Summer is coming and if you don’t plan on buying a used Chevrolet Corvette or Ford Mustang in the next few months, the next best thing might be renting one for your vacation. Both cars are iconic American sports cars that are instantly recognizable on the road. Let’s take a look at some interesting highlights and differences between the two models that might help you decide which to rent.

Same Style, Different Appeal

The Corvette and Mustang both have similar head-turning styles, but these two iconic sports cars appeal to different buyers or drivers. The Ford Mustang is a lot more affordable than the Corvette, which makes it more accessible to a wider group of people. However, the Corvette comes with a standard V8 engine and offers a more luxurious cabin. You might say that the Mustang is generally a more practical sports car, which could be attributed to its lower price, but also different engine choices. The Corvette, on the other hand, is better described as a supercar.

Exterior Comparison of the Ford Mustang vs Chevrolet Corvette

One reason both of these cars are so iconic is that they have a very recognizable exterior appearance. However, they also have very different exteriors. The current Mustang is a front-engine four-seater, but the Corvette is a mid-engine two-seater. Older Corvette generations were front-engine two-seaters. The Mustang convertible uses a soft top while the Corvette convertible uses a retractable top. In terms of stance and build, the Corvette is wider and lower than the Mustang. The Mustang has a stockier build with a distinctly retro flare. The Corvette draws more from exotic European sports cars than anything from early American automotive history.

Interior Comparison

As previously mentioned, the Corvette is known for having a more luxurious interior. The Corvette’s exotic sports car identity generally justifies its much higher price tag. Inside the C8 Corvette, you’ll find many premium materials but also a driver-centric layout. Screens and knobs are positioned in easy to access places. The futuristic design will definitely make you think of an exotic European sports car. The Mustang has a nice interior, but it’s a different kind of nice versus the Corvette. The Mustang’s interior is less driver-centric and more open. In terms of seating, the Corvette is strictly a two-seater. The Mustang, on the other hand, does have a rear seat, but it’s quite cramped and can only be accessed by pushing down the front seats.

Mechanical Specs of the Chevrolet Corvette vs Ford Mustang

Finally, we get to the mechanical differences between the two vehicles. You’re not likely to get a brand new version of either model on the rental market, but the used Chevrolet Corvette from the 2020 model year featured a 6.2-liter V8 that made 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. For 2020, the Ford Mustang offered four different engines. The most powerful of these was the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 that made 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque. The most affordable Mustang featured a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that made 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.

When it comes to picking either of these iconic sports cars for your summer vacation car rental, it all depends on whether practicality or thrills is your preference. The Corvette goes above and beyond the average sports car. However, if you need more room inside and want better gas mileage, you might be better off with the Mustang.