Dodge Viper SRT-10 vs. Chevrolet Corvette Z06

There are obvious reasons behind this high torque, red-white-and-blue, what'll-she-do showdown: These are America's two most outspoken--in fact, America's only--mass-produced two-seater musclecars. They live to rumble, ruin tires, cruise the scene, talk the talk, walk the walk, and fly the flag.

If you follow this kind of stuff, you know the Viper is virtually all-new for 2003, packing a fresh look, a much upgraded interior, a conventional convertible top, and V-10-generated 500 hp. The Z06 has upped its game to 405 horses and offers a superb blend of sophisticated underpinnings, a coupe-only body style, and what may be the ultimate expression of small-block Chevy V-8 offered to date.

This test isn't about cargo capacity, fuel economy, or who has the better cupholders. We could care less--so could you. We put these domestic heavy weights head to head: at our test track, on the dyno, and through challenging, serpentine mountain roads. Here's our take on the US of A's musclecar kings, and what they can do.