2010 ZR1 Specs

The Corvette has undergone many changes throughout the years.corvettes image by michael langley from Fotolia.com

The Corvette has been in Chevrolet's lineup since 1953 and it continues through 2010 without slowing down, figuratively or literally. The 2007 Corvette ZR1 is part of the sixth generation of Corvettes, also called C6, and is an impressive machine. The ZR1 package is the racing package that is equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 and a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2010 ZR1 Corvette receives some competition from the Dodge Viper and the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Horsepower

Horsepower is the main number that consumers are looking at when purchasing an exotic sports car. The 2010 ZR1 does not disappoint, producing 638 horsepower at 6,500 RPM. The 2010 Dodge Viper comes in second, producing 600 horsepower at 6,100 RPM from its 8.2-liter V10. The Porsche 911 Turbo produces 500 horsepower at 6,000 RPM from its turbocharged 3.8-liter H6.

Horsepower is the number that gets bragging rights, but torque is what wins the race. Torque is the twisting power the engine creates and is measured in foot-pounds. The ZR1 Corvette leads the pack, producing 604 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 RPM. The Viper pulls in second, producing 560 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000 RPM. The Porsche 911 Turbo is last in this rating, producing 480 foot-pounds of torque at 1,950 RPM.

Producing the maximum power with minimum weight is the goal of these vehicles. The weight is listed as "curb weight," this weight of the vehicle with no fuel or passengers. The ZR1 Corvette is the lightest of the group at 3,333 pounds. The Dodge Viper is the second lightest at 3,454 pounds, while the Porsche 911 Turbo is the heaviest at 3,461 pounds.

Fuel economy is not a focal point when the manufacturers are developing these vehicles, but it is still an important factor to consider. The Corvette ZR1 gets 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The Dodge Viper gets 13 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The Porsche 911 Turbo leads the group, getting 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.