Need advice PLEASE - considering Gen 2 purchase

[SR]

Hello everyone,

I own a '08 roadster which I enjoy. I am looking to purchase a '01-02 GTS ACR as well. I love the body style of Gen 2's but I have never driven one and I don't know how it drives. I am not using it as a daily driver and I understand that changing the tires is a must. I need some input from any members who have or had both gens who can give me some constructive advice. I have a few questions:

- How is the ride?
- Are the brakes as good as gen 4?
- Is there a lot more cabin noise?
- How does it handle compared to gen 4?
- Does the car feel solid when you drive it?
- How much hotter is the cabin?
- How is the transmission? Does it shift as smooth as gen 4?

Feel free to give me any more input about the similarities or differences. I need to make my decision by tomorrow. Thank you in advance.

sr

 

[ontariomystic]

Brakes fall short of the Gen 4, ride is firmer, more cabin noise, handling is similar, ride is solid, cabin is hotter in the gts, transmission shifts are same or better on the GTS IMO.

 

[01sapphirebob]

Having owned/own both those generations here we go...

1. The ride is good. My ACR however had the rear springs switched out from the 1100lb to 850 lb which softens the ride.
2. Brakes are NOT as good.
3. I noticed the fuel pump running in my ACR which I did not hear in my RT/10
4. GEN IV will handle BETTER then the GEN II ACR
5. Mine felt really good when driven. It axtually scared me a bit compared to my '01 RT/10
6. I actually thought my ACR was cooler then my RT/10 but my GEN IV is cooler then the ACR.
7. Transmission in the GEN IV is WAY better. I love it

I actually got rid of my ACR for the GEN IV I currently have. To me Viper is all about the open air and I just didn't like driving a viper with a fixed roof. I loved the look of the ACR but just didn't enjoy driving it.

 

[bdelass]

I guess I will chime in here too...

I've owned (in this order) a 1997 GTS, a 2008 SSG SRT-10 and currently a 2002 GTS. I went back to the Gen 2 primarily for the body style. The Gen 4 was just never "my" dream car in that regard. Going from 600 HP to 450...yes, you can tell the power difference. However, I personally like the way the Gen 2 shifts better than the Gen 4. With regard to shifting, I guess vote against the grain on this one. I thought the Gen 4 transmission was way too "notchy and jerky" for my taste with the exception of when you are shifting, driving and accelerating quickly. The Gen 4 seemed to smooth out when you are driving it harder. The ride and steering is quite a bit tighter in the Gen 4. My current GTS is all stock with only 7K miles, so it is much quieter than the Borla and Belanger systems I had on the the '97 and '08, respectively. The seats in the Gen 4 are definitely tighter and give you the impression that you are sitting up higher...whether you actually are or not, I don't really know. I think the cabin temperature is a little warmer in the Gen 2, but not unbearable as long as your A/C is working properly. For me, I was willing to trade some improvements in engineering for a car in the body style I dreamed about owning when I was younger. Just my $.02

 

[dave6666]

- Are the brakes as good as gen 4?

GTS with SRT ACR brakes.

*Solved*

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[SR]

Thanks for all the input guys. I placed an offer and we will see what happens.

 

[costanZo]

You will not be disapointed. The GEN 2 is a classic!

It's beyound words how perfect the lines are on the GTS; it's a beauty!

 

[Darth Menace]

Is there an update on the offer?

 

[SR]

Yes, my offer was accepted by Bernie with free shipping to California. We are working on the paperwork and financing. I have a 2008 roadster that I love to drive, but I can't wait to have a Gen 2 as well.