2002 RT/10 or 2003-05 SRT/10?

[SFTREKKR]

Hello to Everyone! I am now in a position to buy my first Viper, and I could use some advice. I live in the San Feancisco Bay Area, and I have never driven a stick before. Despite that, I test drove an 05 Shelby GT 500 and a 10 Mustang GT (both stick) not too long ago, and those experiences give me great confidence. My other car is an 06 SLK55 AMG, so I crave torque and engine sounds big time.

I am under the impression that the Gen IIIs are easier to drive, but the heat that leaks into the cabin from underneath the car is a concern. Is this true? Is the Gen II really that much harder to drive?

Thanks!

 

[Synergy]

Gen 3s do give of a lot of heat but I wouldn't let that stop you. Turn the a/c up and enjoy top down weather!

 

[01sapphirebob]

I wouldn't say the GEN III's are easier to drive then the GEN II's since they have the same clutch and tranny if i'm not mistaken. To me this would all boil down to looks. Between my GEN II and GEN IV I would pick my GEN II for looks and in some cases drivability. While the GEN IV has the better brakes and better transmission and more HP etc, I just love my GEN II. So like I said in the end I would say it all depends on which car you like better.

 

[ROCKET62]

How often will you want the top on or the ability to easily put the top up? Absolute night and day difference between the two. Brakes are also better on the Gen 3. Looks - totally subjective.

 

[Timnineside]

Buy a GTS you will love it.

 

[*fill-up*]

I had a gen2 and gen3, I like my GTS because it was one of a kind and would get looks everywhere, but the srt10 was alot of fun being able to take down the top whenever I'd like too. I did like the seats more in the gen3, and the interior, and the truck was great to store everything in, and I never had an issue with the gen 3 with heat or anything, I drove it everyday all summer in Chicago, with some days being over 100degress. Also I feel the srt takes bumps better and the suspension is a little more firm.

 

[SFTREKKR]

Thanks for all the responses. You Viper guys are truly a very supportive bunch. Answering ROCKET62's question, I almost never drive my SLK top down, so I'm more inclined toward a hard top Viper. I think the coupe looks good, too!

 

[Timnineside]

I know a guy that has a GTS for sale. It even has nice brakes....... That's a coupe as well.

 

[SFTREKKR]

I am very interested. Please send me more info. Thanks.

 

[Cobraken]

As to which looks better is a subjective choice. If you were to take a vote from those that have owned a gen 2 and a gen 3 I believe a majority will say a gen 3 is more drivable than a 2. That saying, I think the GTS is the best looking Viper hands down.

 

[Twister]

Ive owned a 99 rt10 and 03 srt10.

With very little thought the 03 srt10 is better in every way.

The 03 looks just like the 10s youve been reading about
The 03 has a far better fit and finish
The 03 interior is much nicer
The 03 is faster (3 tenths and 3 mph faster in the quarter mile both driven by me)
The 03 has a faster top speed at 194 vs 177 for the rt10 and 190 for the gts
The 03 has better seats
The 03 has much better brakes
The 03 engine layout is much cleaner
The 03 has side exhaust that always strike conversation


The 02 rt10 has the reverse opening hood and thats its only advantage

The 02 gts has the reverse opening hood and its debateable wich looks better between it and the 03 as its advantages


To me the gen3 looks a bit better than the gen2s. But I wouldnt know this unless I had already owned a gen2. The gts is very photogenic. But in those pictures you dont notice lights designed in 96 or various gaps between panels from odd fitting hoods ect. Smaller rims than the 03. Theirs just so much you cant see unless you owned both of them.

Is the gen2 an amazing car? Yes! It set the world on fire back in 1996. But in that statement lies the problem when compareing it to tne 03 designed srt10. It set the world on fire back in 1996

 

[eagles]

I would agree with Twister's comments and add; '03 on up are more refined drivers car, cabin heat was an issue in my '96 GTS, one of the reasons I traded it. I bought a '96 new and traded it for an '03 which I still have.

Just my personal choice. I'm in Sonoma if you want a little experience riding in an '03 feel free to contact me.

eagles

 

[Venomiss]

Since you are in Northern California you might ask the VCA NorCal Viper Club to see if anyone is selling their Viper.
They are having an event coming up next weekend.

The Viper Club of America has 38 regions all over the USA, Canada, along with Europe & Japan.

http://norcalviperclub.org/

 

[SFTREKKR]

Guys, I just made an offer on an 03 SRT10. Will know if I get it or not over the weekend. My thanks to all of you for being so supportive!

 

[Venomiss]

If you do end up purchasing your dream Viper we hope you will join the VCA. Good luck this weekend.

https://www.viperclub.org/join/

If you are not a Viper Club of America Member this is what you have been missing.......

​

 

[SFTREKKR]

Eagles, thank you for your very generous offer. I want to take you up on it but I am not sure if I can make it this weekend. I'll let you know.

 

[georgethedog]

I have had a Gen 1, two Gen 2's and now Gen 3 SRT-10. Hands down the Gen 3. It's just a better car. Top is a real convertible top not something you have to carry around with you... Huge difference in feel, drivability, braking, etc., just like Twister said. The only complaint I have with my Gen 3 vs. my Gen 2 RT/10's is that it is harder to see what is behind you in the Gen 3 as the rear goes up right behind the seats. As far as heat, get an aftermarket exhuast like Corsa and eliminate the cross-over pipe. Good luck.

 

[bmw2nv2000]

Gen 3 all the way. Doesnt scream viper quite like the gen1&2's but all around better car. Like George said first mod should be a catback exhaust to eliminate the crossover and if you really want to keep things cool inside get rid of those cats too. Good luck.

 

[SFTREKKR]

Eagles, thank you for your very generous offer. I want to take you up on it but I am not sure if I can make it this weekend. I'll let you know.

 

[SFTREKKR]

George, BMW,

Thank you for the education. Now I know what some sellers are implying when they mention "corsa exhaust".

 

[georgethedog]

George, BMW,

Thank you for the education. Now I know what some sellers are implying when they mention "corsa exhaust".

Interestingly, when I put a Corsa on my car it had the following benefits vs. stock:

- No more hot seat
- The car actually sounds like it has a lumpy cam
- Much better exhuast note
- Zero drone at cruising speeds
- Bad ass sound when you jump on the trottle
- Nice "popping" on deceleration (which I like-some don't)

So, to me the Corsa gives more than heat reduction. Good luck.

 

[SFTREKKR]

George,

Thanks again for all the extra info. The only item in your list that gives me pause is the deceleration popping.

I'm also not sure how to relate to the lumpy cam sound. Despite my familiarity with my SLK's 5.5-liter V8 and it's quad exhaust, I'm not sure if your definition of a lumpy cam note is something I can readily relate to. But I do crave big engine sound these days!

 

[SFTREKKR]

George,

Thanks again for all the extra info. The only item in your list that gives me pause is the deceleration popping.

I'm also not sure how to relate to the lumpy cam sound. Despite my familiarity with my SLK's 5.5-liter V8 and it's quad exhaust, I'm not sure if your definition of a lumpy cam note is something I can readily relate to. But I do crave big engine sound these days!

 

[georgethedog]

The decel "popping" is not very noisey, just a nice "this is a hot engine" type sound and it really only occurs if you down shift strong as you come to a stop--I like it, so I do it. Have you ever heard a car that was "cammed"? That is what I mean by lumpy sound. Not quite to the extent of an engine that was highly built with a big ole cam, but noticeable. Again, a sound that says "this engine means f------g business."

 

[SFTREKKR]

Point taken. Corsa it will be!

 

[georgethedog]

I got my Corsa from Jon B at Parts Rack. Great knowledge, prices, and delivery. Have fun whatever you do.

 

[DodgeViper01]

Easy was to describe, GEN II for hands down better looks and raw driving feel. Gen III for a easier driveability exotic car that is a bit newer. Good luck in your search and just remember, either way, when you get a Viper, it's a Viper regardless.

 

[georgethedog]

Easy was to describe, GEN II for hands down better looks and raw driving feel. Gen III for a easier driveability exotic car that is a bit newer. Good luck in your search and just remember, either way, when you get a Viper, it's a Viper regardless.

That's it... A Viper is a Viper!!! (unless it has dolphins on the hood)

 

[SFTREKKR]

And a Viper is perfect for me to practice manual shifting!

 

[SFTREKKR]

I'm curious: how many miles are on your Vipers? Thanks for sharing!