2013 Chevrolet Corvette vs. Its Competition

Nelson Ireson Senior Editor

For a couple of years, the Corvette sat alone as the fastest production American super/sports car, but for 2013, the SRT Viper is back.

It's an even more extreme vehicle in many ways, though its all-new interior design, improved quality, and ZR1-matching power could put it back in front.

There are no lower-tier models of the Viper, however, leaving the Corvette a solid alternative short of supercar status.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R is likewise considerably more expensive than base Corvettes, but slightly cheaper than the ZR1, with similar performance, but done in a completely different manner.

The 2012 Porsche 911 is every bit as good (and in many ways better) at the day-to-day driving, more nimble in the corners, but slightly less powerful and not as blindingly fast in the straights.

The 2013 Porsche Boxster could offer an attractive alternative to buyers looking at the lower end of the Corvette range, especially if top-down sporty driving and style are priorities.