2016 Dodge Viper ACR vs 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition

Corvette Z06 vs Dodge Viper ACR

The Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition and Viper ACR were introduced at around roughly the same time in mid-2015, creating quite the dilemma for those looking for a new toy in the $120,000 price range.

Chevrolet’s Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition paid homage to the manufacturer’s revered Corvette Racing C7.R race car and was limited to 500 units, each complete with a specially serialized vehicle identification number.

Available in Corvette Racing Yellow Tint-coat or black only, every example featured a C7.R Edition graphics package, yellow brake calipers, black wheels with yellow accent strips and a highly customized interior with a carbon fiber interior trim package, yellow contrast stitching throughout, and microfiber-trimmed seats, steering wheel and shifter, all finished in suede.

Related: 2016 Corvette Z06 – Domestic Muscle

2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition

Dodge’s Viper ACR, holder of lap records at racetracks all over America, is still in production and is not a limited edition model, but considering its barely street-legal status, and extremely narrow target market, it could be considered one. Personally, I have yet to see either on the road, so if it’s exclusivity one is worried about, there’s no need.

On paper these cars are very similar: both are American performance coupes with around 650-hp that weigh less than 3,600 lb. Specifically, the Viper ACR’s 8.4-liter V10 produces 645-hp (unchanged from the base Viper SRT), with the vehicle itself listed at 3,374 lb. The C7.R Edition uses a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 650-hp (unchanged from the standard Z06) and propels 3,582 lb. of mass.

Both these front-engined, rear-wheel drive two-seaters also are equipped with carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes and very, very sticky rubber. The Viper is shod in 295/25 front, 335/30 rear Kumho Ecsta V720 tires designed specifically for it. All Z06 C7.R Editions are equipped with the Z07 Performance Package, which includes Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires (as well as the Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes mentioned earlier).

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2016 Dodge Viper ACR

Related: Get Ready for the New Dodge Viper ACR

But despite their numerous similarities, at least by the numbers, they will likely find themselves in the hands of very different types of owners.

The Viper has one sole purpose, and that is to go around a road course as fast as possible — while remaining street-legal. It does this by way of an armament of aerodynamic weapons, including a massive, adjustable dual-element rear wing, and a removable front splitter extension, both part of the optional Extreme Aero Package. It might be the most intimidating looking car on the market.

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The Viper in general, and in particular the hardcore ACR variants, are targeted at grassroots motorsports enthusiasts. Chevrolet also markets the Z06 to a similar crowd, but the C7.R Edition, being a limited edition model whose upgrades are mostly cosmetic, will likely find itself in collector garages rather than at road course time attacks.