The new Corvette has a lot going for it: it's fast, it handles well, and it's a lot cheaper than some of its competition. But, while it's good on paper, it's missing something. There's something about older sports cars that just can't be replicated, maybe the purity and engagement of the driving experience that newer cars just can't match.
For buyers in the market for a C8, it might be worth stopping to look around for an older sports car too. And what better place to look than Europe? From Italian beauties to German performance, Europe has given the world some of the finest sports cars ever made. Here are ten classic Euro sports cars we'd drive over the new Corvette in a heartbeat.
10 Lamborghini Jalpa
The Lamborghini Jalpa was the last Lambo to use a V8 engine before the introduction of the Urus in 2018. It was the brand's entry-level offering but still provided a healthy 255 hp.
It was designed to be a more livable and affordable alternative to the range-topping Countach, which meant the Jalpa had better visibility and could cope better in heavy traffic. That means owners could drive the Jalpa every day, and what's cooler than daily driving a classic Lamborghini?
9 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Drop-top retro style doesn't come much more classy than this. The SL Class Mercedes-Benz is still being produced to the present day, but this 80s version just oozes classic movie star style.
Designed as a luxurious but sporty roadster, the SL Class allows the owner to enjoy the best of the weather without ever having to leave their quilted seats. They're affordable too, with well-cared-for examples selling for several thousand less than a base C8 Corvette.
8 BMW M3 E30
Regarded by many as one of the best BMWs ever made, it's difficult to go wrong with an E30 M3. It handles like a dream, and it's got just enough power to be fun on the roads without risking too many speeding tickets.
It also looks stunning, but thanks to all these things it's getting harder to find an E30 in good condition. For those who can, they get to say they own a bona fide icon and one of the true ultimate driving machines.
7 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II
The Lancia Delta is one of the most iconic rally cars of all time, and a highly successful one to boot. The Integrale Evo II was essentially a homologated version of that famous WRC car, being almost completely separate in construction from the standard Delta despite sharing a name and looks.
Delta Evo IIs are also rapidly appreciating in value, so those who want to get them will need to secure theirs fast. It's certainly guaranteed to be a much better value investment than a new Corvette.
6 Jaguar E-Type
It's famously the car Enzo Ferrari described as, "the most beautiful car ever made". With compliments like that, the E-Type needs no further introduction. Built as the successor to the Jaguar D Type, the E-Type still turns heads today, even though it's relatively common by classic car standards.
There are lots of examples on the market, so potential owners shouldn't have a hard time finding an affordable example in good condition. Sure, it's not the fastest car or even the easiest to drive, but with a design like that, it's impossible to say no.
5 Audi Quattro
The original four-wheel-drive Audi, the Quattro didn't pull any punches when it was released in 1980. Both a road and a rally car, the Quattro set about establishing its dominance in the global rally scene, winning the first two WRC championships it entered.
On top of being a legendary rally car, the Quattro boasts several TV appearances, such as being the feature car of critically-acclaimed BBC TV show Ashes to Ashes. It's a TV star, a rally car, and even better, pristine examples can be found for nearly $10,000 less than a new Corvette.
4 Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is one of the most well-known sports cars on Earth, being in constant production since 1963. The reason for their endearing popularity is their consistently amazing driving experience, striking the right balance of handling and power.
Examples of the 911 from the '80s currently sell for around the same price as a base-spec Corvette and provide a lot more pure driving joy than the Chevy could ever hope to. It's best to buy an example with three pedals to get the most out of the 911.
3 DeTomaso Pantera
It's a largely forgotten car, but it shouldn't be. The DeTomaso Pantera has all the right ingredients, with a mid-engine Ford V8 and classic wedge-shaped design. The car was originally imported to the US by Ford, but after they stopped imports continued on the gray market.
Panteras don't come up for sale very often, and when they do it's worth noting what spec the example is. Original, Ford-imported Panteras, while still great cars, aren't as high performance as later variants such as the GT5-S. Either way, thanks to their rarity and stunning looks, they're a lot more bang-per-buck than a C8.
2 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
Cars like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA are the reason that Italian designs received a reputation as the best in the world. Light, nimble, and inexplicably gorgeous, GTAs are still surprisingly affordable.
Restored examples aren't cheap, but they're comparable with the top end of the Corvette price range. They're rare too, so owners can rest easy with the knowledge they'll have a totally unique car at any show they enter.
1 Ferrari Testarossa
Owning a Ferrari—It's a lifelong dream for countless car enthusiasts, but for those lucky enough to have the money it's important to get the right one. The Testarossa ticks all the right boxes for a classic prancing horse. It's mid-engined, sporting a 4.9-liter flat-12 connected to a 5-speed manual. That alone makes it better than anything in the new Corvette catalog.
It's also earned its place in pop culture thanks to its star appearance in the legendary Sega game OutRun. Despite all of this, Testarossas are not very expensive, with the cheapest examples asking for just over the price of a top-spec C8. Iconic Ferrari or new Corvette? Surely it's a no-brainer.