Does anyone with a GTS which they went with an RT-10?

[Shanedog]

I have pretty much decided I am going to go with a Gen 2 for my Viper purchase. I love the Gen 3 but I think it would be best not to stretch the budget, and I just can't seem to get over the look of the earlier generations which is what made me fall in love in the first place.

Anyways, I am 100% ready to buy and I have been going back and forth constantly if I want a GTS or RT-10. I love the look of the GTS, but on an 80 degree sunny day, I am beginning to wonder if I would regret buying a GTS when I could have the top off of an RT-10. Do any GTS owners ever feel this way?

Also, it seems like there aren't as many RT-10's on the market right now, most of the cars I have been looking at are GTS's. Does anyone know if there were more Gen 2 GTS's or RT-10's made?

Thanks

 

[Shanedog]

I just noticed I put which, not "wish" in my title but apparently I can't change the title of my thread. Ooops.

 

[Olddudesrule]

Shanedog,

I was in the exact position a few months ago, and finally decided on a yellow 2001 GTS/ACR. I test drove both the Gen II's and Gen III's, and just couldn't get the body of the GTS's out of my head. I think the lines are as classic and exotic as any car out there. I sold a FFR Cobra to get the Viper, and I thought those lines were awesome too. My personal opinion on the looks between the RT-10's and the GTS's is that the GTS's (which are only different from the pillars back), are just better looking. I don't like the rear end of the RT-10 at all.

I thought the Gen III's just didn't have as much "personality" as the GTS's, and certainly don't seem (again, in my humble opinion) to garner as much attention as the GTS's do. When you mention Dodge Viper to anyone outside of owners, I believe 90% have a mental picture of a GTS in their head.

Anyway, my .02cents. Good luck with your purchase, whatever model you buy, you will love.

Pete

 

[HSSSSSS]

Anyways, I am 100% ready to buy and I have been going back and forth constantly if I want a GTS or RT-10. I love the look of the GTS, but on an 80 degree sunny day, I am beginning to wonder if I would regret buying a GTS when I could have the top off of an RT-10. Do any GTS owners ever feel this way?


Thanks

NEVER!!!!!! I would not give up my GTS for any 'vert!!!

Look at the lines of a GTS. Lean and Mean.

Seriously, it is whatever you like best that counts. Pick the one you feel is best for you.



As long as it is YELLOW

 

[v10nut]

Im a socal guy so I love to take the top off. With a few mods the rt can look pretty darn good too. I love my RT and would not trade it for anything. I do like the look of the stock GTS vs. Stock RT better but my love for top off driving won out. Good luck!

 

[v10enomous]

Just bought my first Viper In January... 98 GTS... I love the look of the RT/10s especially the way they look from behind and the ones I've driven are great with the top off. Sidepipe cars are awesome too... However while both styles look amazing after staring at pictures in ads, I was really drawn to the look of the GTS and a convertible has never really been a priority for me.

I love my GTS but the problem is now I also want an RT/10 to keep it company in the garage... Probably a Gen1 with sidepipes though... I would gladly trade off the windows and a few ponies for the sidepipes cause you can't really enjoy any Viper in inclement weather anyway.

The other thing that I came to realize is that the GTS is more photogenic than the RT/10... The RT/10s look much cooler in person than in pics IMO.

 

[vpower01]

I think that a lowered Rt/10 looks better than a lowered GTS.
They have that chop top look and you can take the top off in the summer.
There are just tons of GTS out there and that is why i like RT/10 more. You see less of them.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Well said, Olddudesrule and HSSSSSS !!!

While I can choose to drive a GTS or a RT/10...I almost always go with the GTS which is a far more friendly car in changing weather conditions than a Gen I or II RT/10. A Gen III(and Gen IV) vert has a very functional top but MY personal preference is a GTS or a SRT 10 Coupe. Think I'll go drive a Gen II ACR now!!

 

[HSSSSSS]

What's better than a yellow GTS? 2 of course.

HSSSSSS, HRSSSSS, with buddy BREADMAN

 

[DrumrBoy]

Nope. Never had a second thought about the GTS

 

[Viper #53]

I'm lucky to have both a RT/10 and GTS. I love the looks of the GTS and the ability to travel long distances in style. IMO, the RT/10 is more visceral and fun to drive. I usually drive the RT/10 for shorter distances and primarily on weekends. You can't easily secure it so I'm never to far from the car. I have toyed with selling the RT/10 once in a while (I've owned it for 13 years) but immediately purge the idea after a spirited drive with the top off. I just love the sound and rawness of the RT/10.

James

 

[mnviper]

We live in Minnesota where nice driving weather is rather limited. The last thing we want to do in the summertime is role up the windows and put the air on, so we went with a GEN II RT/10. I agree that the GTS has a small advantage in looks, but the RT/10 is still a really sharp looking car. If you do go with a gen II RT/10 make sure you get the cloth top in addition to the hard top, since the latter can't be stowed in the car.

 

[Shanedog]

Shanedog,

I was in the exact position a few months ago, and finally decided on a yellow 2001 GTS/ACR. I test drove both the Gen II's and Gen III's, and just couldn't get the body of the GTS's out of my head. I think the lines are as classic and exotic as any car out there. I sold a FFR Cobra to get the Viper, and I thought those lines were awesome too. My personal opinion on the looks between the RT-10's and the GTS's is that the GTS's (which are only different from the pillars back), are just better looking. I don't like the rear end of the RT-10 at all.

I thought the Gen III's just didn't have as much "personality" as the GTS's, and certainly don't seem (again, in my humble opinion) to garner as much attention as the GTS's do. When you mention Dodge Viper to anyone outside of owners, I believe 90% have a mental picture of a GTS in their head.

Anyway, my .02cents. Good luck with your purchase, whatever model you buy, you will love.

Pete

Pete, sounds like we have a lot in common. I sold my FFR Cobra to get a Viper as well! Thanks for the input.

 

[Shanedog]

Well said, Olddudesrule and HSSSSSS !!!

While I can choose to drive a GTS or a RT/10...I almost always go with the GTS which is a far more friendly car in changing weather conditions than a Gen I or II RT/10. A Gen III(and Gen IV) vert has a very functional top but MY personal preference is a GTS or a SRT 10 Coupe. Think I'll go drive a Gen II ACR now!!

Sure, rub it in Steve

Enjoy that drive

 

[Red Snake]

Never had a second thought. GTS hands down for me.

 

[01sapphirebob]

When I first got into the market I was trying to figure out what I wanted. I had decided to go with the RT/10 because everywhere I went all I saw was the GTS and wanted to be a little different. Plus it was the look of the RT/10 that I had originally fell in love with. I am so glad I bought the RT/10. There is nothing like driving around with the top down in one of these cars. In november of '08 I was able to add a GTS ACR to the stable but I got ride of it in less than a year because I did not like driving around in a viper with a fixed roof. I love the look of the GTS but just didn't like driving it. Now depending on what you are gonna use the car for could be a decision maker as well. Gonna track the car a lot? The go with the GTS. Just gonna cruise around? Then maybe go with the rt. What ever you get make sure its a car you really want.

 

[Leslie]

I've never ridden in a RT/10 or conv. Viper, always wanted to.

I got the hardtop because I wanted to track the car as well.

Either one you will love, just buy a Viper of ANY kind and you can't go wrong.

 

[Shanedog]

When I first got into the market I was trying to figure out what I wanted. I had decided to go with the RT/10 because everywhere I went all I saw was the GTS and wanted to be a little different. Plus it was the look of the RT/10 that I had originally fell in love with. I am so glad I bought the RT/10. There is nothing like driving around with the top down in one of these cars. In november of '08 I was able to add a GTS ACR to the stable but I got ride of it in less than a year because I did not like driving around in a viper with a fixed roof. I love the look of the GTS but just didn't like driving it. Now depending on what you are gonna use the car for could be a decision maker as well. Gonna track the car a lot? The go with the GTS. Just gonna cruise around? Then maybe go with the rt. What ever you get make sure its a car you really want.

My favorite color!

Thanks everyone for your input. I really am 50/50 on what I want, so I think if the right car comes along (black, blue, grey) that has the miles, condition, etc. that I am looking for I'll feel good about pulling the trigger on either model. I think regardless if I had an RT-10 there would be times I would wish I had a GTS, and vice versa.

Hopefully the right car will come along soon, I am sick of waiting!

 

[01 RT SNAKE]

I wouldn't trade my RT/10 for ANY GTS. Being able to take the top off is a night and day experience in these cars. I've only put my hardtop on maybe 6 or 7 times in 4 years. I feel trapped and claustrophobic with the top on or in the GTS compared to my car.

It all comes down to this: Do you want the wind in your hair experience or would you rather have the race car feel?

The RT does come with it's disadvantages. 1) The soft top *****. 2) You can't put the hard top in the trunk unless you buy the 3 piece which I'm really leaning towards one day 3) Long trips with a passenger are a hassle because you have to store the soft top in the trunk and there's absolutely no room for luggage with the top back there. Think small overnight bag. 4) You're seen better in the RT. If you have a problem with attention or you're shy, not the car for you.

Good luck with your decision. Either way you'll still have a cool car. You might want to find your local Viper club and take a ride in each before you make your decision. I'm sure someone would be generous enough to do that.

 

[All Blue ACR]

no................

 

[plumcrazy]

If I could only have one its a GTS but my secnd viper will be an RT10. No doubt.

75-80 degree days with full sun makes me want one.

 

[Shanedog]

I wouldn't trade my RT/10 for ANY GTS. Being able to take the top off is a night and day experience in these cars. I've only put my hardtop on maybe 6 or 7 times in 4 years. I feel trapped and claustrophobic with the top on or in the GTS compared to my car.

It all comes down to this: Do you want the wind in your hair experience or would you rather have the race car feel?

The RT does come with it's disadvantages. 1) The soft top *****. 2) You can't put the hard top in the trunk unless you buy the 3 piece which I'm really leaning towards one day 3) Long trips with a passenger are a hassle because you have to store the soft top in the trunk and there's absolutely no room for luggage with the top back there. Think small overnight bag. 4) You're seen better in the RT. If you have a problem with attention or you're shy, not the car for you.

Good luck with your decision. Either way you'll still have a cool car. You might want to find your local Viper club and take a ride in each before you make your decision. I'm sure someone would be generous enough to do that.

Thanks Mike. I've actually been lucky enough to drive each. I had a Gen 1 previously, and I drove a 97 GTS. There are so many pro's for each model, and so few cons, I know I will be happy with either.

However, I just brought this up with the wife and she would prefer a convertable, so if I find two comparable cars that are similar in price, I might lean in the direction of the RT-10, but just slightly.

I found the perfect car yesterday and was ready to buy, unfortunately I was to late (by a few hours and I was going to offer more than what he sold it for ). It sure would have been easier if I could have just gotten that one, I'm really starting to get sick of this car search!

 

[plumcrazy]

The weather change doesn't make it. Better for buyers

 

[Olddudesrule]

Shane,

That is "small world" kind of strange. I had a red/white striped Mk 1.5, FI 302, 5spd Tremec, and loved the viceral nature of it, but when it came to long trips, the lack of a top, windows and usable trunk, a/c, etc., etc. left me wanted something a bit more "livable". I think that's one reason I was more drawn to the GTS vice the RT's, looks notwithstanding.

I love the power to weight ratio of the Cobra, but it was most definitely a short trip car.

Good luck! Looking forward to seeing what you get.

Pete

 

[HSSSSSS]

no................

A man of few words.
I am coming to Davenport this aft. They have a couple more minor things to do to HSSSSSS and it will be ready to go. Steve is supposed to call me right after lunch.

 

[Shanedog]

Shane,

That is "small world" kind of strange. I had a red/white striped Mk 1.5, FI 302, 5spd Tremec, and loved the viceral nature of it, but when it came to long trips, the lack of a top, windows and usable trunk, a/c, etc., etc. left me wanted something a bit more "livable". I think that's one reason I was more drawn to the GTS vice the RT's, looks notwithstanding.

I love the power to weight ratio of the Cobra, but it was most definitely a short trip car.

Good luck! Looking forward to seeing what you get.

Pete

I sold my blue/silver MKIII with a Levy stage 5 408CI and that thing hauled ass. It was a high 10 sec car with just 425 RWHP/429TQ. Unfortunately, with no radio, top, heat, AC, and a crappy ride, I couldn't stand driving it. Its not to often someone moves to a Viper to get something more refined

Here are a few pics of the Cobra

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[99 R/T 10]

My favorite color!

Thanks everyone for your input. I really am 50/50 on what I want, so I think if the right car comes along (black, blue, grey) that has the miles, condition, etc. that I am looking for I'll feel good about pulling the trigger on either model. I think regardless if I had an RT-10 there would be times I would wish I had a GTS, and vice versa.

Hopefully the right car will come along soon, I am sick of waiting!

How about a rare one year color RT/10?

Blue/white stripped nearly unmolested RT/10 - ViperClub Classifieds

 

[Shanedog]

How about a rare one year color RT/10?

Blue/white stripped nearly unmolested RT/10 - ViperClub Classifieds

That is a gorgeous car. The only thing is I really prefer the Gen 2 hood, and I'd like to get something with some modifications already done because I know I won't be able to spend any extra money on exhaust/intake/etc. after I buy the car.

That is a great car, someone will snag that up soon I'm sure!

 

[sdaddy]

I have both. Bought the 96 B/W GTS with intent to sell the 94 Red RT/10, but two years later, have not done so. They are like two totally different cars to me. RT/10 seems a much smaller car when driving it. Love the top off driving, but wish I had the three piece HT that would fit in the trunk instead of the softtop and hardtop. This would solve some storage issues too.

The GTS is a much stronger performing car with the niceties of the airbags and power windows, and I think th B/W GTS is the best body style and color combo ever made.

If I had to keep one, it would be the GTS as it is a weather tight car that would serve better as a daily driver. I don't thing I am turning loose of the RT/10, however. It is a blast to drive on those perfect weather days.

 

[SandViper]

Call it a hunch, But I think that HSSSSSS likes Yellow!