Two details were missing from the media whirlwind that is the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8: its price tag and top speed. We already dedicated a separate article to the price tag topic, so it’s now time to look at the 2020 Corvette C8’s top speed. According to Chevrolet’s own PR talk, the new Corvette can do 194 mph, which is roughly 313 km/h.

2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Top Speed

According to Chevrolet, the C8 can reach 194 mph only in its base form. That is, only the entry-level 2020 Corvette can pull it off, while models fitted with the Z51 pack can’t. That’s only natural because the Z51 changes the aero setup and is more biased towards drag, which ultimately affects top speed - but that value is yet to be announced by Chevrolet.

On the flipside, C8 Corvettes fitted with the Z51 pack will be quicker off the line and a lot more composed on the road and trick than regular models, mostly due to their stickier tires and drag-oriented bits and bobs. So here’s the dilemma? Do you go for the entry-level C8 and enjoy the top speed or pay the extra buck for the Z51 Performance pack and get better dynamics during spirited driving? Well, unless you live in Germany, fully unleashing the Corvette C8’s top speed would be a daunting task. We, for a change, we’d take the nippier, Z51-equipped 2020 Chevrolet Corvette.

That said, let’s now deviate from the main topic here. A top speed of 194 mph associated with a starting sticker of $59,995 is the bargain of all bargains. To put things into perspective, the C7 Corvette and its 460-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 could deliver a top speed of 187 mph, which is 301 km/h. That’s 7 mph less than the 495-horsepower C8 Corvette. In all honesty, we weren’t expecting anything else than a bump in top speed with the new-generation Vette. So let’s see how it fares against the competition.

2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Top Speed VS The Competition

For the sake of the argument, we’ve selected a list of direct rivals for the 2020 Corvette C8. It includes the likes of Ford GT, McLaren 570GT, Ferrari 488 GTB, Lamborghini Huracán Evo, Audi R8, Porsche 911 Carrera, and the Saleen S1. Now, remember, the C8 Corvette’s top speed is 194 mph. The Ford GT can reach 216 mph, the 570GT is good for 204 mph, the 488 GTB can pull off 205 mph, while the Huracán Evo has a top speed of 212 mph. Then comes the Audi R8 with 201 mph, the 911 Carrera with a top speed of 182 mph and the Saleen S1 with 180 mph. These figures are rendered in the chart below.

As you can see, the 2020 Corvette C8 only manages to beat the Saleen S1 and the 911 Carrera in terms of top speed. However, there’s another aspect that needs vectoring in here. Yup, folks, that’s the price. The Ford GT starts at $450,000, McLaren will ask $201,450 for a 570GT, while the 488 GTB won’t be yours for less than $225,000. Subsequently, the Huracán Evo starts at $261,274, the Audi R8 sells for $140,000, while the 911 Carrera starts at $91,100.

Sure, the C8 is by far the fastest of the lot, but come on, sub-200 mph for sub-$60,000k? That’s an offer we can’t refuse. Now, all being said, we’d like to know your take on the matter. What would you favour for the 2020 C8 Corvette? Top speed or quicker acceleration? And why? Let us know in the comments section below.