The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR Has 2 Advantages Over the Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR was the final over-the-top installment in Dodge’s V10-powered lunacy lineup. However, even with one of the fastest Nürburgring lap times ever recorded in an American car, the ACR isn’t alone in the conversation of star-spangled supercars. Enter the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a flat-plane first for GM and a pound-for-pound match for some of the fastest supercars in the world. Still, even with the Z06’s credentials, the Viper ACR has a few advantages to boast over the ‘Vette.
Why is the 2017 Dodge Viper ACR special?
The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) was the last production Viper ACR and part of the final model year for the fifth-generation model. Moreover, the ACR’s abundant aero front and rear created massive grip, so much so that it is one of the best-handling American road cars ever.
In fact, Dodge claims the ACR’s aero, rubber, and suspension wizardry equates to 1.5 lateral gs in corners. That’s enough to corner with the likes of a $1.2 million Pagani Huayra, per MotorTrend. Furthermore, the 2017 model’s 7:01.3 time at the Nürburgring established it as 2.7 seconds quicker around the “Green Hell” than Chevrolet’s previous unstoppable blacktop bully, the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (that’s from the C7 generation, for you fans out there).
However, the ACR isn’t alone in its naturally-aspirated (N/A) kingdom of killer performance; the Z06 also derives its massive power from an N/A engine. Still, the ACR bests it in a few ways.
- The ACR’s manual transmission is a missing part of the Z06 options list.
- The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR is lighter than the C8 Z06.
- Dodge’s final ACR is a bona fide collector’s car, maybe more so than the Z06.
Are Dodge Viper ACRs manual-only?
The 2017 Dodge Viper lineup offered just one transmission option: a six-speed TREMEC TR6060 manual. While some dual-clutch fans might reject the lack of a choice, the marriage of an N/A 8.4L V10 engine and a three-pedal setup makes the ACR that much more of a joy on a track.
Moreover, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a more modern rival for the ACR, also offers just one transmission option. However, the Z06’s lone gearbox is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. While faster-shifting than an ACR, driver engagement suffers compared to the rowable gearbox.
How much does the Viper ACR weigh?
The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR weighs 3,374 lbs, around 292 lbs lighter than a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ Coupe, per Car and Driver.
| 2017 Dodge Viper ACR | 3,374 lbs |
| 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (Z07 kit) | 3,666 lbs |
Moreover, with a 50/50 weight distribution, the ACR is a balanced platform, especially considering the displacement of the model’s front-mounted V10 mill.
How much does a 2017 Dodge Viper ACR cost?
The 2017 Dodge Viper ACR started at around $119,990. However, the car’s unique nature has established it as a collectible, and current prices reflect. Some ACRs demand over $300,000, like a California-based example with 1,578 miles posted at $325,495.
That means a well-maintained ACR could be worth over 270% of its original price. That’s quite a bit more than the current Z06 pricing landscape. Specifically, the Z06 1LZ starts at $109,295. However, many examples currently sell for between $140,000 and $150,000.
Still, even with the Viper ACR’s undeniable track day potential, the C8 Z06 is faster-accelerating, more powerful, and, given its balanced mid-engine layout, even more at home punishing a road course.
