Compare the2023 Chevrolet CorvetteVS 2021 Polestar 1

Both the Corvette and the Polestar 1 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, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

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

There are almost 112 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Corvette’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Corvette first among compact premium sporty cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The Polestar 1 isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Corvette Z06’s standard 5.5 DOHC V8 produces 51 more horsepower (670 vs. 619) than the Polestar 1’s 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the Corvette Z51 6.2 V8 is faster than the Polestar 1:

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 Polestar 1 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Corvette has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Polestar 1 (18.5 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Corvette offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The Polestar 1 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

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 Polestar 1 doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The Corvette stops much shorter than the Polestar 1:

For better traction and acceleration, the Corvette has larger standard rear tires than the Polestar 1 (305/30R20 vs. 295/30R21). The Corvette Z06’s rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the Polestar 1 (345/25R21 vs. 295/30R21).

The Corvette Z06’s 345/25R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 25 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Polestar 1’s 30 series tires.

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 Polestar 1 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 Polestar 1 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The front and rear suspension of the Corvette uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Polestar 1, which uses torsion bars in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The Corvette Coupe handles at 1.03 G’s, while the Polestar 1 pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Corvette Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the Polestar 1 (23.3 seconds @ .9 average G’s vs. 24.5 seconds @ .83 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Corvette with Magnetic Ride Control’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the Polestar 1’s (36.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Chevrolet Corvette may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1550 to 1750 pounds less than the Polestar 1.

The Corvette’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The Polestar 1 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 Polestar 1 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Corvette Coupe has a much larger trunk than the Polestar 1 (12.6 vs. 4.4 cubic feet).

The engine in the Corvette is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Polestar 1. 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 Polestar 1 doesn’t offer an under hood light.

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 Polestar 1 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 Polestar 1 has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

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 Polestar 1 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

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 Polestar 1 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Chevrolet Corvette comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Polestar 1 isn’t available as a convertible.

The Corvette was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 18 of the last 25 years. The Polestar 1 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 Polestar 1 has never been chosen.