Some interesting C4 Corvette performance figures

[tlake]

As a Chevy related matter, this might be of interest. I came across these UK magazine test times. I think they are interesting in terms of what a showroom car can do, given that Corvettes and other fast cars tested by Car and Driver, Road & Track etc. are often prepared, even though magazines request normal cars. I recall Car and Driver's 30,000 mile 1985 Corvette automatic report, where they discovered as they were just about to give the car back a bunch of GM repair orders stashed in the storage compartment showing that the car had been through a few transmissions, and had the odometer tampered with before C&D got the car.

In any case with the cars tested below they were obtained from the Belgium agent, so I would say there's less chance they were improved prior to testing. I have thrown in early and late C3s for comparison.

'82 TBI 350

1968 L68 427 4 speed 0-60 6.1 seconds top speed 145 mph (Motor)
1984 TBI Automatic 0-60 7 seconds top speed 139 mph (Motor)
1984 TBI Automatic 0-60 7.2 seconds top speed 138 mph (Fast Lane)
1984 TBI Automatic 0-60 6.6 seconds top speed 142 mph (Autocar)
1986 TPI Stick 0-60 6 seconds top speed 151 mph (Autocar)
1989 ZR-1 (380 hp) 0-60 5.6 seconds (Autocar)
1992 LT1 Automatic 0-60 5.8 seconds top speed 162 mph (Performance Car)

The LT1 car did a 14.3 second 1/4 mile at 100 mph in wintery conditions.

Around the same time Autocar tested the 1986 Corvette, they also tested a BMW M635CSi (M6) and got 0-60 in 6 seconds and 150 mph top speed.

I have long thought the TPI cars to be great value for money, and recalling when the LT1 350 came out many thought it wasn't much slower than the ZR-1, so I have always had doubts over the ZR-1's power rating.

I should state in the above Autocar tests the ZR-1 beat the 1986 car in 30-70 mph acceleration 4.5 to 6.3 seconds.