Edmunds 2006 American Exotics Comparison Test

[NFS4]

VROOM VROOM

"I raced for 17 years. Ran the Daytona 24 Hours, NASCAR Southwest Tour, SCCA GT1 cars, IMSA, oval tracks. But I never raced a car with this much horsepower."

That was the comment from our professional test-driver after his lap times in this latest American Exotics comparison test. Each of these ? the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe and Ford GT ? are more powerful than Formula One racecars of 25 years ago. Even today, relatively few racecars boast more than 500 horses.

However, if you have good credit, your local Chevy, Dodge or Ford dealer can put you in a vehicle with more horsepower than a NASCAR Nextel Cup car set up for Daytona or Talladega. A Cup motor fitted with a restrictor-plate makes about 450 horses, while the Corvette Z06 is rated at 505, the Viper SRT10 Coupe at 510 ponies, and the Ford GT at 550.

Our calibrated derrières suggested that at least Chevy ? and probably Ford, too ? was more than a bit conservative with those ratings. Another racecar comparison: While it's a challenge to find believable data on the peak torque of the current 2.4-liter F1 engine, you can bet it's less than any of these: Dodge (535 pound-feet), Ford (500) and Chevy (470).

Still, that wondrous power is not the most amazing thing about this trio. Another also-ran in the Top Attribute contest is how relatively inexpensive two of these three cars are. If you have an above-average income and really want one ? enough to sacrifice vacations, expensive homes, and relationships with the opposite sex ? you can own a brand-new Corvette Z06 or Dodge Viper Coupe.

Though unexpectedly welcome, we're also thrilled to report that each is friendly and forgiving when pushed to their limits ? and beyond ? on the racetrack: The once-feared Viper is now perhaps too easy to drive fast. (More on that later.)

Finally, though none would be confused with a Camry, each is relatively easy to maneuver in everyday traffic. The most difficult thing about daily use is the occasional gawker who tangles up traffic flow around you. It wouldn't be outlandish to use any of them, but especially the Corvette, as a commuter car, though low ground clearance and summer tires mean you'd want to leave them home when it snows. And our particular Ford GT test car had the disconcerting habit of occasionally piddling what appeared to be transaxle oil.

And we must provide some caveats to those who might consider using these as daily drivers. Super-grippy tires wear much more quickly than conventional rubber: Our experience suggests that aggressive drivers may wind up replacing rear tires at every other oil change. Or sooner.

The cars
The concept is simple: add horsepower and lightness. Chevrolet applied this classic formula with brilliant success on the Z06. Despite a long list of additional (and mass-increasing) features ? bigger brakes, wider wheels and tires, and a dry sump oiling system ? the Z06 is almost 50 pounds lighter than the base 400-horse Corvette Coupe. This is thanks to some fairly exotic and expensive material.

Not only does it offer the best power-to-weight ratio in this test, the Z06 is the least expensive: With a base price of $65,000 it comes in some $18,000 less than the Viper and about $100,000 less than the Ford. It's also worth noting that the Z06's impressive EPA fuel mileage ratings of 16/26 make it the only car in this test to completely avoid the gas-guzzler tax. Our tester was priced at a thrifty $69,135.

Normally, car companies first build a hardtop and, when sales need a boost, turn it into a convertible: Dodge's Street and Racing Technology team went the other way. The resulting SRT10 Coupe is significantly different than its open-top sibling. Its interior feels deceptively confining even though the double-bubble roof provides domelike accommodation to taller occupants.

In hard corners and transitions, the added structure delivered righteous testimony to the unifying strength of a hardtop over a convertible. Power comes from an upgraded version of the truck-based OHV V10 ? this time displacing 8.3 liters and featuring an aluminum block and heads. Though still a four-wheel Harley, the Coupe is more of an Electraglide than a Deuce. Out-the-door price of our tester, including a $3,000 gas-guzzler tax, was $86,995.

When the original Ford GT40 debuted more than 40 years ago, it took on Europe's best top performance cars at places like Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans ? and won! The current Ford GT has repeated history on public roadways. With 550 (at least!) supercharged horsepower pumped out of its 5.4-liter DOHC V8 and a very sweet handling chassis, the GT is a delicious combination of classic good looks and totally modern performance.

Chassis stiffness, suspension tuning, aero tweaks, and performance tires have come a long way in 40 years: The GT offers a crisp responsiveness, high limits and small penalties if you step over the edge. Sticker price is a steep $166,945 ? if you can find a dealer who will let one go at MSRP.

How they stacked up
The logical right brain gets little exercise in a discussion of exotic cars. Fortunately for us, our scoring system acts as an onboard logic center to keep us grounded. A sobering fact: For the current price of a Ford GT, you could get a Z06 and put $100,000 in a Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund. Or buy two Z06s and put $30 grand in the Mega-Millions lottery. The Corvette is easier to drive in everyday traffic; has stability control to prevent you from wasting your investment and yourself; offers Cadillac-like creature comforts; doesn't attract as much unwanted attention (from cops and fellow motorists); and is just as fast around the road racing circuit. Our winner: The Z06.

When lust was allowed to rule, we could see only the Ford GT. If you were old enough to be aware of how the Ford GT40 and its close relatives ruled the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the mid- and late '60s, the new Ford GT had you at the word "Hello." Is it a coincidence that many of those who today can afford a Ford GT were between 10 and 19 years old in the years between 1964 and 1969? The fact that the GT is incredibly fast, easy to drive at the limit, and docile on the street made the distinction between lust and love only that much more confusing.

Earning a solid 3rd-place finish (that would be "last" in a three-car shoot-out) is the Viper Coupe. It's somewhat ironic when you consider that Dodge's Viper was the first real exotic American sports car of the modern era. Without it, the other two likely wouldn't exist. Now, after driving all three of these cars, it's clear the Viper has been surpassed on nearly every level. The Corvette costs less, performs better and is a jovial sweetheart where the Viper is a cranky nag. The GT outclasses Dodge's snake to an even greater extent ? albeit at twice the price.

One observant editor made the following comment: "Maybe they could fix it by simply throwing a 'Hemi' under the hood. It's worked for every other modern Chrysler product."

 

[sniperruff]

ford GT ftw.

 

[scarpent]

Cool cars. Didn't read the rest.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: sniperruff
ford GT ftw.

Ford GT FT2NDPLACE

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: sniperruff
ford GT ftw.

Ford GT FT2NDPLACE

i know :frown: the ford GT is a supercar compared to the other two though... the ZO6 is also a much better buy than the viper.

 

[Pocatello]

I prefer a Toyota Avalon with a V6 or a Chevy Impala SS, stealthy but fast enough for most situation.

 

[Viper GTS]

As much of a Viper fan as I am, I 100% agree with their assessment of today's Viper.

It's overpriced, underpowered, and gets its ass handed to it by a car that costs 25% less.

The Viper either needs a serious price cut, a hefty performance boost (or both...) or Dodge needs to retire it.

As a halo car it's seriously tarnished.

Viper GTS

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
As much of a Viper fan as I am, I 100% agree with their assessment of today's Viper.

It's overpriced, underpowered, and gets its ass handed to it by a car that costs 25% less.

The Viper either needs a serious price cut, a hefty performance boost (or both...) or Dodge needs to retire it.

As a halo car it's seriously tarnished.

Viper GTS

w3rd

It took much less than a lap of Willow Springs to figure out that Dodge has become very tired of the number of Vipers showing up on www.wreckedexotics.com. The SRT10 Coupe is a resolute pusher, its front tires losing traction long before the rears reach their peak grip. This makes the Viper handle unlike its tail-happy predecessors and very much like a Neon.

pwned

 

[Pocatello]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
As much of a Viper fan as I am, I 100% agree with their assessment of today's Viper.

It's overpriced, underpowered, and gets its ass handed to it by a car that costs 25% less.

The Viper either needs a serious price cut, a hefty performance boost (or both...) or Dodge needs to retire it.

As a halo car it's seriously tarnished.

Viper GTS

A lot of Viper owners take their coupe to the tracks, from what I've read, the Viper is much easier to drive around the track than a Z06.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: Pocatello
A lot of Viper owners take their coupe to the tracks, from what I've read, the Viper is much easier to drive around the track than a Z06.

Define "tracks." $5 says the Z06 will outlap the Viper on virtually any track.

Maybe I should get the mods to change my name.

Viper GTS

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
As much of a Viper fan as I am, I 100% agree with their assessment of today's Viper.

It's overpriced, underpowered, and gets its ass handed to it by a car that costs 25% less.

The Viper either needs a serious price cut, a hefty performance boost (or both...) or Dodge needs to retire it.

As a halo car it's seriously tarnished.

Viper GTS

yeah, it was cutting edge power back in it's youth, but today, it's kinda old and busted

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: redly1

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
As much of a Viper fan as I am, I 100% agree with their assessment of today's Viper.

It's overpriced, underpowered, and gets its ass handed to it by a car that costs 25% less.

The Viper either needs a serious price cut, a hefty performance boost (or both...) or Dodge needs to retire it.

As a halo car it's seriously tarnished.

Viper GTS

yeah, it was cutting edge power back in it's youth, but today, it's kinda old and busted

Cutting edge? The Viper has never been cutting edge in anything. A truck engine in a sports car. Hell, I don't event think it got ABS until the final year of the first gen.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: NFS4
Cutting edge? The Viper has never been cutting edge in anything. A truck engine in a sports car. Hell, I don't event think it got ABS until the final year of the first gen.

Cutting edge POWER. Name one other $45K sports car with 400+ horses from 1992.

No, it wasn't cutting edge technology. It was just wicked fast and amazingly cheap (for the time). It walked all over sportscars costing double/triple what it did.

Viper GTS

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: NFS4
Cutting edge? The Viper has never been cutting edge in anything. A truck engine in a sports car. Hell, I don't event think it got ABS until the final year of the first gen.

Cutting edge POWER. Name one other $45K sports car with 400+ horses from 1992.

No, it wasn't cutting edge technology. It was just wicked fast and amazingly cheap (for the time). It walked all over sportscars costing double/triple what it did.

Viper GTS

I thought that the Viper was around $55k when it was released? That being said, it wasn't exactly cutting edge power. Didn't the ZR1 have 375-400HP (albeit at ~ $70k)?

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: NFS4
I thought that the Viper was around $55k when it was released? That being said, it wasn't exactly cutting edge power. Didn't the ZR1 have 375-400HP (albeit at ~ $70k)?

I'm pretty sure the RT/10 debuted under $50K. And yes the ZR1 was up there (if not more) but it cost WAY more.

The Viper in 1992 was what the Z06 is today - THE performance bargain, hands down.

There were faster cars than a Viper in 1992 (though not many), and there are faster cars than a Z06 today (more, but still not ALL that many). None of those cars can even hope to compete in price. Ford GT? 2.5x as much as a Z06. And even the GT is a bargain compared to the only vehicles out there that really eclipse it in performance.

Viper GTS

 

[iamwiz82]

There is a 92 Viper at the local Dodge dealer. The original sticker is still on it, $52,xxx.

 

[yhelothar]

Where's the Saleen SR-7? I'll take one of those.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: NFS4
I thought that the Viper was around $55k when it was released? That being said, it wasn't exactly cutting edge power. Didn't the ZR1 have 375-400HP (albeit at ~ $70k)?

I'm pretty sure the RT/10 debuted under $50K. And yes the ZR1 was up there (if not more) but it cost WAY more.

The Viper in 1992 was what the Z06 is today - THE performance bargain, hands down.

There were faster cars than a Viper in 1992 (though not many), and there are faster cars than a Z06 today (more, but still not ALL that many). None of those cars can even hope to compete in price. Ford GT? 2.5x as much as a Z06. And even the GT is a bargain compared to the only vehicles out there that really eclipse it in performance.

Viper GTS

$50,000

 

[MasterAndCommander]

I'd be happy to own any one of those 3.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
There is a 92 Viper at the local Dodge dealer. The original sticker is still on it, $52,xxx.

Is that after the gas guzzler tax, etc.?

I think they were more like $48K or so, but again I could be mistaken. I was all of 10 years old when the RT/10 came out & didn't know what a Viper was until the GTS smacked me upside the head at the age of 14.

[EDIT]OK I'll agree on $50K. In 1994 they took a leap to $55K.[/EDIT]

Viper GTS

 

[Taggart]

I'll go w/ the corvette

$40K for 400 hp/torque? Yes please

 

[Syringer]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: NFS4
I thought that the Viper was around $55k when it was released? That being said, it wasn't exactly cutting edge power. Didn't the ZR1 have 375-400HP (albeit at ~ $70k)?

I'm pretty sure the RT/10 debuted under $50K. And yes the ZR1 was up there (if not more) but it cost WAY more.

The Viper in 1992 was what the Z06 is today - THE performance bargain, hands down.

There were faster cars than a Viper in 1992 (though not many), and there are faster cars than a Z06 today (more, but still not ALL that many). None of those cars can even hope to compete in price. Ford GT? 2.5x as much as a Z06. And even the GT is a bargain compared to the only vehicles out there that really eclipse it in performance.

Viper GTS

Except the Viper was as impractical an everyday car as you can get. The z06 was something you can drive everyday and live with with few problems except for the suspension..whereas the old Viper didn't even have a roof, power anything..and I don't even think it had a radio or A/C.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Syringer

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: NFS4
I thought that the Viper was around $55k when it was released? That being said, it wasn't exactly cutting edge power. Didn't the ZR1 have 375-400HP (albeit at ~ $70k)?

I'm pretty sure the RT/10 debuted under $50K. And yes the ZR1 was up there (if not more) but it cost WAY more.

The Viper in 1992 was what the Z06 is today - THE performance bargain, hands down.

There were faster cars than a Viper in 1992 (though not many), and there are faster cars than a Z06 today (more, but still not ALL that many). None of those cars can even hope to compete in price. Ford GT? 2.5x as much as a Z06. And even the GT is a bargain compared to the only vehicles out there that really eclipse it in performance.

Viper GTS

Except the Viper was as impractical an everyday car as you can get. The z06 was something you can drive everyday and live with with few problems except for the suspension..whereas the old Viper didn't even have a roof, power anything..and I don't even think it had a radio or A/C.

I must say that I hae to agree with spiderman on this one :thumbsup:

 

[Viper GTS]

Consider it a wonder of modern engineering that today's performance bargain is a great daily driver, whereas less than 15 years ago the performance bargain was a raging monster that people were afraid of.

Performance cars have come a LONG ways in the last decade. The last few years have had some amazingly powerful/fast vehicles with equally amazing price tags.

Viper GTS

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
There is a 92 Viper at the local Dodge dealer. The original sticker is still on it, $52,xxx.

Is that after the gas guzzler tax, etc.?

I think they were more like $48K or so, but again I could be mistaken. I was all of 10 years old when the RT/10 came out & didn't know what a Viper was until the GTS smacked me upside the head at the age of 14.

[EDIT]OK I'll agree on $50K. In 1994 they took a leap to $55K.[/EDIT]

Viper GTS

That is the original sticker. I dunno if they post the gas guzzler there. I dunno if it had any options, either. they have a 2006 Copperhead and a 92 RT/10 right next to each other.