2001 Chevrolet Corvette Review Summary & Specs
Base Coupe
Can't beat it for thrills per buck.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
A number of great sports cars are in this price range, but the Corvette does not really have any direct competitors. Similarly priced BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK models 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 coupe, convertible or hardtop, there doesn't seem to be much question that the latest generation of this all-American is a world-class GT.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sports Cars |
| Editor |
Mitch McCullough and Sam Moses |
| Model Lineup |
C5 Coupe ($40,280); C5 Convertible ($46,805); Z06 Hardtop ($48,055) |
| Engines (standard) |
5.7-liter ohv V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
6-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) |
350-hp 5.7-liter ohv V8 (LS1); 385-hp 5.7-liter ohv V8 (LS6) |
| Transmissions (optional) |
6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
standard: dual airbags, ABS, Active Handling |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
|
| 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 |
$40,280 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Convertible ($46,805) |
| Standard Equipment |
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 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
6-speed manual transmission ($815) includes 3.42 limited-slip rear axle |
| Destination Charge |
|
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Layout |
rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested |
$47,620 |
| Horse Power |
350 @ 5600 |
| Torque |
375 @ 4400 |
| Fuel Economy |
19/28 |
| Wheelbase |
104.5 |
| Length/Width/Height |
179.7/73.6/47.4 |
| Track Front/Rear |
62.0/62.1 |
| Turning Radius |
39.4 ft. (curb to curb) |
| 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 |
3231 |
| Stock Tires |
P245/45ZR-17 - P275/40ZR-18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity |
19.1 |