2007 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2008 Dodge Viper Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published September 23, 2009

3:19 min

2008 Dodge Viper vs. 2007 Chevrolet Corvette ZO6 You wanna hear some serious specs? First, there�s the 7.0-liter V8 that has 505 hp, 470 lb-ft of torque and weighs in at 3,222 pounds. That�s the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette ZO6. A very serious machine. Want even more impressive specs? How about a 8.4-liter V10 that has 600 horsepower, 560 pound-feet of torque and an as-tested weight of 3,437 pounds. That�s the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe, America's most soulful supercar. These cars are about pure speed. And the only way to see which one is more �pure� is to take them out to the test track. Once we were out there, the Viper bettered the Corvette at every opportunity. Its 11.8-second quarter-mile time and 3.7-second 0-60-mph sprint are on the verge of ridiculous. And its 125 mph trap speed is the fastest we've ever recorded for any car in the quarter-mile. The Corvette is also very quick, but less of a rush than the Viper. There's less noise, less intensity and, well, less risk of bodily harm. Although it crushed the 60 mph barrier in just 4.1 seconds and blasted through the quarter-mile in 12.0 seconds at 122 mph, the Vette still finishes several car lengths behind the Dodge. At 74.3 mph, the Viper is among the three fastest cars we've ever driven through the slalom, an impressive feat for a car this large. And its 0.99g skid pad performance is just as jaw-dropping. At 70.8 mph through the slalom and 0.93g on the skid pad, the Z06 isn't really in the same league as the Viper. For this we point the finger at the Corvette's Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. Both cars also have exceptional brakes, but the Viper stopped from 60 mph in only 104 feet, vs. the ZO6�s 106 feet from the same speed. Where the ZO6 has an edge is creature comfort. The Z06 is smoother, roomier and more refined than the Viper. It also has a more comfortable ride and far more cargo space. Inside the Viper, things are cramped but it's still fairly easy to find comfort in its heavily bolstered seats. The dash houses more gauges than you'll find in some racecars, but manages to be well laid out, and the seating position is perfect. We're also fans of the Viper's signature side exhaust. It's part of what makes a Viper a Viper. Bottom line: These are very different cars. And the easy and obvious conclusion is this: If you want a daily driver, buy the Vette. If you want the ultimate driving thrill, or you just like having your calves singed by a hot exhaust pipe hidden in the rocker panel on a regular basis, the Viper is the car for you. More for Less Splitting Hairs at the Track Noise, Intensity, Risk of Death Viper Handles Better, Too Making No Apologies The Verdict The manufacturers provided Edmunds these vehicles for the purposes of evaluation.