performing models such as the Turbo, Turbo S, GT3, and others. The dual-clutch PDK transmission was standard on most models, with S and GTS offering a seven-speed manual option. In our tests, the GTS Cabriolet with the PDK transmission impressed, achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 192 mph. The 911’s brakes and cornering capabilities delivered remarkable control and confidence, even at high speeds, emphasizing its daily drivability without sacrificing performance.

Chevy's decision to go mid-engine for the 2020 model year radically altered the Corvette’s dynamics. The 2022 Corvette Stingray featured a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, or 495 hp and 470 lb-ft with the optional performance exhaust. The new mid-engine layout enhanced weight distribution and traction.

With its eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Corvette managed a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds when equipped with the Z51 performance package, matching some of the upper echelons of Porsche's 911 models. The Corvette combined powerful acceleration with a charismatic exhaust note, making it both fast and aurally pleasing.

Equipped with the optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension, the Corvette balanced performance and comfort remarkably well. It handled road imperfections with a finesse that made it suitable for daily commutes while retaining its edge for spirited driving.

Porsche’s approach with the 2022 911’s interior was a blend of classic design and modern utility. The instrument panel featured a central analog tachometer flanked by digital gauges, maintaining a traditional feel while introducing modern conveniences like a 10.9-inch infotainment screen. Though it relied on both physical and touch controls, the 911’s design prioritized driver focus and minimal distraction. The standard seats offered comfort over long distances, with optional sport seats providing additional lateral support.

However, the 911's rear seats were very small, more suited for storage than passengers. Its front trunk provided only 4.6 cubic feet of cargo space, contributing to the overall limited storage capacity. Still, the 911 Cabriolet’s power-operated fabric top could be deployed in 12 seconds while driving up to 30 mph, and effectively minimized wind noise.

The Corvette’s mid-engine layout granted it two trunks, one in front and one in back, offering a total of 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Though less than the previous model's capacity, it still accommodated a set of golf clubs in the rear trunk and an airline carry-on bag in the front trunk. The storage layout was less practical when the convertible’s roof was stowed, occupying the rear trunk. The Corvette also lacked rear seats, but the open, driver-focused layout more than compensated.

The Corvette’s cockpit layout was designed around driving engagement, with controls logically placed and angled toward the driver. However, this made it less convenient for the passenger. The GT2 bucket seats in our test car were comfortable and supportive, making it easy for drivers to find an optimal position.

In the technology arena, Porsche’s 911 was understated. The 911's infotainment system featured a lower-mounted touchscreen than most competitors, making it not as intuitive for road use. Apples CarPlay was wireless, but Android Auto required a USB connection. The base audio system was disappointing, with the Bose system and even pricier premium audio system delivering much better experience. Options such as Remote Park Assist were part of the Premium package, while the Sport Chrono package added performance-oriented features like a lap timer.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette’s technology suite was robust by comparison. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, 12-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SolarisXM satellite radio, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Higher trims added navigation, a head-up display, and a 14-speaker Bose Performance audio system. The Corvette’s simple graphics and menu structure made the infotainment system user-friendly. Additional features like the Performance Data Recorder and front-end lift system underscored its practicality for both track days and daily driving.

Safety features in the 2022 Porsche 911 were relatively sparse. Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist were standard. The Premium package included adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like night vision and an integrated dashcam added to its allure, though the 911 lacked comprehensive safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette mirrored this trend. Notable features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which were not available on the base trim. Like the 911, the Corvette hadn’t been crash-tested by conventional safety organizations, typical for low-volume sports cars.