Corvette vs BRZ
Both the Corvette and the BRZ sit in the sports car class, and Chevrolet and Subaru are clearly watching each other. Neither wins across the board. The Corvette makes its case with engine & performance; the BRZ makes its case with fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Corvette wins
- Fuel Economy & Range BRZ wins
- Space & Practicality Trade-off
- Off-road & Towing Corvette wins
- Engine & Performance6.4
- Fuel Economy & Range0.7
- Space & Practicality4.6
- Engine & Performance0.9
- Fuel Economy & Range3.0
- Space & Practicality3.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Corvette has 262 hp more power
Big gap, real consequences. The Corvette’s 490 hp versus the BRZ’s 228 hp changes how the two compare in daily use. The Corvette’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Corvette has 100% more cargo space
The BRZ is clearly behind on cargo (behind rear seats) (6.3 cu ft against 12.6 cu ft), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The BRZ has room for 4 seats
On this line of the spec sheet, the BRZ is in a different league: 4 seats, next to 2 seats for the Corvette. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
-
The BRZ has better fuel economy
For fuel economy (combined), the BRZ leads by a wide margin: 22 mpg versus 19 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Corvette has 281 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 465 lb-ft to the BRZ’s 184 lb-ft, the Corvette has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
- Corvette 182.3 in × 76.1 in × 48.6 in
- BRZ 167.9 in × 69.9 in × 51.6 in
Dimensionally, these two are near twins.
Dimensions
| Spec | Corvette | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.3 in | 167.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.1 in | 69.9 in |
| Height | 48.6 in | 51.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 in | 101.4 in |
Engine & Performance
Corvette leads
In the engine & performance category, the Corvette isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Corvette answers with 262 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Corvette is where you should land.
Total system output
Corvette: 490 hp BRZ: 228 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Corvette: 465 lb-ft BRZ: 184 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
BRZ leads
For fuel economy & range, the verdict is easy: the BRZ leads, and not by a little. The BRZ makes its case with better fuel economy. The BRZ uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. In short, the BRZ is the better-equipped car for fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
Corvette: 19 mpg BRZ: 22 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Corvette: 16 mpg BRZ: 20 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the BRZ has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Trade-off
Each side wins something here. The Corvette offers 100% more cargo space; the BRZ offers room for 4 seats. Neither gets an outright win on space & practicality; your habits break the tie.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Corvette: 12.6 cu ft BRZ: 6.3 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Seats
Corvette: 2 seats BRZ: 4 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Corvette leads
The BRZ comes close on off-road & towing, but the Corvette does just enough to lead. In its favor, the Corvette has available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. For off-road & towing, the Corvette is the one to beat.
AWD / 4WD available
Corvette: yes BRZ: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Corvette | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 6.2L V8 | 2.4L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 490 hp (winner) | 228 hp |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft (winner) | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Corvette | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 22 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 16 mpg | 20 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 25 mpg | 27 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Corvette | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 12.6 cu ft (winner) | 6.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Corvette | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Corvette | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Corvette | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.3 in | 167.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.1 in | 69.9 in |
| Height | 48.6 in | 51.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 in | 101.4 in |
Price
| Spec | Corvette | BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $68,300 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Corvette if…
- you want more power (490 hp vs 228 hp)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (12.6 cu ft vs 6.3 cu ft)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (465 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft of torque)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Choose the BRZ if…
- you need more seats (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (22 mpg vs 19 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (20 mpg vs 16 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (27 mpg vs 25 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Corvette or the BRZ?
The Corvette and the BRZ split the comparison (engine & performance for the Corvette, fuel economy & range for the BRZ), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Which is larger, the Corvette or the BRZ?
The Corvette and the BRZ are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Executive Summary
Whenever Chevrolet and Subaru go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Corvette and the BRZ are no exception. Here’s what matters most to me: the Corvette offers 262 hp more power. And the Corvette doesn’t stop there; it also offers 100% more cargo space. I’ll admit the BRZ has a point with room for 4 seats.
I’d match them like this: engine & performance to the Corvette, fuel economy & range to the BRZ.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since engine & performance means the Corvette and fuel economy & range means the BRZ.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.