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The Corvette has been a top sports car for decades, and it's not hard to see why. Chevy's ability to produce high-powered engines, aerodynamic designs, and cutting-edge technologies help the Corvette go toe-to-toe with the best. Two of Chevy's latest high-end options are the 2024 Corvette Z06 and the 2025 Corvette ZR1. Both vehicles come with a six-figure price tag, but what sets them apart? Here at Huffines in Plano, Texas, our Chevy experts take a closer look at the differences between the Corvette ZR1 and Z06.
Under the Hood: Engine and Performance Comparison
Unsurprisingly, the ZR1 vs. Z06 comparison starts with what's under the hood. Both vehicles rely on a strong 5.5L V-8 engine that outcompetes most other cars on the road. The naturally aspirated engine version in the Z06 cranks out an incredible 670 horsepower and propels the Corvette from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. With 460 lb-ft of torque, eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and rear-wheel drive, you have a sports car driver's dream.
However, Chevy wasn't satisfied, so they turbocharged the 5.5L V-8 engine in the brand-new Corvette ZR1, delivering an impressive 1,064 horsepower. The ZR1's engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds, complete a quarter mile in under 10 seconds, and hit a top speed of 233 mph. Compare that to the respectable 189 mph top speed in the Z06, and you'll get a sense of the jump in performance in Chevy's latest racer.
The ZR1 boasts five wheel-design options, including four aluminum designs and a carbon fiber option to reduce weight. High-performance brakes and a standard adaptive suspension help improve ride quality at both high and low speeds. The Z06 offers four 10-spoke wheel designs, with optional yellow brake calipers, track tires, and suspension. A wide range of performance packages are available in both vehicles, improving brakes, aerodynamics, and track readiness.
Design and Aesthetics
The Corvette is available as a coupe or convertible, with the latter slightly reducing performance but still outpacing most competitors. For example, the Z06 convertible takes 2.7 seconds to go 0 to 60 mph –– 0.1 seconds more than the coupe. You can also add a carbon roof to your Corvette, which isn't just aesthetically pleasing but can improve performance with its lightweight design. There are various exterior color options to give your Corvette a unique look, including racing yellow, purple, and orange.
The engine placement in the middle of the vehicle enhances the design, improving weight distribution and maneuverability. Chevy boasts that the ZR1 engine is the most powerful in any factory-built car manufactured by a U.S. automaker.
Inside the cabin, you'll find comfortable and supportive seating to enjoy your ride, whether on the track or highway. A range of interior color options and stitching designs allow you to personalize your cabin. A squared-off steering wheel with ZR1 emblems on the steering wheel and door sills leaves no doubt about the type of car you're driving.
Like the rest of the Corvette lineup, the Corvette ZR1 and Z06 offer seating for two, with trunk space in the nose and behind the engine. You'll find just under 13 cubic feet of space to store your things, such as the foldable roof, should you choose to remove it.
Innovative Features and Tech
One of the most innovative features in the Corvette ZR1 and Z06 is the 12-inch customizable digital gauge cluster mounted conveniently behind the steering wheel. An 8-inch infotainment display accompanies it, tilted towards the driver for easy access. Key connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi hot spot so you can stay connected wherever you are.
The Corvette's safety features are often overlooked due to the focus on its performance capabilities. Standard automatic emergency braking is fitted with pedestrian and cyclist detection to help you avoid collisions. Lane-keep assist and lane departure warnings are helpful for highway drivers in both models. You can also upgrade to features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, which warn you about motorists approaching from awkward angles.
2024 Corvette Z06 vs. 2025 Corvette ZR1 Price
The 2025 Corvette ZR1 and 2024 Z06 both fall into the six-figure category. However, the Corvette is relatively affordable compared to other vehicle brands with similar performance specs. For instance, similar supercars from European carmakers cost approximately twice as much as the $110,100 price tag for the Z06's base trim. The new ZR1 has several significant performance upgrades, so it's unsurprising that the 2025 ZR1 Corvette price starts at $173,300. Both vehicles can increase in price due to the availability of various performance upgrade packages.
You can order a ZR1 to your preferred design requirements or browse our selection of Z06 models. If you're interested in buying a Corvette and need assistance with financing, we're here to help. Our finance center at Huffines Plano works with various local and national lenders to offer great deals to meet your needs.
Get Your New Corvette at Huffines Chevrolet Plano
Both high-performance Corvette options provide outstanding power with their V-8 engines and numerous track-ready configurations. Ultimately, your choice between the Corvette ZR1 vs. Z06 may come down to your budget since there's a significant increase in the 2025 Corvette ZR1's price. However, if you prioritize performance above all else, there's no denying that the ZR1 is for you. If you'd like to test-drive a Corvette in Plano, contact our sales team at Huffines Chevrolet.