Corvette Z06 beats Porsche 911 Turbo around a track

We’ve always known that Chevrolet’s Corvette Z06 was good, but we’d never have imagined that it could beat Porsche’s AWD 911 Turbo around a race track and with a lead of 2.6 seconds to boot. The test was carried out by Swedish magazine Auto Motor Sport, who pitted the two cars against each other at Mantorp Park in Sweden, near Saab’s aircraft factory in Linkoping.

Comments from test driver and STCC champion Richard Ekblom included gems like “the Porsche felt feminine in comparison with the Z06” and that “it pisses on the Porsche.” Further, they wrote that the Z06 had the feeling of a true racer while the Porsche felt a little too soft round the track.

And before Porsche purists scream out that the writers were biased, take a look at the performance numbers. Both cars were right on the boil with both finishing the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds with the Turbo actually outrunning the Z06 in the 0-62mph dash, 3.7 seconds for the Turbo versus 4 seconds for the Z06.





More photos in our auto show photo galleries...

Auto Show photo galleries!!!! Click here


Read Article

trackturtle - 10/11/2006 1:29:01 PM

+1 Boost

uh oh, looks like Agent009 opened up Pandora's Box....

vaitha - 10/12/2006 11:50:56 AM

-1 Boost

Yeah, Go Corvette! Awesome Z06, uh?

I would *still* choose the 911 on any friggin' day.

Allosaur - 10/13/2006 5:02:27 PM

+1 Boost

I posted this link in the "blue devil" thread.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/11/2006 1:51:48 PM

-2 Boost

Okay

Now I want to see Test Results from a Wet / Snowy Track

golfer38 - 10/11/2006 2:22:13 PM

+2 Boost

Does it really matter which car would be faster in the rain or snow?

kart1 - 10/11/2006 3:25:37 PM

+2 Boost

Why do you want to see that??? Because you know that the AWD will have an advantage, how biased is that.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/11/2006 4:45:03 PM

0 Boost

Because here in England it is ALWAYS BLOODY RAINING so i don't particularly care about Bone Dry / 100c Track Condition Results.

Hyundai - 10/11/2006 8:37:38 PM

0 Boost

Good point.

sulev - 10/12/2006 5:44:31 AM

+1 Boost

I95, I don't see the point of you demanding the test numbers on wet/snow condition.. in real world you will not be driving as fast as you would normally can if it's raining, and snowing! moreover, probably you won't be getting anywhere fast, as rain makes other people who's also using the road drive slower..
be realistic for god shake..

AUDIMAN4 - 10/11/2006 1:57:38 PM

+2 Boost

That's pretty damn impressive. I could see a one second difference but for the Porsche to be beaten so badly is an embarrassment.

The Z06 has always been one of my fave's.

Allosaur - 10/13/2006 5:06:40 PM

+1 Boost

People said this about Dodge's Viper, too, but as with Corvette, the Euro boys are still functioning off outdated thought-processing when it comes to the overall performance worthiness of these American machines. Both on the street and on the track, with an array of amateur and professional drivers, these cars have performed well and have the numbers to prove it.

hasterterber - 10/11/2006 2:08:07 PM

+1 Boost

wait, what turbo the 996 its believable the 997 its impossible!

golfer38 - 10/11/2006 2:26:20 PM

+2 Boost

The corvette has a better power to weight ratio, and nothing beats cubic inches as they say.

The turbo is always unbeatable in the 0-62 sprint, simply because of the AWD.

I think the vette is very impressive as far as the performance, but to do it all for half the price is what's truely amazing.

Hyundai - 10/11/2006 8:38:58 PM

+1 Boost

No replacement for displacement.

I puke everytime I hear that. This time I had a bucket though!

Allosaur - 10/13/2006 5:08:25 PM

+1 Boost

And Z06 does not even suffer a gas-guzzler's tax! Early quality reports are revealing the car is well-engineered as well.

rocker - 10/11/2006 2:49:28 PM

0 Boost

Righteous comments, very open minded. I hate American radio and TV talk shows. They all have negative things to say about every topic. Constructive views are much better.

Allosaur - 10/13/2006 5:20:49 PM

+1 Boost

With regard to American media bias, nothing can compare to the Brits (fancifully) degrading anything not built with their island. Even when the are forced to give praise, they always throw a disparaging remarks in their somewhere while diplomatically finding ways to apologize for the performance or mechanical woes of Aston, Jag or Bentley or their other darlings. They love to bash Corvette or anything American in particular. Seems they have short memories on British-Leland.

zssz - 10/11/2006 3:03:31 PM

+1 Boost

It's a 997, not a 996 - you can see based on the photo in the pdf.

theman - 10/11/2006 7:36:26 PM

+2 Boost

Very true, the one and only car..

Carboy - 10/11/2006 3:42:53 PM

+2 Boost

Corvettes rule!!!

Terminal10 - 10/11/2006 4:17:24 PM

+2 Boost

The Corvette is a very strong statement for American engineering but still does not garnish the prestige and respect that other European cars do like Porsche,Ferrari,BMW,etc. The Vette though has come a long way from the useless junk that has been churned out in the past of American auto factories.

rocker - 10/11/2006 4:24:43 PM

+2 Boost

Please like all Jaguars have been technological marvels. What did David Coverdale say, "I have 4 Jaguars, that way when one breaks down I have another to drive." Oh and Ford owns them. And then Renault, Citroen, Peugot, Audi and VW. Please dude.

Terminal10 - 10/11/2006 4:45:30 PM

0 Boost

You bring up an interesting point however you cannot escape the prestige clause that Porsche, BMW, Ferrari have Many years have passed since Jaguar has been considered in this group. Audi is on the rise and in certain parts of the world as well as certain people who post on this site they are in the same group as I mentioned above.

shiftright - 10/11/2006 6:32:40 PM

0 Boost

Terminal10, please do not put BMW alongside Ferrari or even Porsche when talking about prestige. Not the same ballpark, not by a very very wide margin, thanks;-)

Danton - 10/11/2006 4:50:59 PM

0 Boost

The Porsche is more of a GT while the Vette is more pure sports car. What's really hurting the 997TT is that it weighs over 400 lbs more then the Vette. I think it was Car and Driver where the Vette was faster around a track then both the 997TT and F430 but still came in last overall. The Vette is the best performance bargain there is for sure but remember GM is on the verge of bankruptcy and Porsche is the most profitable car company on the planet. I think a better comparison would be between the Vette and either the upcoming 997 GT2 or the current 997 GT3 which are both pure sports cars like the Chevy even though the GT2 is much more $$. So is the Vette faster then a Gallardo around the track also?

ATrain - 10/12/2006 10:18:02 PM

+1 Boost

GT2 wouldn't be fair - turbos, price gap, etc. - but GT3 would be a well-balanced and most interesting match. On that basis, I would agree with your comment.

Allosaur - 10/13/2006 5:30:17 PM

+1 Boost

Actually, all told, Porsche barely made it past bankruptcy themselves just a few short years ago. Only the Boxster saved them as this was their low-cost, 'sell more cars' strategy that they love to critique about others for. Now the Cayman is their bread and butter, while they will scoff at budget performance buyers for Corvette, etc. Dollars to dollars, Corvette has no equal and they know it. While GM sales are struggling, this is because, like Ford and Chrysler, they don't have an answer to the Camry or Accord, not due to Corvette. If all models sold as well as Corvette, they would be souring in profits.

Allosaur - 10/13/2006 5:43:19 PM

+1 Boost

I would take the Z06 over Gallardo around the track, too.

rocker - 10/11/2006 5:35:06 PM

+1 Boost

More or less, the Porsche got rocked.

Rupert - 10/11/2006 6:05:54 PM

+1 Boost

you're sooo modest.

*SARCASM*

Allosaur - 10/13/2006 5:42:04 PM

+2 Boost

Let's see. "Old technology." Yeah, in some respects, especially engine engineering (though as you say, it works). However, let's consider fighter jet technology like Head-Up Display which shows full gage functions on the windshield so one does not have to look away. How about liquid-filled magnetic shocks which measure road quality and automatically adjust to conditions for the best ride and performance? Electronic door latches to reduce weight and maintain quality? Carbon materials to help with weight and balance? And the list goes on. Actually, one could argue that there are a great many Euro sportscars out there that have far less creature comforts all to eliminate weight and get the maximum no-frills performance from the cars. In this respect, Corvette is actually more advanced and is far more everyday driver friendly than the others being tabbed with such accommodation incorrectly. The new Corvette is also thus far quite dependable and is rating well.

rocker - 10/11/2006 6:03:08 PM

+1 Boost

What does proper mean in this context? Old technology in crucial areas? Where? The cigarette lighter?

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/11/2006 6:31:00 PM

+1 Boost

Don't you know ANYTHING ??

Rupert - 10/11/2006 6:07:01 PM

+1 Boost

the suspension (leaf spring), the engine (push rod).

proper: is able to go round a corner.

ATrain - 10/12/2006 10:14:17 PM

+2 Boost

Suspension is actually leading edge with the rheomagnetic technology that modifies viscosity almost instantly to road and driving conditions using electric signals...

Ferrari went and bought that technology (modified) for its 599 Fiorano.

Allosaur - 10/13/2006 5:48:45 PM

+1 Boost

Old technology or proven technology? Point is, it works and its their heritage. Besides, Corvette technology has come a long way and sports some features these pricey Euro cars still lack. Don't think that the corporate heads of the Euro sportscars have not taken notice of Corvette and Z06 especially. I assure you, they have.

rocker - 10/11/2006 7:03:36 PM

+1 Boost

Technolosize this. It is a larger car but weighs less. It is normally aspirated. It costs nearly half the price. Doesn't that suggest that it is more technolgoically advanced? But you guys are smarter than me.

rocker - 10/11/2006 7:04:22 PM

+1 Boost

And has a 100,000 mile warranty/ five years. Porsche is like an hour and a half for a warranty.

Allosaur - 10/13/2006 5:51:00 PM

+1 Boost

Rocker, superb point with clever satire. Well done!

rocker - 10/11/2006 7:05:36 PM

0 Boost

And no leaf spring suspension. If it did, that would be even worse for the Porsche. did I spell Porsche wrong?

rocker - 10/11/2006 7:06:26 PM

0 Boost

I95SpeedingTickets, please tell me you're not American.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/12/2006 2:39:24 PM

0 Boost

You having a Bubble ??

BRITISH ALL THE WAY

rocker - 10/11/2006 7:20:17 PM

0 Boost

which would reduce dependability

rocker - 10/11/2006 7:24:01 PM

+1 Boost

and the suspension is all composite and an option for magnetic ride(whatever the hell that is)

rocker - 10/11/2006 7:28:30 PM

0 Boost

Please dude, stop.

ramzizaz - 10/11/2006 8:03:45 PM

0 Boost

I am suprised at the result but keep in mind that the 911 is meant to be more drivable than the Z06. If you really want to compare 2 track cars, try pining the GT2 against the Z06. I love the ZO6 in every way but if I were to have only one car for the rest of my life, the 911 would be my choice.

rocker - 10/11/2006 8:19:50 PM

+2 Boost

7000 rpm redline, what does a porsche redline at? With 2 less cylinders.

rocker - 10/11/2006 8:25:34 PM

+2 Boost

What time is it in London right now?

MunichRob - 10/11/2006 8:54:02 PM

+1 Boost

Yikes, as a Porsche fan that's a pretty big blow...I really don't have much to say, except higher levels of luxury in the Porsche as well as traction control, but I'm really not an AWD fan.

Danton - 10/11/2006 8:57:25 PM

+1 Boost

Actually the Porsche has a 4 year/50k mile warranty. The 5 year/100k mile warranty on the Vette is for powertrain only. Not the same thing... I'm pretty sure the basic one on the Vette is 4 year/50k mile also.

Matthew1 - 10/11/2006 10:07:03 PM

-1 Boost

Those cars shouldn't be compared.

The 911 Turbo is the touring GT of the 911 range, effortless power but also greater levels of refinement and comfort.

The Z06 is a stripped-out sports car, and because of this, it only excels on track. On the road, it is noisy and extremely uncomfortable on anything other than glass-smooth roads.

Basically, you could use the Porsche every day, for motorway journeys, city driving, open road jaunts and the occasional track day.

With the Z06 you can't do that. Unless you want to be left with no teeth and high blood pressure.

And don't be so arrogant Rocker, MDalle's comments were perfectly polite and thoughtful. (and true!)

njshift - 10/12/2006 9:20:11 AM

+2 Boost

You have obviously never driven in a Z06. Loud? Noisy? Extremely uncomfortable? Track only? These cars are not luxury cars nor were they ever intended to be. It's painful to watch you talk out of your ass.

Mark - 10/12/2006 11:06:18 AM

+1 Boost

Nor any other vette, because you are totally off base.

njshift - 10/12/2006 12:52:37 PM

+2 Boost

How am I off base? Everything Matthew mentioned about the vette is virtually untrue. The Z06 is not a stripped down sports car (i.e. lotus elise), it has sound deadening, it's relatively quiet unless under wide open throttle, and the suspension rides similar to comparable ultra high performance sports cars. It is not a track only purpose built race car that Matthew tries to make it seem.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/12/2006 2:45:55 PM

-1 Boost

njshift

How can you post such Blatant Lies on a site frequented by Real Auto Enthusiasts?

Everything Matthew Said about the ZO6 is CORRECT, and has been verified by Numerous Auto Journalists.

njshift - 10/12/2006 3:52:15 PM

+2 Boost

Real auto enthusiasts don't read about cars they actually drive them. You can keep believing all the biast auto mag editiorials. The Z06 a stripped down track car? Ha! Give me a break. You don't know what a stripped down track car is if you believe that hype. Keep reading, maybe you will learn something.... maybe you won't.

njshift - 10/12/2006 4:19:39 PM

+2 Boost

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS, the fact that you think that this site if frequented by so many real auto enthusiasts makes me laugh. It also goes to show how naïve you actually are. Some of you really need to stop acting like sheep and learn how to open up your minds. Real enthusiasts don't hate and make blind judgments they appreciate cars for what they are. I don't see much of that here.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/12/2006 6:54:39 PM

-2 Boost

Tell you What, Compile a list of Vehicles you have driven With Pictures to prove them, then post a link with them, then I will send you Mine, that should End all Doubts as to which of us is the Real Auto Enthusiast.

Btw I can deduce from the comments of Some of the Posters on this Site that they are Real Enthusiasts, I never claimed they were All Real, just that many are.

And who said anything about Hate ??
There is a reason the Corvrtte is cheaper, You want it, You buy it, I DONT

Mark - 10/13/2006 6:57:34 AM

+3 Boost

njshift...sorry, you weren't off base. Matthew was.

njshift - 10/15/2006 4:46:50 PM

+1 Boost

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS, the fact of the matter is that your argument is based upon what "auto journalists" have stated about this car. I believe what I experience first hand, not what some skewed journalist tries to shove down my throat. The amount of cars you drive means little to me, for all I know you could be an 18 y/o valet parker, that doesn't mean your a true enthusiast. Go send your pics to Car & Driver if that will make you happy. I'm not going to argue with someone who has obviously never driven this car.

Terminal10 - 10/11/2006 10:16:23 PM

-1 Boost

Do not forget the lack of prestige as perceived on a global scale regarding the Z06. The Porsche name alone carries with it a lot of weight in the automotive world.

As for a short summary see Matthew's comments above.

Allosaur - 10/13/2006 5:14:31 PM

+2 Boost

Actually, in Europe, Corvette in general and Z06 in particular are quite an item. One could say they have a cult-following of their own. When the racing Corvettes are in Europe and they're promoting their cars with Corvettes around the local streets, you should see the gathering. Corvette has come a long way and there is no denying this.

rocker - 10/11/2006 10:20:48 PM

+2 Boost

Also the Corvette gets 28 mpg(whatever that might be in kilometers). Not a daily driver? But they great thing is that both haul ass. There is nothing like speed. If you had the money that you could have these as a daily driver, that would be heaven.

Larry - 10/11/2006 10:31:50 PM

+3 Boost

the Corvette Z06 is one of the best cars in the world, good looking, fast.

lenkun - 10/12/2006 1:25:35 AM

+3 Boost

The Z06 can take on anything from a Viper, Ford GT and F430 Challenge Stradle. The 997 Turbo, 911 GT3 RS, and 911 GT2 is not even in the same performance league as a Z06. They compete with a regular Z06.

And once the StingRay SS/Blue Devil comes out. Even the mighty Carrera GT and SLR 722 is no match. That car's performance is on par with the Enzo FXX and Veyron 16 and McLaren F1 LM.

njshift - 10/12/2006 9:34:41 AM

+2 Boost

Everything you said can pertain to anyone who buys a sport car regardless of the manufactuer. Stop posting some much hate, it really makes you come across as ignorant.

njshift - 10/12/2006 9:50:50 AM

+2 Boost

apologies for the typos

Hyundai - 10/12/2006 12:17:52 PM

0 Boost

God, I almost pissed myself laughing. Medallion wearing, hairy-chested, HAHAHAHA....

rocker - 10/12/2006 9:16:09 AM

+2 Boost

Cheaper, lighter, faster, better mpg and roomy interior. If you argue that a Vette is not as good as a Porsche, that is personal preference.

njshift - 10/12/2006 9:42:43 AM

+3 Boost

All I see are excuses. Daily driving ability, fuel consumption, old technology, awd vs. rwd, not prestigious, less luxurious... It doesn't change the fact that one sports car beat another sports car on a track. Everything else is just personal opinion.

Allosaur - 10/13/2006 6:11:12 PM

+2 Boost

Precisely njshift! Just alibis to offset the obvious. They want to convert their personal choices into justified techno fittings.

phantom330 - 10/12/2006 9:54:58 AM

+1 Boost

Point being the Z06 is a beast. Is it as technically advanced as the 911? No, but it also costs about half as much and smokes it around a track. I think there is something to be said for that. Who wouldn't rather have the Porsche? But if you're looking for supercar speed at a low price there isn't a better way to go.

Mark - 10/12/2006 11:08:02 AM

+2 Boost

Speedracer is an idiot.

Mark - 10/13/2006 1:47:33 PM

+2 Boost

Ooh, nice come back there slick.

Go spew your hatred like that somewhere else.

rocker - 10/12/2006 11:21:09 AM

+1 Boost

Didn't speedracer get cancelled?

BM3W - 10/12/2006 11:57:20 AM

0 Boost

WOW, I'm surprised at these results. I new the Z06 was a monster but I didn't think it was has nipple has the 911 turbo, especially around the track. Good job Chevy. I would still take the 911 turbo over the Z06 because of it's over all dynamics.

Z064ever - 10/12/2006 8:22:42 PM

+2 Boost

Vette faster than effette Porsche, no surprise. Look at the pretentious "men" who drive them.

Greenback - 10/12/2006 8:38:47 PM

+1 Boost

Hmm...what does General Motors, Chevrolet and Saab have in common?

Ultrasportavant - 10/13/2006 2:13:33 AM

+1 Boost

Let's be realistic, if given the choice between both cars, which one would you pick?... The Swedes should stick to their Volvos.

993Turbo - 10/13/2006 8:01:04 AM

+1 Boost

Kudos to the Vette for coming so far from their rattle-trap beginnings. Especially, on the race track.

Still, people who can afford and have driven both, always seem to drive porsches and they don't go back.

Also, I would wager on the new GT2. Yes, the price is double but it's a much better comparison for power to weight.

Bmw_Dubai - 10/14/2006 11:10:30 AM

+3 Boost

Go Z06.. well its pretty known That Z06 eats everthing on the streets...otherwise you wouldent see new version of Lambo Lp640 and new SLR