Overall Ride Quality -- Gen I vs Gen II

[modernrocketry]

I am in the market for a 94-2002 Dodge Viper. My 40th is next year, and I've decided to have my midlife crisis in style.

I have read that in 1996, the suspension on the Viper was redesigned.

Does this redesign make it ride any better?

 

[RedEnuf93]

Shortly, yes.

Another question is: "Do you like windows and A/C???"

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

The windows, door handles, rain and gasket-envy issues are more significant than the ride.

 

[uvbnbit]

Cant speak for a Gen1, but as far as our '98 goes, we've been to FL 3 times, Vegas and back, Detroit and back, SLC, etc. Lots of hwy miles and no complaints about the "ride" quality. It ain't no caddy, but you get the point. Gen 3's are pretty cheap now too if you're looking for a "bit" more comfort.

 

[modernrocketry]

Thanks for the replies.
I live in Southern California, so windows, etc. are not really necessary. The car will live most of its life in my garage and rarely come out to play.
I do plan to do one big Road Trip -- Chicago to L.A. via what is left of the old 66. That trip will take place in the summer of 2011, so A/C would be nice, but from my research, the 94 and 95's offered A/C as an option. I plan to have the car shipped to Illinois, and meet up with it so that I can take my time on the ride home.

Again, I appreciate you replies. I've got some other questions, but I'll do some searching on here first and create new threads if necessary. Thanks!

 

[97snk]

There's a 92 in craigslist in tracy going for around 40k and there's a 04 paxton viper in Fresno for mid 40's...

 

[Roy]

take a 92, that's how it's meant Nothing beats the sound and impressions when you drive it without top and windows!
People say that the 92 will be worth more in the end, because it's the first, but you're gonna need some patience...

 

[Paul Hawker]

The major reason to change out the suspension in 96 was to provide better and more repeatable handling. The suspension components were strengthened and lightened to reduce unsprung weight, and computer analysis was done to offer a significant upgrade in handling.

In additon the new suspension was enhanced to take advantage of the newer tires from Michelin.

Do not believe ride quality was the greatest goal to improve, but the ride is indeed a bit better.

The addition of improved air conditioning, reduction of interior heat, roll up windows and adjustable foot pedals give more additional comfort than the slightly enhanced ride quality.

 

[plumcrazy]

IMO, you dont buy a gen 1/2 for ride quality.

 

[Paul Hawker]

You do if you have a bad back!

I have a tender lower back, and my Viper is the most comfortable vehicle I own for long trips.

 

[musclenutz]

My 94 drives well but it is loud and even with aftermarket side slider windows,air does come in and once when i turned the wiper washers on,some water came inside and soaked my arm.It does feel better driving since i had 3:55's installed.I love taking her out and it feels great once in a while.As far as something to take on a trip i would say my 99 GTS would be more pleasurable with door handles,power windows and adjustable floor pedals even.I can hear the radio in the GTS too!. So,it boils down to what you're looking for i guess.Good Luck!

 

[Vipuronr]

Having been a Vette guy for years, they certainly ride better. That said, I was very pleasantly surprised by how smooth the ride was in my '98. I too have a bad back and it does not hurt when I am in the RT...the driver's seat also has manual lumbar adjustment in addition to that mentioned above.

I've never been in a Gen 1, but I am happy with the ride of the Gen II. If you are not sure, then contact your local region and see if you can ride in a few Gen I's and Gen II's. That should settle it for you.

Good luck!

 

['Trust']

take a 92, that's how it's meant Nothing beats the sound and impressions when you drive it without top and windows!
People say that the 92 will be worth more in the end, because it's the first, but you're gonna need some patience...

I'm going to venture to say that those 'people' all own 92's. Lol.

 

[Dan Aseere]

I have both, 94 and 97GTS, not a nickles worth of difference in the ride.

 

[vancouver-gts]

I have both, 94 and 97GTS, not a nickles worth of difference in the ride.

Agree !

Friend has a gen I Venom and a 99 GTS like mine .I don't feel a difference in the ride between them . I'm old enough to notice if a car is uncomfortable ,what's wrong with some of the ******* complaing about the ride

 

[Roy]

I'm going to venture to say that those 'people' all own 92's. Lol.

Yep!! they do indeed....

 

[Bird325]

My '01 GTS is more comfortable on the road than my '05 Avalnace (fully loaded) and my wife's '09 Cadillac CTS. My Viper isn't a cushy ride, but it's very solid and more fun per mile than anything I've ever driven. And, for what it's worth, I'm WELL past my mid-life crisis thing ... well, some people say I never grew up, so maybe not.

This is my first (not my last) Viper ... I chose the GTS because of it's style and the '01 to make sure I had ABS (great on the road, not so much on the track) and AC. Trust me, unless you are determined to go ******* all the time, the AC is a God-send.

 

[2snakes4us]

the Gen 1 does ride differtly than the Gen 2. The seats I think are better in the gen 1 and I prefer to drive the Gen 1 over the Gen 2.

 

[GTSPOWERED]

I have had my back worked on 5 times and have no problem driving my 97 for several hours. But do need to take a small walk when filling up on a long trip.

Patrick

 

[modernrocketry]

Thanks for the feedback.
my back has no issues...yet...but like I said, this is a birthday present from me to me!!! Let's see what 40 does to me.
I prefer the gen I over the gen II, but if the II's had a dramatically better ride, I would consider one.

Thanks guys!!!

 

[Zrxpilot]

Have also had a gen1 and a GTS. From a commoners perspective, they both ride the same. Maybe racers can tell the difference but I cant. There is a bit of seating position difference tho. Maybe its just a feels-like thing but my gen 1 just seems bigger inside. Not much but enough to notice. Longer trips I much prefer to be in the gen 1. The GTS is certainly cooler looking but I felt a bit cramped and claustrophobic in it. Eventually traded it for the gen 1 I have now with no regrets accept when it gets cold or rains.

 

[ront/10]

My Gen 1 is loud, rough riding and hot - even with the ac blowing, and I love every minute of it. If I wanted comfort I would have bought a Cadillac. With that said the Viper has very comfortable seats!

 

[eucharistos]

....Maybe its just a feels-like thing but my gen 1 just seems bigger inside.

airbags

 

[modernrocketry]

Thanks Guys!!!
I've made my decision -- Gen I

Next step -- find one that is unmodified and under 20K miles.
Already got 3 lined up to look at, but I'm gonna wait until after Dec 31st to pull the trigger.