Chevy Corvette vs. Ferrari 612 - Comparison

2009 Chevy Corvette

For 2009, the Chevrolet Corvette is a carryover except for the all-new ZR1 model.  The much anticipated ZR1 Corvette weighs in at a lightweight 3,350 pounds; the ZR1 is based on the aluminum chassis of the Corvette Z06.  It adds a supercharged 6.2-liter engine capable of a 200 mph top speed, carbon ceramic rotors and standard magnetic ride control, plus carbon fiber roof, front fenders, rocker moldings and more.  This is truly a supercar that hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.  The Corvette can be a reasonably comfortable daily driver in most locales, for at least three of the four seasons.  The Corvette is a two-seat sports car available as a targa-roof coupe, convertible, or the high-performance Z06 and new ZR1 hardtop coupes.

Handling

The Z06 gets the 505-hp LS7 V8, a lightweight chassis, and upgraded brakes.  Corvette Z06 accelerates faster, grips better and stops shorter than European sports cars that cost twice as much. The Corvette Z06 generates 505 hp at 6,300 rpm and 470 pounds-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm; it's the most powerful passenger car engine ever produced by Chevrolet and General Motors.  Super-performance engine technology includes such items as titanium connecting rods and intake valves. Chevrolet says the Z06 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. The independent suspension uses transverse leaf springs. An optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers that detect road surfaces.

Interior

The Corvette is a two-seater, with gauges that use white LED technology; this makes them backlit day and night. The seats are comfortable and fairly easy to adjust, though moving the manually operated backrest forward is a problem because your weight is invariably resting on it when you want to adjust it. Sitting in the Corvette evokes that feeling of sitting deep down in a massive machine. There's plenty of headroom and the windshield doesn't seem too close to the driver's face. A CD player with MP3 capability is standard, while the optional Bose system includes an in-dash six-CD changer and steering-wheel audio controls. XM Satellite Radio is standard for 2008, as is OnStar. An audio input jack is standard on all stereos except those in cars equipped with the optional navigation system. A leather interior package is available on coupe, convertible and Z06 models and includes a two-tone leather-wrapped instrument panel, door pads, and seats with "Corvette" embroidered on the headrests.  Cargo volume beneath the hatchback lid is 22 cubic feet. Convertibles hold 11 cubic feet, but capacity drops to 7.5 cubic feet with the top down. A power-operated top is optional on convertibles.

Exterior

The Z06 comes only as a fixed-roof hatchback coupe. A unique front fascia and upper inlet complement a specific grille, fenders, quarter panels and rear spoiler.  A rear-mounted battery and carbon-fiber fenders and floor panels are installed. Wheel-opening extensions at the front and rear and a front splitter are evident. The Z06 is distinguished from other Corvettes by lots of subtle appearance tweaks, starting with the roof. It's fixed rather than removable, adding an extra element of structural stiffness for track driving. You'll never see a transparent roof panel on a Z06. The Z06 is 3 inches wider than other Corvettes, and the car's aluminum frame has a magnesium engine cradle.  Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are standard. Round taillights and integrated exhaust tips appear at the rear. A tapered rear deck is claimed to improve high-speed performance. Goodyear Eagle extended-mobility tires are used: P245/40ZR18 up front and P285/35ZR19 at the rear. The Corvette features General Motors' Keyless Access, which unlocks the doors and allows the engine to be started with a key fob.

Safety

All-disc antilock brakes are standard on the 2009 Corvette. Cross-drilled brakes, which resist brake fade better under high-performance conditions, are available with the Magnetic Selective Ride Control or Z51 packages. A sport seat option includes seat-mounted side-impact airbags, but side curtain airbags are not available.






2009 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

The 612 Scaglietti 2+2 coupe is the successor to Ferrari's 456M GT/GTA coupe. It is bigger and lighter than the 456M. With its 540-horsepower V-12, Ferrari says the coupe can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds.  The 612 Scaglietti is the company's first V-12-powered car to feature all-aluminum construction. Even the interior is built with aluminum components.

Handling

Ferrari's 65-degree V-12 engine displaces 5.8 liters and generates 540 hp at 7,250 rpm. Torque output is 434 pounds-feet at 5,250 rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox or a Formula One-style electrohydraulic system is available for semi-automatic operation using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Interior

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti can hold four people, which is fitted with aluminum and leather. Ferrari says all four riders can get in and out easily. The 8.5-cubic-foot trunk can hold a six-piece set of specially designed luggage. Dual-zone climate control and a Bose audio system are standard.

Exterior

The new coupe displays a teardrop profile ? especially at the cockpit, which sits considerably farther back than usual. The engine sits behind the front axle, and the gearbox and differential are mounted at the rear. Front and rear overhangs are short. A low, mouth-shaped grille contains horizontal bars and Ferrari's famed prancing horse logo in the center. Integrated headlight covers blend neatly into the front fenders, which flank a long hood. Built on a 116.1-inch wheelbase, the 612 Scaglietti is 193 inches long overall and stands 52.9 inches tall.  

Safety

Vented-disc antilock brakes are standard



The 2009 Corvette is low and sleek. From some angles it's almost pretty, and it shows a bit of Italian flair. Throughout the car, functional elements dictate design and the result is a forward motion that implies performance.  The Chevrolet Corvette is the best high-performance value in America. The Corvette delivers supercar performance for the price of a midsize luxury sedan.  The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a high-performance exotic coupe.  The 612 Scaglietti is powered by a 540-horsepower 5.8 liter V-12 front engine. The engine is controlled by a six-speed manual or electrohydraulic paddle-shift automatic transmission. Although the Ferrari has the advantage of seating four, the Corvette is a much more affordable vehicle. It has a starting MSRP of $48,565 ? $103,970, while the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti comes in much higher at $263,519 ? $275,887. The Corvette also gets slightly better mileage: 14/24 mpg (city/highway) compared to the Ferrari?s 10/16 mpg.