Raw American mid-engine muscle met sophisticated German grand touring power in a recent Edmunds U-Drags comparison. The unique test format pitted the track-focused 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 against the luxurious yet potent 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT63, pushing both cars through a demanding mix of acceleration, hard braking, and handling.

The contenders brought different strengths to the fight. The Corvette Z06 unleashed its naturally aspirated, flat-plane crank V8, sending 670 horsepower to the rear wheels. Edmunds’ Jonathan Elfalan described the engine: “If I’m not mistaken, it revs to 8,500 RPM.”

Facing it was the Mercedes-AMG GT63, countering with a 577-horsepower twin-turbo V8 but crucially benefiting from all-wheel drive for potentially better launches. Both cars competed on high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport tires (4S on the Z06, S5 on the AMG) to keep the playing field somewhat level.

Jonathan Elfalan of Edmunds Cars as he prepares for the race

Edmunds’ U-Drags format involves a standing-start quarter-mile sprint, immediate hard braking into a 180-degree hairpin u-turn, and a flat-out race back to finish across the same starting line.

In the initial drag race portion, the AMG GT63’s all-wheel drive provided a strong start. “This thing launches spectacularly well,” noted Elfalan as he drove the AMG GT63. The C8 Z06, meanwhile, contended with some wheelspin off the line.

However, the Corvette quickly leveraged its other advantages. Its massive brakes proved superior heading into the turn, allowing Elfalan to dramatically close the gap, exclaiming, “Good brakes. Good brakes. Passing him on the brakes.”

Through the turn and accelerating back, the Z06’s lighter weight and track-tuned chassis, aided by Chevrolet’s well-regarded Performance Traction Management (PTM) system, helped it secure the overall win. “They’ve dialed it in so well, especially when you’re dealing with all this horsepower and torque,” said Elfalan.

While the AMG GT63 edged out the Corvette Z06 in the zero-to-sixty sprint (3.1 seconds vs. Z06’s likely fractionally slower time) and peak cornering grip, the Corvette completed the entire U-Drags course faster, clocking 32.0 seconds flat compared to the AMG’s 32.7 seconds. The Z06 also recorded the quicker quarter-mile time at 10.9 seconds.

What a fantastic battle showcasing two incredible yet different approaches to high performance. The Z06 delivered raw thrills and track-bred capability, while the AMG impressed with its luxurious comfort blended with near-supercar speed. Which car impressed you more in this U-Drags face-off? Let us know your thoughts on this V8 showdown.