Jaguar F-Type V8s Vs Chevrolet Corvette Z51 (Part 4)

And finally…

Having driven both cars and enjoyed them equally, it was time for some soul searching. Which was the best car, and which would we buy if we had the money?

And indeed, the Jaguar’s accessible performance, overall quality and good looks would make it very easy to live with

Mike Febbo and Alex agreed that if you wanted a track car, the Corvette was the best solution, but the F-Type would make a better daily driver. And indeed, the Jaguar’s accessible performance, overall quality and good looks would make it very easy to live with.

Despite being miles apart on paper, we were astonished at how close they came on the road. Overall performance, comfort and technology were very closely stacked. You might have to try a little harder in the Vette, but it rewarded with a remarkable driving experience.

In fact, when behind the wheel, the Chevy reminded me of a previous E90 M3 project car, or some ’90s performance cars that needed to be coaxed to their full potential. They would also feel a little wooden at low speed, slightly hesitant, gruff, indicating that they were clearly designed for greater things.

Admittedly, the Jaguar F-Type has the visual and aural drama of exotics like the Aston Martin DB9. It felt more refined overall and was also more relaxing to drive.

And yet there was something about the brutality and seeming reluctance of the Corvette that kept us coming back for more. It was almost as if it didn’t want to go fast, but that you had to force the issue by taking it by the scruff of the neck.

The Chevy seems to have a secret level, only accessed once you have the password

I find myself in the unusual position of liking an American-built car. I can’t say I’ve experienced this very often; the Ford Mustang Cobra R being the only other one that springs to mind… However, we all loved the 2014 Corvette Stingray with Z51 Package. The performance for the price makes it an absolute bargain. But the question remained whether we could own a car that looks like a Transformer robot.

In all honesty, we’d probably opt for the F-Type V6S, which is cheaper than the model tested here. However, it would also offer less power, which would give the advantage back to the Corvette.

So faced with the V8S or Vette, and as gorgeous as the Jag obviously is, we’d choose the cheaper Stingray for its massive entertainment factor if we could live with its looks.

So faced with the V8S or Vette, and as gorgeous as the Jag obviously is

It would have to be dark grey, and we’d be ousted from the Euro community, but it’s an awesome car for the money. I can’t believe I just said that… Did hell freeze over?

Sadly, we can’t actually afford either car, but it’s always fun to play a game of “what if…”