ViperGTS
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I LOVE both GEN's for different reasons and after 70,000 miles in 4 Viper (GEN-2 and GEN-4) so far ....
Has anyone regretted going from a GTS to a Gen IV coupe?
- Thread starter FinalEd357
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Y2K10 SRT#39
Enthusiast
I had a Gen 2 GTS and loved every minute of it. Then I put a 2003 alongside of it in the garage. A while later I looked at the GTS and said- self- you better drive that thing. It had been almost a year since I had put gas in the GTS since buying the 2003.
Needless to say- I sold the GTS to someone that would actually use it. It had 33K miles on it when I sold it.
I would have LOVED to purchase A Gen 3/4 coupe. BEWARE....taller folks DON'T FiT!!!!
We shall see with the Gen 5 if Dodge and the design team has heard of this problem and corrected it!
PBR
Needless to say- I sold the GTS to someone that would actually use it. It had 33K miles on it when I sold it.
I would have LOVED to purchase A Gen 3/4 coupe. BEWARE....taller folks DON'T FiT!!!!
We shall see with the Gen 5 if Dodge and the design team has heard of this problem and corrected it!
PBR
Brian GTS
Enthusiast
I'm fortunate to have both. The Gen IV is a fantastic car so don't get me wrong. However, if it was between owning ONE Viper...Gen II or IV, I'm afraid the Gen IV would have to go. I can't get past the looks of the Gen II. Perhaps you should keep your GTS and wait until 2012? I think that is what I would do...
Okay Steve I am willing to bet you would... How about an all white 2010 ACR with the upgraded wing and tranny (5th and 6th and short shfter)
99 R/T 10
Enthusiast
Brakes on the Gen IV are unbelieveable! That being said, I sold my Gen IV. Still have a couple of Gen IIs. I still want a 2010 ACR though
AZTVR
Enthusiast
Exactly why I got hooked on HPDE !!!
Boxer12
Enthusiast
I decided to keep my GTS when I bought the ACR. My comment is that they are like totally different cars, and you should be able to tell that from a test drive. I am glad I have both. I use the GTS for a street car and the ACR for track. I am sure a normal Gen IV is fine for street. Brakes and shifter, btw, are an easy fix on the GTS. Put good brakes and a short shifter on your GTS if you plan to keep it. Maybe that will tide you over until the Gen V comes out. If you just have a hankerin for something different, then go for it. Life is short. Don't look back.
I had a final edition, and traded it in on an 04 Black Mamba, and there were days that I regretted that decision, , but later traded for an 06 coupe and the regrets were gone, now I have an 08 coupe and don't even look back. The ONLY thing I dont like about the 08 is the drive by wire...everything else INCLUDING the looks is far and away superior..just my opinion
I was always a ******** Gen 2 guy and never was too crazy about the looks of the Gen 3's. BUT after seeing some new Gen 4 ACR's my friends have....well I couldn't resist.
Putting aside the subjective looks debate, everything on the Gen 4 is a quantum leap from the Gen 2's,
Looks wise IMO, it's like comparing an F-16 to a Piper Cub.
The red GTS below was taken away yesterday going to Tomball Dodge. Had it since 2004 and loved it from day one.
Got me hooked on Vipers.
Kind of sad to see it go, but I still have my prize 97 B/W.
The empty space behind the cars is where my new garage is being built.
BTW, I don't think anyone is mistaken the car on the left for a Vette....
Putting aside the subjective looks debate, everything on the Gen 4 is a quantum leap from the Gen 2's,
Looks wise IMO, it's like comparing an F-16 to a Piper Cub.
The red GTS below was taken away yesterday going to Tomball Dodge. Had it since 2004 and loved it from day one.
Got me hooked on Vipers.
Kind of sad to see it go, but I still have my prize 97 B/W.
The empty space behind the cars is where my new garage is being built.
BTW, I don't think anyone is mistaken the car on the left for a Vette....
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viperdrummer
Enthusiast
Anytime you sell a Viper there is regret, and years from now I suspect the GTS will be the most revered Viper based design. I have had multiples of each Gen. I am probably in the minority but like Gen 3 as much as 4. You will not regret getting either.
Not sure why folks think tall guys can't fit in a Gen 4. I am almost 6'5" and have fit just fine in my 09 and 10 without even seat lowering. Now, my 6'7" son is a bit snug but I doubt there are vast numbers of Viper guys 6'7" and above. Good luck
Not sure why folks think tall guys can't fit in a Gen 4. I am almost 6'5" and have fit just fine in my 09 and 10 without even seat lowering. Now, my 6'7" son is a bit snug but I doubt there are vast numbers of Viper guys 6'7" and above. Good luck
v10enomous
Enthusiast
The answer to your question is a resounding YES. I haven't done it but I have spoken to a few people that have and do regret it. So if the question pertains to "Anyone" then yes. What I've heard a couple of times is that the GTS feels every bit as fast as a Gen4 when you're behind the wheel and is just more fun to drive. I don't think I've ever spoken to anyone that sold a GTS or an RT/10 and said... I was so happy to get rid of that thing. The earlier cars are among some of the most fascinating automobiles to have ever been built and the quirkiness is a big part of the appeal. Only having my GTS for a little less than a year now... a number of people that have seen the car have asked if they still make the Viper? or will make the comment... Now that's a Viper!!
I'd love to have a Gen4 someday myself and the coupe is a gorgeous car especially the ACRs but no way would I sell my GTS to get one. I've sold way too many beautiful classic muscle cars from my youth so while I can't speak first hand about going from a GTS to Gen4 I know all to well the regret I have felt over many other cars and it does just plain ****.
I'd love to have a Gen4 someday myself and the coupe is a gorgeous car especially the ACRs but no way would I sell my GTS to get one. I've sold way too many beautiful classic muscle cars from my youth so while I can't speak first hand about going from a GTS to Gen4 I know all to well the regret I have felt over many other cars and it does just plain ****.
From what I have heard they are totally different cars and really shouldn't be compared. The gen4 is a flat. Out better car but gen2 has the looks. I doubt there are many guys who would regret the jump. I personally like the gen2 for Modding but it would be nice to have a better ride and newer car with less things to worry about breaking due to age.
The stock tires on the Gen IV ACR should be replaced for "driving around town". They do not track well on any surface that is not flat and smooth like a race track; are, in my opinion, not safe in the rain, and do not last very long because they are made out of a softer compound to increase stickiness on the track. The ACR is also slower. The 2008 and 2009 ACR have a top speed of 177. The 2010ACR has a top speed of 184. The regular Gen IV coupe has a top speed of 202.
I have the drive by wire in my Jeep and my Challenger. We have tweeked the programming as much as we can to try to elimininate the microsecond delay that can occur between pedal push and engine reaction. I still hate it although the Challenger is the better of the two. Whoever designed it needs to go back to the drawing board and create one that is truely instantaneous and more accurate. ( There has to already be a more accurate and sensitive one since new jetliners use a similar system.) There seems to be some kind of interaction between it and the controller adaptives so that the same degree of pedal input does not always seem to result in the same reaction.
My modded Gen III Viper has a mechanical throttle. It is accurate and precise. It is a pleasure. That's the way it should be. Hopefully, the Gen V will be just as precise.
The Gen II brakes, as mentioned above, were awful. They were not adequate for the car except for quiet cruising to the nursing home.
The clamshell hood was neat looking but a bit cumbersome to handle when working on the car by yourself. You also had to be careful of wind while it was up. It was like a giant hand catching the wind.
The Gen II interior was OK but the center console had a bad habit of cracking. The cheap rug like material on the door panels also tended to fuzz up and had to be shaved. The door hinges were crap. They sagged over time. This required door adjustments and eventual hinge replacement. Because of this, the rubber door liners/insulation also wore out and had to be replaced. The wires in the wiring bundle that went from the car into the door, after so many door openings and closings, start to break. Then you have to open it up, find which one has the problem and splice it - a pita.
The Gen II has rear exhauster vents located on both sides of the trunk. Over time they deteriorate since they are made of rubber. When they do, exhaust fumes can get into the car. They can be replaced but, once again, it is a pita. Access is tight.
The Gen II gauge placement is superior. It is not necessary to look down in order to check all the gauges. For daily driving, it makes no difference but for spirited driving, it is important to be able to see all the gauges without looking down.
The Gen II stock shifting mechanism ( not the ball and shaft - what is under it) was crap. It was not precise. The Gen IV mechanism is better and the MGW/Woodhouse mechanism is best.
The quality of the paint on all current generations leaves much to be desired. The clear coat is cheap and soft. It needs to be upgraded and I hope it is on the Gen V. Although My Gen III has better fit and finish than my Gen II did.
The battery placment on the Gen II is awful. It is a major pita to gain access to the battery. The battery access on the Gen III and Gen IV is simple and direct.
Clutch feel is subjective but I liked the Gen II clutch feel better than the clutch feel on the Gen IV's I have driven. I like a heavier clutch feel. I was going to swap out my Gen III clutch for the Gen IV clutch ( I still have the new parts) but I changed my mind after driving a Gen IV.
The Gen II tires and the Gen III stock run craps did/do not hold a candle to the Gen IV PS2s. The PS2s are fabulous tires.
Aerodynamics: The Gen II had a serious flaw. Over about 125 MPH, the front would lift too much and steering got very light - not that safe. I fixed the problem in mine by installing the Roe front fascia air duct. It worked perfectly to cure the problem and gave the front a bit meaner look at the same time.
Style: After I had my Gen III for a few months, something changed in my perception of the Gen II. It became a clown shoe like caricature to me. I now basically think it looks sort of over the top and a bit silly. The Gen III and IV, which are the same design except for the hood, when slightly lowered ( 3/4 inch front, 1/2 inch back) really wake up. No offense meant to those who love the Gen II design. This is a subjective area.
So in answer to your question, I do not regret the change and I do not miss the Gen II.
I hope the above is helpful to you.
I have the drive by wire in my Jeep and my Challenger. We have tweeked the programming as much as we can to try to elimininate the microsecond delay that can occur between pedal push and engine reaction. I still hate it although the Challenger is the better of the two. Whoever designed it needs to go back to the drawing board and create one that is truely instantaneous and more accurate. ( There has to already be a more accurate and sensitive one since new jetliners use a similar system.) There seems to be some kind of interaction between it and the controller adaptives so that the same degree of pedal input does not always seem to result in the same reaction.
My modded Gen III Viper has a mechanical throttle. It is accurate and precise. It is a pleasure. That's the way it should be. Hopefully, the Gen V will be just as precise.
The Gen II brakes, as mentioned above, were awful. They were not adequate for the car except for quiet cruising to the nursing home.
The clamshell hood was neat looking but a bit cumbersome to handle when working on the car by yourself. You also had to be careful of wind while it was up. It was like a giant hand catching the wind.
The Gen II interior was OK but the center console had a bad habit of cracking. The cheap rug like material on the door panels also tended to fuzz up and had to be shaved. The door hinges were crap. They sagged over time. This required door adjustments and eventual hinge replacement. Because of this, the rubber door liners/insulation also wore out and had to be replaced. The wires in the wiring bundle that went from the car into the door, after so many door openings and closings, start to break. Then you have to open it up, find which one has the problem and splice it - a pita.
The Gen II has rear exhauster vents located on both sides of the trunk. Over time they deteriorate since they are made of rubber. When they do, exhaust fumes can get into the car. They can be replaced but, once again, it is a pita. Access is tight.
The Gen II gauge placement is superior. It is not necessary to look down in order to check all the gauges. For daily driving, it makes no difference but for spirited driving, it is important to be able to see all the gauges without looking down.
The Gen II stock shifting mechanism ( not the ball and shaft - what is under it) was crap. It was not precise. The Gen IV mechanism is better and the MGW/Woodhouse mechanism is best.
The quality of the paint on all current generations leaves much to be desired. The clear coat is cheap and soft. It needs to be upgraded and I hope it is on the Gen V. Although My Gen III has better fit and finish than my Gen II did.
The battery placment on the Gen II is awful. It is a major pita to gain access to the battery. The battery access on the Gen III and Gen IV is simple and direct.
Clutch feel is subjective but I liked the Gen II clutch feel better than the clutch feel on the Gen IV's I have driven. I like a heavier clutch feel. I was going to swap out my Gen III clutch for the Gen IV clutch ( I still have the new parts) but I changed my mind after driving a Gen IV.
The Gen II tires and the Gen III stock run craps did/do not hold a candle to the Gen IV PS2s. The PS2s are fabulous tires.
Aerodynamics: The Gen II had a serious flaw. Over about 125 MPH, the front would lift too much and steering got very light - not that safe. I fixed the problem in mine by installing the Roe front fascia air duct. It worked perfectly to cure the problem and gave the front a bit meaner look at the same time.
Style: After I had my Gen III for a few months, something changed in my perception of the Gen II. It became a clown shoe like caricature to me. I now basically think it looks sort of over the top and a bit silly. The Gen III and IV, which are the same design except for the hood, when slightly lowered ( 3/4 inch front, 1/2 inch back) really wake up. No offense meant to those who love the Gen II design. This is a subjective area.
So in answer to your question, I do not regret the change and I do not miss the Gen II.
I hope the above is helpful to you.
Great point, Ray. 2,900 miles for 8 years is only 362/yr, but I bought in 08 with 700 miles and have put 2,200 in 2 years so I do get to drive it more than the odometer shows. These answers have all been helpful. I think the ACR is incredible, but may be over the top for cruising around town, no? ACR owners??? Do any of you just have for fun, or are all of you tracking a few times per year?.
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As the posts were starting to discuss Gen 3's and 4's I was obviously referring to a Gen 4.
But thanks anyway.
FLL-B/W-GTS
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The Gen. 4 Viper is a far better car(Viper) than a Gen.2 in every way.Just a couple of things, AC is Ice Cold,Car runs cool,No heat in the inside of the car,better tires,ABS,faster,better sound system,better seats.This is just some of the things.I had a 97 GTS for 10 years and now have a Gen.4,which I like much,much more.Now,I will say the Gen.2 looks better,but the Gen.4 looks good also.
1996 Viper Roadster Sold
1997 Viper GTS Coupe Sold
2008 Viper Coupe
2009 Corvette ZR1
2010 Ford Raptor 6.2
1996 Viper Roadster Sold
1997 Viper GTS Coupe Sold
2008 Viper Coupe
2009 Corvette ZR1
2010 Ford Raptor 6.2
A big plus one on the AC. I forgot about that. In the Gen II it was either AC on or heat off. No adjustability. When I started the Gen II up after it had been in the sun, it took quite a while for it to cool off. With the Gen III or IV it cools off almost immediately. In hot weather in stop and go traffic, the Gen II's A/C left alot to be desired as the heat came up through the center console area and increased on the sides. Gen III and Gen IV A/C provides more than ample, fully adustable cooling under all conditions.
I also forgot about the seats. At least for me, the Gen III or IV seats, which are the same, give far more support for spirited driving.
I also forgot about the seats. At least for me, the Gen III or IV seats, which are the same, give far more support for spirited driving.
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