The 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a very fast vehicle. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 is faster. If the vehicles were only based on speed then the results would be clear. To determine a better overall vehicle, the Z06 and SRT10 are tested to achieve a winner in all categories a vehicle has to offer. The Z06 and SRT10 were evaluated by their vehicle makeup, powertrain, and chassis.

A vehicle’s makeup consists of its price, weight, and interior volume. The Z06’s base price is $70,000 and was priced at $77,230 at the time of testing. The Z06 weighed 3198lbs, with an 18 gallon fuel tank, 52 cubic feet of space in the front and 22 cubic feet of space in the trunk. The SRT10’s base price is $86,845 and was priced at $91,145 at the time of testing. The SRT10 weighed 3455lbs, with a 16 gallon fuel tank, 48 cubic feet of space in the front and 15 cubic feet of space in the trunk. The difference between the two vehicles is the Z06 cost $16,845 less at base price and $13,915 less fully loaded. The Z06 featured a bigger fuel tank by two gallons, and four more cubic feet of space in the front and seven more cubic feet of space in the trunk.

A vehicle’s powertrain consists of its engine, acceleration, top speed, sound level, and fuel consumption. The Z06 puts out 505 horsepower and 470lb/ft of torque. This averages 6.3lb per horsepower. The Z06 travels 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, 0-100 mph in 7.7 seconds, 0-150 mph in 17.5 seconds, a ¼ mile in 11.7 seconds at 125 mph, and a top speed of 198mph. The Z06 has a decibel level of 57 when idle and 75 when at a 70 mph cruise. The Z06 receives 15 miles per gallon (mpg) during city travel and 25 mpg during highway travel. The SRT10 puts out 600 horsepower and 560lb/ft of torque. This averages 5.8lb per horsepower. The SRT10 travels 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-100 mph in 7.6 seconds, 0-150 mph in 17.0 seconds, a ¼ mile in 11.6 seconds at 126 mph, and a top speed of 202 mph. The SRT10 has a decibel level of 67 when idle and 76 when at a 70 mph cruise. The SRT10 receives 12 mpg during city travel and 21 mpg during highway travel. In comparison, the SRT10 puts out 95 more horsepower and 90lb/ft of torque. The SRT10 averages 0.5 less pounds per horsepower than the Z06. The SRT10 runs 0.2 seconds faster from 0-60 mph, 0.1 second faster from 0-100 mph, 0.5 seconds faster from 0-150 mph, 0.1 seconds faster in ¼ mile at one more mph, and four more mph at its top speed. The Z06 has 10 less decibels at idle and one less decibel at a 70 mph cruise. The Z06 has three more mpg during city travel and four more mpg during highway travel.

The statistics tested to determine a vehicle’s chassis consists of braking distance and a two mile road courses lap time/mph. The Z06 stopped in 149 feet when traveling 70-0 mph and finished the two mile course in 1:27 at 82.6 mph. The SRT10 stopped in 150 feet when traveling 70-0 mph and finished the two mile course in 1:26 at 83.0 mph. The difference between the two vehicles was the Z06 stopped one foot quicker in the braking test and the SRT10 finished the two mile course one second faster with 0.4 more mph.

The Z06 and SRT10 were tested for their vehicle, powertrain, and chassis categories. With their performance results, they were rated for the areas on a number scale. The Z06 received a perfect score on driver comfort, trunk space, features, price, acceleration, flexibility, fuel economy, engine, and performance. The SRT10 received a perfect score in exterior styling, acceleration, flexibility, fuel economy, performance, and steering feel. Overall, the Z06 rated higher than the SRT10 and was labeled an everyday vehicle and long lasting.

Austin, Michael. “The Rematch.” Car and Driver Oct. 2007: 62-68.