With the introduction of the C8 Chevrolet Corvette in 2020, many wondered if the new mid-engine layout would make the American sports car too soft. While there may be some truth to that, there is no denying that the performance of the new Vette is better than previous generations.
When comparing C8 and C7 base Stingray models, the C8 is significantly faster. In fact, the new C8 Corvette Stingray has a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds versus the C7's 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds.
Because of the impressive acceleration numbers, many wonder how the C8 will fare against other American muscle cars. The YouTube channel LANDON IN A HELLCAT's friend with a beautiful white C8 Corvette Stingray wonders just that and races his C8 against Landon's Dodge Challenger Hellcat.
Massive HP Wins The Game
The video starts with Landon showing off the two American cars next to each other painted in white. He talks to the owner who then gives the specs of the Corvette. It is a bone stock 2022 model year Corvette with the Z51 package.
For those who are not familiar, the Z51 adds many performance goodies like brakes, suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a performance exhaust. The exhaust in particular adds 5 hp and 5 lb-ft of torque bringing the total to 490 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque out of its 6.2-liter V8 respectively.
Moving to Landon's Dodge Charger Hellcat, it also features a 6.2-liter V8. However, power is at 717 hp due to a massive supercharger on top of the engine. The only mods to the Hellcat is a JLT cold air intake. After a quick chat, the guys head to the streets of "Mexico" for a race.
After several rolling start races, the results are the same. The Hellcat destroys the C8 Corvette every time. The C8 is not slow by any means, but the massive power of the supercharged HEMI V8 is just too much. After the race, the two owners have some kind words about each other's cars.
Not An Apples To Apples Comparison
Although the MSRP of a 2022 Chevrolet C8 and Dodge Challenger Hellcat are similar at $64,500 and $68,320 respectively, it is not the best apples-to-apples comparison. Remember that the Corvette C8 is the base model and the Dodge Challenger Hellcat is the top-of-the-line car.
With the arrival of the Z06 Corvette and possibly ZR1, these higher-end Corvettes have a much better chance of beating the mighty Dodge muscle car. According to our sister site Top Speed, the new C8 Corvette will likely have the same engine as the Z06 but with twin turbochargers added.
With the added power and lightweight body of the C8, it should have no problem taking on the Hellcat.