SRT or GTS ACR coupe
- Thread starter robert
- Start date
DodgeViper01
Enthusiast
Two totally different cars, especially since you are choosing between an ACR and SRT.
GTS ACR:
STIFF Suspension when compared to the SRT line. This car is a car that you have to be in the mood to drive. The GEN II Vipers were cars that not everyone could drive. Stiff clutch like a Porsche, MANY blind spots, loud, not smooth, and a all around fun car.
SRT LINE:
A much easier car to drive. The lines on this car are totally different from the GEN II's. The clutch on this car is a lot lighter, no joke remindes me of a Civic. Love the car as well cause you can still have a lot of fun but fun in this car vs the GTS ACR is MUCH more refined. Drives like a Mercedes SL55. Drives pretty smooth when you want it to but when you want speed, just pound on the gas pedal.
GTS ACR:
STIFF Suspension when compared to the SRT line. This car is a car that you have to be in the mood to drive. The GEN II Vipers were cars that not everyone could drive. Stiff clutch like a Porsche, MANY blind spots, loud, not smooth, and a all around fun car.
SRT LINE:
A much easier car to drive. The lines on this car are totally different from the GEN II's. The clutch on this car is a lot lighter, no joke remindes me of a Civic. Love the car as well cause you can still have a lot of fun but fun in this car vs the GTS ACR is MUCH more refined. Drives like a Mercedes SL55. Drives pretty smooth when you want it to but when you want speed, just pound on the gas pedal.
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robert,
Inferno's question is a good one. How do you plan to use the car?
I have one of each and enjoy them both. Not sure about F355's comment on the clutch effort as both cars have the same LUK clutch and the same combination throw-out bearing / hydraulic slave cylinder. Clutch operation isn't very different in my two cars.
They both track well but the SRT had nasty bump steer that the GTS did not have.
I prefer the seats, the seating position and the gas/brake/clutch pedal arrangement of the SRT.
No doubt the SRT's suspension is softer, too soft in my opinion and not adjustable. Having said that, the first change I made to the ACR was to lighten the springs both front and rear.
The SRT has a weak differential, the GTS does not.
The GTS's shift linkage is smoother than the SRT.
If you plan to track or drag the car, the GTS, or better yet the new coupe, is the way to go. With the vert you'll need a roll bar and / or hard top or both, in addition to a new diff.
In stock configuration, the GTS was quieter than the SRT, but I think that's just side exhaust (SRT) vs rear exhaust (GTS).
The SRT is more refined and more modern, but I don't think that makes it that much more attractive. The GTS gets more attention on the road than the SRT.
Tough choice, they're both nice cars.
Pick one and enjoy.
Dan
Inferno's question is a good one. How do you plan to use the car?
I have one of each and enjoy them both. Not sure about F355's comment on the clutch effort as both cars have the same LUK clutch and the same combination throw-out bearing / hydraulic slave cylinder. Clutch operation isn't very different in my two cars.
They both track well but the SRT had nasty bump steer that the GTS did not have.
I prefer the seats, the seating position and the gas/brake/clutch pedal arrangement of the SRT.
No doubt the SRT's suspension is softer, too soft in my opinion and not adjustable. Having said that, the first change I made to the ACR was to lighten the springs both front and rear.
The SRT has a weak differential, the GTS does not.
The GTS's shift linkage is smoother than the SRT.
If you plan to track or drag the car, the GTS, or better yet the new coupe, is the way to go. With the vert you'll need a roll bar and / or hard top or both, in addition to a new diff.
In stock configuration, the GTS was quieter than the SRT, but I think that's just side exhaust (SRT) vs rear exhaust (GTS).
The SRT is more refined and more modern, but I don't think that makes it that much more attractive. The GTS gets more attention on the road than the SRT.
Tough choice, they're both nice cars.
Pick one and enjoy.
Dan
Scotty B
Enthusiast
Just one small correction here so a guy doesn't get the wrong idea about the AWESOME SRT HOT RODS!
The SRT's have the ability to have the bump steer adjusted at an alignment shop built right in at the manufacture! How cool is that? So if yer having problems with that a proper alignment should solve yer problem
We really enjoyed our 97 GTS (won a championship with it in 00) and the 2001 ACR we just sold was a hoot but both cars drew waaaaaaay too much attention for my taste on the street...
I know a lot of guys really dig that but I found it embarrassing at times
I/we love the SRT at least 50% more than we ever did any other hot rod we've ever had!
sbw
AMong
Enthusiast
This is an interesting thread to me as well. I am currently trying to decide the same thing. Ive spent a good amount of time driving the SRT around but dont have any road time in a GTS. Besides some neighborhood and parking lot stuff. Do you guys think it is crucial that I do some driving in a GEN II before I make my decision? I plan to do a lot of driving with the car - probably 10k +/- miles per year.
Also, to those that have owned both, is the GTS / ACR really get that much more attention ?
Also, to those that have owned both, is the GTS / ACR really get that much more attention ?
Scotty B
Enthusiast
There is no question about this, depending on your POV which is better... IMO I will take an SRT any day of the week because you can get in and out of a gas station without getting mugged before they figure out what it is...
If your thing is getting mugged and having teenage and twenty something girls that work at shucks offer that "they would do anything for a guy with a Viper" over and over and over while you are simply trying to buy a gas cap or wiper blades for same... Well then you are definately a GenI-II kinda guy/gal...
If it's pure performance and the latest technology then it is SRT, I mean after all new cars tend to get better don't they...?
sbw
Warfang
Enthusiast
Now THIS is what a discussion between Gens should be like.
If I could drive with a blindfold on with both cars (and survive)... the SRT would win hands down. I've driven both SRT and ACR extensively (own a GTS), and if I had both cars, the SRT would be the daily driver. If you want a Viper track-ready without further mods, AND get harrassed by people taking pics of you driving, get the ACR. You really can't go wrong with either.
If I could drive with a blindfold on with both cars (and survive)... the SRT would win hands down. I've driven both SRT and ACR extensively (own a GTS), and if I had both cars, the SRT would be the daily driver. If you want a Viper track-ready without further mods, AND get harrassed by people taking pics of you driving, get the ACR. You really can't go wrong with either.
2002_Viper_GTS_ACR
Enthusiast
I'm the guy who posted one of those links.
And yep... I hate the SRT-10 for being THAT MUCH BETTER of a car then my ACR....
But I would NEVER give up my ACR for an SRT-10. I love the gen 2 specific attention.... that only a Gen 2 can bring..
BTW, spent this past weekend pounding on both the SRT-10 and 2002 ACR. Keep in Mind I have THE BEST year ACR there is, and up until a few months ago, the latest version of the srt-10 (2005), so I had the best of both versions, and my opinion still stands, ACR/GTS for looks and attention, srt-10 for being a truely better viper.
PS. Keep in mind a Gen 2 can be made to beat an SRT-10, but can an SRT-10 TRULY be made to look better then a Gen2 ?? I think not.
Jon
And yep... I hate the SRT-10 for being THAT MUCH BETTER of a car then my ACR....
But I would NEVER give up my ACR for an SRT-10. I love the gen 2 specific attention.... that only a Gen 2 can bring..
BTW, spent this past weekend pounding on both the SRT-10 and 2002 ACR. Keep in Mind I have THE BEST year ACR there is, and up until a few months ago, the latest version of the srt-10 (2005), so I had the best of both versions, and my opinion still stands, ACR/GTS for looks and attention, srt-10 for being a truely better viper.
PS. Keep in mind a Gen 2 can be made to beat an SRT-10, but can an SRT-10 TRULY be made to look better then a Gen2 ?? I think not.
Jon
ulllose
Viper Owner
Don't worry about it Robert, even with the SRT
you still get the 20 something girls at the gas station and the picture taking at stop lights or driving----lol.
I think its great, but I just turned 30 and those 20 something girls are right up my alley...
on a serious note, lol when i was shopping for a viper i looked for the car that i would like to drive more everyday
and the srt fit the bill.
you still get the 20 something girls at the gas station and the picture taking at stop lights or driving----lol.
I think its great, but I just turned 30 and those 20 something girls are right up my alley...
on a serious note, lol when i was shopping for a viper i looked for the car that i would like to drive more everyday
and the srt fit the bill.
ViperBite
Viper Owner
You ask several questions, which is a better buy and which style to go with. I would argue a better buy is not answered until you decide which style you like. You can't go wrong with any Viper. Each has +/- that will vary depending on the person. And may depend on what you plan to do with the car.
Ask yourself this, if all styles were to drive by; RT, GTS, SRT conv. and couple, which one would stop you in your tracks. Thats the style to get. Then you can make further decisions, like what color, what year, etc.
Hook up with a local Viper group and look at them in person. Personally its a Gen II for me. This body style is what does it for me. Its not a daily driver or long hauler so I am not so concerned about what one might consider as negatives as compared to the SRT.
Of course I did get the fastest color ever made.
Ask yourself this, if all styles were to drive by; RT, GTS, SRT conv. and couple, which one would stop you in your tracks. Thats the style to get. Then you can make further decisions, like what color, what year, etc.
Hook up with a local Viper group and look at them in person. Personally its a Gen II for me. This body style is what does it for me. Its not a daily driver or long hauler so I am not so concerned about what one might consider as negatives as compared to the SRT.
Of course I did get the fastest color ever made.
Geez guys, that's one interesting and educational read !! Keep it up !
Can't even think about having this dilemma yet, money being the issue but....damn I love reading on this forum !
Still, keeping it in the family with my modded SRT4
Can't even think about having this dilemma yet, money being the issue but....damn I love reading on this forum !
Still, keeping it in the family with my modded SRT4
Ron Hickey
Enthusiast
Although you've had considerable seat time in an SRT, I suggest you do a back-to-back drive in a Gen II and Gen III. If you're going to put 10K miles per year on your Viper, you're going to be driving it more than 98% of all Viper owners drive theirs. With that many miles per year, you definitely want the car to be comfortable, and I think a back-to-back comparison will convince you that the SRT-10 is a better all-round car. I've owned two GTS's and logged over 70,000 miles between the two of them, and I put 7,000 miles on my SRT-10 this year. The SRT-10 can't match the Gen I/II "Wow" factor, but besides the styling, the Gen III is a superior car in every other aspect.
You need to decide what gets your blood churning when it comes to Vipers. I owned 7 Corvettes before getting my SRT 10 this year from Bill Pemberton. The SRT 10 is an amazing car in every detail. I never owned a GTS or ACR so I can't compare but I can tell you everywhere I go with the SRT 10 it gets alot of attention from gas stations to people taking pictures of it while driving on their camera cell phones. I also like owning new cars as they typically will offer better performance and fewer headaches. Lastly, remember there is NOTHING like open air driving - my taste would be the RT 10 (if you want an older model) or the SRT 10 - yellow tends to be the fastest color (a proven fact!)
N
Nobody
Guest
Interesting comments about the WOW factor, having owned both the RT10 and now the SRT10 . the RT10 seemed to attract alot of attention from droves of small boys and day laborers, it was VERY annoying (they would literally follow the car until it stopped) also one of the MANY reasons I sold the car.I do like to drive... with the SRT10 the attention is from young 20ish Women albiet somewhat more muted .. ok flamesuit on
albiet somewhat more muted .. ok flamesuit onI completely agree with "Nobody's" comments - in addition to 20ish Women, women in their mid 30's to mid 40's in outstanding physical shape also love the SRT 10.... the power of the Snake really knows no age limit when it comes to attracting beautiful females!
AMong
Enthusiast
I guess I need to get some more seat time in a GTS before I make a final decision. The thing is, I personally dont care for convertibles and I like the looks of a GTS more. But Im trying to weigh those factors with the quality and drivability of the SRT.
Is it a huge difference between overall performance and ride of the SRT vs. GTS, or would it even be noticible after getting used to the GTS ?
I think either car will do just fine with the ladies ... cant resist those shallow, gold diggin' ***** !
just an FYI - the chopper does wonders as well
Is it a huge difference between overall performance and ride of the SRT vs. GTS, or would it even be noticible after getting used to the GTS ?
I think either car will do just fine with the ladies ... cant resist those shallow, gold diggin' ***** !
just an FYI - the chopper does wonders as well
I guess I need to get some more seat time in a GTS before I make a final decision. The thing is, I personally dont care for convertibles and I like the looks of a GTS more. But Im trying to weigh those factors with the quality and drivability of the SRT.
Is it a huge difference between overall performance and ride of the SRT vs. GTS, or would it even be noticible after getting used to the GTS ?
I think either car will do just fine with the ladies ... cant resist those shallow, gold diggin' ***** !
just an FYI - the chopper does wonders as well
If you are located near me (central jersey) I can let you drive my gts to help you decide. The offer is open for you too Robert if you are near.
luc
Enthusiast
It nice to see that we can finaly argue the + and - of the GTS Vs the SRT without getting into personal insults.
As for your question:
"Is it a huge difference between overall performance and ride of the SRT vs. GTS, or would it even be noticible after getting used to the GTS ?"
Both the GTS and the SRT are VERY high performance cars with the SRT having a little more of it,especially in braking.
What you need to keep in mind is that "regular" street driving only use a small fraction of the performance potential of either cars,and 99% of the time the limiting factor is not the car but the driver,meaning that very,very few drivers are good enough to use 100% of either car potential and none of them can realisticaly do it driving on the street.
As a racer will say, if you were to drive the GTS on a track at 10/10, you will only have to drive the SRT at 9/10 to be as fast.
Just buy the one you like the most,both are great cars .
Luc.
00GTS
As for your question:
"Is it a huge difference between overall performance and ride of the SRT vs. GTS, or would it even be noticible after getting used to the GTS ?"
Both the GTS and the SRT are VERY high performance cars with the SRT having a little more of it,especially in braking.
What you need to keep in mind is that "regular" street driving only use a small fraction of the performance potential of either cars,and 99% of the time the limiting factor is not the car but the driver,meaning that very,very few drivers are good enough to use 100% of either car potential and none of them can realisticaly do it driving on the street.
As a racer will say, if you were to drive the GTS on a track at 10/10, you will only have to drive the SRT at 9/10 to be as fast.
Just buy the one you like the most,both are great cars .
Luc.
00GTS
Warfang
Enthusiast
Interesting comments about the WOW factor, having owned both the RT10 and now the SRT10 . the RT10 seemed to attract alot of attention from droves of small boys and day laborers, it was VERY annoying (they would literally follow the car until it stopped) also one of the MANY reasons I sold the car.I do like to drive... with the SRT10 the attention is from young 20ish Women
That's just your own personal bias talking. Both cars get attention, the gen1-2 gets more... from more types of people. The 20ish gold diggers like any car worth more than what they make in a year. I can't say much about the day laborers, but it's telling that you think small boys are attracted to them, because it's true. The Gen1/2 came from the imagination (**** curves, brute HP), while the srt's comes from a need to improve the Gen1/2's shortcomings (braking, handling, MORE HP).
This makes the srt's the better all-around car... no arguments about that. But the Gen1/2 captures the imagination of all that sees it. And yes, I am just as biased, but I wouldn't resort to pointless backhanded slaps (day laborers) at another Viper of any Gen.
George Murray
Enthusiast
I find myself in the truly weird position of agreeing with Jon on this one...
I don't think I can be happy without a Gen II Viper.
I don't think I can be happy without a Gen II Viper.
