10 Used Performance Cars To Consider Instead Of The 2025 Corvette ZR1

10 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S

Starting Used Price: $85,270

The 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S was part of the 991.2 generation of the iconic 911 series. Enthusiasts praised it for its breathtaking performance and refinement. Motivation came from a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-6 engine that sent 580 hp through a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and a sophisticated AWD system.

With this powertrain, the 2017 911 Turbo S can give the 2025 Corvette ZR1 a run for its money. Several features combine to make the 911 Turbo S a blast to drive. Some of them include a driver-focused design, rear-axle steering, and the Active Suspension Management (PASM) system. While it commanded a premium sticker price when new, it now offers terrific value.

Performance

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9 2018 Audi R8 V10 Plus

Starting Used Price: $152,300

Boasting drop-dead gorgeous good looks, the 2018 R8 V10 Plus impresses with hair-raising acceleration and outstanding agility. This is thanks to a 602-hp power plant and all-wheel drive traction. With a 0-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds, the Audi can take on the upcoming ZR1 with ease. Moreover, the Audi does the quarter-mile run in 10.6 seconds and tops out at 204 mph.

Those are impressive figures for a car that doesn’t compromise everyday driveability. The dual-clutch transmission provides smooth shifts while the small turning circle makes it easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces. With the driving modes on offer, drivers can tailor the car’s behavior to suit their driving needs.

Performance

8 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo

Starting Used Price: $117,498

When it finally arrived in 2007 after years of development, the iconic Nissan GT-R (R35) was a game-changer. Not only did it impress with supercar-like performance, but it also boasted a more affordable starting price. The track-focused Nissan GT-R Nismo edition brought 600 hp worth of fury to the lineup. This came from a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 mill mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The GT-R also sported a range of enhancements such as a stiffer body and a specially-tuned suspension for better handling and cornering. Capable of doing 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, the 2017 GT-R Nismo can keep pace with the 2025 Corvette ZR1 on the track.

Performance

7 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Starting Used Price: $100,408

For the last model year of the seventh-generation Corvette, Chevrolet brought back the ZR1 nameplate. It is the ultimate C7 Corvette, and the last ZR1 model to feature a front-mounted engine. The 6.2-liter supercharged power plant pumps out a healthy 755 horses and 715 lb-ft of twist. Boasting a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds, this supercar-killer is not a bad alternative for its upcoming sibling.

It has two different rear wing options: a low wing that maximizes top speed, or a high wing that enhances cornering. Also on offer is a suspension system that adjusts damping forces automatically to suit different road conditions and driving dynamics. The driver can also choose any of the driving modes that best suit his driving needs.

Performance

6 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Starting Used Price: $54,852

For the 2018 model year, the Z06 was the most powerful model in the Corvette lineup. Like the C7 ZR1, the 2018 Z06 packs a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 mill under the hood. But here, it churns out 650 horses and 650 lb-ft of torque. This is enough juice to satisfy most driving needs and make the 2018 Z06 a sound alternative to the upcoming ZR1. Moreover, it is also more affordable than the ZR1.

Thanks to a stiff chassis and a performance suspension that enhances stability and agility, the 2018 Z06 offers exhilarating rides on winding roads. Several electronic aids work with its advanced suspension and aerodynamic enhancements to make the 2018 Z06 a blast to drive.

Performance

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5 2019 Jaguar F-Type SVR

Starting Used Price: $69,730

The 2019 Jaguar F-Type SVR has a sleek and muscular exterior design that reflects its sporty character. Combining luxury, speed, and agility, it is one of the finer examples of Jaguar’s craftsmanship and innovation. It is also worth the consideration of thrill seekers who may not have the patience to wait for the C8 Corvette ZR1’s arrival.

Under the hood, Jaguar stuffed a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that plays a thrilling soundtrack through an active exhaust system. A slick and precise 8-speed automatic gearbox sends power to the four wheels for impressive acceleration and top speed. Several advanced handling technologies combine to give the 2019 F-Type SVR outstanding agility both on or off the track.

Performance

4 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

Starting Used Price: $109,700

Mercedes-Benz paraded an impressive lineup of SL-Class cars in the 2016 model year. The most powerful among them was the SL65 AMG which packs a punch of 621 hp and 738 lb-ft. A specialized 7-speed automatic transmission channels power from the hand-crafted V12 under the hood to the rear wheels. Zero to 60 mph happens in 3.7 seconds while the quarter mile flashes past in 11.8 seconds.

With figures like these, the 2016 SL65 AMG is worth considering instead of the 2025 Corvette ZR1. Besides the quick acceleration, it also displays outstanding handling capabilities with the help of various electronic and mechanical aids. Overall, it offers a refined driving experience that makes it a good daily driver too.

Performance

3 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Starting Used Price: $121,600

This stunning piece of British engineering packs a powerful naturally-aspirated V12 power plant, unlike the C8 ZR1’s twin-turbo V8 engine. The high-revving engine plays a fantastic soundtrack as it pushes the luxury sports car around. A dash from zero to 60 mph in the V12 Vantage S takes 3.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 205 mph.

It is fast enough to catch the eyes of shoppers for the upcoming Corvette ZR1. Underneath, it features a sport-tuned suspension with an adaptive damping system that creates a balance between ride comfort and sportiness. Other features that contribute to its responsive handling include sharp/responsive steering and a rigid/lightweight chassis.

Performance

2 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Starting Used Price: $78,561

With 760 foaming ponies on tap, the 2021 GT500 is a beast that can run circles around many exotic sports cars. The supercharged engine under the hood sends the iconic muscle car from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. According to the manufacturer, the 2021 GT500 is good for a top speed of 180 mph. The super Mustang is also at home on the track where it displays an impressive cornering grip.

Thanks to a slick transmission and the MagneRide suspension, the 2021 Mustang GT500 is also easy to drive daily. For all its strengths, it is nowhere as costly as the 2025 ZR1’s expected starting price. And, it is fast enough to deserve consideration instead of the upcoming Corvette ZR1.

Performance

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1 2015 Dodge Viper

Starting Used Price: $71,400

The 2015 Dodge Viper is a sleek driving machine that packs a heady dose of raw venom under the hood. Paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, a massive V10 mill sends 645 hp and 600 lb-ft to the rear wheels. With so much juice on tap, the 2015 Viper can hit 60 mph from zero in 3.4 seconds.

The 2015 Dodge Viper is a handful to handle even for experienced drivers. Its lightweight chassis and low center of gravity offer incredible athletic handling, and thanks to outlandish traction, it attacks corners with confidence. But for the enthusiast that needs a raw performance-focused sports car, the 2015 Viper is worth considering instead of the 2025 Corvette ZR1.

Performance