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

[PeterMJ]

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

LOL, maybe a bit too harsh calling Rossion looks POS? Even though I think Viper looks better, I do not want to catch myself looking more at the car than driving it, like I am experiencing with my Gen 4.

 

[PeterMJ]

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.

Fully agreed that making a call on what is and what is not a suitable daily driver is a very subjective decision, this is why I am having a difficult time doing it. I know plenty of people who think using a vette for DD is nuts as well even though I have no issue with it whatsoever. I think my Gen 4 is the first car I had I would never consider being a DD which is the first one for me. Thus, I am trying to be very careful this time around.

 

[09 Venom]

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

Don't know where you live. I am just saying if it is your only car and you live in a climate that gets snow/ice in the winter you will not be able to drive the car every day. MAYBE with a set of dedicated winter tires but then ground clearance will be an issue with greater than 5 inches of snow. Now if you live in an area where this isn't a concern then it can be your DD

 

[09 Venom]

sorry, just read you live in CA. Should be OK, have you driven one yet?

 

[PeterMJ]

sorry, just read you live in CA. Should be OK, have you driven one yet?

Yeah, snow is definitely not my concern although temps tend to get into mid 20's occasionally as they did a couple of months ago. No, I have not driven one yet. I am trying to sit in one for starters to see how it fits me. The dealer actually offered to take it out and let me drive it but I declined since this one is a GTS and not what I would like. I do not like to lead them on. Hopefully tomorrow, I'll be there to try it for size, assuming the weather is clear.

 

[SRT09]

Gen 4 add a full time backup camera, exhaust, headers and MCS and spend the rest of the price difference on gas

 

[VRYALT3R3D]

I am confused. I thought you hated the Gen V?

http://srtviperdoa.blogspot.ca/sear...-max=2014-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=47

 

[ViperSmith]

I am confused. I thought you hated the Gen V?

http://srtviperdoa.blogspot.ca/sear...-max=2014-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=47

Jesus, what a blow hard.

How can someone complain so much about one thing LOL

 

[goldcup]

I just traded an 08 ACR for a new TA and can tell you fit and finish Is exceptional as well as the previously discussed paint quality. Early cars may have had a problem, but mine does not. Car Is light years ahead of the Gen IV.
Loved the link to the vitriolic rants concerning the Gen V car but speaking from experience none of it matches up with the car in my garage. Ill get back to you after 10,000 miles maybe my opinion will change. If in fact
that blog is yours Peter what the hell happened in the last few months to change your mind?

 

[PeterMJ]

OK, I got in the new Viper today, quality wise, the car is leaps and bounds above the car I have, no question about. There is a mile of seat travel and seats are very comfortable. The shifter is super smooth and clutch way lighter than previous generation. The ease of entry is about the same, forward visibility real good. The car feels snug inside but not cramped like the previous generation. The things that bothered me are the huge blind spots and rear glass sitting pretty high up. Adjusting side mirrors helps a lot but not completely. The rear view camera is nice for sure although hopefully there is a way to adjust the contrast since the display looked somewhat washed, without any sunlight to explain it. I am pretty sure I have to go back to try it again. Bottom line for me, the comfort is great but the visibility a bit iffy to feel comfortable making quick lane changes. The car is very impressive, feels very Italian.

 

[PeterMJ]

I just traded an 08 ACR for a new TA and can tell you fit and finish Is exceptional as well as the previously discussed paint quality. Early cars may have had a problem, but mine does not. Car Is light years ahead of the Gen IV.
Loved the link to the vitriolic rants concerning the Gen V car but speaking from experience none of it matches up with the car in my garage. Ill get back to you after 10,000 miles maybe my opinion will change. If in fact
that blog is yours Peter what the hell happened in the last few months to change your mind?

Yes, I am pretty critical but also keep my "dirty laundry" separate. I have no intention of replacing the current Viper, if I get another one, I would have two. I already mentioned that faults can be forgiven as the price becomes more attractive, as long as I can use it daily. And think about it this way, if I buy it, what better endorsement for the new Viper would you need?

 

[goldcup]

I would agree about the washout on the backup camera. Visibility is nonexistent out the rear(I'm exaggerating) I cant imagine driving it daily, but to each their own. I've always used mine for fun only and the varying limitations of each Generation did not concern me. I have always liked the tight cabin but I'm only 5'8 so that helps.

 

[PeterMJ]

I would agree about the washout on the backup camera. Visibility is nonexistent out the rear(I'm exaggerating) I cant imagine driving it daily, but to each their own. I've always used mine for fun only and the varying limitations of each Generation did not concern me. I have always liked the tight cabin but I'm only 5'8 so that helps.

Ah good, then I wasn't imagining the lack of contrast on the display. Does it get worse in bright sunlight? I am used to tight interiors, I have no physical limitations not to fit in one, LOL. And yes, the visibility is not an issue in a weekend toy but it is important for a daily driver. Too bad there is no option to replace the side vents with some quarter windows, LOL. I like the car overall for sure.

 

[goldcup]

When I picked the car up I was amazed how clear the display was. But the little bit of time I have spent In the car since I have been unable to reproduce the clarity,obviously light related.

 

[PeterMJ]

My observations were from a showroom, on a very cloudy day so it was most likely the best scenario. How does this work BTW at night?

 

[goldcup]

I haven't driven at night, weather here In Kansas City Is not conducive to Viper driving this time of year!

 

[PeterMJ]

I haven't driven at night, weather here In Kansas City Is not conducive to Viper driving this time of year!

LOL, yes, it ain't no California. The attention to detail on the new Viper is astounding, obviously someone took great pride in assembling it.

 

[ViperSmith]

When I picked the car up I was amazed how clear the display was. But the little bit of time I have spent In the car since I have been unable to reproduce the clarity,obviously light related.

Make sure you clean the lense

 

[ViperSmith]

Jeez, PeterMJ you are a bit obsessive

http://corvettec7fiasco.blogspot.com

Guys on corvetteforum found you amusing too http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-general-discussion/3429667-who-remembers-petermj.html

 

[goldcup]

ViperSmith I see what your doing there and it ain't cool! You been talking with my wife lol! She said the same thing.
It was clean!

 

[ViperSmith]

ViperSmith I see what your doing there and it ain't cool! You been talking with my wife lol! She said the same thing.
It was clean!

LOL. Strange, mine has been great all along. Was my first guess!

 

[goldcup]

Could be the light it has been overcast and snowy here since I picked it up!
Had it two weeks and put 67 miles! When the weather breaks I am driving till the wheels fall off!

 

[PeterMJ]

Well, never mind. I actually convinced myself I could live with a DD Viper but apparently this is not going to happen on the account of suitable cars being allocated with some of the worst dealers in my state and pretty far from me and better dealers not having suitable cars and not interested in trading with the other dealers since they sit on Vipers themselves. Pretty ironic but it is what it is... Nothing beats first hand experience to understand the latest turn of events. Oh and yeah, I really wanted to buy a second Viper, in spite of remarks made by people on my ignore list because no matter what, it is still better than any Corvette that is there or may be coming soon. Sorry for wasting everyone's time, including mine. If I cannot find a Rossion, a slightly used Vantage will do just fine.

 

[VRYALT3R3D]

What exact options were you looking for?

 

[elanderholm]

Dude it's 2014. Just the find the car at a dealer anywhere and have them ship it. I've done it with other cars it easy. I bought my acr off eBay flew out and drove it from Tx to ca.

 

[elanderholm]

I have a gen iv acr. I only use mirrors to change lanes. You just lean forward and as you sit back you can see your blind spits and everything else. I've daily driven cars with much worse blinds spots. It's not an issue.