Information on the Viper please.

[vertov]

Hi everyone, this post is directed towards thepolarfoxqx but I thought I'd post public to hear others opinions.

I've been considering buying a used genII viper now that they are coming down in price but some of your posts have given me second thoughts. I was under the impression that the viper was an awsome track performer but then I see one of your posts stating this...

"First off - viper is not a sports car. It is a poorly designed chasis (yes, it is unstable and has unimpressive handling numbers - shamed by 4 seaters at half the price),"

I've done some research and from what I've learned the viper is just a bit below the z06 in track times. It scores around .97-.99 on the skidpad and Car and Driver claims it has the second best solom time behind the mini cooper. I also like the fact that for around $11,000 you can put out 700hp with bolt-ons (roe supercharger kit, intake/exhaust). Is there something I'm missing here?

I want a high performace car at a low cost for street and track. I know the z06 is the better deal but I kinda want something more unique and the Viper seemed to fit the bill. If not that then what would you recommend in the $50,000 range?

[thepolarfoxqx]

For 50k, if you are going for maximum bang for the buck - nothing beats the Mustang Cobra R. They are hard to find (production ceased at the end of the 2002 model year, but they are around). There is also the Saleen and Roush mustangs. The Z06 is great - though expensive. For 50k, the M Roadster is a very impressive car, especially with some dinan suspension and intake/exhaust components. A viper is a good platform for getting extra horsepower - seeing as the factory chose to use a really really big engine. You need to drive one. If you feel confident in how it handles and performs at the edge, go for it. I believe that a tuner cobra presents the best bang for the buck for track numbers. If you are looking for a car that easily gets tuned to violently large horsepower numbers, then Viper and Vette are good picks. If you drive a viper, and like it - go for it. I just find them to be a bit unpredictable - and even unstable handlers at times. The generation 1 had massive issues with lots and lots of things. Gen 2 is a lot more reasonable of a car. I just think better can be done.

[Inabj2]

Ill politely have to disagree, from what I heard the viper is a very able handler being able to out handle cars in its price range such as the NSX. But it is not a car for the begginer driver and it takes some skill to deal with its oversteering nature, but once you do master it, it is a very able car being able to handle or even outhandle the best cars out there.

I say you test drive one, and form your own oppinion about it rather to listen to us though!

[thepolarfoxqx]

absolutely.

you say you need to be a very good driver to exise the handling qualities from a viper, and i think that's true. that said, a good (not excellent) driver can pull every bit of handling out of an NSX, and won't get so far with a Viper. Viper is a tricky car to drive, is short on creature comforts, and is not really pleasant to drive for a long time (not a daily driver). It is an able car for a very good driver. It is not easy to drive though, and if you don't really have a feel for it, it is quite unstable. You need to drive it. If you like it, and can handle it well, go for it.

[ViperGTS]

If you will have a chance to "test drive" a Viper you will feel the difference...

However, learning to drive a Viper takes more than a "test drive"!

[thepolarfoxqx]

naturally it takes more than a test drive to learn how to drive a car. I still don't have my boxster down. A Viper just isn't a car everyone can enjoy driving.

For people who drive for nothing other than to just beat on their car non-stop, every stoplight, relentlessly, a viper works well. It can be a very enjoyable car for an experienced driver of that type of car. It's engineering isn't the greatest, but it is about the ends anyhow.

For 80k, you can have a better car than a dodge viper. easy as that

[izzyloveslizzy]

It definitely takes more than a test drive bro.. Test-Drives are clever little ways of pulling you into the trap. Of course it's not always a trap. Some cars really deserve even more. I think I'd enjoy driving a Viper though. I don't see why it would be bad to the general class of people (the average person(s)). It's fast, frugal, and foxy (that's sooooo copied). I agree that you can get much better for $80K though. Also, I'm beginning to get annoyed with the exhaust vent coming out below the doors as well. It really doesn't seem like it would be such a big problem, but now I can't stand it. It's stil a good car though. Especially theat modified version GTR or GTO or GT or whatever it was called. Now THAT was a nice Viper.

[thepolarfoxqx]

side pipes are painful. that said the new viper is miles ahead of the old one.

[ViperGTS]

Switching to an aftermarket exhaust like CORSA or BORLA and using HF-cats and/or headers will bring the "correct" sound...

[thepolarfoxqx]

i agree.