Give me a break (pardon the pun). It's all in the ABS?
Actually, all you need is a (non existent) RSI motor.
Brakes just slow you down (1 part of the equation). All other things being equal, fast lap times are a result of high turn entry speed and high turn exit speed. This has to do with handling, being on the right line and having ability to get the car at or near it's limit.
That being said;
Stock 01/02 brakes provide more stopping force than earlier brakes due to the larger caliber on the rear, etc. The master cylinder is also different. The SRT has bigger/better everything including geometry as stated in the previous posts above.
01/02 brakes still **** and do not compare to aftermarket or SRT brakes.
But to the laymen, Viper brakes are awesome. I love the reaction of people after taking them for a ride on the track. The Viper is an awesome production car, period.
Truth is, none of us will reach the limit of the stock equipment (that includes motor, tires, brakes, etc.).
Problem with ABS is that there is no safety factor if you are simply relying on the ABS. You still have to be able to brake properly!
ABS can also be a negative on the track when you have an uneven surface, as can be the case in the braking zones at some tracks (turn 17 at Sebring and turn 1 at Mid America come to mind). The car tends to skip under braking in these cases as the ABS can activate prematurely (this = no brakes). I have also had this happen if you are using the curbing as you lift a wheel entering a turn.
A '00 and earlier car with aftermarket brakes and no ABS will outperform an '01/02 car with stock brakes and ABS. And don't forget, 01/02 cars have less HP.
A better driver can win in either car.