Many car enthusiasts think that the muscle car wars in Detroit during the '60s were the pinnacle of the American sports car. For the most part, they would be right, as the '70s brought with it tighter emissions, crash testing, fuel consumption standards and higher gas and insurance prices that killed off the American sports car. However, Detroit is currently experiencing a performance renaissance of sorts, as Dodge, Ford and Chevy all have one flagship sports car to represent their companies. So it is only natural that, as Americans, we compare and test the Dodge Viper, Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R and Chevy Corvette Z06 to find out who rules the red, white and blue.
The Viper is a remarkable vehicle, and has brought more to Dodge then they ever thought possible. Just to throw around a few terms like “most successful American production race car ever” and “most powerful and fastest American production car ever” might give you a feel for the weight the Viper name carries with it. Although it has been in production less then 10 years, the Viper is quickly building the history of a legend. The heart of this giant is its massive 8.0L all-aluminum V10, which pumps out an awesome 450hp and a massive 490 lbs-ft of torque, and is linked solely to a 6-speed manual. At 488 cubic inches, this monster could have easily played with (and beaten) any of the most vicious motors that roamed the streets in the ‘60s. The dyno is one of the few truths in judging engine horsepower, and in a recent Motor Trend magazine test, the Viper spun the rollers with 425hp and 457 lbs-ft of torque at the rear wheels. This proves that Dodge might even be slightly underrating this engine! The Viper produces more horsepower and torque on paper and in real life then the Z06 Vette or the SVT Cobra R. In fact, it generates more torque at just 1,700rpm then the Vette makes anywhere in the powerband! More then just an engine, the Viper’s styling is pure automotive genius, and has become one of the most recognizable vehicles in the world. The Viper bodywork is sleek, strong and extremely masculine, while wholly embodying the snake that it is named after. The Viper also employs characteristic visual cues, such as its double bubble Zagato-style roof (on GTS models), gaping hood vents and NACA air scoop, as well as the “long hood, short rear” body style. Overall, it is one of the most powerful packages of performance and expressive looks ever created. The Viper also comes to the table with massive wheels and tires, 18-inchers all around, with 335-30-18 tires at the rear that are about as wide as the continental US itself. The suspension consists of an independent double A-arm design front and back, with massive 13in vented disc brakes at all four corners. This is clearly a package to be reckoned with, as the Viper is currently the king of American black top.
