The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray went through a major change for the 2027 model year. No longer does it sport the 6.2-liter LT2 V8 producing 490 horsepower. Instead, it now sports a 6.7-liter LS6 V8 pumping out well over 500 hp, ushering in a major increase in performance potential for the base-model ‘Vette, and you can have it for just over $70k.
However, you can have something much more bespoke for less than that if you don’t mind going used. A 2024 Audi e-tron GT – a performance-oriented luxury EV sedan – can now be bought for approximately half its original price. When it was new, its sticker price regularly exceeded $100,000. While the Audi and Corvette obviously occupy different performance niches, which offers the best overall performance bargain?
While Impressive, The Audi Has Lost A Staggering Amount Of Value
2022 Audi e-tron GT Front QuarterAudi
When it comes to a recipe for depreciation, the Audi e-tron GT enters the fold as both an electric car – which can already be a residual-value death sentence – and a luxury model. Those who bought an e-tron GT new may have sweaty wallets at this point, but for those who are in the market for some used electric performance, it’s one of the better deals out there.
In its base configuration, the 2024 Audi e-tron GT produces 522 hp and up to 472 lb-ft of torque. For those who needed more power at their disposal, Audi offered an RS model with 637 ponies and up to 612 lb-ft. Its 800-volt architecture supports charging from 5% to 80% in just about 23 minutes. 0–60 mph is dealt with in just about 3.6 seconds, or as little as 2.9 seconds in its RS iteration.
The 2024 Audi e-tron GT experiences sharp luxury EV depreciation, creating a compelling second-hand market. Originally carrying starting prices around $106,000 for standard trims and upward of $147,000 for high-performance RS models, pre-owned 2024 units now trade between $46,000 and $60,000 depending on mileage, trim, and condition.
This steep drop in secondary market value makes used models an extraordinary bargain. Buyers gain 800V fast-charging, sleek styling, and supercar acceleration for nearly half the original price tag. However, high ongoing battery out-of-warranty risks and rapid tech shifts continue to drive heavy overall market depreciation.
The 2027 Corvette Stingray Brings A Load Of New V8 Performance
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible V8 TourerChevrolet Japan
The brand-new LS6 engine buried underneath the 2027 Corvette’s mid-mounted engine cover brings a 45-hp bump over the outgoing 2026 model. Do the math, and that comes to 535 ponies alongside 520 lb-ft of torque. All of that power comes at a reasonable price, with a sticker that starts at just $71,000 before destination fees. When it comes to its fight with the used 2024 Audi e-tron GT, the ‘Vette offers a ton of new-car performance for approximately the same money, if you’re looking at a mint e-Tron GT.
Performance metrics have largely improved across the board for the 2027 Corvette, too. Chevy itself reports a 0–60 mph time of just 2.8 seconds, quicker than the electric Audi. It also eats a quarter-mile sprint in just 11 seconds at a trap speed of 124 mph. Keep your foot welded to the floor, and you’ll eventually reach a top speed of 200 mph – that’s supercar territory.
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible V8 TourerChevrolet Japan
It doesn’t need anything too fancy under its hood to get there, either. The LS6 engine takes advantage of a pushrod-actuated valvetrain, and it does its job without the help of forced induction. It also carries a 13.0:1 compression ratio – the highest ever found in a factory-built Corvette. Paired with the mill is an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The Corvette Costs Nearly Half As Much To Insure – And That Changes Everything
2022 Audi e-tron GT Rear QuarterAudi
The 2027 Corvette Stingray comes from Chevrolet with the same sort of warranties you’d expect. A three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage plan is included, along with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The e-tron GT comes with a four-year/50,000-mile plan, meaning those who buy a second-hand 2024 model will still be able to take advantage of it, so long as the mileage limit hasn’t yet been reached. The Audi also comes with an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on its high-voltage battery – essential for EV owners.
Let’s say you swing for the Audi. Being electric, this means you’ll be able to avoid temperamental fuel costs and rely on (historically) more-stable electricity pricing if charging at home. You’ll also be able to utilize, arguably, the most entertaining aspect of electric vehicles: the ability to provide instant power and torque. The Corvette brings conventional fuel and maintenance expenses to the table, however, and its ownership doesn’t depend on EV charging infrastructure. Also, cool V8 noises.
As far as which is cheaper to own, let’s break it down a bit. First, you’ll have to insure the car. Insure.com quotes the Audi e-tron GT at roughly $6,413 per year, or about $534 per month. The ‘Vette is significantly cheaper, coming in at $3,437 per year, or approximately $286 per month. Maintenance costs also favor the V8-toting Kentuckian, with a $737-per-year estimate from RepairPal.com, as opposed to $987 per year for the Audi.
The Audi Is A Bargain, But Is It A Smart One?
2022 Audi e-tron GT Rear QuarterAudi
The Audi’s specs are impressive: 522 hp, all-wheel drive Quattro traction, and all-electric performance wrapped in a sleek, German four-door body. According to our own Price Trends tool, a $53,935 average used price makes the above all the more tantalizing. However, once the cost of insurance and maintenance is factored in after the fact, things start to look bleak.
A 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray enters the fold with more power, a quicker 0–60 mph time, a faster top speed, and a drastically less-expensive average cost of ownership. It’ll also come with a full new-car warranty, whereas a used Audi e-tron may only have a fraction of its factory coverage remaining. For the bargain-minded buyers, this almost makes the choice a no-brainer.
Should you go for the Audi, be sure to do your homework. A thorough, professional inspection can go a long way toward revealing any issues. Make sure the battery is in good shape, and see about its charging history. Has it been trickle-charged at home for most of its life, or has it been subjected to numerous fast-charging events?
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible V8 TourerChevrolet Japan
It’s hard to argue against the Corvette in this case, even if the Audi offers a good deal of performance, used-market value, and style in its own right. The new Stingray offers a thumping V8 equipped with a performance exhaust system. Sure, the Audi will hustle along quickly, but there isn’t much in the way of go-faster noises to excite the performance enthusiast.
Base Trim Engine
Electric
Base Trim Transmission
2-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
469 hp
Base Trim Torque
464 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
85/85 MPG
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Sources: Chevrolet, Audi, RepairPal.com, CarEdge.com, Car and Driver.
