BamBam,
I'd say the differences are within expected variations from one motor to the next. It wouldn't surpise me, in fact, to see variations larger than what our small statistical sample in this thread reflects. 5% variation doesn't seem too far-fetched, and yet 5% on a car putting down 400 to the rear wheels is 20 hp. We're not seeing variations anywhere near that large.
I think Chevy guys will be lucky if GM equals the power of the Gen II motor with the C6 Vette (and as we all know, when the C6 comes out, the Viper motor will be rated at 500 bhp, and I bet that rating will be very conservative). Just between us, I'm selling my Z06 because it just doesn't do it for me. Every time I get in the Viper, I'm so much happier.
Yeah, I love the sound of my exhaust as well. I just laugh whenever I see or hear someone spouting off about how they "don't like how Vipers sound."
Fikse,
Obviously that's a question for JonB, but I believe the cam is the same in '96-'98.