Is Gen 5 more suitable as a daily driver than Gen 4?

[PeterMJ]

I am getting kind of bored with my current daily driver, Corvette C6. There is nothing wrong with the car, it is easy to drive and park and plenty quick in the daily traffic. The downside is that it a Corvette and it feels pretty pedestrian. So I have been looking around and really like Rossion Q1 for many various reasons. But... I see the pricing on the new Viper is becoming very reasonable, in fact on par with Rossion. Now, my question is, could I use the new Viper as a daily driver and Corvette replacement? I know my Gen 4 would never work as a DD, I love the car but it is hard to see out of it, especially to the rear, the sills get hot and the throttle is not the most responsive. The car is great for pleasure driving though.

I do not commute much, usually three days a week but like to cover my car during the day and I know I cannot cover the Viper in a hurry because the are too hot to touch for a few minutes.

So my question is, is the new Viper better in this regard than Gen 4? Easier to see out of it, better throttle respons and less heat? I would appreciate some input here especially from people who use the car as a daily commuter and even better, had or still have Gen 4 as well. I do not want to replace the Gen 4 since it is a convertible.

 

[pathoguy]

This morning, I just drove 200 miles round trip to run an errand in the rain. I take it to work an average of 3 times a week and park it among a 100 other cars. It is much much more user-friendly than my Gen III. The 3.55 gearing makes it more responsive and the "return of the nannies" has already saved me from wrecking. The a/c runs cold and the interior is more comfortable too. You still have to remember what it is with 600 lbs ft/tq though. I sense it can still bite you hard, if taken for granted.

 

[PeterMJ]

Great info. So do you find the ergonomics greatly improved vs your Gen 3? I feel like I need a booster seat many time to see to the rear and I am not a midget, LOL. Do the seats and interior get warm? I would suspect the drivability comparison may be somewhat different between Gen 3 and 4 vs 5?

 

[VENOM V]

The Gen V has similar visibility to the Gen IV, but you've got a back up camera which helps tremendously. Heating is a non issue to me, I have never noticed it. The only thing you have to watch out for are the hot door sills as you step in and out. Warn your lady if she likes mini skirts ;-)

Power seats let you raise or lower the seats in the GTS.

The Gen V is no cream puff, not as isolated as a Corvette. It is more exciting, stiffer, louder, more connected to the road. The emotional connection to the car is awesome, similar to the Gen IV. But with more comfort and amenities. I use my nav all the time. 6,000 miles and four tracks under my belt, I drive it whenever I can!

 

[Bobpantax]

The SRT model seat adjusts up and down manually by pushing the lower lever on the left side of the seat. So you can adjust the seat back, the whole seat forward or backward and the seat up or down. And of course, like the prior Gen, the pedals adjust. The A/C is better and the controls far more comprehensive and detailed beyond the manual knobs and buttons. Vent choice, auto temp setting and a number of other adjustments are in the electronic control center and display on the screen. The car cools down very rapidly and stays cool.


I have been driving it to the office quite a bit. With the better interior, better A/C, better electronics ( including stereo system and back up camera as noted above) better shifting, and better handling, I think it is a much better daily driver but be prepared for people to frequently ask you questions and take photos.

 

[DodgeViper01]

PeterMJ, you are in a similar boat to myself. I am currently looking to replace my daily by the end of the year and have looked at everything. From a person who has gone through everything, especially the Rossion Q1 as a fun car (IN DEPTH), let me tell you the Rossion Q1 is a great car, but without a trunk it is very hard to make it a daily. Also the seats are not comfortable on long distances. Also DO NOT buy the Q1 new. You can save up to 50% off sticker depending on color if you purchase used. TEAM Motorsports has a black one for $69,000 now with a few thousand miles. Know of a few others if seriously looking. PM me for details. Good luck!

 

[ViperSmith]

I "daily drive" mine, but I work from home. So, any chance I get out of the house it is in the Gen V.

Love it.

 

[PeterMJ]

I was hoping the rear view improved. The thing about back up camera is that it only works when you are in reverse. Rest assured Corvette is no cream puff but somehow it does not feel as confining as the Viper. I guess I gotta look around me to find the new Viper and try out the seat height adjustment. I have pretty long legs but relatively short torso, not the best combo for my Gen 4.

The Gen V has similar visibility to the Gen IV, but you've got a back up camera which helps tremendously. Heating is a non issue to me, I have never noticed it. The only thing you have to watch out for are the hot door sills as you step in and out. Warn your lady if she likes mini skirts ;-)

Power seats let you raise or lower the seats in the GTS.

The Gen V is no cream puff, not as isolated as a Corvette. It is more exciting, stiffer, louder, more connected to the road. The emotional connection to the car is awesome, similar to the Gen IV. But with more comfort and amenities. I use my nav all the time. 6,000 miles and four tracks under my belt, I drive it whenever I can!

 

[PeterMJ]

PeterMJ, you are in a similar boat to myself. I am currently looking to replace my daily by the end of the year and have looked at everything. From a person who has gone through everything, especially the Rossion Q1 as a fun car (IN DEPTH), let me tell you the Rossion Q1 is a great car, but without a trunk it is very hard to make it a daily. Also the seats are not comfortable on long distances. Also DO NOT buy the Q1 new. You can save up to 50% off sticker depending on color if you purchase used. TEAM Motorsports has a black one for $69,000 now with a few thousand miles. Know of a few others if seriously looking. PM me for details. Good luck!

Tough call, huh? If I can find some room for the car cover, this is all I would need. I just looked at that black Rossion, they are asking 75k? I live in California, bringing used car below 7500 miles I think is a big no no, according to DMV. How do you think visibility compares between Rossion and new Viper? As the discounts on Viper increase, so does my indecision, LOL.

 

[PeterMJ]

I wonder how much the seats can go up before you hit the roof? How is the throttle response?

The SRT model seat adjusts up and down manually by pushing the lower lever on the left side of the seat. So you can adjust the seat back, the whole seat forward or backward and the seat up or down. And of course, like the prior Gen, the pedals adjust. The A/C is better and the controls far more comprehensive and detailed beyond the manual knobs and buttons. Vent choice, auto temp setting and a number of other adjustments are in the electronic control center and display on the screen. The car cools down very rapidly and stays cool.


I have been driving it to the office quite a bit. With the better interior, better A/C, better electronics ( including stereo system and back up camera as noted above) better shifting, and better handling, I think it is a much better daily driver but be prepared for people to frequently ask you questions and take photos.

 

[PeerBlock]

Yes, you could drive it daily as a "commuter" type car and it's just fine. It's actually quite comfortable on long trips. I've driven for hundreds of miles at a time and never felt any discomfort. I love driving my Viper but with all the attention that it draws I feel uneasy parking it and leaving it unattended in a public area...plus I only drive it in nice weather. Has yet to see rain and it will never see snow.

 

[Bobpantax]

Throttle response is excellent. On your seat question, I think that you will need to sit in one and try it out. In the highest seat position my head does not hit the roof but it probably would with a helmet on.

I wonder how much the seats can go up before you hit the roof? How is the throttle response?

 

[DingDong]

Peter,

I was recently in your situation (Btw, are you the same petermk from corvetteforum? If so, I know you from wayyy back). I bought the Gen V.

Here is my advice to you. Based on your statement that the corvette is no cream puff, then no, don't buy the viper. You will hate it. The seats cause your head to hit the roof if your tall, the visibility ***** and there are still some heat issues.

However, all of those issues are much more tolerable in the newer Gen V model than they were in generations past. Oh, and throttle response is VERY VERY crisp. It is a very fast car.

However, if comfort is even 10% of your buying equation, then do not walk, but RUN from the Viper. It isn't for everyone. If you think the Corvette is unrefined, then you'll hate the Viper. Full Stop.

With all of that being said, I absolutely love mine even with all of its issues and SRT shortcomings/over sites.

 

[DodgeViper01]

Tough call, huh? If I can find some room for the car cover, this is all I would need. I just looked at that black Rossion, they are asking 75k? I live in California, bringing used car below 7500 miles I think is a big no no, according to DMV. How do you think visibility compares between Rossion and new Viper? As the discounts on Viper increase, so does my indecision, LOL.

If the car cover is the only concern, keep the car cover bag and then you can put the cover in the bag and then throw on the passenger seat or move the seat up. Other than that, you might be able to just throw the cover behind the seats, won't be nice and neat, but who cares, your in a Rossion! The car is lightening fast, really a great driving experience.

As for the used car in CA, what are you referring to? You can't bring in a car with under 7500 miles?

Lastly, visibility is a bit better in Rossion but not much better. They are practically the same. The Rossion only has a small edge because of its smaller size.

 

[08viperviolet]

The gen V is the best Viper as a daily driver. I have owned a gen 3 and gen 4 as a daily driver. Now a gen V best buy far. But it is not as choosy as a c7 and will not generate the same attention tons of c7 all over the place already. You have to buy what is best for you but the SRT viper is a great car and can be serviced at dealerships everywhere were a problem come up. The Rossion do not seem to hold value well at all. Much lower car to get in and out of.

 

[DingDong]

08viperviolet,

Please note - the vipper cannot be "Serviced at dealerships everywhere." A dodge dealership has to have SRT certification in order to work on the Viper. Unforatunately the rather lodge Dodge dealership in Delray Beach (near me) cannot work on a Viper... Major bummer.

 

[08viperviolet]

Yes but in South FL just like California a lot of certified dealers and the warranty will tow it to one if services is needed.

 

[PeterMJ]

Peter,

I was recently in your situation (Btw, are you the same petermk from corvetteforum? If so, I know you from wayyy back). I bought the Gen V.

Here is my advice to you. Based on your statement that the corvette is no cream puff, then no, don't buy the viper. You will hate it. The seats cause your head to hit the roof if your tall, the visibility ***** and there are still some heat issues.

However, all of those issues are much more tolerable in the newer Gen V model than they were in generations past. Oh, and throttle response is VERY VERY crisp. It is a very fast car.

However, if comfort is even 10% of your buying equation, then do not walk, but RUN from the Viper. It isn't for everyone. If you think the Corvette is unrefined, then you'll hate the Viper. Full Stop.

With all of that being said, I absolutely love mine even with all of its issues and SRT shortcomings/over sites.

LOL about corvetteforum I am not looking for a cushy ride or a cream puff, my vette has Z51 suspension and 285/30/19 and 325/25/20 set up and I like it that way. The problem when I drive my Gen 4 is that I really cannot see to the rear, with the top down or up because of the rear bulkhead sitting so high. I tried the Gen 4 coupe for size before and convertible was a bit better, thus, I bought it. I love driving the Viper on the weekends in light traffic but I think I could not take it in heavy stop and go traffic. I guess because of the wide sills, the interior is pretty cramped and the car gets pretty hot inside, I can feel it on my back after getting out, LOL. I am not sure if this is from the sills getting hot or in addition to it. I was actually surprised to discover the front part of the sills up to the fender gets pretty hot too. Now, I am hopeful the vision has improved since you can raise the seat now but I guess I really need to find out in person since there seems to be a lot of different opinions. The new Viper is really growing on me due to those discounts, I was thinking about just getting a bottom of the line for a daily commuter but now I really do not know.

 

[PeterMJ]

08viperviolet,

Please note - the vipper cannot be "Serviced at dealerships everywhere." A dodge dealership has to have SRT certification in order to work on the Viper. Unforatunately the rather lodge Dodge dealership in Delray Beach (near me) cannot work on a Viper... Major bummer.

I think this is only with regards to the newest generation. I took mine in under warranty to a local Chrysler dealer and they had no problem looking at the car at all. But yes, this is something to consider for sure. Although in the greater scheme of things, I would be having the same luck finding a Rossion dealer as well.

 

[PeterMJ]

I am pretty sure that here, in California, you cannot bring in a used car with less than 7500 miles unless it is specifically certified as California emissions compliant. The same goes for motorcycles. I do not know for sure but seriously doubt that Rossion carries a California certification unless it was registered as a new car here. There is an option to register the car as a smog exempt under SB100 but you have better chances of winning a lottery than winning this designation (it is a lottery system). The best way to buy Rossion in California is to either buy within the state or with over 7500 miles on it. The whole thing is really stupid but there is nothing that can be done about it.

If the car cover is the only concern, keep the car cover bag and then you can put the cover in the bag and then throw on the passenger seat or move the seat up. Other than that, you might be able to just throw the cover behind the seats, won't be nice and neat, but who cares, your in a Rossion! The car is lightening fast, really a great driving experience.

As for the used car in CA, what are you referring to? You can't bring in a car with under 7500 miles?

Lastly, visibility is a bit better in Rossion but not much better. They are practically the same. The Rossion only has a small edge because of its smaller size.

 

[09 Venom]

WITHOUT QUESTION definitely a better daily driver than a Gen IV but still not my first choice for a daily driver. Still a weekend car for us northeast folks.

 

[pathoguy]

be prepared for people to frequently ask you questions and take photos

Gas stations are the worst. The car gets mobbed. With the word "viper" written only across the gas cap, lots don't know what it is. At work, a young woman asked who owned the red Ferrari. I replied that it was probably my red viper. She said....no...it was definitely a Ferrari...I recall the horse emblem. She pointed at my viper through an office window.

 

[PeterMJ]

Gas stations are the worst. The car gets mobbed. With the word "viper" written only across the gas cap, lots don't know what it is. At work, a young woman asked who owned the red Ferrari. I replied that it was probably my red viper. She said....no...it was definitely a Ferrari...I recall the horse emblem. She pointed at my viper through an office window.

I kinda know how this part goes and how to avoid it by filling up on very very early Saturday or Sunday mornings only Nevertheless, my only concern is with me and my ability to live with the car and drive it with ease while having a bit of fun after the usual nauseating day in the office. I do not go to grocery store in my cars and always keep low profile regarding my private life, including my cars.

 

[PeterMJ]

WITHOUT QUESTION definitely a better daily driver than a Gen IV but still not my first choice for a daily driver. Still a weekend car for us northeast folks.

So what does that mean actually? Forget about the second Viper and just find a Rossion?

 

[pathoguy]

keep low profile regarding my private life, including my cars

No matter from what angle you approach this, the viper will never be a low profile car. It is however an easy car to drive for a 2 seater with 640 hp. At 60+, getting in and out is becoming vehicular yoga. Depends on your definition of DD. I would chose an automatic to commute an hour through city traffic, however my commute is a gentle ride on country roads with one red light. I drive it to work unless forecast is 50%+ rain, storms etc. Visibility is what you should expect and it is low, so standing water in low areas should be avoided.

 

[PeterMJ]

No matter from what angle you approach this, the viper will never be a low profile car. It is however an easy car to drive for a 2 seater with 640 hp. At 60+, getting in and out is becoming vehicular yoga. Depends on your definition of DD. I would chose an automatic to commute an hour through city traffic, however my commute is a gentle ride on country roads with one red light. I drive it to work unless forecast is 50%+ rain, storms etc. Visibility is what you should expect and it is low, so standing water in low areas should be avoided.

I meant like in me not making a big deal out of what I drive. Although between Rossion and Viper, attention wise, I am not sure. As far as spectacles go, you can get it in a Corvette as well. Since you still cannot take it with you, may as well make the best out of the time you got left, LOL. Apparently there is a new Viper near by, I gotta call the dealer and find out if they let me sit in it, I think that should resolve at least a few questions I have. My commute is not all that bad, a straight four mile shot early in the morning and then occasionally semi heavy traffic on the way back, three days a week at most. I also pick up my 10 y.o. daughter a couple times a week from school nearby. Not overly complicated commuting for sure. I have not had an automatic in my life and unless I lose a leg, none will happen.

 

[Paul Hawker]

Believe the two biggest improvement on making the Gen V a better daily driver are the integrated backup camera/GPS system. Seeing through those rear windows while sitting so low makes backing up an anxious time.

Being able to adjust the seat forward and back, up and down with the push of a button can make for better visability as well as allowing different drivers to share the same car.

Other daily driver improvements include better clutch take up, easier shifting and better throttle response. All signicantly better in the Gen V. It also seems to pull away smoother, and has a wider engine sweet spot to reduce shifting. Better automatic temperature control, more effective air conditioning, quieter interior (GTS), improved stereo. All these things add up to better day to day comfort and drivability.

I purchase my first Viper Coupe in 96, essentially because it was everything I had wanted in a Shelby Cobra, but with additional creature comforts. It was a race car for the street, but you could also comfortably drive it to and from the track, not needing to trailer it everywhere.

Loved the idea that it had a warranty as well as an extensive dealership network. I have even had my Viper serviced at a Jeep/Chrysler dealership when on the road. Their diagnostics worked perfect, and they were able to get me back on the road right away.

Deciding if it is an acceptable daily driver depends as much upon the owner as the vehicle.

I have friends that use their Harleys as daily drivers. They would be amused that this discussion even takes place.

 

[SilveRT8]

Having driven a Gen4 Vert for 4 years as a summer DD and now a Gen5 GTS since august, I can say the 5 is a much better DD car. Altough the Gen4 was pure joy on a weekend run, I would sometimes get heavy traffic for 1 1/2 hours during the week on a hot day and get home exhausted from the cabin heat, hard clutch and rough ride. Except for 3/4 rear visibility and getting in and out of the car, everything else has been improved in the new one. Rear visibility is now fine with the back-up camera, ride is smoother (GTS street mode), clutch is much lighter altough travel is still long, shifter is shorter and more precise, much less cabin heat, a bit cooler side sills, better A/C, better road noise insulation, radio and Nav are now up to today's standards. Having once spun the 4 on a racetrack, I find the traction and stability control very usefull in the 5 as I can now punch it when the road clears in front without fear of losing it. Also the 5 tracks straight and does not follow grooves anymore. Like many others have said 'I love it'

 

[Twister]

Rossion Q1 looks like a pos compared to the viper. The desighn and interior are so so and the 123 mph through the quartermile is what a healthy gen3 can do.

I see no comparison here. Viper all the way

 

[PeterMJ]

Having driven a Gen4 Vert for 4 years as a summer DD and now a Gen5 GTS since august, I can say the 5 is a much better DD car. Altough the Gen4 was pure joy on a weekend run, I would sometimes get heavy traffic for 1 1/2 hours during the week on a hot day and get home exhausted from the cabin heat, hard clutch and rough ride. Except for 3/4 rear visibility and getting in and out of the car, everything else has been improved in the new one. Rear visibility is now fine with the back-up camera, ride is smoother (GTS street mode), clutch is much lighter altough travel is still long, shifter is shorter and more precise, much less cabin heat, a bit cooler side sills, better A/C, better road noise insulation, radio and Nav are now up to today's standards. Having once spun the 4 on a racetrack, I find the traction and stability control very usefull in the 5 as I can now punch it when the road clears in front without fear of losing it. Also the 5 tracks straight and does not follow grooves anymore. Like many others have said 'I love it'

You are right on the money with Gen 4 I really need to make arrangements with a local dealer to let me sit in the new car.