How much power is enough? Driving the full Corvette lineup

The 2025 Chevy Corvette Stingray has nearly 500 hp, the Z06 has almost 700 hp, and the upcoming Corvette ZR1 tops 1,000 hp. But we have to ask: when the floor is so high, can the average driver really tell the difference as power ramps up?

Horsepower is cheaper and more accessible than ever these days, and we’re not just talking about EVs. But technological progress always follows the same curve: there comes a point when the increase in performance stops being perceptible. Think of the jump between VHS to DVD, then from Blu-Ray to 4K.

Does the same thing happen with horsepower? To find out, we went to National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park in Kentucky to put our resident track rat Joey in three C8 Chevy Corvettes: the 495-hp base model Stingray, the 655-hp hybrid E-Ray, and the 670-hp track-ready Z06.

There are many differences between each model beyond horsepower, of course, but that’s ultimately the headline number for most people. So when you’re used to driving something with 100-200 hp, what’s the jump to 500 hp like? And then again to 670 hp?

Special thanks to the National Corvette Museum and NCM Motorsports Park for the track time and use of their cars!

FOLLOW US!

[drive]

CORRECTIONS:
1) The C8 Stingray in the video has the z51 package which comes with an upgraded exhaust adding an extra 5hp for a total of 495
2) The C8 E-ray makes 655hp
3) The C8 E-Ray is available with Michelin Pilot sport 4Ss but not the Cup2 Rs

[RassoolRacing]

Hey everyone! Joey here. Thanks for watching! This opportunity kinda fell into out laps as I was traveling through Kentucky and we really wanted to make something for you. This is my first time doing any kind of "car review" type content, so theres definitely some room for improvement and i appreciate you all being on board. Also big thanks to NCM motorsports park for offering up their cars, track, and time to us.

[Iseenoobpeoples]

I saw the Z06 yesterday in Canada, I was in my Corolla and he came up behind, I made him a thumb up and he accelerated full throttle next to me, I had tears in my eyes, not joking.

[urbanstrencan]

I think that a regular Stingray is more than enough for everyday Joe :)

[RichardDavis-ww]

I got my Eray HTC in December. I haven’t driven a Z06, and who doesn’t love the Flat plane crank sound, but the Eray is the ultimate performance touring car for the price. I have zero regrets with my purchase despite the all weather rubber. This car is a hoot.

[timmotel]

Good Day Joey. Excellent Presentation. Clear and Honest discussion. I bought my 2004 Z06 Commemorative new, and it is a great car. 131, 000 miles on the LS6 engine and it still runs like new. The NEW Vettes are almost beyond belief. I'm 72 years old and 426 HEMIs and LS6 454 Chevy's were once the pinnacle. I did mostly 440 Magnums myself. Today is almost the Twilight Zone with these new Vettes. Thank You. Very interesting and educational.

[ModernGolfer]

Yep, wanted an every day driver, not a track car. For my needs the Stingray is plenty, and saved me about $42k over the Z06 I originally ordered. Not sure about others reading this, but for ME, $42, 000 is a LOT of money. A whole other nice car!

[zipperbluez]

I really enjoyed this! So many full-time reviewers have thier opinions skewed by driving hyper car after hypercar that they simply can't provide a vailid opinion on cars remotely normal folks could buy. Hearing the opinion of someone who's more in touch with reality on cars that some of us could remotely dream of driving or owning one day is valuable and interesting.

[forestchild]

I love the bravery and experimental nature of this, very fresh take, good job! I feel like you're quickly finding your automotive niche again, and that's good for everyone.

[davidhayes]

Great commentary on the difference in the cars. I have seen many C8 videos, many, and this one talks about the difference in experience as well as any. Especially coming from an honest place of only tracking a 100hp Yaris.

[oglordblight]

I’m so thankful for you doing this. I’ve been mulling over trading in my C8 but now I think I’ll stick with it. Thanks.

[mastercruss]

This video mad me feel like the drive was actually back. What a great video guys.

[kentowakai]

Interesting idea for an episode. Well done.

[intelligentinvesting]

Great review. This is exactly what I hear from many at car shows and on the track when comparing Stingray vs. Eray vs. Z06. Note: Stingray Z51 is not equal to the non-Z51. Even yesterday, when we parked at Velocity Invitational, I have a C8 Z51, a Z06 pulls up next to us. When we talk, the owner of the Z06 says he misses his Stingray because it's just an overall, more comfortable, better package. He finds the Z06 too loud (no AFM (V8->v4), the Cup 2R tires are too sticky, and the suspension is stiff compared to the Stingray. The 4S tires are not the right tire for the car either. Indeed, as it's designed for, and as I suspect, the Z06 is much more and a much better track car, but not a great daily driver compared to the Stingray and Eray. Of course, the Z06 is fantastic, don't get me wrong, and get what your heart desires, but imho buy the car that suits your needs. I track my Z51 3-4x per year, and boy, it is plenty (of HP and speed) to have (scary) fun with.

[joshgessinger]

The stingray is all or more than most people will ever need. The ZO6 is for the guy that wants to race the track maybe some drag racing. The Eray is a good all around car great traction to go straight fast. Eray probably rides better im sure my opinion if u want a little more than the stingray Eray better than the Z06. If u have the money buy whatever u want i guess. But the stingray is definitely a lot of car for the money and somewhat affordable.
Good video enjoyed watching.

[Gearbhall]

You should revisit this with the C8 ZR1 when it's available. I also think a similar test for street driving should be done.

[randalltom]

I've owned my C8 Stingray since August. What a car! It's a Base model with the Performance Exhaust option... which supposedly gives you 495hp... whatever. It is still screaming fast, and capable of beating a host of overpriced Italian supercars. I don't race, and have yet to go to the track, but here in Idaho, I have plenty of opportunities to drive it fast. And the thrills I get, redline my Phenometer (Fun-meter). This is a car that makes touring as exciting as hot laps at Willow Springs. The only thing it needs is a radar/laser detector...

[dogle]

Loved the comparison. From a AWD track car owner, it’s not really the answer video games let us believe. However, red light to red light…. Lotta fun. Being able to put down 1.6 60ft times and still stop before the next interaction can be a blast in the city.

[JustSheen]

the biggest gut punch to all of this is that the $100-200k for a car is considered "mildly wealthy". We live in a society

[dcheetham]

The content you guys are pumping out is great! keep it up