NineBall

I found this article in Top Gear, when I was in the UK for the last month. As a fan of both cars, I think this writer nailed the summary well. Both cars are good at doing different things, and both cars are different driving experiences.



I have a little story to share, which is somewhat related to the discussion of the tracking abilities of the Corvette vs Viper. Back in 2009, I took my '06 Viper and my '09 Z06 to Texas World Speedway, for a 2-day DE weekend. Prior to going, I always felt my Z06 was easier to drive. But, I found the Viper more rewarding to master. I was in the 2nd level group, with an instructor, and did the first two 20-minute sessions in my Viper. I asked the instructor if I could move up into the solo drive group, but he claimed that I wasn't ready yet. He said my car control wasn't there yet.

So, on the third session, I took him out in my Z06. After that session, he said that I was a much better driver than he thought, and that I was ready for solo. Then he asked me if the Viper was that much harder to drive, and if he could take it out in his instructor group, with me as passenger. He was a Porsche 911 guy, never driven a Viper. He smiled the entire time, and kept asking how much he had to spend to buy one. He also said that the challenge was worth the reward. BTW, my lap times were faster in the Z06 that weekend. But the fun-factor was higher in the Viper. Both cars are winners.

Tony

0NORCAL-SS

from one tony to another

Callsign_Vega

Good article. I agree the Z06 is the best all-around'er, the Viper the best "purist" and the Ford GT just Über.

sublime1996525

Good comparison. They both are awesome cars.

OnPoint

Good read.

Except where the author states the GT's granddaddy predates both the Z06 and Viper, which is isn't true (only true as to the Viper). But decent read.

Callsign_Vega

Ford GT40, 1964.

NineBall

Yeah, the "Grandaddy" comment was historically inaccurate, since the Corvette was 1953. But I agree the 04-06 FGT are the true American supercar, visually. Both the C7Z and Viper would smoke it in any metric of performance, except driving under a limbo bar.

Callsign_Vega

I think he was specifically noting the Z06. While I do love the 04-06 FGT, I think the new one is on another level than the Z06 and Viper.

NineBall

Z06 model, yes. 2001 for the model. Z06 option package, no. It was available in 1963.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrol...he_Z06_and_LS6

See, I'm a Corvette nerd too

Thomasmoto

I could agree with that, but I haven't ever had an opportunity to drive a Viper.

OnPoint

Corvette Z06 package, 1963.

Eric Reeves

Nineball,

Being relatively new to the Houston area I hope to meet you soon. We are a lot alike in our thinking. Thanks for posting this.

redzone

I agree with almost everything the author wrote. With the exception of saying the Viper is a second or more faster per lap than the Z06. Not saying it isn't, but the only track I've seen the mags run so far in the Z06 is Big Willow.

I couldn't find any times for a Gen 5 Viper there, anyone know?

NineBall

His statement wasn't a fact, it was just his opinion after having driven both. Would be cool to see two factory drivers go head to head in their cars, and then switch cars. That article could go viral, but no magazines seem interested in doing it.

bpsmokinhot

Great find!