I am considering moving from an SRT 10 to either a GTS or RT10 model years 01 to 02 (exclusively). I really like the classic viper look of those models and years. Any advice or recommendations (especially from those that have either made the switch or owned both) is great appreciated. I am interested in the cabin fit and if there are material driving differences in terms of handling, performance etc. Thanks for the feedback.
GEN III to GEN II
- Thread starter Turbo63
- Start date
Andrew/USPWR
Enthusiast
Your take a step back in technology but their certainly a solid and well build car.
I felt like my GTS had more room in the cabin and seats.
The Rock Star effect was way higher. I'll never slip by a person without getting a long look or positive reaction.
If I had the room, I'd still have mine. Their that good.
And I'll terrible partial to the 2000 steel grey
I felt like my GTS had more room in the cabin and seats.
The Rock Star effect was way higher. I'll never slip by a person without getting a long look or positive reaction.
If I had the room, I'd still have mine. Their that good.
And I'll terrible partial to the 2000 steel grey
Finally got it !
Viper Owner
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2001
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Brakes are night and day. I think it has more to do with the setup than the actual systems. The interior is much better in the Gen III. I never worried about my Gen III overheating. It was always in the back of my head when driving my Gen II. THe Gen III Headlights are in a league by themselves. I thought the Gen III handled better on the road course. Runflats ****. Styling goes to the Gen II.
I guess in the end what I am trying to say is if money was no object you can make a Gen II as good or better than a Gen III. Go for whatever floats your boat!!
They are both great cars.
I guess in the end what I am trying to say is if money was no object you can make a Gen II as good or better than a Gen III. Go for whatever floats your boat!!
They are both great cars.
ledfoot
Viper Owner
I went from a G-3 back to G-2....big mistake for me, I learned (the hard way) I prefer the 3 more, I even like the styling more .......I'm back in an 05 (Copperhead).............your results may vary.
.......I'm back in an 05 (Copperhead).............your results may vary.Back-In-Black
Viper Owner
I went from II to III and have no regrets. I keep the II as wallpaper on the computer for the memories.
the II rattles more,
Rattles your passengers more
Rattles the georgeuos clam-shell hood more
The door hinges wear out and sink the doors so they hit the sills
The II also has a wiring harness problem running to the doors... Too short and every once in a while you have to go into the harness and "extend" a broken wire... I lost power to windows, mirrors and I once lost electricity to the door latches... Thank God I had the top off.
However, I do give the II a higher grade on looks, and if I could have afforded to keep the II and buy the III, I would have.
the II rattles more,
Rattles your passengers more
Rattles the georgeuos clam-shell hood more
The door hinges wear out and sink the doors so they hit the sills
The II also has a wiring harness problem running to the doors... Too short and every once in a while you have to go into the harness and "extend" a broken wire... I lost power to windows, mirrors and I once lost electricity to the door latches... Thank God I had the top off.
However, I do give the II a higher grade on looks, and if I could have afforded to keep the II and buy the III, I would have.
Casey
Enthusiast
Do It!! 
Upgrade the brakes and you have the best of both worlds!!
Upgrade the brakes and you have the best of both worlds!!
VIPER BAZ UK
Enthusiast
I have a Gen2 with gen3 valve covers and brakes perfect combo..........
Gen2.5
Gen2.5
- Joined
- May 1, 2004
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I have both and like both.
I do prefer the driving position, pedal position and dead pedal features in the Gen III but the Gen II has more interior space.
The GTS gets a bunch of attention, everywhere it goes.
Brake and radiator upgrades are almost a must for a Gen II, but they are relatively cheap.
The GTS seems more "tossable", the SRT seems "stickier and more compliant" - just my opinion.
Now, if you want the best of both, get the Gen III coupe. Sweet ride.
Dan
I do prefer the driving position, pedal position and dead pedal features in the Gen III but the Gen II has more interior space.
The GTS gets a bunch of attention, everywhere it goes.
Brake and radiator upgrades are almost a must for a Gen II, but they are relatively cheap.
The GTS seems more "tossable", the SRT seems "stickier and more compliant" - just my opinion.
Now, if you want the best of both, get the Gen III coupe. Sweet ride.
Dan
1TONY1
Enthusiast
I am waiting on a part for my GTS. It was a beautiful day today and I missed driving the GTS. Until I read your post, I didn't realize that I never thought about driving the SRT 
nuff said.
In regards to the RT/10 ... I like them too, but I would suggest meeting an RT owner and taking a look at what a pita that top is to get on and off. I hear the three piece RT top is nice.
nuff said.In regards to the RT/10 ... I like them too, but I would suggest meeting an RT owner and taking a look at what a pita that top is to get on and off. I hear the three piece RT top is nice.
Photog1
Enthusiast
Your take a step back in technology but their certainly a solid and well build car.
I felt like my GTS had more room in the cabin and seats.
The Rock Star effect was way higher. I'll never slip by a person without getting a long look or positive reaction.
If I had the room, I'd still have mine. Their that good.
And I'll terrible partial to the 2000 steel grey
I disagree on the Rock Star Effect. I alway got lots of stares ,looks, and Thumbs up in my Gen1 RT10 but I actually had some young kids bow down to pay homage to my Gen3 vert as I came up to a stop sign.Just like is was a god or something. Never had that happen to my Gen1
unreelviper
Enthusiast
I've had a gen 1,2 and 3 and I would have to say that the rock star affect was much greater in my gen 1 and 2. I really think that you might miss the better handling and braking of the gen 3, however, I don't think that you can really go wrong with any generation....Good Luck!
Paul S Lacey
Enthusiast
Have both and love both to bits the Gen III is so much more of the daily drive and great fun on the track with nice power slides and the brakes are amazing.
But my GEN II GTS/R drives superbly sounds great and does have the 'Rock Star' looks that few can look away from.
In short both are great cars the GENII is far more raw than the later sibling, but thats just like some fast women.
But my GEN II GTS/R drives superbly sounds great and does have the 'Rock Star' looks that few can look away from.
In short both are great cars the GENII is far more raw than the later sibling, but thats just like some fast women.
99 R/T 10
Enthusiast
The top is an easy fix............................. I never install it
I only drive it on nice days, "never seen rain" Really though, nice sunny days in the south can't be beat Jeff Lemke
Enthusiast
I currenty have all three and love them all. The older ones have a raw appeal that can never be matched. I always assumed the gen3 would not generate the attention the older ones do, so I was quite surprised with the amount of thumbs up and stares.
As much as I love the other two, I think the gen3 is the real keeper. I'm fascinated with the brakes, performance, and the overall quality of the car.
Jeff
As much as I love the other two, I think the gen3 is the real keeper. I'm fascinated with the brakes, performance, and the overall quality of the car.
Jeff
VIPER BAZ UK
Enthusiast
The top is an easy fix............................. I never install it
Thats just not fair
Andrew/USPWR
Enthusiast
Your take a step back in technology but their certainly a solid and well build car.
I felt like my GTS had more room in the cabin and seats.
The Rock Star effect was way higher. I'll never slip by a person without getting a long look or positive reaction.
If I had the room, I'd still have mine. Their that good.
And I'll terrible partial to the 2000 steel grey
I disagree on the Rock Star Effect. I alway got lots of stares ,looks, and Thumbs up in my Gen1 RT10 but I actually had some young kids bow down to pay homage to my Gen3 vert as I came up to a stop sign.Just like is was a god or something. Never had that happen to my Gen1
Kids who know cars, know the Gen III Viper is the big &ick on the road but, I've had little old lady's stop me in my GTS and tell me what a pretty car I have
People that don't give a rats *** about cars, have to stop and check out Gen I & II Vipers but, the Gen III is more of a **** magnet. Which works for me.
IMODriving the GTS always felt like I was in a one car parade.
You had a RT-10 not a GTS big difference in appearance. Drive a GTS and you will understand what the previous poster meant about the "rock-star" attention his GTS received it is amazing!Your take a step back in technology but their certainly a solid and well build car.
I felt like my GTS had more room in the cabin and seats.
The Rock Star effect was way higher. I'll never slip by a person without getting a long look or positive reaction.
If I had the room, I'd still have mine. Their that good.
And I'll terrible partial to the 2000 steel grey
I disagree on the Rock Star Effect. I alway got lots of stares ,looks, and Thumbs up in my Gen1 RT10 but I actually had some young kids bow down to pay homage to my Gen3 vert as I came up to a stop sign.Just like is was a god or something. Never had that happen to my Gen1
Casey
Enthusiast
Geez here we go again with the which model looks better talk. Please stop with the crap.
It has been discussed 1 million times and every time the GTS wins. So accept it and let's move on!!
**** magnet, that was a good one!!
It has been discussed 1 million times and every time the GTS wins. So accept it and let's move on!!
**** magnet, that was a good one!!
00prowler
Enthusiast
All Vipers are head turners... period. I have only seen 2 Vipers all year in my area 1 RT/10 and 1 SRT...My head turns no matter which gen goes by...The striped GTSs just stick out like a sore thumb, so they may receive the most attention due to the flash they have....AL
Warfang
Enthusiast
My biased opinion, but with some truth: a lot of the Gen3's recognition factor is based on the reputation of the Gen 1/2. If it weren't for that, people would easily glance at it and assume it's a vette. No, I don't think the SRT looks like a vette... I think the vette copied the looks of the SRT, but the average person can't tell the difference. It's not a insult to the Gen3, but a recognition that the original Viper set the bar so much higher that 10 years later, subsequent Gens not only had to compete against the original, but against the entire car industry now aiming to top the Viper in looks and performance.
That said, the 08 look very promising. It's time to get back into LeMans, no? Time for the SRTs to create their own legend.
And by the way, the Gen3 is by far the better overall car compared to a Gen2... just not by enough for me to trade my GTS in for. Maybe the 08 with the mopar kit pushing 675... hmmm
That said, the 08 look very promising. It's time to get back into LeMans, no? Time for the SRTs to create their own legend.
And by the way, the Gen3 is by far the better overall car compared to a Gen2... just not by enough for me to trade my GTS in for. Maybe the 08 with the mopar kit pushing 675... hmmm
BLWNASP
Enthusiast
I think Warfang really put a nice perspective to the question. He said it very well, and I hope the 08's or the Gen4 Viper is the best combination off all Vipers.
We will see.
We will see.
SweetRed04
Viper Owner
Geez here we go again with the which model looks better talk. Please stop with the crap.
It has been discussed 1 million times and every time the GTS wins. So accept it and let's move on!!
**** magnet, that was a good one!!
You are welcomed to your viewpoint.
Howver, there is NOTHING to accept, which model looks better is strictly a matter of opinion.
Myself, I prefer convertibles and wouldn't consider any coupe over a SRT-10 convertible. I didn't even conside a Viper until the SRT-10 came out featuring a full convertible design.
However, I recognize that this is simply MY Opinion. Anyone who disagrees with it is welcome to do so.....
GTSRboy2000
Enthusiast
When it comes to looks the 2000 GTSR concept takes gold, the GTS takes silver, the 2008 Coupe that was at dettroit takes bronze, and to be honest the 2008 purple vert with those crappy wheels shown in dodge's pics is laassst place. So if your getting rid of the SRT for its lack of looks you might want to consider the much better looking SRT-10 coupe...with H wheels, oh man i love the H wheels.
