Is a Corvette faster than a Hellcat?

In most stock configurations, the Corvette—especially the mid‑engine Stingray and the Z06—tends to outperform the Hellcat in acceleration and handling, while top‑end speed can vary by trim and setup. The result is a nuanced answer: Corvettes generally win on quickness and agility, but high‑hp Hellcats can challenge or exceed in straight-line speed under the right conditions.

Speed, acceleration, and the numbers that matter

Here is a quick snapshot across common trims to illustrate where each stands.

• Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C8, 2020–present): about 495 hp, 0–60 mph in roughly 2.9 seconds, top speed around 194 mph, curb weight in the mid‑3,500s pounds (varies by options).


• Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C8, 2023–present): about 670 hp, 0–60 in about 2.6–2.7 seconds, top speed around 198 mph, curb weight near 3,600 pounds.


• Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (non‑Redeye): about 707 hp, 0–60 in around 3.4 seconds, top speed near 199 mph, weight around 4,400–4,500 pounds.


• Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye (and similar Redeye variants): about 797 hp, 0–60 in roughly 3.4 seconds, top speed around 203 mph, weight around 4,500–4,700 pounds.

In this quick snapshot, the Corvette shows a clear advantage in 0–60 times and overall handling, while the higher‑hp Hellcat variants compensate with raw horsepower and competitive top speeds. Weight and drivetrain layout play crucial roles in how each car performs on a given stretch of road or a race track.

Model-by-model comparisons

The comparison below focuses on how the most common Corvette configurations stack up against typical Hellcat variants in two critical domains: straight-line speed and handling capability on a track or twisty road.

Stingray vs. Hellcat: straight‑line performance

The Stingray is built for rapid acceleration and agile handling, while the Hellcat relies on brute horsepower and gearing to achieve its numbers. Here’s how they typically line up:

• Corvette Stingray: 0–60 about 2.9 seconds; top speed around 194 mph; weight roughly 3,500–3,600 lb.


• Dodge Challenger Hellcat (non‑Redeye): 0–60 around 3.4 seconds; top speed near 199 mph; weight roughly 4,400–4,500 lb.

Conclusion: In most straight‑line runs from a standstill, the Stingray will reach 60 mph faster and carry momentum more efficiently into higher speeds, thanks to a lighter footprint and a more advanced chassis. The Hellcat can close the door at higher speeds if conditions favor its horsepower and gearing, but the Corvette generally holds the quicker 0–60 advantage.

Z06 vs. Hellcat Redeye: handling, aero and outright power

When performance shifts toward track dynamics or high‑speed stability, the Z06’s advanced aerodynamics and lighter mass give it an edge in precision and cornering, while Redeye variants push enormous horsepower in a heavier package. Here’s the typical picture:

• Corvette Z06: 0–60 about 2.6–2.7 seconds; top speed around 198 mph; weight around 3,600 pounds, with aero and chassis tuning geared toward track performance.


• Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye: 0–60 about 3.4 seconds; top speed around 203 mph; weight around 4,500–4,700 pounds, with immense low‑end and mid‑range torque.

Conclusion: On a tight road course or a controlled track environment, the Z06’s balance of power, weight and aero tends to deliver better lap‑time potential and handling precision. The Redeye’s advantage lies in straight‑line speed and raw power, but its mass and steering/handling dynamics can be a limiting factor on tight corners.

What to consider beyond the numbers

Performance numbers tell part of the story, but several real‑world factors shape how “fast” a car feels and performs:

• Traction and tires: Quality rubber and traction control settings influence launch grip and cornering grip.


• Gearing and transmission: Final drive ratio and transmission behavior can dramatically affect 0–60 and mid‑range acceleration.


• Aerodynamics and weight distribution: Higher downforce and balanced weight distribution improve cornering stability and braking performance.


• Track conditions: Altitude, temperature, and surface quality can tilt numbers one way or another.


• Driver skill and style: Technique can close gaps that hardware specifications alone cannot close.

Bottom line: If you prize quickest 0–60 and nimble handling on winding roads or a track, a Corvette—especially the Stingray or Z06—will typically outperform a Hellcat in most common conditions. If your priority is peak top speed and raw horsepower in a straight line, the higher‑hp Hellcat variants can challenge or exceed certain Corvette configurations under the right circumstances.

Summary

Corvettes generally deliver faster acceleration and sharper handling than the Hellcat in many stock configurations, with the Stingray and Z06 leading in quickness and control. Hellcat variants, especially Redeye models, offer formidable top‑end speed thanks to their horsepower, though their greater weight can blunt acceleration and agility. The best choice depends on what you value most—quickness and cornering performance or raw straight‑line horsepower and top speed—and on the specific trims and tires you choose.

What car is faster than Hellcat?

Many cars are faster than a Hellcat, including performance models like the Dodge Challenger Demon, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and Chevrolet Corvette C8. Additionally, electric vehicles such as the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and Tesla Model S P85D are quicker, especially from a standstill. Even many older or more affordable cars can be modified to achieve or surpass Hellcat performance levels. 
You can watch this video to learn about some cheap cars that are faster than a Hellcat: 59sIdealYouTube · Jan 4, 2021
Factory-built performance cars 

• Dodge Challenger Demon: This model was specifically built to be faster than the Hellcat, with a faster quarter-mile time. 
• Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: This Mustang model has a better power-to-weight ratio than the Hellcat and is quicker to 606060 mph. 
• Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray: This model is faster than a Hellcat. 
• Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06: This model has the same power-to-weight ratio as the Hellcat and can be made even faster with modifications. 
• Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: This supercharged V8 car can outperform the Hellcat. 
• Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: This sedan is capable of accelerating to 606060 mph in 3.63.63.6 seconds, beating the Hellcat. 
• Aston Martin Vantage V8 Coupe: This sports car is also quicker to 606060 mph than the Hellcat. 
• Jaguar F-Type R: This model can accelerate to 606060 mph in 3.53.53.5 seconds, surpassing the Hellcat's acceleration. 
• Mercedes-AMG E63 S: This luxury sedan is faster than the Hellcat to 606060 mph. 

Electric vehicles

• Tesla Model S P85D: With "Ludicrous mode," it has a 0−600 minus 600−60 mph time of 3.13.13.1 seconds, making it faster than the Hellcat. 
• Porsche Taycan Turbo S: This electric car can complete the quarter-mile in 101010 seconds flat, faster than the Hellcat. 

Modified and older cars 

• Older LS-powered GM vehicles: Many affordable older GM cars with LS V8 engines, such as the C5 Corvette, Camaro Z28, and Cadillac CTS-V, can be modified with a supercharger to exceed the Hellcat's performance.
• Nissan R35 GT-R: The GT-R can be modified to become faster than a Hellcat.
• BMW 340i: The B58 engine in some 340i models can be tuned to produce more horsepower than a Hellcat.
• Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon: These lightweight, turbocharged cars can be modified to outperform a Hellcat. 

Is a Corvette C7 faster than a Hellcat?

A stock Hellcat is generally faster than a base C7 Corvette, but the high-performance C7 Z06 is often faster than a Hellcat, especially in a straight-line drag race or a race starting from a roll at lower speeds. The outcome depends on the specific models, conditions, and whether the race starts from a stop or a roll.
 
This video shows a drag race between a Hellcat and a C7 Z06: 1mSpeedLabs // MotorEnvyYouTube · Mar 7, 2019

• Base C7 vs. Hellcat: At lower roll speeds (e.g., 40 mph), the lighter base C7 Corvette can be quicker. However, the Hellcat's higher horsepower and torque give it an advantage at higher speeds (e.g., 60 mph and beyond). 
• C7 Z06 vs. Hellcat: The C7 Z06 is a performance-focused model that is generally faster than a stock Hellcat. In a straight-line drag race, the Z06 often wins, though the Hellcat can sometimes win if it gets a better start or if the race is long enough for its power to take over. 
• Conditions matter: The Hellcat's performance can be affected by its weight, traction, and gearing. The C7 Z06's advantage is more apparent in its superior acceleration and handling, particularly from a roll. 

Will a Corvette beat a Hellcat?

Yes, a Corvette can beat a Hellcat, especially in a race from a standstill, due to its better power-to-weight ratio and superior traction from a dig. However, a Hellcat may have an advantage in a longer-distance race (like a half-mile) because of its higher trap speeds. The outcome also heavily depends on the specific models, driver skill, and track conditions, with modern Corvettes often showing a clear advantage in handling and acceleration from a stop.
 
You can watch this video to see a drag race between a Hellcat and a C8 Corvette: 51sWheelsYouTube · Apr 3, 2025
Corvette advantages

• Better power-to-weight ratio: A Corvette, especially models like the ZR1, has a significantly better power-to-weight ratio than a Hellcat, giving it an edge in straight-line acceleration. 
• Superior handling and traction: The mid-engine design of modern Corvettes provides better balance and weight distribution, allowing them to accelerate from a stop more effectively with less wheelspin. 
• Strong performance in a dig: Many drag races show a Corvette pulling ahead from a stop because of its ability to launch faster and hook up better. 

Hellcat advantages

• Higher top speed: In longer races, such as a half-mile, a Hellcat's higher trap speeds can allow it to pull ahead of certain Corvette models, especially if the race is a "roll race" where traction is less of a factor. 
• More power on paper: The Hellcat has more horsepower, which can give it an advantage in certain scenarios, especially once it gets going. 

What to consider

• Specific models: Performance varies greatly between different years and trims of both the Corvette and the Hellcat. A C8 Corvette is generally faster off the line than a Hellcat, but a C7 Z06 might be closer in a roll race, notes this YouTube video. 
• Driver skill: The driver's ability to launch the car and shift effectively is crucial, especially in a drag race. 
• Tires: The type of tires on the car can make a huge difference, particularly for the Hellcat, which has a tendency to spin its tires. 

Is the Corvette ZR1 faster than a Hellcat?

Yes, the Corvette ZR1 is faster than a Hellcat, with a faster acceleration time and higher top speed due to its superior power-to-weight ratio. The latest ZR1 can reach 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, while the Hellcat takes about 3.7 seconds. 
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the SRT Hellcat: 42sFreedom Street GarageYouTube · Sep 21, 2022

• Acceleration: The ZR1 is significantly quicker, going from 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in as little as 2.3 seconds, compared to the Hellcat's 3.7 seconds. 
• Horsepower: The ZR1 has a more powerful engine, with the latest models producing 1,064 horsepower. In comparison, the Hellcat's supercharged V8 produces 717 horsepower. 
• Top Speed: The ZR1 has a much higher top speed, reaching 233 mph in tests. 
• Power-to-Weight Ratio: The ZR1 has a better power-to-weight ratio, which helps it out-accelerate the heavier Hellcat. 

This video shows a comparison between the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06 and the SRT Hellcat: 58sSpeedLabs // MotorEnvyYouTube · Mar 7, 2019