driving gen 1's - impressions....

[eucharistos]

i didn't want to hijack Steve-Indy's thread: Driving Vipers...Gen I through IV...

so i ask here:

i've read so many gen 1 fun to drive comments

would those of you with experience pls explain how it differs (e.g., more raw - what do yo mean by this) from a gen 2 rt driving sans top, rear window and side windows down.

i imagine the visceral experience is more than just side exhaust.....thinking these days both would have good rubber on them

thanks

 

[v10enomous]

I've only driven a couple and it's aweful with that cloth top on but amazing beyond description without it The sound of the side pipes and not much annoying turbulence like some Verts...

 

[paul fettig]

The only way to know the difference is to drive one. We have a 94 and a 2001. Both are nice. 2001 is more civilized ,rides better, is quieter and the list goes on. Wife loves the 2001. Hates the 94. 94 is raw. No door handles, no windows, side exhaust( that in its self is great) and requires more work to drive. Definitely a race car.Nothing civilized about it.Everyone we know with a 96 or newer says the same thing.

 

[Roy]

Gen 1 is more like a real racecar experience, Gen 2 is a little more civilized. It's just what you like, some luxury hard windows or wind...and some more wind...and sound...lots of sound...

 

[jdeft1]

I would say all vipers are fun to drive.

Raw, open, basic goes with the gen 1 because it's such a bare-bones car and offers zero amenities, not even roll up windows. It's a bit of a throw-back to the race cars of the sixties. Plus, with the emergency top and windows the car is loud and usually rattles over the bumps a bit - Don't forget to bring a towel(or two) if you do need the top! There are a few well know spots where water likes to come in..... Of course, we all know these cars can dance between raindrops.

 

[JonB]

Euch..... please call me, I'd like to chat at length with you. I owned five of them and have some very different and pointed opinions on the pros and cons.... some of them are relative to your preferences and driving style. And investment potential!

I invite your call


props to jdeft for the synopsis.....

 

[Steve-Indy]

Well said, guys!!

Roy, when I climbed out of the Gen I last night..."pumped up" as I said...I was ready to ship the car to France so that I could win the 24 hr. of Le Mans!!! Yes, it differs from all our other Viper Generations as it has the feel of a real race car.

 

[Switters]

I drove a 94 about 10 years ago for a year and a half, about 12K miles, as a daily driver down in atlanta. Had to sell it when i moved to NYC because I couldn't imagine using it as a daily driver up there and because it was stretching my finances mightily to hang on to it at the time. Just recently picked up a 04 vert (after nearly 10 years of longing) without ever having been inside one, let alone driven one.

My thoughts

I can't say enough how much i enjoy the 04, but the RT/10 was pure magic. All the things i hated about it, unbelievably hot cockpit and side sills, leaking, creaking roof, inability to lock, below average sound system, plastic zip up windows, the go-cart like handling (only didn't like this on 4+ hour drives as it was rather tiring) are all the things i absolutely loved about it (especially the go cart part when i felt like driving hard). Part of it was realizing that most people were unwilling to make the sacrifices required to enjoy the beast. Part of it was thinking that that's the car my grandfathers would have wanted me to drive (and i was happy i agreed). Part of it was the fact that i was 24 yrs old at the time, meaning I couldn't handle it as a daily driver now.

I cant tell you much more, for me i think it was more of an emotional thing than the purely physical aspects of how the car drove. Like i said, magic. I'd just say you should ride in or drive one, and you should know almost immediately if the RT is a fit for you.

I'd also say, I don't think you can go wrong...

 

[w8liftn]

Or you can get part of the best of both worlds by converting a Gen II to side exhaust like I did, made it much cooler IMO.

 

[1994viper]

I am impessed with mine.

 

[Ratical2]

GEN 1 = untamed beast that does exactly what you tell it do instantly. Be careful what you tell it. Requires full attention to drive it.
GEN 2= Halter broken beast that is more forgiving but still will bite you hard if you don't pay attention
GEN 3= Saddle broken beast that you can wake up at will
GEN 4= Whoa nellie- carefull with the throttle, especially going past 4K

 

[2snakes4us]

Gen 1 is more like a real racecar experience, Gen 2 is a little more civilized. It's just what you like, some luxury hard windows or wind...and some more wind...and sound...lots of sound...

Roy said it Best.

 

[RedEnuf93]

Gen 1:

BIG MONKEY, NO BRAIN

 

[Rollin4]

You Gen 2,3,&4 guys/gals have got it made. A vert top the goes up in seconds...Try putting a Gen1 together (I know JonB you can do it in seconds), ABS, real "power" windows that don't have to be removed and stored in the trunk, NAV systems.....and best of all leak proof cars. All this makes me wonder why I am still driving my Gen1...as many have said it is a pure uncomplicated "Bare Bones Car". Gosh I love it.

The Gen1 Viper.....The birth of a American Automobile Legend. What more can I say!

 

[Alley]

When I first test drove my 95 I left the dealer and decided not to get it. Thought I wanted a Gen II instead since they were more refined. A week later I said screw it and bought the 95. I actually had a bit of buyers remorse for a couple weeks. But now 2 years later I've never looked back and love having a Gen I. First of the Vipers. Its truley a timeless body style. You just can't beat cruising around with the top off.

 

[ROCKET62]

Love my Gen 3 Street Serpent but really miss the smooth clamshell hood from my Gen 1. It was almost medicinal to apply wax to it. Don't miss the lack of real windows or top.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Gen 1 will make you feel like you can be a better driver; newer cars make you feel like you already are. If you want the feeling that you can't wait until the next time you drive it; Gen 1. If you want to feel like you just won, Gen 2,3,4. No argument that either would be good.

That said, I'll reach 100K in my '94 in a week or so.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I've taken a couple GenI around Sebring and it is a lot different than my 97 and 98. It requires a lot of skill to drive fast which is the way a sports car should be. Enjoy your GenI. They are terrific cars.

 

[Kala]

I started out with a later 93 Viper. I drove it about 9k miles before deciding to get a Gen III... There are things I miss... (setting off car alarms was fun for a while)
AND things I dont miss at all...

I had no AC, I used to call it the chicken roaster.. Damn those floorboards got hotter than hell... (It had hennessey exaust) ie. no crossover... And it was still too hot

I got rid of the plastic windows and got some used northwind eng sliders... Huge difference.

The stupid freaking top gave me fits every time... I had so much fun with it though. Past So Cal VCA President Tony... LOL I would show up at an event... Start yelling to the World.... "TONY! help me take my top off!" A good Italian man is always happy to oblige...

Driving thru rain... OMG... its like taking a shower... In your car... I think I would have stayed drier with no top on the car. The top just channeled the rain spout on to your face.

Would I buy another one? YES... In a heart beat as long as it had AC....
It was the car that sold me on having a Viper. My friends and I had so much fun in that car. I'll never forget it.

**********************************************
the below copy and paste's are accurate for me


unbelievably hot cockpit and side sills, leaking, creaking roof, inability to lock, below average sound system, plastic zip up windows, the go-cart like handling (only didn't like this on 4+ hour drives as it was rather tiring) are all the things i absolutely loved about it (especially the go cart part when i felt like driving hard).


GEN 1 = untamed beast that does exactly what you tell it do instantly. Be careful what you tell it. Requires full attention to drive it.

Try putting a Gen1 together (I know JonB you can do it in seconds), ABS, real "power" windows that don't have to be removed and stored in the trunk,

 

[jdeft1]

I love my gen 1. This is my third and they're hard to get over(for me, I guess).... I thought quite a bit about buying a gen2 a few years ago (when I bought the '94 I have now), drove a few but the "feel" just wasn't there for me.... It's hard to explain the viceral experience of the basic concept VIPER...

I gave it some thought today as I drove the local "twisties"... then blew down the hwy, playing chase with a nice looking vette who was HAVNFUN... Words fail me! I may buy another. There's a nice low mile gen 1 for sale near me now.

 

[JonB]

~~~~;<~ ~>:~~~~

......a face to love...I miss my '92 0089, but it went to a great home.

 

[Phun70]

The 96's are the best, no outside door handles, no top, zip up windows, and the gen two suspension, best of both worlds, wouldn't trade mine for anything!!!!

 

[tim721]

The 96's are the best, no outside door handles, no top, zip up windows, and the gen two suspension, best of both worlds, wouldn't trade mine for anything!!!!

....but no sidepipes

 

[Phun70]

People have often asked me what it's like to drive a VIPER. I told them, it's like riding a DRAGON!!

 

[eucharistos]

Euch..... please call me, I'd like to chat at length with you. I owned five of them and have some very different and pointed opinions on the pros and cons.... some of them are relative to your preferences and driving style. And investment potential!

I invite your call


props to jdeft for the synopsis.....

how can one refuse such a generous offer to chat vipers.....looking forward to it, i'll call you soon jon

thanks

 

[eucharistos]

really enjoy all your driving impressions

thanks all

 

[jdeft1]

really enjoy all your driving impressions

thanks all

Are you thinking of buying a gen 1??

Best sunny day car I ever drove, bar none.... I agree with the previous statement from Tom: "Gen 1 will make you feel like you can be a better driver; newer cars make you feel like you already are."

Yep.

 

[Dads Toy]

thanks very much for this post. when I get in a position to buy one I have narrowed it down to basically two choices. A 1st gen or an early 3rd gen 2004-2006. I love the look of the first gen the most with the exception of the new ACR's ( they are not in my price range). It was a first gen that started my lust for the Viper and I still love its looks today. I am over 50 and do not need to drive super fast. Already have done 188 in a very modified 2001 TA and a little over 170 in my 2007 Vette. I don't need to do that anymore, what I want is a fun car that I can go for a ride and drive it. My only fear about a gen 1 is the stories about the original head gaskets. I hope I find one that has had them replaced. can't beileve there would be many that have not replaced them.

The 3rd gen would take me a little longer to save for because of the higher prices but I like its looks because it went back to the side pipes.

again thanks for this post because it made me lean more to a gen 1 which means my dream can come a little sooner with the proce difference between my two choices.

 

[jdeft1]

thanks very much for this post. when I get in a position to buy one I have narrowed it down to basically two choices. A 1st gen or an early 3rd gen 2004-2006. I love the look of the first gen the most with the exception of the new ACR's ( they are not in my price range). It was a first gen that started my lust for the Viper and I still love its looks today. I am over 50 and do not need to drive super fast. Already have done 188 in a very modified 2001 TA and a little over 170 in my 2007 Vette. I don't need to do that anymore, what I want is a fun car that I can go for a ride and drive it. My only fear about a gen 1 is the stories about the original head gaskets. I hope I find one that has had them replaced. can't beileve there would be many that have not replaced them.

The 3rd gen would take me a little longer to save for because of the higher prices but I like its looks because it went back to the side pipes.

again thanks for this post because it made me lean more to a gen 1 which means my dream can come a little sooner with the proce difference between my two choices.

Sir, I respectfully suggest you put your money down! Gen 1 is an incredable sports car and a good value in this market. I suspect,... understanding the age of the car, many/most of the cars out there are still good machines that have been well kept in comfy garages. Good golly, there's a < 7K mi. car selling for < $25k only 5 miles from me right now! I suggest you pick it up before I do...! ... Then have a great road trip driving it home....

It may well drop more but who cares?.. This thing's for you to have fun with! It's a toy... The price of a Honda buys you a VIPER w/ < 10k mi...... ???? What's the issue??

I'll say it again: I love my gen 1 VIPER!, It's a great sunny day ride.. maybe the best ever!... Even with the rain etc.. The thing is good to go on long drives (and I know...), has loads of power (poor thing is only 400hp..haha!) and turns heads everywhere... So fun!

Dad need's a Toy...

 

[Rapps]

GEN 1 no question about it. After we narrowed it down and were starting to look for one to buy, my husband said "you know it doesn't have windows, or a real top?" I was stunned "your joking, right?"
But drive one around you'll see if you want a car for the pure joy of driving, a real car, for us it's a Gen 1. What other car sounds like like jet plane landing [in the lane next to the other cars] when you down shift for a red light (this in of it's self is worth the price of admission). Even here in the Detroit area, where there are many unusual cars on the road, people speed up with cell phone (camera) in hand grabbing a shot. Ours is a red RT/10 not rare by any stretch of the imagination. Inside of cars smiles all around. Sometimes it feels like we have a moral obligation to take it out for the driving publics mental health.
Get the Gen 1 and a second "toy" which has the refined bells and whistles to start your day, then get the beast out to finish it off with a huge smile on your face.