I believe you! Maybe was bad luck... I still live Vipers... I just saw a really nice ACR maybe I should try again? Lol

 

My dear Friends (indeed, LeoLambo);


I have enjoyed reading the back-and-forth on this, and while being new I seek not to wear out my welcome. I am a Chrysler Salesman (proudly so!) in Virginia. The Dodge Viper has always been a dream car of mine, I have always wanted a 2002 Dodge Viper GTS Venom. I feel we fell away from our beautiful, sleek, snake-bite heritage in 2003 when we changed our body style...


Then the prominent return of the Viper solely by our 'American exotic' brand: SRT. The SRT Viper has become a grand leading icon of American muscle and prominent flagship for the SRT Brand, flanked on both sides by its sisters: the 300C SRT-8, the Charger SRT-8, the Challenger SRT-8 and the Grand Cherokee SRT-8.


With that said, no vehicle is ever perfect, just like no opinion is 100% correct. The beauty of cars is that you don't HAVE to own one if you do not want to. Specifically, however, with the SRT Viper; it brings more value and credibility to the table than any other vehicle in its class. Cutting edge, state-of-the-art technology; a tested and proven heritage; monumental resale value and above all: joy. The thrill and the emotion engendered in this, the finest crafted of machines ever assembled by mortal hands, border on transcendent romance.


An experience with an SRT Viper (or ANY Viper for that matter) is like that first sip of wine after crossing the desert, or looking into your true love's eyes just before going to sleep, or watching the sunset, slipping below the Caribbean at the end of its long day with the breeze whispering the promises of a peaceful night. Its an experience like a moment in which you could live the rest of your life; but at the same time not caring if you drew your last breath within it...


There is an old adage: the driver doesn't pick the car, the car picks the driver. Give Viper a chance, LeoLambo. Don't give up, most definitely try again! You won't be disappointed. Find the Viper that speaks to you, and she will never forsake you.

 

so Leo - has UGR done it's magic yet?

 

Lets be real here. Its an awesome car but a steel chassis, cast iron brakes, a manual transmission and a huge iron block? motor are hardly "state-of-the-art" and in terms of credibility, I don't think anything beats the Porsche 911 (GT3).

You should start a blog though, you have a nice way with words.

 

Huge iron block? Cast Iron brakes? LOL. Anyway I will never get the tech snobbery that many throw at cars like the Viper. It still is a top echelon performer on a road course and is faster than a GT3, 911 TT S, GTR, 12C, 458 etc at tracks like Laguna yet it's still not credible???

I respect your opinion but I just can't take such a view seriously when you look at the big picture sans bias.

Could the Viper be more? Sure but even with what it has it is more than enough against the top tech cars in its performance class on a road course. What does that say about the tech laden cars that can't embarrass a car like the Viper around a road course? It gets creamed in a straight line by cars like the 12C due to DCT's though. I'd love to see a Viper with a DCT though.

 

I am acutely aware of the Viper's capability and always defend it as such. Especially those knocking its abilities, and have done so publicly, recognizing it has among the fastest laps of any production car.

However, when one writes, "Cutting edge, state-of-the-art technology;" that is laughable compared to the competition. Didn't you read the post I replied to?

In terms of credibility, racing is the source and nothing beats the 911 in terms of worldwide accomplishments. Sadly, just as this generation Viper was making a comeback, its withdrawn from LeMans. Very disappointing.

 

[QUOTE=LeoLambo;4034324]The Viper is the most uncomfortable sport car in the market period!

A- The AC is not strong at all...

B- The cabin gets really hot from the exhaust, even the new SRT have the same problem. You can "fix" this problem by changing the exhaust and cats.

C- The visibility is horrible...

I'm not talking about "my friends vipers" I'm talking about my vipers and my Gallardo.... I drove vipers for over 2 years... For how long did you drive "your friends vipers"?

When you drive a viper you need to grow some ***** to go top speed... With the Gallardo anyone can go over 180mph and it feels like doing 40mph in the Viper... The stability is horrible! But I'm not talking about the ACR...

Viper comfortable? I think you like that ACR so much that you didn't even think about how uncomfortable that car was... I love the ACR too but you can't compare a ACR with what I had.

Vipers are no DD cars...

Vipers more comfortable than the Vette Z06? Come on bro... You got to be kidding me... The AC of the corvette is cool ice! The cabin doesn't get hot! The seats are more comfortable! The cabin is 2 times bigger! And the Z06 is just way faster...



Why did you ask your original question?

 

I've tried so hard to like the new Viper. I loved the original concept of the Viper (classic method of HP:weight). Phenomenal fun. BUT - I wouldn't drive it. I'd DD the CRAP out of a C7Z06 (I haven't driven the new one yet, but the C6Z is an incredible amount of fun, I can only imagine the new C7Z with all of that new magnetic junk and actual traction would make it even better).

Yeah, the Viper had an AMAZING opportunity to revolutionize the American sports car image. Unfortunately, it did not leave its mark. It is an inferior performer to several cars that cost less, and is less comfortable than practically all of them. Usually, when one gives up something, it is in favor of something else. But rarely does one pay more for less performance, less comfort, etc...

I'd put up a GT500 against this Viper. In just about every category...

 

I test drove a '14 Viper last night. It's leagues better than a '13+ GT500 IMO. It's also rare. I never see them, while I see Corvettes and Mustangs every single day. To the original question, I'd take a Gen V Viper over a '04 Gallardo.

 

Iam on the fence about buying a new 2013 Viper. The dealer is discounting the car from MSRP of 130,000 down to 103,000.


Just a little hesitant since the car isn't selling that well and I don't want to get stuck with a car.

 

Usually your posts are spot-on. But exactly how is it an inferior performer, to anything except a 1/4 mile ET?

And a GT500 against a new GTS? You must be referring to the 2nd generation because otherwise that comparison is just absolutely laughable.