Compare the2023 Chevrolet CorvetteVS 2021 Alfa Romeo 4C

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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The Corvette’s optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The 4C doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Corvette’s optional rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The 4C doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

The Corvette has standard OnStar®, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to get turn-by-turn driving directions, remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The 4C doesn’t offer a GPS response system, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Corvette and the 4C have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The Chevrolet Corvette weighs 947 to 1150 pounds more than the Alfa Romeo 4C. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

Warranty

Chevrolet’s powertrain warranty covers the Corvette 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Alfa Romeo covers the 4C. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 4C ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The Corvette’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the 4C’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 21 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Alfa Romeo dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Corvette’s warranty.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Corvette’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the 4C’s camshafts. If the 4C’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Corvette first among compact premium sporty cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The 4C isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Alfa Romeo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 53 more problems per 100 vehicles, Alfa Romeo is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Alfa Romeo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Alfa Romeo is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Alfa Romeo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet 12 places higher in reliability than Alfa Romeo.

Engine

The Corvette’s standard 6.2 V8 produces 253 more horsepower (490 vs. 237) and 207 lbs.-ft. more torque (465 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder. The Corvette Z51’s standard 6.2 V8 produces 258 more horsepower (495 vs. 237) and 212 lbs.-ft. more torque (470 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder. The Corvette Z06’s standard 5.5 DOHC V8 produces 433 more horsepower (670 vs. 237) and 202 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Corvette Z51 6.2 V8 is faster than the Alfa Romeo 4C:

	Corvette	4C
Zero to 60 MPH	2.8 sec	4.6 sec
Quarter Mile	11.1 sec	13.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	123.2 MPH	105.8 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Corvette’s fuel efficiency (not available on Z06). The 4C doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Corvette has 8 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4C (18.5 vs. 10.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Chevrolet Corvette higher (3 out of 10) than the Alfa Romeo 4C (1). This means the Corvette produces up to 22.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 4C every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Chevrolet Corvette, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the 4C.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Corvette’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 4C:

	Corvette	Corvette Z06 CCB	4C
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	15.7 inches	12 inches
Rear Rotors	13.3 inches	15.4 inches	11.5 inches

The Corvette Z06 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The 4C doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The Corvette stops much shorter than the 4C:

	Corvette	4C
60 to 0 MPH	97 feet	113 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Corvette has larger standard tires than the 4C (F:245/35R19 & R:305/30R20 vs. F:205/45R17 & R:235/40R18). The Corvette Z06’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4C (F:275/30R20 & R:345/25R21 vs. F:205/45R17 & R:235/40R18).

The Corvette’s standard 245/35R19 front and 305/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 4C’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires. The Corvette Z06’s 275/30R20 front and 345/25R21 rear tires have a lower 30 series front and 25 series rear profile than the 4C’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Corvette has standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. Smaller 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are standard on the 4C. The Corvette Z06’s 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels are larger than the 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels optional on the 4C.

The Corvette has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The 4C doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the Corvette can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The 4C doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The Corvette offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The 4C’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Corvette has standard power steering to make quick and controllable low speed maneuvers easy. The 4C doesn’t offer power steering.

The Corvette has variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The 4C doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Corvette’s wheelbase is 13.5 inches longer than on the 4C (107.2 inches vs. 93.7 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Corvette is 1.1 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the 4C.

For better maneuverability, the Corvette with Magnetic Ride Control’s turning circle is 4.1 feet tighter than the 4C’s (36.4 feet vs. 40.5 feet). The Corvette’s turning circle is 2.4 feet tighter than the 4C’s (38.1 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

Chassis

The design of the Chevrolet Corvette amounts to more than styling. The Corvette has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .32 Cd. That is lower than the 4C (.341). A more efficient exterior helps the Corvette go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the Corvette get better fuel mileage.

The Corvette’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The 4C doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The Corvette uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The 4C doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Corvette has .1 inches more front legroom and 4.6 inches more front shoulder room than the 4C.

Cargo Capacity

The Corvette Convertible has a much larger trunk with its top down than the 4C Spider (12.6 vs. 3.7 cubic feet).

Servicing Ease

The Corvette uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The 4C uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the Corvette is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the 4C. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The Corvette has a standard under hood light to help in making nighttime maintenance checks, adding fluids, etc. The 4C doesn’t offer an under hood light.

Ergonomics

The Corvette has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The 4C doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When two different drivers share the Corvette, the optional memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver and front passenger’s seat positions, steering wheel position, suspension setting and outside mirror angle. The 4C doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Corvette’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4C doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Corvette’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The 4C does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Corvette offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, turn signal and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The 4C doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Corvette’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The 4C has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Corvette’s front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The 4C’s power windows’ switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

The Corvette’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 4C’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

On a hot day the Corvette’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the 4C can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

On a hot day the Corvette has a standard remote opening feature, to lower the top from outside. The 4C doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to enter the car and manually lower the top.

Keyless Open and Start standard on the Corvette allows you to unlock the driver’s door, trunk and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Alfa Romeo 4C doesn’t offer an advanced key system.

The Corvette has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The 4C doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Corvette has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The 4C doesn’t offer automatic headlights.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Corvette has standard extendable sun visors. The 4C doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Corvette’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The 4C’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

The Corvette’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 4C’s power mirror controls are on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

When the Corvette with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The 4C’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Corvette’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The 4C doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

The Corvette offers optional heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the 4C.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Corvette keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The 4C doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Corvette’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The 4C doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Corvette’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The 4C doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The Corvette’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The 4C doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

A built-in pollen filter removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the Corvette’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation which can trigger allergies or asthma. The 4C’s air conditioner doesn’t offer a filtration system.

To help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the Corvette has standard steering wheel controls for the radio. The 4C doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.

To direct the driver from any location to a given street address, a GPS navigation system is available on the Corvette. The Corvette’s navigation system also has a real-time traffic update feature that offers alternative routes to automatically bypass traffic problems. (Service not available in all areas.) The 4C doesn’t offer a navigation system.

With standard voice command, the Corvette offers the driver hands free control of the radio and the navigation computer by simply speaking. The 4C doesn’t offer a voice control system.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Chevrolet Corvette offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The 4C doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Model Availability

The Chevrolet Corvette comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Alfa Romeo 4C isn’t available as a coupe.

Recommendations

The Corvette was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 18 of the last 25 years. The 4C has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Corvette as the 2020 North American Car of the Year. The 4C has never been chosen.

The Chevrolet Corvette outsold the Alfa Romeo 4C by almost 407 to one during the 2021 model year.