Good comparison summary from Top Gear vs Z06

[Nine Ball]

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.


http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr29/ynotdv8/Misc/viper-vs-vette2.jpg


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

[Aspirations57]

7 ZO6s per HOUR!!!!! They must be selling a boat load of Zo6s..Cant wait to get my limited production GTS,lol

[TA Two Oh]

Thanks for another fantastic post, Nine Ball. I completely agree with the column, and your comments. It's a great read!

[MtnBiker]

Very well written article. I've driven both (well, prev gen from current) on track and couldn't agree more. Makes me want the Viper!!!

[Chorps]

Can't go wrong choosing either of them, but naturally I'd pick the Viper. =D

[kirkinsb]

Perhaps the single biggest reason I decided on the Viper is EXCLUSIVITY. I did not even look at corvettes. I don't want what the guy or little old lady down the street is driving. I am the only Viper in my town among easily 150+ vettes. I see more 60+ year old ladies driving new vettes. Must be the new thing as there is a new post that has a pic of a little old lady driving a new red vette. Cool car, but no thanks....I like to blaze my own trail.

[BlknBlu]

good read, even though the Vette is favored. The Vette fanboys would totally disagree with the article. I like the Viper for lots of reasons other than performance, even though we all know it is a drivers car and not for the faint of heart.

Bruce

[Zybane]

I don't think the article favored the Vette. They said the Viper is faster around the track and the better "purist". Win. I will admit of course though that really the top American super-car is the Ford GT. I'm happy with a solid second place.

[Vombomb]

Heh heh, I love how they always say: Vette makes anyone look like they can drive, Viper makes you earn it or look like an idiot. Whenever anyone starts tooting the C7 horn I always ask them how often they drive with all the aids off...

[J TNT]

Interesting article with good perspective . And naturally I prefer a car that rewards good skill sets . :)

[Nine Ball]

When people have asked me how my Z06 compares with my Viper, I would use a quote that someone else told me once. It was short and to the point.

"Corvettes are street cars that pretend to be racecars. Vipers are racecars that pretend to be street cars."

[J TNT]

That's a great quote ! I may have to borrow it !

When people have asked me how my Z06 compares with my Viper, I would use a quote that someone else told me once. It was short and to the point.

"Corvettes are street cars that pretend to be racecars. Vipers are racecars that pretend to be street cars."

[TrackAire]

Tony,

The picture of the author looks a lot like you.....did you get a side job at Top Gear and write under an alias?, lol.

Nice article, I can't wait to see some real world track results with Vipers and ZO6's on the track at the same time.

[bubbaboy]

Good to see that there is "a voice of reason" when comparing these two cars. Thanks for posting, long live the Viper. JD

[XSTAR]

Seems like the author was set on a political/both sides of the fence answer/article. That's said, I think it was spot on :)

[ViperDC]

7 ZO6s per HOUR!!!!! They must be selling a boat load of Zo6s..Cant wait to get my limited production GTS,lol

This is why the Viper wins hands down for me. Much more exclusive car.