You're obviously misinformed, and never heard of the ZL-1, the L-88 or the contemporary Z-06.
Depends on the particular Corvette and the particular "other" car. Generally speaking, the Corvette combines better than average acceleration with awesome handling. Most vettes handle very well, some have awesome acceleration while some years are pretty pathetic. The focus is on high speed stability and handling.
Muscle cars primary focus is on strait line acceleration and some handled ok, some cornered like a panel truck. Modern muscle cars have acceleration and handling just short of the vette, generally speaking. The focus is on 0-60.
Corvettes are "sports" cars, as opposed to being a "muscle" or "pony" car.
I drove a 69 Firebird for 12 years (now undergoing restoration), and drive a 96 vette.
Exactly. This is not to deride the ZR-1 or any of the later engines. This is not to deride the sheer speed or finesse of the Corvette, which I would put head to head with any of the Italian/German/Japanese super coupes (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes, Porsche, Toyota, Honda) any day, and win.
The classic American muscle car is the epitome of Detroit power and metal. Lots of chrome, massive engines, throaty roars akin to Harley Davidsons on steroids and classic lines. They were inexpensive to build, yet the ultimate expression of raw power.
No, I can't minimize the Corvette, but to compare it to the classic muscle cars from Ford, Mopar or GM is not fair to either type of vehicle - apples and oranges indeed.