Gen IV Coupe vs. Vert

[ACRBruce]

Even though I've only had a few hundred miles on the new ACR but I have fallen in love with its dynamics, especially its drivetrain as it can easily be driven daily - the shifter is the best I have used (MGW knob is all you need), clutch is light and linear (not grabby) and can be used in stop and go traffic. The only thing that would stop me from using it daily would be the low hung front lip and stiff ride. I also own a turbocharged Lotus Elise that I use for track days but it has a HD ACT cluttch that is so grabby, I would still stall the car every now and then, even after driving it for 2 years. The Lotus has been great as it is a weekend toy as well as a convertible (targa top) that I can cruise in as long as there's no stop and go traffic. I'm now thinking of trading the Lotus for a vert but I have no experience w/ Viper convertibles. So I'd like to ask the forum for driving impressions between the coupe and convertible. The convertible will be used mainly as a GT car that will end up stuck in traffic in downtown Los Angels during rush hour a few days a week. For those who own both Gen IV coupes and verts or driven both, what is your impression on the driving dynamics of the two models? Ride, handling, cowl shake, overall solidity of the chassis, etc.

 

[wallbanger]

http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-s...upe-vs-convertible-am-i-missing-anything.html

 

[mike & juli]

Bruce, I LOVE your avatar! Agreed TOTALLY with the MGW knob. One of my favorite cars IS the Lotus Elise...I've seen one racing against the Vipers and boy can that thing handle the corners! Both of our Vipers have been verts, we'd have preferred coupes though honestly. Sounds like you are in a climate that would be conducive to a vert...we have taken the visors OFF completely....looks better. To stay cool though, I know I'd prefer the coupe. You'll get all kinds of opinions on this subject! To each their own. I think it's amazing that you have an ACR that you feel can be driven daily...around here, it'd be impossible with just what you stated (too low) for our roads. GOOD LUCK on your decision! ~juli

 

[rcl4668]

I split my 2008 convertible almost equally between street driving and track days/driving schools. With the top down on a sunny day, it is truly one of those "life affirming" moments that everyone should enjoy at least once in their life. At the same time, with the addition of an autoform rollbar and teamtech harnesses, it is also an incredible track day car, with incredible handling and speed. I can't compare it to an ACR but I have experienced no cowl shake or other "softness" even in the demanding environment of a track school.

/Rich

 

[adamlotus]

if your living in so cali,you will love the vert whats not to love a 510 or 600 hp vert.