Viper or GT4?

I have a $150k budget for an analog weekend car. Must be three pedals, two seats, and a coupe with reasonable maintenance. No engine outs. Prefer no older than 10 years. I've narrowed it down to a gen 5 Viper or a GT4. I realize these are very different cars. I'm leaning toward the Viper.

Interested in your take.

 

I've had 3 Vipers so that would be my take. The Gen 5 is much advanced compared to the older gens, still a raw car, but much less so. If you want brute American force and size, great car, pretty bulletproof, low maintenance, low production numbers. The handle great as well, especially in ACR form. Can't speak on the GT4 unfortunately.

 

I have no experience with the porsche and have only rode in gen 5s, but I've had a few gen 3 vipers and they are absolutely incredible cars. Incredibly reliable for what they offer too.

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Shocked that Gen 5 Vipers are $150k. I’ve never been enamored with the Cayman platform so I would choose Viper. Not many manual cars to choose from anymore, sad really.

 

I was waiting for Gen 5 to drop to around 50k and pick one up....it never happened, lol. I think the closest was mid 60s-70s before they shot up.

How about a new Vette?

 

I'd vote for a GenIV Viper, no engine issues that the GenV have (factory ended up giving some 10-year warranties and then did not honor some). The best thing the GenV has going for it is the looks, otherwise, prefer the analog gauges of the GenIV. If you want more power, send it to Prefix (in Michigan).

GT4 is a nice car, but, looks like pretty much every other Porsche, the Viper would never be mistaken for anything else, well, except an S2000 from a distance of couple miles off

 

Corvette doesn't excite me enough. If I had to buy a Vette, it'd be a C7 Z06 manual. C8 is auto only.

Funny you say that. I owned an 06 AP2 S2000 for seven years. Lots of mods: carbon hardtop, suspension, etc.

Some GT4s are fitted with PCCBs which I avoid like the plague. I believe the only Viper with CCBs is the ACR? Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

I believe you could option the TA version with CCBs also, not sure on the standard version.

 

Was thinking more C7 ZR1 but I’ll admit I’m no Vette expert.

 

The GenV ACRs are usually fitted with CCB, but that was an option, and, using the CCBs requires the use of the odd size front wheels that were made to fit the Kumho tires (295/25R19 90Y, and now Michelin makes same size) that are great for a few track laps than then they are toast. The Kuhmo tires are made all wrong, load limit way too low and weird size that only Kuhmo and Michelin make (at least Michelin has higher load rating, 94Y). IF you get one with CCBs I would change out for the steel brakes and stock rims that go with those and then you have a lot more regular options for tire sets. You can always store the originals.

 

Thanks! I won't touch anything with CCBs. I skip right over all GT4s with yellow calipers. This car will only be street driven. Don't need the extra performance at the limit nor want the big risk and potential expense of CCBs.

How is the Dodge dealer network when it comes to caring for the Viper? I imagine they seldom see them. I'm in upstate NY for reference.

 

Honestly vipers are laughably easy to work on.

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They are easy to work on if you DYI at all. If not, locate a dealer familiar with them, there are several around the country if you can live with the shipping costs.

 

Heard good things ...

http://www.tatorsdodge.com/

 

another vote for American Thunder, Even if its a CGI Viper

https://www.google.com/search?q=Viper+at+german+nordshlief&oq=Viper+at+german+nordshlief&aqs=chrome..69i57j33i10i160l2.25166j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:2f24341f,vidniIC7Y1Cxo,st:0

 

Well my Viper dream is over. Wanted this car since I was a kid. Traveled 3 hours yesterday to look at a gorgeous low miles red 2014 GTS with black racing stripes. One of the best looking cars I've ever seen. I was going to pull the trigger.. until I sat inside. First time sitting in any Viper.

I found the driving position appalling. Everything seemed askew. Sitting squarely in the seat, the wheel center was four inches to the right of my body centerline. The pedal box is very narrow. The dead pedal is useless. I kept clipping the clutch trying to rest on it leaving me no where to place my left foot when not changing gear. I'm not a big guy either. 5'9" 150 lbs with 10.5 shoe.

I spent 15 minutes in the car trying to convince myself it was ok. No amount of adjustment made it feel right. I had to walk away. It was a very sad drive home. Definitely a case of don't meet your heros.

 

They aren't for everyone. Their flaws are what make them such a fun car. The pedals are tricky, but with driving shoes they aren't that bad. If you are looking for a comfortable, easy to drive car, the viper isn't it.

Gen 3/4s are a bit more comfortable than 1/2/5

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Sorry to hear, but you adjust with time and get used to it. Unique car to experience if you ever reconsider.

 

I looked at a 1997 GTS a few years ago - thread on here somewhere. I owned a 2001 RT/10 at one point, so this would have been my second go with one. Pretty much the same experience as you had - I got in, drove it for 15 minutes, and said "No". I miss my GT3.

MDS

PS: Found the thread already ...

Viper Owners ??? | FerrariChat

 

Update: after walking away from the Viper earlier this year, I ended up purchasing a 2k mile 2020 GT4 manual this summer. Very happy with the car. Thank you to everyone who responded.

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I think you did great. I have always admired and appreciated the Viper but found the issues the same as you. I do have a soon to be rare C7Z convertible with manual. Took over a year to find too. Its my 8th and last vette unless I get a C2. I have been looking at the GT4 and Spyder too. Would be great to hear your thoughts after some time with it. Cheers!

 

Great color!