Amacjarrell

Thanks guys for all of the replies. It definitely gives me a lot to think about. I went to a local car show this weekend and was able to talk to the owner of a 1999 Viper and was able to ask a lot of questions. He let me sit in it, I was barely able to fit ( I am 6'2 , 200 lbs) but I loved the feel of being so tight inside. I am looking at the 2013 Gt500's so it does give a man alot to think about.

Snorman

IMO, in a comparison between a Gen II Viper and a '13/'14 GT500, there is no comparison. Get the GT500. The GT500 will do just about everything better, be FAR more comfortable and usable on a regular basis and stock vs. stock, it'll be quicker and faster. Sit in the cars and look around, there is absolutely no comparison. The GT500's make ~600 rwhp bone stock and while a bit heavy, are still a very, very capable car. 15" brakes with 6-piston Brembos, adjustable Bilsteins, available Recaros...just a really fun car.
I owned a Gen II GTS that I had built by UR to 956 rwhp and also own a '13 GT500 that is tracked regularly. I'd never own a Gen II again. If you're looking in the $50's, and aren't in a hurry, expect to see Gen IV Vipers there in the next few months. With the Gen V fire-sale, it's pushing down prices on them.
S.

forensicsteve

They are becoming available now. Bolt ons are predicted to yield 700+ hp while remaining NA. I drive my Gen 5 to work......640hp....or 740hp....I'll never use it. Had mine 8 months and 5000 miles later, never gone over 4500 rpm. I am glad some race their vipers....that is very important....but there are lots like me that do not....and then there are some that pull them out of the garage for a car show etc.

Amacjarrell

This. I have curious as to what is going to happen in the spring with Gen V resale values.

Crabbers

This is a good point I'll be interested to see what happens to Gen IV pricing

Snorman

They're dropping fast. A number of Gen IV cars have been up for sale over the last month or two in the $50's. Expect those will drop more over the winter and the Gen V's will follow.
A friend of mine was trying to trade his Gen IV on a V. Of three Dodge dealerships with whom he spoke, two didn't want his trade and one offered him some ridiculous number in the $40's.
He ended up selling to a local non-Dodge dealer that is now listing the car:
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...79489712&Log=0

Gen III's tanked several years ago but Gen II's seem to be holding if not rebounding a little. In your position, I'd have to think pretty hard between a Gen IV and a '13/'14 GT500. But a Gen II...no way IMO.
S.

Crabbers

The new Mustang is going to be the nicer car on so many levels than a GenII Viper. Just my opinion: GenIV > GT500 > GenII.

Good luck with your decision though and keep us updated

sublime1996525

I've seen a few 03-05 Vipers in the $40k's range. I'd get that over a GT500.

sublime1996525

A blue/white Gen II does look sexy as hell though.

Crabbers

I would take the looks of ANY Viper over a GT500. And since I already have 2 cars, I wouldn't worry about something that I might not drive every day so I would get a Viper of any generation over a GT500. That being said, if it was my only car I would definitely take the Mustang.

sublime1996525

I agree with that. I would not want to DD an older Viper and the Mustang does have it beat for comfort.

acarroll7715

I have a 02 FE Viper GTS and think it's ok at best. It makes me appreciate my C6Z more and more every time I drive it. It's great to drive if you want attention and people taking pictures of your car but it lacks in every other category such as handling, braking, comfort, speed and drivability. But damn it looks good!

C5 Pewter Coupe

so.. a 662 hp GT500, that's can do 200+ mph isn't fast? OK.. (and beauty is in the eye of the beer holder)

worldtraveler

If you want a sports car go Viper. If you want a muscle car go Ford. GT500 has plenty of room in it for hauling whatever you want to the beach or other places. Not too sure about a viper. Viper probably faster in straight line but GT500 does really well in curves and twisty roads. Both go way faster than is needed in real life LOL

Crushinator

I've owned a '95 Viper and an '03. I've also owned an '11 and a '12 (both SVTPP). I swapped the blower on the '12 and did a few bolt ons and was around 700 rwhp for about $4,000. You can't beat the horsepower per dollar spent of the GT500. Looks wise, it's pretty tough to beat the Viper. They all turn heads. But the Shelby is a much much much better car t0 be in. The people that disagree have either never owned a Shelby or they still have their Viper.

By the way, don't waste your money on a Gen 1 or Gen 2. They're glorified kit cars and absolutely suck to be in. I knew I made a mistake when I was on my drive home in my '95. Horrible car. But they do look good.

Crabbers

Hence why I said beautiful AND fast. Yes beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that's why it's only my opinion.

NW-99SS

I know that everyone owns vehicles for their own specific reasons. What I have trouble understanding is, why own a new Viper if you are never going to experience the "whole" package - even if the experience is limited to just straight line acceleration?

I have a hard time taking out my 650hp Silverado SS and not going full throttle at least once every time I drive it! Same for my Grand Sport.

At any rate, I'm not judging, just curious.

Boba Fett

to bold, as a long time car enthusiast, I think that the larger percentage of those who purchase sports/muscle cars will never experience the "whole package" due to a number of reasons. Mostly because of legal and location restrictions...

NytmereZ

, but ask that to all the waxers who bought a Z07, it's comical seeing people posting their status every other day when you know these things will be all over the streets in a year or two, comparing what color brake calipers they are getting, what wax to use, how soon can they wax it etc....

Crushinator

Nah, the gen 2 isn't that much of an improvement over the gen 1 to consider it a better car to be in. Okay, the gen 1 scores a 1 and the gen 2 a 1.2 out of 10. Not even worth noting.

Let me ask you this. If someone said to you, drive from New York City to Los Angeles in either a 1979 Toyota Corolla or a 1998 Viper GTS, which would you choose? And be honest. If you had to drive a car for 30 hours in 2 days, which would you pick?