Summary & Specs
reviewed by

Although there are a number of very good sports cars in the same price range as the Corvette, it doesn't really seem to have any direct competitors.
The similarly priced Mercedes-Benz SLK, BMW Z3 2.8, and Porsche Boxster are all delightful and competent players, but they play at a more modest pace. When it comes to real pavement-ripping prowess, none can match the Corvette's sheer power and corner-gobbling grip.
The Dodge Viper does rival the Corvette's dynamic capabilities--indeed, it's even faster--but it requires a single-minded focus on brutish performance to enjoy it. 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's certainly evolved well beyond the realm of what we call affordable. But coupe or convertible, there doesn't seem to be much question that the latest generation of this all-American is also world-class.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sports Cars |
| Editor |
Tony Swan |
| Model Lineup |
|
| Engines (standard) |
5.7-liter ohv V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
6-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) |
|
| Transmissions (optional) |
4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
Dual airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
|
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-222-1020 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.chevrolet.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$44,990 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Convertible |
| Standard Equipment |
(Convertible) ABS, air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette stereo, power windows, keyless remote entry, heated power mirrors, power leather seats, tilt steering, illuminated vanity mirrors, low tire pressure warning, cruise control, rear window defogger, aluminum alloy wheels |
| Destination Charge |
|
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
6-speed manual transmission |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Layout |
|
| Price as Tested |
$45,805 |
| Horse Power |
345 @ 5600 |
| Torque |
350 @ 4400 |
| Fuel Economy |
18/28 |
| Wheelbase |
104.5 |
| Length/Width/Height |
179.7/73.6/47.4 |
| Track Front/Rear |
62.0/62.1 |
| Turning Radius |
38.5 |
| 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 |
13.9 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
|
| Front Suspension |
Independent |
| Rear Suspension |
Independent |
| Ground Clearance |
|
| Curb Weight |
3246 |
| Stock Tires |
P245/45ZR-17/P275/40ZR-18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc |
| Fuel Capacity |
19.1 |