911 Turbo owner new to board & looking into Vipers

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

"Daily driver" and "what's the best exhaust" are the most commonly asked questions on this board. Sometimes I don't know if they're legit or if they're just having fun.

The answer to your daily driver question is "if you're asking then you probably won't like the Viper as a daily driver."

 

[kverges]

I figure your tone and demeanor make you legit', so:

The Viper is very, very different. I find my GTS to be perfectly daily drivable, but I suspect it rides a bit rougher and has not got quite the Teutonic build quality of the Porsche, nor does it have the interior room. But I value the incremental performance improvement over the Porsche and the looks, subjective as they are, of the Viper are way better than the Porsche. Finally, the Viper is a bit over 1/2 the cost of the Porsche, and that may be a factor for you, I don't know.

I would say the dividing line is between outrageous look and performance vs. very high performance in a more civilized and conservative package. And the Porsche faithful will always look down their noses at the Viper, so you may get ostracized ;-) I figure it's just envy of the NA 911 owners who get annihilated by equally-priced Vipers and feel compelled to belittle the subjective "shortcomings" of the Viper.

There you have it.

 

[Tom Friend]

A-Train-
You would find the Viper to be a completely different experience. People ignore a 996, but they will STARE at a Viper. Kids will yell and come running to the street corner waving at you. The Viper is a parade experience every time you drive. Sprout-chomping extreme democrats (in Volvos) will snort at you in disgust while you pump another 19 gallons into the Beast, jealous of your conspicuous consumption. Get used to it- it is part of the Viper Experience.
Then you will notice your driving habits change- you become more frustrated with city traffic and revise your driving habits to include more rural outings. Twisty roads become more fun as your Fear Of Throttle diminishes. You start taking cloverleafs at speeds you would never consider in a Teutonic grocery getter. It is scary-fun when you have such a wide torque band.

As far as differences? The Viper will track every tire rut in the road, something that you quickly adjust to, but some people never do get it. Low speed throttle response is very critical- sneeze in a parking lot and you will become a spectacle. The car is noisier, rougher riding and harder to get in/out of. No back seat for the groceries. The stock stereo is very mediocre, but many people never notice it, as they never turn it on. The stock exhaust leaves a lot to be desired. The Viper has a torque band as wide as Texas, with no spool up.

I know people who use a Cobra replicar for a daily driver. I would never consider doing so, (too rough) but I love my GTS. No, I don't drive mine every day. Some days I need a pickup truck, and some days I need more than two seats. But the days that I do get to drive it...

Yeah Baby!!

 

[SapphireGTS]

Viper is excellent driver. I have had good luck with corsa products but have not with Borla.

Is you 911 TT a new or older one. THe 97 911 TTs is my favorite car but the $$$$ on them will not drop!!!

Alot of viper owners will try to turn you off of a viper because they dont want every one to have one (like corvettes) Im striving for a 911 TT so by the time you decide to get a viper I will have hopefully upgraded to a 911 tt

 

[farrbar]

A-Train,

I have a 2001 Viper and a 98 Porsche (not a TT). The only time I find myself driving the Porsche is when I am going to a client, and I don't want the frenzy that a Yellow Viper draws. I drove my last Viper about 24,000 miles in a little over 2 years. Including a 3,000 mile road trip w/ golf clubs (I left my spare tire home).

As long as you don't have to worry about always making a scene when you arrive, and you are comfortable with the fact that the brakes and steering on a Viper do not have the feel of the Porsche - go for it.

However, you must remember that you do not have AWD like your porsche, so you probably need another option for Dec-Feb.

Good luck.

Farr Bar

 

[Performin Norman]

A-Train: Why don't you hook up with one of the forum members and let them take you for a spin. Just about all Viper owners are willing to help out. That way, you can check it out for yourself.

 

[getbit]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
I just have car-ADD (attention deficit disorder) so traded it in on something else (not the Turbo I have now).
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Car-ADD! Now I have a name for my problem!

I told my wife and she said the first step to recovery is diagnosing and admitting the problem!

What tranny does you 911 have? Tiptronic or manual?

 

[lleone]

&gt; Car-ADD! Now I have a name for my problem!
&gt; I told my wife and she said the first step
&gt; to recovery is diagnosing and admitting the problem!

ACK! Who wants to recover!

 

[treynor]

I have a '01 RT, and have never hesitated to use it for a daily driver. It picked up 5000 miles in the first 6 months I owned it, no mean feat for a car which spent 25% of its time in the shop getting faster! The only consideration is you WILL spend more time chatting with people, talking about the car, creating a scene, etc. I don't really mind that part.

 

[SapphireGTS]

Tony.

I just teasing. I remember a thread a while ago where someone mentioned that.

Tell these people that Vipers are bad cars so not everyone will have one like the Vettes.

I'm a jokester. Dont you know

 

[Jim Hodel]

I can use our GTS for all my personal transportation, but we still need a more utilitarian car for some duties.

We also have a Z06, which we use when we don't want all the attention the Viper attracts. The two cars are fine for general use, with positive and negative features for both cars.

If you have a 996TT, then you have achieved the balance between protecting the condition and value of your car, with your desire to drive it. I'd say the same thing is true about the Viper. There are some places I don't go because I don't want to subject my Viper to 'take no prisoners' parking lots.

The 3.07's are quite nice. At first I thought they were too tall, but now that I'm used to them, they are great. The car is absolutely effortless. The Z06 is fast, but I have to run it quite a bit harder, in order to get a similar seat of the pants feeling of performance.

I am sure the Viper will feel less refined then your Porsche although the Viper has a muscle car flavor that I really like (I traded in a 98 E36 M3 on the Viper).

If I wanted a car to modify, I’d choose the Viper over the Porsche. You’ve paid the extra $50k (or more) to get a finely honed car from the factory. I wouldn’t want to do a bunch of mods to a Porsche and compromise the refinement I paid all that money to get. Buy a Viper and mod it. There’s a great after market, and modifications enhance the race car sound and feel of the machine.

My wife and I briefly considered looking for a 996TT, but for the MSRP for the Porsche, we could have a Viper and a Z06. I am gradually modifying the Viper, and we’ll keep the Z06 stock.

Jim

 

[SapphireGTS]

Fast for him cozy for her
http://www.stationwagon.com/gallery/1999_Dodge_Viper_concept.html

 

[getbit]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
Aren't all real sports cars manuals? It's kind of embarrassing that Porsche has their Turbo with the Tiptronic option (lame steering wheel buttons-shifter which can also be set to fully automatic mode).
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


I'm sorry about questioning the tranny. I mean, I always thought of the 911 as a family car anyway (back seat), so an auto tranny should be right at home.

Of course, this is what I'm trying to convince my wife of. With the auto, it would be the perfect little family "sporty" car!

 

[Gavin]

A-Train, I have a Venom 500, a slightly modified 1996 GTs and very loud. I experience extreme withdrawl symptoms if I miss a day driving this car. Some may criticize, but I have been known to pick up dog food with the car. Two 40 pound bags fit quite nicely - I have photos to prove it.
It is the vehicle of choice for long trips - it is comfortable - other choice is my wifes Expedition and she always wants to take the viper. Plenty of room for luggage - at least the way we travel.
Seriously - this car is a *****cat in traffic and an animal when you open it up. Its a great car as a daily driver for all the reasons stated in previous posts *** its ideal for the track. Bring it home after a weekend away or a weekend at the track, quick wash, a coat of Zaino and you have a showcar, go put it on display somewhere.
I personally have yet to meet the person that sold their Viper willingly - owning a Viper is an addiction. They can bury me in mine.

 

[jp]

I've been driving my brothers 993TT for many miles and several times on the track...I'm 100% sure that I would take the Porsche before my Viper as the Daily driver. But since I dont own the Porsche do I prefer my BMW 540 ;-)
Anyway, seriously, do I find the Viper and the Porsche very hard co compare, this is two totally different cars...I chose the Viper, my brother chose the Porsche...

 

[SapphireGTS]

A-Train. Knowing that, I would have bought a 97TT. My neighbor just sold his maroon one. The dealer gave him over 100K for it. I guess they are getting alot for them over here. If you want a viper, I would be glad to trade with you for a couple of months

Although your car may not have as much rubber on it. I have a gts that is loud and mean.

Talk about 2 COMPLETELY different cars. That would be a great setup. A TT 911 and a viper. . . Of course a Diesel 6 speed 4x4 Excursion for the winter. Thats my dream collection.

G

 

[SapphireGTS]

The dealer bought it knowing he could quickly flip it to a customer who said he'd take such a Turbo if the dealer could locate it.

Im thinking that's what happened. It was a 97 LOW LOW LOW miles and in ipecable shape.

Funny that people say the viper gets more looks. I am way more excited to see a turbo S than the viper.

I had a 1999 C2 and to be honest with you the car was very bland and not very fast. Im sure the TT is a WHOLE different beast than the 996 C2

 

[Mike Brunton]

A-Train,

I know where you can get a Viper cheap... 25k miles, just needs a bit of bodywork

. Just kidding - although it's not funny for me.

I have driven alot of Vipers and I am amazed that more people don't talk about the differences. In my opinion, a 2000 Viper is MUCH MUCH MUCH easier to drive than my 1998 was. My 98 required constant holding of the wheel in a death-grip lest it track the road and switch lanes on me, it was pretty loud too and had some rattles (probably from me messing with it so much).

My friends 2000 is a joy to drive. SOOOO much smoother, infinitely smoother shifter and clutch, and tracks the road pretty straight.

I was sick of driving my '98 daily, especially on these roads we have up here. The 2000 was a LOT better. The only time I really felt I could drive my '98 all the time was when it was in Vegas on those glass-smooth roads out there.

As much as I LOVE the Viper, I would be doing you a disservice to say it would be a better daily driver than a 911, especially around here. I got a BMW as a daily driver because the Viper was just too much for everyday use. I think I could drive a 2001 GTS daily... and I know I could drive a 911TT daily, but the reality is that I'd much rather drive something cushy to work every day, and have another car for fun. The Viper would be more "fun" for me, which is why I have both (had both I should say).

 

[BigsViper]

A-Train - FWIW I lurked on the old board for awhile, been posting on this board almost since inception, bought my 2000 GTS last November 8th because I was aware that prices softened when the weather got bad and the new models came out, and firmed up when everyone started seeing sunshine and clear roads.

With the volatility in the stock market now (if you have the capability) you might consider getting a deal on the snake you want (as described above) and storing it and/or modding it through the winter to be ready for spring. If you already have your heart set on modding the Porsche, that ain't bad either. Just wanted to make you aware of my perception of "best times to buy".

 

[Vreracing]

I guess when you start looking at modifications. Have you ever looked in the engine compartment of the Porsche versus the Viper?

In the Viper everything is exposed and is really easy to find.

Most of the people on this board seem to do quite a bit of work on the Viper themselves. When I had the Porsche TT I couldn't find a mechanic to even look at the car.

When my TT was down in Austin getting worked on, it required a few calls to Germany to even figure out what was wrong, and then it required a three week wait for a part.

Things to think about.

 

[Venom Lover]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike Brunton:
In my opinion, a 2000 Viper is MUCH MUCH MUCH easier to drive than my 1998 was. My 98 required constant holding of the wheel in a death-grip lest it track the road and switch lanes on me, it was pretty loud too and had some rattles (probably from me messing with it so much).

My friends 2000 is a joy to drive. SOOOO much smoother, infinitely smoother shifter and clutch, and tracks the road pretty straight.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Brunton, you're a wimp. Unbelievable, the moment you're out of your '98, now you're badmouthing pre-creampuff Vipers....

 

[Venom Lover]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gary Lamont:
Fast for him cozy for her
http://www.stationwagon.com/gallery/1999_Dodge_Viper_concept.html
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gary, that is just hideous. Nastiest image I've seen all day!

 

[RickL]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Performin Norman:
Why don't you hook up with one of the forum members and let them take you for a spin. Just about all Viper owners are willing to help out. That way, you can check it out for yourself.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wish I could find somone in this area that could take me for a spin in a 94-95 and just look at the car closer, I just don't ever see them around here. I AM buying one in the spring, I'd just like to at least drive one before then, but I don't see it happening unless I can locate one at a dealer.

-Rick

 

[bad viper]

A- train has posted on Porsche board he is modifying his 911.
To get 480 RWHP will cost him 13,000. This is what I
paid.Being somewhat lighter this makes the car competive with 95% of the Vipers out there. They are totally different.
Each with it's strong points.

You must be registered for see images

 

[Butch The Snake]

A-Train I have had 4 911 turbos 87,91,96,01, 2 M3's 99,01, 1 01 ZO6 and 3 Vipers 98,99,01. Turbos as follows 87 Turbo(tweeked) larger turbo, larger intercooler, Borla exhaust, boost control, this car was wild and unpredictable lots of fun. 01 Turbo (tweeked) 12.79 quarter mile at 117 mph fast and more refined than my 87 Turbo never lost a race, only competition were motorcycles. 96 Twin Turbo no turbo lag smooth handle great not as much fun as the 91 Turbo or the 87 Turbo. 01 Twin Turbo Boring I was very disapointed with this car in styling and performance did not have the immediate torque I was looking for, not a good street car for racing. 01 ZO6 fast almost as fast as a Viper but just another Corvette, no one knew the difference. New 01 M3 fast, fun, beautiful in styling one of the most balanced all around performance cars. 98,99 and 01 Vipers by far the most exciting car on the planet, tweek it and have more fun I have not had more fun in my 01 yellow Viper than I can remember, looks, finger pointing, pictures, people asking for rides there isn't a better conversation piece than a Viper. As far as everyday use I would rather drive the M3 or ZO6 more comfort.