RT vs GTS, Maybe Open Air Isn't All Its Cracked Up to Be!

[v10enomous]

I have a friend who had a couple of nice cars like a 69 Super Bee and a 70 GTO like 30 years ago but hasn't been really keeping up on cars since the mid 80s... When I told him that I bought a Viper, the first thing he said was... What color ? Did you get a Blue one with the stripes ? But honestly even now that I bought a GTS I pretty much thought of the RT as the iconic Viper for the longest time and kinda still do... I'm not sure what that's worth if anything...

When it did come time to buy a car I was drawn to the GTS.. As far as the subject of the thread... Like one of the oldest auto enthusiasts debates and it just comes down to preference.

I'm not just agreeing to this since I own one, but it honestly seems to be the truth in a lot of cases. I've had several situations where I've been asked what kind of car I have, and when I say a "Viper" I sometimes get... "is it the blue with white stripes one"?

Don't get me wrong.. I love the RT/10 too, I hope to buy one someday after I finish paying off my GTS. I'm just going by personal experience from what other people think when talking about mine.

 

[Vipuronr]

Good point! It sort of doesn't matter what people think is THE Viper, whether a red RT or a Blue & White GTS or some of the really great color combinations on the new ACR's!

What matters is the you prefer the Viper that you own. In my case, I originally was going to buy a B&W '97 GTS, but was always drawn to the really flat, wide (mean) look of the RT from the back...especially with the softop off. For me, that was the deciding factor, not which was more desireable or more valuable, it was just the one I preferred.

Simple as that!

I love all Vipers, not a bad factory color or style in the lot. But, I'm very happy with the decision I made to buy mine.

Gotta love drivin' a Viper!

 

[VENOMAHOLIC]

This thread still is going on....

 

[RTTTTed]

Yah, I don't hate the RT 10, but I do feel sorry for the people showing up at VOI 11 in one that have only 2 overnight bags for their POOR wives. Kinda ruins the whole week plus travel for them. If your wife is the bitchin', naggin type, well I feels sorry for you. LOL.

Ted

 

[RTTTTed]

Oh, we drove 550 miles today to make an event in Jasper this weekend. Visiting sister-in-laws awards banquet in Edmonton Thurs. It's been raining off and on all day long. 2 suitcases and an overnightbag, cameras, 'puter, suit, etc. No problem. Guess it was kinda cold up in Crowsnest Pass this evening but we didn't notice.


Saw 2 Vultures (on Deer roadkill), 2 Black Bears, 7 Deer, 1 coyote and 3 Elk up close and personal. Don't want to hit any of them in any Viper.

 

[Vipuronr]

Funny, Ted...I get the point. But, for me, a few points of clarification:

- My wife isn't interested in the car AT ALL and has no intention of going to an event or riding in it
- We have two other cars, so packing luggage is never an issue in either one
- I didn't buy the RT/10 for luggage space. If that was a consideration, I would have bought a Chevy Suburban
- What we see here are deer, more deer and a few more deer, a few turkey families, beavers and assorted little animals...more than enough for me!
- Oh, did I mention that we see deer?????

You know, if you need extra luggage space on your GTS, I read somewhere that Thule makes a luggage carrier specficially for the roof of the GTS!

Peter

 

[Red Snake]

You RT/10 guys go ahead and add your hard tops and tail spoilers. Then you'll look almost as good as a GTS. Key word being almost.

 

[costanZo]

I think when it comes down to it, it's somewhat hard to compare the RT to the GTS. They are both completely different animals. Both are amazing machines, and are and will always be Time Pieces in the automotive world. Some people prefer convertibles, some prefer grand touring coupes. I have loved the Viper for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid I used to watch the Viper television show which starred a Red GEN1 which mechanically turned into a Silver Armored GEN1 on steroids. I of course loved the Viper then being a GEN1.

However, it was the B/W GTS that caught my eye. In all honesty, I forget when that show aired, but I must have only seen repeats because I'm almost positive the B/W GTS was the first Viper I ever saw. I remember it correctly. One of my friends in middle school had a book cover of the B/W GTS in front of the B/W Dodge Ram pick up. I was stunned and immediately had to find out more about the car. When I did, I told myself that I would buy that exact car, year and model after I graduated college, which I did. However, in the process of buying the 96 B/W GTS, my mind tended to shift back and fourth between the RT/10 and the GTS because both cars are just that unique and beautiful in their own way.

Some people prefer the wide and flat rear end on the RT/10, where as others prefer the more curvy voluptuous rear end of the GTS. I've always preferred the GTS when it comes to styling, but there were times when I preferred the RT/10 too. I value both cars in their own way, because they are different so it's truly hard to say that one is better then the other because both excite you in different ways. That is why I plan to own an RT after my GTS. I've noticed several VCA members on here who own both(and SRTs). Although you might like one more over the other, that's just personal preference; but to say one is actually "better" than the other, I don't believe is accurate. Each one is made for a different style of driving and I feel a true enthusiast will always have an appreciation for both.

 

[RTTTTed]

Vipuronr, I'm sorry. The owner of my 98 GTS said that his wife had never even sat in his Viper. Weird, but my does and went to Detroit VOI 11 with me and she doesn't enjoy the car, but does enjoy all the VCA event we attend.

I'd never go to VOI if I had to take the Stealth or the Hemi. I don't think that the wife likes it when ever waitress and every Hotel Hostel smiles at me when they're saying how much they like my car. Most of the VCA events are all mixed couples and I'd feel weird if I was stag.

I am glad that you're enjoying your RT, as that's what these cars are for. If you don't take the wife you definitely don't need a GTSs storage space. Ford GT and you could put your suitcase on the passenger seat? LOL

Ted

 

[Vipuronr]

Interestingly, I had the RT in the Saratoga Springs Auto Show a few weeks ago. I ended up bringing Zoe to the show (care of my 3 year old daughter!)...did get lots of attention!

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It was fun and there were lots of Viper owners at the show to talk to. My wife is not at all a car person and she can't stand listening about the Viper or any other car. That said, she is the best....as she bought me the RT for my birthday! After doing that, what can you say?????

Yes, I would enjoy owning either car, each having its advantages and styling differences. Thought you might make the long treck down to the Saratoga show...oh well, maybe next time.

Peter