beyond my first opinion of thinking having 2 vipers no matter what color is the coolest thing in the world, im kind of partial to the black 99..
my reasoning is that the black w/grey stripes is one of the best color combinations out there.. and i LOVE the 99+ 18 inch wheels.. the only downside is keeping it clean, but those california car dusters do the trick rather nicely.. besides, i think half the fun of owning a viper would be washing it..
as already stated, the ACR is the best deal, but im not a really big fan of the ACR wheels.. they remind me of the 80's trans am wheels.. the color combo is nice, but i prefer darker colors.. if you aren't going to track the car, the acr is just different wheels, tubes and filters, shocks and springs, and a few name badges.. as for resale value, the acr might hold its value a TAD better over time, but are you looking for a car or an investment (i guess resale value could be a small perk)? but hey, its a 2000 ACR.. late model and low mileage.. a definite contender..
blue w/ white stripes.. a definite viper classic.. you get the non creampuff cam with the lumpy idle.. tnt 555 package.. if you want to scare the crap out of old ladies walking down the street, this is the car for you.. coming from a 94, i doubt you will even notice minor creature comfort differences between the 97 and 99+ cars, so i wont even mention them because i dont want you to start pulling your hair out over the little things like i would..
but hey, ive been dreaming of owning a black 99+ gts since 98, so im a little jaded.. i know you have your heart set on the 97 and i hope it works out for you..
no matter what decision you make, you cant go wrong.. i would imagine that seeing two vipers parked next to each other in the garage is a dream come true for most people..
just think, in a few days, you will have acheieved CHUCK status!!
talk to you soon,
- eddie -