2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51

The 2014 Corvette is Chevrolet's two-seat sports car, sold as a coupe or convertible and aimed squarely at the Porsche 911. It's a genuine thrill to drive, with sharp steering and grip that makes back roads feel like a racetrack. The ride is firm but never punishing, and the seats hold you snugly through corners. Cabin space is tight and cargo room is minimal, so plan for weekend bags rather than full luggage. The Z51 package adds a dry-sump oil system, larger brakes, and a performance-tuned suspension over the base Stingray, so it's the one to pick if you plan to track the car. Its 6.2L V8 makes 455 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and the seven-speed automatic shifts quickly enough that you'll use the paddles mostly for fun. The Z51's optional performance exhaust lets the V8 sing louder, and the car returns 21 mpg combined on regular fuel.