Caveat Emptor - my experience and therefore, some of the following opinions are subjective based on 13 years experience with my G1 and G2. I am sure the G3 and G4 closed the gap on the G5, however, I have not driven either of those cars. The comparison is further based upon the SRT version, therefore, the GTS may rate differently in some of the comments.
The following observations are not in any particular order:
The Overall Car - there is no reason this car cannot be used as daily driver in non-snow conditions.
Corsa Tires - This OEM track tire is exceptional in the rain. I drove 800 miles in a down pour bringing the car home from Nebraska.
Gauges - The factory speedometer(as received) is unreadable in certain light condition. The reason is that the speedo is on the far left and the RPM read-out is large and centered., that is good, but, renders the left side of the screen useless in certain light conditions. You must program the gauge cluster to add the optional MPH data to the right side of the screen. The good part is virtually all critical data can be displayed with optional screens.
Back Up Camera - the camera is wide angle and is good as it gets. It can be programmed to stay on for five seconds after you leave reverse. There is sort of a quirk in that if you shut the car off in reverse, the accessory/screen options are limited or do not work.
Phone Interface - All the info on my Android phone is viewable on the center console screen. Every now and then the car and the phone talk to each other, that is indicated by an update alarm on the phone?
Gas Cap - they hid the open button for the solenoid operated gas cap, make sure you know where it is if you are picking up the car.
Trunk Lid/Glass - this has had a lot of bad press because of the large gap. This is because the lid has a latch position like a hood and most people don’t close it all the way. There is also an open button at the rear of the car in addition to the key fob button.
Ride - I have the MCS shock set up and on the medium setting the car rides is very comfortable. The springs are 500/800. On the MCS shocks the compression adjusts from inside the car. The front rebound is accessible with the hood up. The rear rebound is adjustable by jacking the rear up about 4 inches.
Hood - it probably weighs under five pounds. It is best to close it from the rear center. It takes no effort. The hood opens from the drivers side rear fender opening.
Seats -I drove from Nebraska to Ohio over the worst roads (Interstates of Iowa, Indiana and Illinois) possible. There is nothing wrong with the comfort of these seats. The caveat is that I am 6 ft/200 lbs.
The is a better range of adjustment front to back and up/down than the G2.. The column mounted power pedal adjustment is easy/simple to use. I could never get the perfect position with my G2, not true with the G5.
Headroom - I am 6 ft tall and I would estimate it has a little better headroom than my G2. If you take out the rear seat height positioner blocks you will gain another inch, therefore, making it far better than the G2. I do have the seat adjusted all the down.
Gas Mileage - about 20 mph on the interstates.
Oil Changes - this is the easiest car to change that I have ever had (I was told it is the same as the G4). The filter is vertical and in the open. When you remove the filter almost one quart of oil flows out of the adapter. It is either coming from the oil cooler or oil pan. It did take a full 11 quarts. The torque on the pan drain is 25 ft-lbs, just like the G2.
Transmission - it is in a different class than the old T56. The shifter is far smoother and there is better gate separation. The ratios have been changed for the better. It is perfect for road racing or autocross. If there is a short coming it is that first gear is not as good (higher/lower numerically) for drag racing. This coupled with a lighter flywheel makes the car hard to launch consistently.
Spike of Death - for those that don’t have a car no further information will be given. For those that have a car, do you find it interesting.
Windows - the door closes then the side window slides up approximately 3/4" into the roof. This gives the car far better sealing from the elements. When you open the door, the window slides down before the door can be opened.
Exhaust - this is the best OEM sound a viper has ever had. What everyone calls drone, is fluid resonance. Resonance in most cases repeats in multiples of the base frequency. Resonance in this car is in a range of 2000 to 2500 rpm, it peaks somewhere in that range. It will repeat itself again at twice that rpm. A muffler change will be available from Corsa very soon, this should eliminate or change the amplitude of the drone.
Fit & Finish - excellent
Interior - exceptional
Paint Finish - On par with custom paint finishes and better (opinion) than any car in its class.
Floor Mats - crummy.
GPS - due to the screen size and resolution it is exceptional. The map is also available as an inset when you are in radio mode.
12V Outlets: (1) Rearview mirror (switched); (1) front of console (concealed); (1) behind cup holders (always on), this one is standard in the GTS or comes with the “Touring” package.
Rearview Mirror - has a receptacle for a radar detector, nice touch. I sent my detector cable pigtail to Woodhouse prior to picking up the car. When I picked up the car it was ready for my detector.
Towing - the frame has the same “T-Bolt” slots, (front/back) in the frame that the G2 had. These are used as trailer tie-downs. The front of the frame accepts the front tow eye, however, unlike the G2, the fascia has to be removed to install it.
Jack/Lift Points - The frame lifting points are now v-shaped protrusions that project about 3/4" below the frame. These are easier to see than Gen2 lift points when you use a jack for lifting.
Cabin Heat - my Gen2 had no cats so this is quite different. The additional cabin heat is obvious. I have not had a 90 degree day to see if the A/C can keep up. In a couple of cases I could not get the A/C to flow from the upper vents.
Motor Operating Temp - On a 60 degree day when on the highway the motor coolant temp stays at about 185. On an 80 degree day in stop and go it stays at about 195.
Fascia - the lower part of the front fascia is going to get stone bruised far more than the G2 did. I am not a big fan of the paint protection film, however, I am going to get the front fascia done.
6-Point Seat Belts - the car is set up to accept the racing belts. The standard belts are virtually hidden, therefore, the addition o f the 6-points does not create a problem.
The following observations are not in any particular order:
The Overall Car - there is no reason this car cannot be used as daily driver in non-snow conditions.
Corsa Tires - This OEM track tire is exceptional in the rain. I drove 800 miles in a down pour bringing the car home from Nebraska.
Gauges - The factory speedometer(as received) is unreadable in certain light condition. The reason is that the speedo is on the far left and the RPM read-out is large and centered., that is good, but, renders the left side of the screen useless in certain light conditions. You must program the gauge cluster to add the optional MPH data to the right side of the screen. The good part is virtually all critical data can be displayed with optional screens.
Back Up Camera - the camera is wide angle and is good as it gets. It can be programmed to stay on for five seconds after you leave reverse. There is sort of a quirk in that if you shut the car off in reverse, the accessory/screen options are limited or do not work.
Phone Interface - All the info on my Android phone is viewable on the center console screen. Every now and then the car and the phone talk to each other, that is indicated by an update alarm on the phone?
Gas Cap - they hid the open button for the solenoid operated gas cap, make sure you know where it is if you are picking up the car.
Trunk Lid/Glass - this has had a lot of bad press because of the large gap. This is because the lid has a latch position like a hood and most people don’t close it all the way. There is also an open button at the rear of the car in addition to the key fob button.
Ride - I have the MCS shock set up and on the medium setting the car rides is very comfortable. The springs are 500/800. On the MCS shocks the compression adjusts from inside the car. The front rebound is accessible with the hood up. The rear rebound is adjustable by jacking the rear up about 4 inches.
Hood - it probably weighs under five pounds. It is best to close it from the rear center. It takes no effort. The hood opens from the drivers side rear fender opening.
Seats -I drove from Nebraska to Ohio over the worst roads (Interstates of Iowa, Indiana and Illinois) possible. There is nothing wrong with the comfort of these seats. The caveat is that I am 6 ft/200 lbs.
The is a better range of adjustment front to back and up/down than the G2.. The column mounted power pedal adjustment is easy/simple to use. I could never get the perfect position with my G2, not true with the G5.
Headroom - I am 6 ft tall and I would estimate it has a little better headroom than my G2. If you take out the rear seat height positioner blocks you will gain another inch, therefore, making it far better than the G2. I do have the seat adjusted all the down.
Gas Mileage - about 20 mph on the interstates.
Oil Changes - this is the easiest car to change that I have ever had (I was told it is the same as the G4). The filter is vertical and in the open. When you remove the filter almost one quart of oil flows out of the adapter. It is either coming from the oil cooler or oil pan. It did take a full 11 quarts. The torque on the pan drain is 25 ft-lbs, just like the G2.
Transmission - it is in a different class than the old T56. The shifter is far smoother and there is better gate separation. The ratios have been changed for the better. It is perfect for road racing or autocross. If there is a short coming it is that first gear is not as good (higher/lower numerically) for drag racing. This coupled with a lighter flywheel makes the car hard to launch consistently.
Spike of Death - for those that don’t have a car no further information will be given. For those that have a car, do you find it interesting.
Windows - the door closes then the side window slides up approximately 3/4" into the roof. This gives the car far better sealing from the elements. When you open the door, the window slides down before the door can be opened.
Exhaust - this is the best OEM sound a viper has ever had. What everyone calls drone, is fluid resonance. Resonance in most cases repeats in multiples of the base frequency. Resonance in this car is in a range of 2000 to 2500 rpm, it peaks somewhere in that range. It will repeat itself again at twice that rpm. A muffler change will be available from Corsa very soon, this should eliminate or change the amplitude of the drone.
Fit & Finish - excellent
Interior - exceptional
Paint Finish - On par with custom paint finishes and better (opinion) than any car in its class.
Floor Mats - crummy.
GPS - due to the screen size and resolution it is exceptional. The map is also available as an inset when you are in radio mode.
12V Outlets: (1) Rearview mirror (switched); (1) front of console (concealed); (1) behind cup holders (always on), this one is standard in the GTS or comes with the “Touring” package.
Rearview Mirror - has a receptacle for a radar detector, nice touch. I sent my detector cable pigtail to Woodhouse prior to picking up the car. When I picked up the car it was ready for my detector.
Towing - the frame has the same “T-Bolt” slots, (front/back) in the frame that the G2 had. These are used as trailer tie-downs. The front of the frame accepts the front tow eye, however, unlike the G2, the fascia has to be removed to install it.
Jack/Lift Points - The frame lifting points are now v-shaped protrusions that project about 3/4" below the frame. These are easier to see than Gen2 lift points when you use a jack for lifting.
Cabin Heat - my Gen2 had no cats so this is quite different. The additional cabin heat is obvious. I have not had a 90 degree day to see if the A/C can keep up. In a couple of cases I could not get the A/C to flow from the upper vents.
Motor Operating Temp - On a 60 degree day when on the highway the motor coolant temp stays at about 185. On an 80 degree day in stop and go it stays at about 195.
Fascia - the lower part of the front fascia is going to get stone bruised far more than the G2 did. I am not a big fan of the paint protection film, however, I am going to get the front fascia done.
6-Point Seat Belts - the car is set up to accept the racing belts. The standard belts are virtually hidden, therefore, the addition o f the 6-points does not create a problem.
