If you’re caught in the classic American showdown between the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the Ford Mustang GTD, you’re not alone. Both cars are absolute monsters on the road, but if you’re leaning towards the ZR1, here are five reasons that’ll make you feel even better about your choice. And yes, there will be humor—because why shouldn’t buying a supercar be fun?
1. 212 mph—Because “Faster” is Always Better
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 can hit a mind-bending 212 mph, while the Ford Mustang GTD tops out at 203 mph. Sure, both are absurdly fast, but if you’re the type who needs to squeeze out every last mph, the ZR1 has you covered. That extra 9 mph? It’s the difference between winning a bragging contest or just nodding quietly as your friend gloats about their GTD.
2. Torque So Strong, It’ll Redecorate Your Face
The Chevy ZR1 packs a staggering 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque. That torque figure is important—it’s what’s going to make your face feel like it’s being rearranged when you floor it. The Mustang GTD might have more horsepower (Ford’s saying 800+ hp), but Chevy’s torque is what’s going to make every red light launch feel like you’re being catapulted into another dimension. In other words: ZR1 = torque beast, GTD = horsepower hero. Pick your poison wisely.
3. The Manual Transmission Is Still Alive!
Dear driving purists, rejoice! The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 still gives you the option of a 7-speed manual transmission. That’s right, you can still row through the gears like it’s 1995 and feel every bit of that mechanical connection. If you’re into feeling like an actual driver, and not just a passenger in a car doing all the work, the ZR1 is your soul mate. The Ford Mustang GTD? Sorry, it’s only offering an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. Great for setting lap times, but where’s the fun in not stalling at a stoplight at least once in a while?
4. Supercar Performance Without the Supercar Price Tag
At around $125,000, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 offers supercar-level performance for the price of, well, less than half of what you’d pay for the Mustang GTD, which is rumored to hit $300,000+. Unless you’re on a first-name basis with your bank’s CEO, this price gap is a dealbreaker for most. The ZR1 gives you the best of both worlds: Ferrari-level performance at a Costco-level bargain (okay, maybe not that cheap, but you get the point).
5. Track-Ready Fun Without the Complicated Tech Talk
Both cars come with all the goodies you need for track domination: active aerodynamics, carbon-ceramic brakes, and fancy suspension systems. But the ZR1 doesn’t overcomplicate it. Chevy gives you Magnetic Ride Control, which means your car magically adjusts to whatever you throw at it—whether that’s track laps or avoiding potholes on your way to the grocery store. The Mustang GTD has its own fancy suspension too, but do you really want to explain semi-active suspension to your friends? Exactly.
Final Lap: Corvette ZR1 vs. Mustang GTD
Look, both the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the Ford Mustang GTD are dream machines. But if you’re looking for a track beast that can hit 212 mph, packs enough torque to make your stomach think it’s on a roller coaster, and gives you the joy of shifting gears manually, the ZR1 is the smarter (and cheaper!) choice. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to save a few hundred thousand dollars for tires and speeding tickets.
Read more about the Mustang GTD
1. Which car is faster, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 or the Ford Mustang GTD?
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has a confirmed top speed of 212 mph, making it one of the fastest production cars out there. The Ford Mustang GTD‘s top speed hasn’t been fully revealed yet, but it’s unlikely to surpass the ZR1.
2. Which car has more horsepower?
The Ford Mustang GTD is expected to have 800+ horsepower, giving it an edge over the Corvette ZR1, which packs 755 horsepower. However, the ZR1’s 715 lb-ft of torque provides it with gut-wrenching acceleration.
3. Which car is more affordable?
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the more budget-friendly option, starting around $125,000. In contrast, the Ford Mustang GTD is expected to cost $300,000+, making the ZR1 the better deal for supercar performance.
4. Is the Ford Mustang GTD worth the extra price over the Corvette ZR1?
The Ford Mustang GTD offers more horsepower and some unique engineering features, but the Corvette ZR1 delivers supercar-level performance at half the price. Unless you’re after the exclusivity and limited production of the GTD, the ZR1 offers far better value for money.