Best Chevy of All Time, Part III: ’64 Chevy Malibu vs. ’09 Corvette ZR1

September 24, 2011 11:15 am ET

Match 3: The 1964 Chevy Malibu vs. 2009 Corvette ZR1 Battle it Out

All year long, Chevrolet has been counting down the days to its 100^th year anniversary. Now, with less than 100 days to go to the big celebration on November 3^rd, Chevy has pit sixteen of our favorite classics against each other, and they’ve asked us (the fans) to choose the Best Chevy of All Time. The showdown is closed now, but we’ll give you the play-by-play so you can join us on our walk down memory lane.

The third match up in the search for the Best Chevy of All Time matches the beloved 1964 Malibu against one of the newest members to the Chevrolet family, the 2009 Corvette ZR1. Will the Malibu’s sleek California design and powerful engine out do the speed demon that is the 2009 Corvette ZR1? Let’s find out!

1964 Malibu

The 1964 Malibu came in all shapes and sizes – from convertible to hardtop, sedan to coupe – this top of the line Chevrolet Chevelle was an all-around crowd pleaser. With a 300-horsepower small-block V8 engine, this midsize model stood out in a pack of Bel Airs and Impalas, as each surface was designed to look ‘right’ from every angle imaginable.

2009 Corvette ZR1

As winner of the 2010 Car and Driver Lightning Lap competition, the 2009 Corvette ZR1 won over hearts and lead feet alike, maxing out at a whooping 205 mph and earning the title of GM’s fastest production vehicle of all time.  Want to get under the hood of this speed demon? You’re in luck, as new buyers are offered a chance to participate in the actual manufacturing of the car with the Corvette Engine Building Experience.

Motor Trend put the ZR1 to the test, find out what they thought:

So who steals the race, the modern speed machine or the sleek and stylish Chevy classic?

The people have spoken, and the winner is… the 2009 Corvette ZR1! Looks like modern Chevy technology and speed might be a contender against Chevy’s beloved classics, but we’ll find out soon enough!

What do you think of the turn out? Could the 2009 Corvette ZR1 be the Best Chevy of All Time?

Comment below and share your Chevy story, or tell us what you think the Best Chevy of All-Time is!

Round 1 Standings:

1912 Classic Six vs. 1969 Camaro
1962 Impala vs. 1957 Bel Air
1964 Malibu vs. 2009 Corvette ZR1

Waiting in the Wings:

1932 Deluxe Sport Roadster vs. 1963 Corvette Sting Ray
1969 K Blazer vs. 1953 Corvette
1989 Pickup vs. 1948 Pickup
2010 Camaro vs. 1970 Chevelle SS
2011 Volt vs. 1936 Suburban

Learn more about Chevy’s 100^th Anniversary 100 Day Countdown.

Photo Credits (Flickr): RUD66, IanPhilipMiller