Corvette Z06 vs Viper SRT-10 Coupe

[McLaren]

Why the hell are you people b*tching about a d*mn radio?!
Do you people not realize if you can afford a d*mn $80,000 car, you can afford to get a new radio? D*mn, people think for once.

I couldn't give a crap about cars' interiors unless the color is ass-ugly. Unless it's a very comfortable car which the SRT-10 Roadster was, imo, I'm happy (mmm...loved the way it wraps it around you. Vip would agree).

This is why I don't nitpick cars. If I do, I end up hating it and I'm someone who can love 90% of the cars in the world. I don't go into high detail nitpick mode with cars because it shows me the badside of the car, which I usually wish not to see. I have somewhat low standards, you could say, but I don't care. It allow me to get more out of what I buy.

For me:
~As long as she's comfy
~Good lookin
~And in the right colors

I'm as happy as can be.

 

[VIPFREAK]

This is why I don't nitpick cars.

For starters if I was gonna start bagging on a Vette I could laugh my ass off with all the people that get an Automatic and traction control.

 

[Jay]

This is why I don't nitpick cars. If I do, I end up hating it and I'm someone who can love 90% of the cars in the world.

Too be honest I didn't care out about the radio until I read this thread. The radio wouldn't stop me from buying one though. (I really don't care about car stereo)

 

[eliseracer]

For starters if I was gonna start bagging on a Vette I could laugh my ass off with all the people that get an Automatic and traction control.

Wasn't there someone on this board who got a C6 auto, so their girlfriend could drive it as well? Maybe I'm mixing it up with another place, but it was reeal funny.

My problem with interiors is that in the 80,000$ pricetag, they are cahrging you a certain amount for the interior. Take off at least 5 grand for the interior that should be there and I'll shut up.

If this was 10 years ago, I would have dropped my 80 G's on a 993 in the blink of an eye.

The Lotus Europa S has the same basics interior as the Elise and costs thousands more. That's one of the main reasons why it won't sell.

And how many people here have actually been on a track-day or driven track or auto-x? Maybe two? Where's the point in saying that one is better than the other on track if you won't even do it? And you may say "if I had a Viper, I'd track it." Well why the hell aren't you tracking your normal car then? You'd be surprised how much fun you can find in a car you'd otherwise overlook.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Lets put it this way... go back to '92 when the Viper was $50,000 because at this point that's where the Vette has just reached. Like I said, the Viper isn't what it used to be so obviously the Vette is more desireable money wise. Most of the people buying a Viper were whining babies so Dodge was forced to make the Viper "more civilized" as it got older so it became more like a Vette which in turn made it more expensive.

As for Tracking my current car, while I think it's fun in all it be real pointless because 1 it has real ****ty Big O tires and 2 it would probably break because it's 18 years old.

 

[skip0110]

And how many people here have actually been on a track-day or driven track or auto-x? Maybe two? Where's the point in saying that one is better than the other on track if you won't even do it? And you may say "if I had a Viper, I'd track it." Well why the hell aren't you tracking your normal car then? You'd be surprised how much fun you can find in a car you'd otherwise overlook.

I have to drive my car to work everyday. I can't afford to break stuff on it.

Plus, I don't need to, because I can have fun safely within speed limit (or real close to it).

Driving a Viper at roadgoing speed is no fun, because I can't come close to exploring the limit.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Vette vs. Viper and they both suck.

God damn I love their humor and I love the music the Stig plays, WTF is Discovery thinking??

 

[SkylineObsession]

What is the point of a radio in an awesome sounding car? Seriously? I have one in my Skyline but i hardly ever use it because i love the exhaust note more (even though to use the radio i'd have to have it turned up loud to hear it over the exhaust ).

And the interior of the Viper looks way fancier than the interior of my Skyline:

So i don't know what you guys are on about there. *shrug*

 

[eliseracer]

I have to drive my car to work everyday. I can't afford to break stuff on it.

Plus, I don't need to, because I can have fun safely within speed limit (or real close to it).

Driving a Viper at roadgoing speed is no fun, because I can't come close to exploring the limit.

Parts on a Viper or Corvette would be far more expensive than what you would break on your commuter. You woulnd't be able to afford those either.

 

[Blackbird.]

Mclaren honestly. If I am infact paying $80,000 for a car I'd damn well expect a nice interior to go along with the nice exterior. Honestly, take a look at an interior shot of a neon then refer back to one of the Viper interior shots. They looks very close together. Paying eighty grand i'd like to have controls and radio that is exclusive to only that model.

 

[VIPFREAK]

but... $80,000 is nothing these days. It's not as "prestegous" as it was before. You can get retarded family sedans and SUVs with enough power and electrical gadgets to get within the Viper/Vette performance, but I say again... THE VIPER IS FOR THE EXPERIENCE THE SHEAR RAW POWER AND HOW MUCH FUN IT IS (to a point this goes for the Vette when using the above as comparison).

 

[Blackbird.]

Nothing! Yeah right.

 

[YSSMAN]

Vette vs. Viper and they both suck.

God damn I love their humor and I love the music the Stig plays, WTF is Discovery thinking??

Dont get me wrong, I love the Top Gear guys... But when did they become whiny B****es when it comes to the feeling of the clutch and the gearbox? If they were Americans, they wouldnt have a problem with it, its just how our cars work...

Great how they ***** about the Corvette's ride, but then they forget its a sportcar equipped with the Z51 suspension option... And who the hell tought Hammond to drive the damn Vette? The Z51 should have put the NSX to bed without its dinner...Oh wait, I forgot, he doesnt know how to drive American cars...

As for the Viper, I come away with the same problem... While Clarkson complains, and complains, and generally comes up with the same idea that the Viper is horrible (just as the Vette was), the Viper is better because of the V10?

...Maybe its because I'm an American and I've been living with heavy clutches and monster shift linkages all my life, but seriously Top Gear, stop whining...

 

[Poverty]

ut when did they become whiny B****es when it comes to the feeling of the clutch and the gearbox? If they were Americans, they wouldnt have a problem with it, its just how our cars work...

I think thats a lame argument.

Great how they ***** about the Corvette's ride, but then they forget its a sportcar equipped with the Z51 suspension option

But I thought you said the Z06 could be used everyday and thats got even a harsher ride...

The Z51 should have put the NSX to bed without its dinner...Oh wait, I forgot, he doesnt know how to drive American cars...

The track doesnt allow for Big BHP cars to weild much of an advantage over the lesser powered ones.

As for the Viper, I come away with the same problem... While Clarkson complains, and complains, and generally comes up with the same idea that the Viper is horrible

One of the first things he said. "The viper is absolutely fantastic."

So he liked it even after all of the short comings he announced.

...Maybe its because I'm an American and I've been living with heavy clutches and monster shift linkages all my life

Yeah thats probably it. Your used to it and dont really notice it but for a european it would stick out like a sore thumb.

 

[McLaren]

My problem with interiors is that in the 80,000$ pricetag, they are cahrging you a certain amount for the interior. Take off at least 5 grand for the interior that should be there and I'll shut up.

Then that must be a big deal with the new American Sports cars. They all have something not worth price.

Espcially, the XLR-V. I'll continue to say this car is not worth $100,000. The interior of the XLR is not worth $80K and the performance of the XLR-V at 440 horses is not worth the massive price tag.

 

[McLaren]

Mclaren honestly. If I am infact paying $80,000 for a car I'd damn well expect a nice interior to go along with the nice exterior. Honestly, take a look at an interior shot of a neon then refer back to one of the Viper interior shots. They looks very close together. Paying eighty grand i'd like to have controls and radio that is exclusive to only that model.

And that's why I don't care.
If it's comfy and nice looking, I'll get it.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Dont get me wrong, I love the Top Gear guys... But when did they become whiny B****es when it comes to the feeling of the clutch and the gearbox? If they were Americans, they wouldnt have a problem with it, its just how our cars work...

When I was a kid and I first got to see the '65 stang my dad had stashed in my grandma's barn I didn't think much of it. Later when we got it running I was able to experience this weightlifting clutch it had. I hated it but I hated the non- power assisted steering much more especially for parking. After awhile I got to revisit this car and absolutely loved it because I understood why the clutch was like that. I associate a hard clutch not with American cars but just ANY car from the 60's 70's and 80's that have the character and personality no other car today will ever have. Cars like the F40s, Cobras, and Mclaren F1(90's I know).

Ex. in Fifth Gear( or Top gear) they did new versus old and the new gen didn't have anything on the older cars. They had way more power, way better sounds and the look was unique. This is why I like the Viper (particulary the old gen) because it was suppose to be a back to the basics like those old cars of yesteryear. So with that said I do and I don't understand the Top Gear people complaining about the clutch. I think if you're a real driver and lover of cars a good heavy clutch, screaming sound and lots of power is a must.

As for the Viper, I come away with the same problem... While Clarkson complains, and complains, and generally comes up with the same idea that the Viper is horrible (just as the Vette was), the Viper is better because of the V10?

Aside from little things they complain about I agree with them, it probably is crap but I don't care either I still want it and love it. I guess the V10 make it unique but there's still a brut raw power feel of this car (Tarzan as Jeremy says) that the Vette never did and never will have. It's a personality trait only the Viper can have as it has since it's birth.

Then that must be a big deal with the new American Sports cars. They all have something not worth price.

Espcially, the XLR-V. I'll continue to say this car is not worth $100,000. The interior of the XLR is not worth $80K and the performance of the XLR-V at 440 horses is not worth the massive price tag.

Ah yes... More rebadging, never did understand that, fortunately for GM there are suckers that go for that car.

 

[YSSMAN]

All of the Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, and even the one Viper all shared the same baisic heavy clutch and sticky linkages, but it is acceptable because they are there for heavy-duty use and can take a lot more damage than the bits and pieces found in any Ferrari or Lamborghini.

My frist car was a '93 Volkswagen Fox that had a stiff clutch and a sub-par linkage, but I never complained. Maybe thats why Ive been so desensitized by the heavy clutch and shifting operation? Maybe its because I'm used to driving old cars and trucks?

But I thought you said the Z06 could be used everyday and thats got even a harsher ride...

In America, we dont have a problem with the Vette. No one that I know who owns one, has driven one, or has even tested one has ever had a problem with the ride. The Corvette is so highly reguarded in this country that it has recieved top honors as the best sportscar available in the US in both Car and Driver and Consumer Reports throughout the last few years.

...When Motor Trend or even Car and Driver tested the Vette, they said it rode better than the SRT-10 Viper. Although the last Z06 I had any expirience with was the previous-gen LS6-powered Z06, there was nothing to complain about in the handeling department. It was lightyears ahead of the Viper GTS I had driven, and I thought it was rather comfortable to and from Lowel which took a little less than an hour total.

Different strokes for different folks I suppose, but I really dont have a problem with these cars at all...

 

[BMW POWER]

Oh wait, I forgot, he doesnt know how to drive American cars...

Oh please just because he said the Vette had a crap transmission and ride comfort, he doesn't know how to drive American cars

 

[VIPFREAK]

In America, we dont have a problem with the Vette. No one that I know who owns one, has driven one, or has even tested one has ever had a problem with the ride.

It was my understanding when you buy a "sports car" that you alreayd understand that the ride isn't gonna be all that great obviously anyway, especially if it's set up for the track. If you're that much of a whiner go with a Lux car.

It was lightyears ahead of the Viper GTS I had driven, and I thought it was rather comfortable to and from Lowel which took a little less than an hour total.

And how long has Vette been around? And what was the Viper suppose to be when it went into production in '92?

 

[YSSMAN]

...I know the mission statement of the Viper, and it was baisicly to give the finger to the Vette, Ferrari 348, 911, and NSX... At the time, it was a completely different car. It was uncivilized, and it didnt give any excuses for it... And that was why so many people did fall in love with the origional RT/10.

As of now, the Vette has been around for 53 years, so for the most part Chevrolet does know what they are doing when they come out with an all-new Corvette.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Chevrolet does know what they are doing when they come out with an all-new Corvette.

It's only taken what 16 year though... coupled with that traitor Lutz.

 

[JCE]

Had to put my car in the shop because a co-worker broke my side mirror and under my warranty I get a free rental and got stuck with a ****ing POS Dodge Neon SXT and so I'd thought I'd take a pic of the radio for comparison to the Viper.

And I agree to the XLR-V comment--no Cadillac is worth more than $50k in my opinion.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Seriously, we've established the radio crap both ways, as well as the interior... can we drop it?

 

[eliseracer]

Saying that one bad review of the Corvette simply means that they don't know how to drive the things is absurd. They know how to drive cars better than you, and that's why they get payed for it and you don't. I've read at least one other place where they also dislike the Corvette's ability to drive on less-than-perfect road surfaces. Saying that they can't drive American cars is fairly stupid of a comment. Oh yeah, you can say things like that because you like to fit the "typical American stereotype" so you're allowed.

I can't really read American big publication car magazines anymore. I'm not saying this is the case all of the time, but there does seem to be a light sense of bias towards American models in the pages of some magazines from time to time.

I know many will get pissed about this comment, but it's what I felt last time I flipped through some pages. Even when rating the econocars, the writers seemed to lightly acknowledge the fact that the car was rather poor, but still managed to somehow tie it all together all pretty, and emphasizing on the better half of the car (eventhough better cars could be found for the same $ or less).

Even with car magazines themselves, there is better material out there.

 

[Driftster]

but then again..All reviewers are nothing but people with their own opinion.

Yeah sure they've had race history...but they're them..and you're you...

Maybe their bottom is more sensative than yours so they can feel feedback you can't...
maybe they hate the radio and can deal with engine noise....while you can't stand the sound and would rather hear a CD....

A review should be nothing but a review...but then personal opinions get thrown in there.....and everyone thinks it's either LAW..or is complete BS....can't you think for yourself and be a conscienciously skeptical

 

[LeadSlead#2]

Funny, most people I hear say the Mags are biased towards BMW and Mercedes....


So let's get it straight - We want a nicer, better, more expensive radio, climate control, how about some heated and cooled seats, some beauty time and nicer guages, a nice heavy wood trim dash, power windows, a push-button retractable top, a shifter that looks, more european, I guess, (since nothing else suits anybody) and.... Anything anybody else wants, that adds weight. Oh my God! now it's a 4,000LB German Luxury Coupe! let's add 2 seats too!
Vipers started out with removable (no rolling down) windows, no radio, no A/C.... why? because it's not a luxury car, it's not meant for people with sensitive behinds, and it's not a German luxury sedan... Period.

What 80K car, has a better interior, and equal performance? Zero. Absolutly Zero. Maybe some have good performance, and a better interior, but nothing can match the performance of either of these machines, for that price, nothing in the world.
So name the porsche's with 360 HP, and 4200LB German sedans, but none are going to do what these cars do performance wise.

So if it's fair to say these cars need a better interior for the price, than it's fair to say the cars with better interiors need more performance for their price, otherwise, your being biased and hypocritical yourself.

 

[Poverty]

Funny, most people I hear say the Mags are biased towards BMW

No they really are that good. They usually come out on top in publications from all around the world so that theory is out of the window.

What 80K car, has a better interior, and equal performance? Zero. Absolutly Zero. Maybe some have good performance, and a better interior, but nothing can match the performance of either of these machines, for that price, nothing in the world.

Well actually there are some small production companies that probably could with a nice enough interior.

All reviewers are nothing but people with their own opinion.

Yeah sure they've had race history...but they're them..and you're you...

Maybe their bottom is more sensative than yours so they can feel feedback you can't...
maybe they hate the radio and can deal with engine noise....while you can't stand the sound and would rather hear a CD....

The topgear guys drive the best cars from around the world so everytime they drive another car they compare it to the best that theyve driven.

 

[Wolfe]

Funny, most people I hear say the Mags are biased towards BMW and Mercedes....

I was going to say pretty much the same thing -- American car fans are always *****ing about how X magazine loves Hondas, or Y magazine loves BMWs, etc.

So let's get it straight - We want a nicer, better, more expensive radio, climate control, how about some heated and cooled seats, some beauty time and nicer guages, a nice heavy wood trim dash, power windows, a push-button retractable top, a shifter that looks, more european, I guess, (since nothing else suits anybody) and.... Anything anybody else wants, that adds weight. Oh my God! now it's a 4,000LB German Luxury Coupe! let's add 2 seats too!
Vipers started out with removable (no rolling down) windows, no radio, no A/C.... why? because it's not a luxury car, it's not meant for people with sensitive behinds, and it's not a German luxury sedan... Period.

Beauty (or even moderate attractiveness) doesn't require a single ounce of weight. Chrysler could've easily made the interior at least somewhat nice to look at without adding any heavy stuff at all, but they didn't. They just kinda cobbled together some stuff and called it a day.

What 80K car, has a better interior, and equal performance? Zero. Absolutly Zero. Maybe some have good performance, and a better interior, but nothing can match the performance of either of these machines, for that price, nothing in the world.
So name the porsche's with 360 HP, and 4200LB German sedans, but none are going to do what these cars do performance wise.

The $80,000 M5 has a vastly superior interior, rear seats, and loads of comfort and luxury. Sure, it doesn't quite match the Viper's performance (~.5 seconds slower in both 0-60 and quarter-mile times), and comparing the two is rather arbitrary considering the target audiences for each, but c'mon. The Viper offers performance that is only a little bit better than an equally-priced, comfortable German luxury sedan. Since when does a German car offer more for the same money? That's not right at all.

So if it's fair to say these cars need a better interior for the price, than it's fair to say the cars with better interiors need more performance for their price, otherwise, your being biased and hypocritical yourself.

There's a problem with your line of thinking there -- the question of interior quality is subjective. Performance is based on hard numbers. Making an interior look nice has nothing to do with cost. Making a car faster does.

As I said above, Chrysler wouldn't've needed any fancy gadgets or materials to make the Viper's interior nice. They can't be defended by the all-out performance excuse, either -- the Viper's interior is far too "civilized" compared to the likes of the Lotus Elise.

 

[Magic069]

I love how much discussion has taken place in this thread. It just shows that both no matter your opinion are now American icons, and will be with us for quite awhile. These are the production cars America will be known for, when looked at by outside countries.

Somebody asked about the Ford GT earlier. I don't think that is in the discussion yet becuase it has yet to be proven. Plus it is triple, yes triple the price of a Vette. Its putting itself in place that demands to not even be compared to the "other" american cars. We will see if that will work, or crashes and burns. So until it proves that to us, the general american car fans, it won't be in discussions like this one.