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2003 Chevrolet Corvette Review
50 years young.
2003 Corvette Review Summary & Specifications
A number of great sports cars sell in this price range, but the Corvette really does not have any direct competitors. The similarly priced BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK all operate at a more modest pace. When it comes to pavement-ripping prowess per dollar, nothing can match the Corvette's power and grip.Dodge Viper rivals and surpasses the Corvette's dynamic capabilities, but it is a more highly focused car and costs considerably more. When it comes to civilization and comfort, the Corvette wins hands down. To get a similar blend of comfort and true sports-car performance, you'll find yourself in a Porsche store looking at 911s. But the 911 can't compete with the Corvette's price. The Corvette is no longer this country's only sports car. And it has evolved well beyond what we would call affordable. But whether you choose the coupe, convertible or hardtop, there doesn't seem to be much question that the latest generation of this 50-year-old American is a world-class GT.
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| Vehicle Category | Sports Cars |
| Editor | Sam Moses |
| Model Lineup | Coupe ($41,680); Convertible ($48,205); Z06 Hardtop ($50,430) |
| Engines (standard) | 5.7-liter ohv 16-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) | 350-hp 5.7-liter ohv 16-valve V8 (LS1); 405-hp 5.7-liter ohv 16-valve V8 (LS6) |
| Transmissions (optional) | 6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual airbags, ABS, Active Handling, traction control |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | (None) |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-950-2438 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.chevrolet.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 41680 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Z06 Hardtop ($50,430) |
| Standard Equipment | dual-zone air conditioning with electronic control, AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows with express down, keyless remote entry, heated power mirrors, power door locks, leather seats with lateral support and back angle adjustments, tilt steering, illuminated vanity mirrors, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control, rear window defogger; Z06 adds five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels (17-inch front, 18-inch rear), titanium exhaust, head-up display, performance handling package with stiffer springs, larger stabilizer bar and special shock valving, tire sealant and inflator kit, traction control, 3.42 limited-slip rear differential, 6-speed transmission |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | none |
| Destination Charge | 670 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 51100 |
| Horse Power | 405 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 400 @ 4800 |
| Fuel Economy | 19/28 |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 |
| Length/Width/Height | 179.7/73.6/47.7 |
| Track Front/Rear | 62.4/62.6 |
| Turning Radius | 40.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.8/54.2/42.7 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Trunk Volume | 13.3 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 3118 |
| Stock Tires | P265/40ZR17 / P295/35ZR18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.0 |
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