Almost every car company out there is looking to offer products in multiple spaces, whether it’s a different segment of the market, or just a different price range. A common method used by car makers to generate sales is having a halo car and positioning another one below it for those who can’t afford the former. This is quite a common occurrence and you might have noticed it with your favorite brand, including exotic Italian marquees.

Lamborghini, for instance, generated interest or hype with the Aventador but went on to sell a lot more of the comparatively lower-priced Huracan. However, it’s not just exotic brands that do this. There are two Chevy sports car options at two different price points – the Camaro and the Corvette. That said, the Chevys are much closer in terms of pricing, depending on the spec. That’s not all, they are both still relatively affordable machines which means there are a lot more overlapping buyers than you’d think. 

It’s not just pricing that’s similar with these two cars, it’s also what’s under the hood and more. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at this almost unexplored sibling rivalry. 

Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro — Origins

It’s always a good idea to approach a subject by taking a good look at its origin. A quick history can tell you quite a bit about a vehicle, while also giving you an idea of its original purpose. Let’s begin with the Chevrolet Corvette since it was launched before the Camaro. 

Back in the 1950s, Chevrolet was having trouble moving as many vehicles as they were hoping for. The American carmaker was in a clear slump in terms of sales and was on the lookout for a way in which it could change or at least help the situation.

This is where Chevrolet’s brand manager, Thomas Keating, came in. His idea of a solution for this problem was to build a sports car. However, this wasn’t just any sports car. It was developed under the code name Project Opel and was Chevrolet’s version of a popular British sports car. And as you’d expect it was unlike anything the company was making at the time. It used a fiberglass body, a 3.9-liter straight-six engine that was paired to a basic two-speed automatic.

The car was quite well-received at the parent company’s Motorama show in New York in 1953. However, that didn’t translate into impressive sales. The company only managed to sell 183 of the 300 built that year. Almost 70 years later, and the new 2023 Corvette Z06 has a waiting list that’s only getting longer by the hour, and the car hasn’t even been released yet. 

When it comes to Chevrolet Camaro, reports emerged even before the company announced its arrival. It was to be expected considering the company would need a rival to the Ford Mustang. The Camaro was code-named Panther and the company first broke the news to automotive journalists in 1966. 

However, Chevrolet did its fair share of teasing and didn’t completely reveal the car to pique people’s interest. When asked about the Camarao’s name, the company’s product managers said it is “a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.” Referring to how they were ready to take on the segment.

The Chevrolet Camaro first went on sale in 1966 and it was based on the company’s new rear-wheel-drive F-body platform. The car is sold in a coupe and convertible body style and could be had with several different engine options, ranging from a 4.1-liter six-cylinder to a 6.5-liter V8. The original Chevrolet Camaro was available in Super Sport (SS) and Rally Sport (RS) trim levels. Chevrolet also went on to introduce a sportier Z/28 version not long after.

2022 Corvette vs 2022 Camaro

Both Chevy sports cars have had quite interesting origin stories and while that has helped give a deeper understanding of what Chevrolet was aiming for at the time, the times have changed. In 2022, both these cars continue to remain on the same path as the originals but have gone through massive overhauls, to say the least.

Before we discuss aspects like the performance, features, and more it’s important to take into consideration that the Camaro has a starting price that’s significantly lower than that of the Corvette. However, to make this as fair as possible we’ll be comparing the closest price versions of the two. In this case, that would be the top-spec Camaro and the entry-level Corvette. 

2022 Corvette vs 2022 Camaro — Which Is Faster?

Powering the entry-level 2022 Chevrolet Corvette 1LT is a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 495 HP and 470 lb-ft of torque. This engine also comes paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard. MotorTrend is one of the publications that has tested the entry-level version of the 2022 Corvette thoroughly and the tests reveal quite a lot. They’ve managed to clock the car going from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.3 seconds and crossing the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds. 

While the numbers are quite impressive, the higher-spec (Z51) Corvette manages it in a quicker 2.8 seconds and 11.1 seconds. Interestingly, it is said that the more-expensive Z51’s power advantage isn’t the only factor contributing to its quicker times. It manages to do so thanks to a shorter rear axle ratio and tires that offer more grip. That said, the Z51 does cost a bit more.

The Camaro ZL1, on the other hand, uses a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 also known as the LT4. This engine makes an impressive 650 HP and 650 lb-ft, making it significantly more powerful than the Corvette. However, the Camaro isn’t as light as the Corvette which is why it isn’t faster. You have the option to choose between a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic transmission.

While both transmission options offer impressive performance, it’s the automatic that posts quicker acceleration times. It gets to 60 MPH in just 3.5 seconds. While the Camaro has a slightly slower acceleration time, it has a comparably higher top speed. The Camaro ZL1 has a claimed top speed of 198 MPH, while the Corvette 1LT can get 194 MPH. Interestingly, the LT4 engine the Camaro ZL1 is equipped with is from the top-spec C7 (seventh-gen) Corvette. For reference, both cars are not that far from a 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S in terms of acceleration. There’s one way to beat the Porsche’s time of 2.9 seconds and that’s by opting for the Z51 package with the Corvette.

2022 Chevy Sports Cars — Handling

One of the biggest differences between the 2022 Corvette and Camaro is the drivetrain configuration. The Corvette has its engine behind the driver for a mid-engined layout, while the Camaro has its motor in the front for a more conventional setup. Both cars send power to the rear wheels.

With its racecar-like layout, the Corvette has a weight distribution of 40/60. Another big difference comes in the form of its double-wishbone suspensions at both ends. The front and rear wishbone setup allow for a lower center of gravity. The lower center of gravity is quite evident as it allows for improved agility, stability, and grip. Mid-engined cars have a reputation for losing their rear when being pushed too hard, but the Corvette is known to catch it before it even reaches that stage. The C8 Corvette is also known to understeer, but not to the extent where it takes away from the car’s overall ability and fun aspect. 

The Corvette also uses magnetic dampers which are designed to deliver the necessary characteristics when required. When driven hard, it’ll stiffen up and improve grip. On the flip side, when the car is being driven in a relaxed manner it delivers a more comfortable ride. Even though it costs a bit more, buyers looking for the best handling should opt for the Z51 Performance Package. Additionally, with the Z51, you also get more-powerful brakes. While the brakes on the standard Corvette are quite potent, the Z51 delivers a shorter stopping distance.

On the other hand, the top-of-the-line Camaro ZL1 is designed to perform on the race track. It is the most hardcore version of the car which means the engineers weren’t messing around. Even though it looks quite boxy, especially when compared to the Corvette, it’s aerodynamic. It’s not all about aero though, Chevrolet has also tuned the suspension to perform well on the track. This includes changes to the springs and magnetic dampers. The electronic LSD, meanwhile, helps put the power down.

Another change comes in the form of the adjustable rear stabilizer bar which allows for adjustments to be made. The Brembo brakes on the Camaro also offer an impressive amount, more so when you factor in the curb weight of this big heavy coupe.

Features and Creature Comforts

Being the base model, the 2022 Corvette 1LT doesn’t come equipped with the features of the more expensive version. That said, it’s not completely bare bones and still boasts of a leather interior, 8-way power seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, remote start, 10-speaker Bose audio satellite radio and LED lighting.

The Camaro ZL1, meanwhile, makes use of leather and suede on the inside. It also gets contrast switching and sporty Recaro front seats. The flat-bottom steering wheel also adds to the overall experience of the other car. It also gets wireless smartphone integration. Unlike the Corvette, the Camaro also gets rear seats, but the seating is a little bit of a squeeze.

Pricing and Conclusion

If you take a look at the rather fun configurators on Chevrolet’s website, you’ll realize that the 2022 Camaro ZL1 and the Corvette Stingray 1LT have nearly identical price tags of $65,000. This is exactly what we meant by the overlapping point when we mentioned it at the beginning. You could either go for a fully specced-out Camaro or an entry-level Corvette for the same price.

As we said before, both sports cars have their advantages and disadvantages. If you decide to go for the Corvette, we highly recommend shelling out the additional $6,000 for the Z51 Performance Package as it is incredible value for money. With the Camaro ZL1, all you have to worry about is whether you want a manual or automatic. Choosing between the two finally comes down to your preference as they are unique, despite being priced not too far off from each other.

Maintain Your Chevy Sports Car with Newparts.com 

At the end of the day, no matter which Chevy sports car you choose to get, one thing remains the same — you’ll need to keep up with the maintenance. Here at Newparts.com, we offer a wide range of genuine GM, OEM, and quality aftermarket parts for both Corvettes and Camaros of various generations. To find parts that fit your car, simply head over to our store section, input your car’s data into our car selection tool, and search for the parts you need. The results will include only products that are a guaranteed fit!