The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is fitted with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine with an extraordinary 755 hp and 715 lb-ft (968 Nm) of torque. With those figures, you’d be excused to believe that it can out-accelerate all other American performance cars.
The DragTimes channel on YouTube recently pitted a Ford GT against the new Corvette ZR1, and despite enjoying a healthy power advantage, the ‘Vette didn’t swipe the floor as many would have expected.
In the first race, the launch control system of the Ford GT works seamlessly and sends it flying down the half mile. By comparison, the Corvette ZR1 experienced a serious amount of wheelspin and was left far, far behind.
More interesting than this first race is the second one. This time around, the duo went head-to-head in a rolling drag race, exactly where you’d assume the Corvette would have an obvious advantage. However, things don’t exactly play out that way.
Whereas the ZR1 has a great big V8 out the front, the Ford GT uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 mounted in the middle of the car. This engine delivers 647 hp and 550 lb-ft (745 Nm) of torque and is mated to a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission.
This video just goes to prove that power isn’t everything when it comes to drag racing, as weight and traction are also just as pivotal.