C8 Corvette vs Porsche Cayman: Mid-Engine Throwdown (Torque Tuesday Presented by Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus)

In the long-standing rivalry between these two sport car greats, which is the superior ride and why is it the C8 Corvette?  

Corvette is a sports car that has always challenged the status quo. And as a brand that has evolved masterfully, they have always seen competitors coming at them in the rearview. In that time, one long-time rival is Porsche. Now, Chevy is at the peak of excellence with the already-iconic C8 Corvette. Mid-engined and high-spirited, the C8 Corvette is well matched against the Porsche Cayman 718.

This week’s Torque Tuesday focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of both the ‘Vette and the Porsche. Who comes out on top? Well, yes … it is the C8. No surprises there. But we break down why, plus enjoy these two stunning cars battle it out.

Corvette vs. Porsche, Take II

In the 2020 C8, Chevy revolutionized the Corvette. Not only was the new car unlike anything else on the market, it was blazing into mid-engine territory with a completely new type of performance. Naturally, it would draw a lot of comparisons to Porsche. At the launch, we declared it a Porsche slayer. However, now it would seem the Porsche 911 has taken a decidedly grand touring stance; while Corvette is pure sports car meets supercar.

But that doesn’t mean that the two have made peace, either. Everyday Driver recently featuring an episode that features the C8 Corvette squaring off with the Porsche 718 Cayman. This is a very well-matched pair for the C8. Both are mid-engined, naturally aspirated, have a dual-clutch transmission, and are priced relatively the same.

#gallery-1 {
margin: auto;
}
#gallery-1 .gallery-item {
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: center;
width: 50%;
}
#gallery-1 img {
border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;
}
#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {
margin-left: 0;
}
/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Hosts Paul Schmucker and Todd Deeken take the C8 ‘Vette and Porsche on the open road, pushing each the beasts to open up.

Frankly, it is impossible not to love (or at the least appreciate) the Porsche 718 Cayman. It’s sexy, it is melted butter smooth, and it is a beautiful ride. But, as Schmucker notes, this is basically more of the same. Yes, the style is style is simple inside and out, but compared to the Corvette? A little boring. Now, we can’t hate on the Porsche Cayman overall, it is a stellar car. But it does lack the inherent adrenaline that the C8 Corvette exudes.

Although, one area that Deeken appreciates in the Porsche is the space. Taller by one-inch, both found the Cayman gave taller folks a little more room and improved visibility.

And then we get to the Corvette. Noting that the C8 is longer than the Porsche Cayman by about one-foot, including a foot longer wheelbase. This coupled with the power, dynamism, and style makes Corvette a beast; bigger in dimension and spirit.

“Your relationship to the car in person is quite different than photos,” Schmucker says. “Up close–which is how this car is designed–it is all better.”

As for the interior, they feel that this design far surpasses any generation. Although Deeken would love more headroom. But big points for the design, comfort, and the stiffer chassis.

On The Road 

Under the hood of this Porsche 718 Cayman T is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Sad trombone. While it makes 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, a Porsche without a flat-six is a little underwhelming. Although it performs nicely on the desert road, we do miss a more classic Porsche growl.

The Turbo is a nice feature, and it gives a kick. But the Porsche never seems to reach its grasp. Certainly, a great sports car (or a great driver) is not motivated by speed solely. But it is a defining factor in performance; both creating and managing serious power as well as steering, handling, quality.

But in this arena of clashing titans, the Porsche 718 Cayman comes up light. A flat-4 is a solid, balanced engine, but it can’t compare to the LT2. It isn’t overwhelming, it isn’t underwhelming … it’s just whelming.

Watching it go on the desert roads, you do have to appreciate the Porsche’s graceful capability and superior prowess.

And then the Corvette tears by, its brute 6.2-liter, all-aluminum, LT2 giving the C8 everything it needs and more. Chevy’s C8 Corvette generates 495 horses, 470 lb-ft of torque, and one dizzying soundtrack.

“I love that Chevy stayed old school,” says Schmucker. “It couldn’t be any other way. It had to be a V8.”

Listening to the Corvette growl, purr, and rev is so good.

“That power,” Deeken says. “It’s gonna make you smile.”

While he prefers the Porsche PDK dual-clutch transmission, he loves how commanding and agile the C8 is on the road. Watching this Corvette open up on the open road is a treat. It is potent, smooth, and balanced, but spunky. You can see the expression on Deeken’s face behind the wheel of the C8 Corvette. Just a genuine smile … pure automotive joy.

That is the magic Corvette formula. It is the experience, and how this machine engages the senses. Because Corvette always reminds us how thrilling it is to drive. It’s fun, it is freedom; it is why we had posters of sports cars on our wall and not paneled station wagons.

Different Strokes

Ultimately, the two just have to call it a tie–one of their closest ever. It is basically a rave/rave. The complaints were few, and it really came down to personal preference. But we must note that despite the results, both had the same reaction to the Corvette and it speaks volumes. They just lit up. Corvette may not be the right fit for every driver, but it always leaves an impression.

“Every time I drive it, I am reminded of much I love the C8,” says Schmucker. “The Corvette is now distinctly its own flavor.”

“This Corvette feels special in a way that no other Corvette has accomplished,” Deeken adds. “It can’t blend-in in traffic, it just stands out!”

While the Porsche 718 Cayman has our respect, the Corvette just inspires in a different way. The C8 saw the nameplate evolve again, it is powerful and rocking a seriously great LT2, and the design is stunning. Our mid-engined heart will always be with the C8 Corvette. Not only is the C8 a pioneer, it grips drivers and passengers on a different level. It is the consummately cool sports car that sets the bar high for performance, and heart-pumping character.

Check out the video for the entire mid-engine adventure.

Photos: Everyday Driver; GM press

ExtremeContact™ DWS^{06 Plus}
A premium all-season ultra-high performance tire for passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs,
the ExtremeContact™ DWS^{06 Plus} ranges in size from 16-22″ rim diameter. Learn more here.

.