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2020 Corvette Convertible Offers Outstanding Value Compared To Rivals

The 2020 Corvette Convertible is an absolute game-changer for the nameplate, and not just because of the all-new platform and engine/drivetrain layout. The new mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette droptop also breaks the mold thanks to its foldable hardtop roof, which stands in contrast to the soft tops of every preceding Chevrolet Corvette Convertible ever made. Now, we’re lining it up against a slew of rival foldable hardtop models to see how it compares in terms of horsepower, 0-to-60 mph time and base cost.

Before we launch into this thing, it’s important to note why Chevrolet ended up ditching the soft top design in favor of a foldable hardtop. For starters, a foldable hardtop simply looks better. With the roof up, the new 2020 Corvette Convertible keeps the sultry lines and mid-engine proportions of the Coupe model completely intact, and in fact, the only real differences in terms of styling are relegated to the rear deck and “nacelles” just behind the headrests.

Additionally, a foldable hardtop makes for a far more comfortable ride, as it can more effectively block out the wind and road noise when the top is up. For a vehicle billed as an everyday supercar, this sort of thing is crucial.

Finally, a foldable hardtop roof is more secure than a ragtop, given thieves will have a harder time getting through metal than a fabric material.

With that covered, let’s dive right into the specs, starting with the 2020 Corvette Convertible. Making its big debut in October, the new C8 droptop is mechanically identical to its Coupe sibling, mounting the same naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8 engine, which is once again tuned to deliver 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the optional performance exhaust system. Properly motivated, the new Corvette Convertible will sprint to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Pricing for the 1LT base model starts at $67,495.

From there, we dig into our list of rival foldable hardtops. Note that the models listed aren’t necessarily direct rivals for the C8, but rather are listed merely for comparison purposes.

That much should be obvious given our first entry here—the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. Equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, the lightweight MX-5 doles out 181 horsepower at the rear wheels, good enough for a run to 60 mph in less than six seconds. While the MX-5’s performance is nowhere near that of the C8, neither is its price tag, starting at $32,345 for the RF Club model.

BMW M4 Convertible

Next, we head to Germany for the BMW M4 Convertible. As the Bavarians’ compact droptop sports car, the M4 lays down the rubber thanks to a twin-turbo inline six-cylinder producing a maximum of 425 horsepower. The setup is good for a 4.2-second run to 60 mph, which is quick, but not as quick as the C8. Pricing is also significantly higher than that of the Vette, starting at $77,650.

Mercedes-Benz also has a few foldable hardtops worth looking at, starting with the SLC 43 Roadster. With its AMG-tuned twin-turbo 3.0L V6 on board, this Merc has 385 horsepower on tap, which is good enough for a run to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The Corvette beats both those numbers, but the SLC 43 manages to slot in under the Vette in terms of pricing, starting at $63,900.

Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Roadster

Meanwhile, the bigger, posher Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Roadster hits the scene with 449 horsepower from a twin-turbo 4.7L V8, propelling the luxury sled to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Pricing is considerably higher though, starting at $114,700.

From there, we start to get into bonafide exotic territory. The McLaren 570S Spider posts an impressive 3.1-second run to 60 mph thanks to a twin-turbo 3.8L V8 producing 562 horsepower. However, as one might expect, pricing is a bit eye-watering, starting at $192,500.

McLaren 570S Spider

Our final entry in this comparison is an Italian stallion—the Ferrari 488 Spider. With a twin-turbo 3.9L V8 mounted just behind the cabin, the 488 produces upwards of 660 horsepower, good enough to sling it to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, matching the C8. However, pricing is astronomical by comparison, starting at $280,900.

2020 Corvette C8 - Hardtop Convertible Comparison
Model Horsepower 0-To-60 MPH (seconds) Starting Price
2020 Corvette Convertible 490 2.9 $67,495
Mazda Miata RF Club 181 5.8 $32,345
BMW M4 Convertible 425 4.2 $77,650
Mercedes-Benz SLC 43 Roadster 385 4.6 $63,900
Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Roadster 449 4.3 $114,700
McLaren 570S Spider 562 3.1 $192,500
Ferrari 488 Spider 660 2.9 $280,900

Clearly, the 2020 Corvette Convertible makes for an incredible value compared to other contemporary hardtop convertible sports cars, offering an impressive mix of huge power, outrageously quick acceleration, and low cost. Throw in an all-American soundtrack from the exhaust pipes, and well, color us smitten.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. The 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Convertible is an instant collector’s item especially as this is a convertible hardtop meaning it’ll look as good in 30 years as when it leaves the factory and right out of the box, this is a world class sports car and it now features a mid-engine layout which is something others can’t compare.. the Mazda Miata is a good high school graduation present whereas the C8 Corvette Convertible is something you buy for yourself at any stage of your life.

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  2. Traditional American automotive technology has officially put the driver in front of the power plant. As a bonus, we get a retractable hardtop version that arguably looks even better than the coupe, which is a Targa itself. Whew! That’s a very intimidating thing when the base model’s output at the wheel takes it to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. A top speed of 194 mph puts it in the arena of foreign exotica. And an entry price under 60 grand basically slaps anything considering itself competition directly in the face daring them to do better. What’s truly crazy in my opinion, in spite of the negative visibility and understeer comments, is that this is the first generation of this new configuration of the Corvette. It will only get better. That is a lot to digest. The only thing that could make this car any sweeter would be a warranty package on the level of Hyundai’s offerings. I honestly have a new favorite supercar and that’s the new C8. Sorry Ferrari 512 TestaRossa, I’m gonna miss you.

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  3. Given a 80 pound weight penalty which could be offset with composite wheels, one has to wonder what is the margin in performance difference between a Z51 Corvette Stingray convertible and a Z51 Corvette Stingray hardtop if the weight difference is under 50 lbs.

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  4. I agree the Corvette Convertible is a great value and it is absolutely gorgeous, but I don’t like the black painted top. I hope Chevrolet offers a delete option for that or a body colored roof option.

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  5. The only thing that changes in a mans life is the price of his toys. Just an awesome looking vehicle.

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