Gen V your 1st Viper ever? Why did you buy, and what else did you consider?

[Bruce H.]

Just curious what it was about the Gen V that caused you to buy a Viper now. All cars have pros and cons that buyers weigh out, and it would be interesting to hear how other's decision making process led them to the V.

Bruce

Black TA 23/33 coming soon

 

[ViperSmith]

Bruce,

Yes. When I sold my first company in 2011 I looked at a ZR1 but wasn't really sold on it. I just bought nothing.

In 2012 I sold another and wanted to get a present to myself. I was looking around for something fun and nothing really caught my eye. Midyear I found out the Viper was reintroduced and it caught my eye.

I looked at a lot of things. A Z06, another ZR1, M5, GT-R, RS5, 991S - everything was sort of just bland. I ordered my Gen V in Nov 2012 and sat and waited forever like many here. Canceled my ordered and started the process over again. Looked at the GT-R and 991S again. Still, neither tickled my fancy. My custom order came in and I decided to take it.

Nothing really appealed to me in the 100k range. I think it is a really weird market segment personally - there just isn't a lot there 2 seater performance wise, IMHO. I'd lump the GT-R in there, but other than that and the Viper what else is there? Once you get to $200 your choices really start to open up. There seems to be a strange dearth of options from I'd say $70k - 150k (at $150 you can really find nice used exotics).

I've been happy with it. Imperfections, yes, but still a great car (And my first American car).

 

[ferraritoviper]

That's an easy one...Electronic Stability Control )

 

[640bhpV10]

I'm sort of a halfway in between kind of guy on this topic. This is my first Viper, but I have wanted a Viper for about 14 years now. Loved my friend's red '97 GTS. Prior to driving his car, I thought I was a fan of refined performance and a well-rounded balance between grand touring and barnstorming. That 97 GTS showed me that I really wanted an intense driving experience and the car's grand touring capabilities was a very distant second.

I did consider some other possibilities before buying my Viper. My twin brother has a new C7 stingray and loves it. I also considered a C6 Z06 and 997 Porsche 911s. However, none of them had the intense driving experience I was looking for. Nor where those cars even remotely interesting to drive at normal speeds. The Viper holds your attention during all driving situations, not just performance driving. That was important to me. When I rented a SRT Viper last August, he was immediately clear that this is what I was looking for. When you drive a Viper on the street, it feels like you're packing heat in a way that other sports cars can't deliver. It feels overly extreme and crazy in an really good way. Kind like taking a well behaved grizzly bear to a dog park.

I agree with ViperSmith that the Viper is in sort of a funny place pricing wise. It always has, actually. Sort of around the price of a 911 (if not a bit less), but it performs with a 911 Turbo (I think this is still true from a roll and it spanks the Turbo on a road course - always has).

To me, the Viper delivers the most special driving experience and the most intense driving experience of any the cars that I can remotely purchase today. However, I'm proud to say that if I could buy any car that has been made, I still would've bought the car that I have. It's just the right choice for me, but I definitely understand why someone might want something else.

-Nick

 

[Bruce H.]

Thanks for sharing. I also agree that a limited few fall into a bit of a black hole for pricing between the more mass produced performance cars and the European exotics. I considered a used exotic, but I couldn't get into the more angular and wedge shaped designs, and servicing and reliability issues ruled them out for a car I want to be comfortable using for track days. I also wanted the rarest and most intensely exciting driving experience I could afford, and I made the decision to accept any short-comings that the Viper might have in order to get those. I know I'm going to love it!

 

[bobafett]

Yes, Gen V will be my first Viper. My orange TA should be at home here in NY on 03/22/14.

I am coming out of a 2011 ZR1. Only mod is an Akrapovic exhaust system. In no way am I displeased with the ZR1. It is truly an amazing car and my 3rd vette. Before that I had a 700rwhp Z06 which I was also very happy with. The C6 Z06 is a very balanced machine.

Reason for switch to Viper; The Viper to me has always won the "badass" factor since its introduction, not to mention its exclusivity. I know many people may wonder "why make the move to a car that's practically identical in many ways"...but I know that us true enthusiasts understand. Although I have never driven a Viper, I am confident that I will be pleased. I base this on the rep the car has with its average owners and the pros as well. I want a car that intimidates and demands your input. 640bhpV10 hits the nail on the head with his comments of packing heat and well behaved grizzly.

Additionally-just was in awe with the car when I saw it at the Int Auto Show. Both the wife and I agreed, it was the baddest **** there...