You shouldn't be thinking of price if you're buying a Vette or a Viper (well, ok, maybe a Vette... lol). And, just for the record, the new Viper should be able to take the new 'Vette. I love me some Viper!!
Firebird is going too.....damn. I have a 1998 with the ram air and its fast enough for me. I have always owned either a Camaro or Firebird as my summer car.
I don't think she wasnt talking about speed (or even handling) alone, but a more subjective kind of ranking. My definition of performance, like yours, mainly concentrates solely on speed, suspension, handling, etc. However, like others, I also inlcude aesthetics, comfort, overall feel. Which is why I dont understand "muscle-cars" too much. I'd much prefer a BMW, Lexus, Mercedes any day of the week. You can get just as much power with a better-designed (at least not just "big") engined, better handling, a better looking car, with generally undeniably more comfortable interior - and often less problems with the car in the long run - although I certainly beleive the stories of 125,000 mile Mustangs, etc with no problems at all. Is it all just a price thing? Certainly I understand wanting speed/handling over any other criteria and for around $20k they dont get much better than the Mustangs/Camaro's of the world. Forgetting about the Camaro's/Mustangs, do you prefer a M3 or a Corvette? If they cost the same, would you get a Viper or a Porsche Turbo? Just curious.