Viper Vs Vette
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 614
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From: Edmond OK
Viper Vs Vette
I told you guys that I would post a comparison from my C5 built Vert to my (new to me) 99 Viper GTS.
Here is the skinny: The Viper is definately built better. Parts are of a higher quality, and tolerances are much better (fitment/gaps, seams...etc.) of course, new it was almost $80,000. The power is extremely linear and the torque of the V10 is very impressive. It doesn't need to "wind up" like the small block. Both cars are equally comfortable, that is, neither is a Lexus, and they both have their quirks. Vette has cheesy GM parts bin interior, rattles, and computer annoyances. Viper has hot sills (cats go through them) and the huge armrest divider along with no A/C vents toward the door panels (only 3 vents in the center and two shooting you in the crotch).The suspension seems better in the VIper and it drives more "solid". C5 had better brakes, though.
It comes down to this: Most Viper guys were Vette guys. I had 5 Corvettes and loved them and was ready to move to something new. The Viper is hand built and WAY more exclusive (I have 1 of 26 total made in my color combination) and that makes it special to me. The Vette is better car "for the money". There is no way that this Viper is worth literally double of my last Vette, but the Viper is a "Rockstar". I am constantly hounded by people, people are always around it and driving down the street is nothing but pointing and camera phones taking pictures/videos. The Vette is simply another Corvette, but there is nothing wrong with that. I would have paid even more for the Viper - it really is that great to me, it is almost "rolling art".
Hope this helps or was at least interesting to some. I know that there are members on this forum who were like me and waiting for the right time to go for the Viper, and other who are simply interested in the comparison from a previous Vette guy. So, I have posted a couple pics of the new car and one last one of my old signature picture...
Take care,
Jason
Here is the skinny: The Viper is definately built better. Parts are of a higher quality, and tolerances are much better (fitment/gaps, seams...etc.) of course, new it was almost $80,000. The power is extremely linear and the torque of the V10 is very impressive. It doesn't need to "wind up" like the small block. Both cars are equally comfortable, that is, neither is a Lexus, and they both have their quirks. Vette has cheesy GM parts bin interior, rattles, and computer annoyances. Viper has hot sills (cats go through them) and the huge armrest divider along with no A/C vents toward the door panels (only 3 vents in the center and two shooting you in the crotch).The suspension seems better in the VIper and it drives more "solid". C5 had better brakes, though.
It comes down to this: Most Viper guys were Vette guys. I had 5 Corvettes and loved them and was ready to move to something new. The Viper is hand built and WAY more exclusive (I have 1 of 26 total made in my color combination) and that makes it special to me. The Vette is better car "for the money". There is no way that this Viper is worth literally double of my last Vette, but the Viper is a "Rockstar". I am constantly hounded by people, people are always around it and driving down the street is nothing but pointing and camera phones taking pictures/videos. The Vette is simply another Corvette, but there is nothing wrong with that. I would have paid even more for the Viper - it really is that great to me, it is almost "rolling art".
Hope this helps or was at least interesting to some. I know that there are members on this forum who were like me and waiting for the right time to go for the Viper, and other who are simply interested in the comparison from a previous Vette guy. So, I have posted a couple pics of the new car and one last one of my old signature picture...
Take care,
Jason
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
If anything those years of the Viper's interior were terribly cheesy and made me think Dodge Stratus...no comparison to the Vette whatsoever. Vette is a handbuilt car I believe. "Wind up?!
And your skinny is your opinion, not definitions. IMHO the Viper's exhaust definately sounds awful.
And your skinny is your opinion, not definitions. IMHO the Viper's exhaust definately sounds awful.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 4
From: az
I had a 2001 GTS. I found the car felt heavier and the pedals were offset too close to the floor tunnel. The seats don't have good adjustments either. I traded my Viper for my 2003 ZO6. Just the opposite of you.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo MI
Love the Viper!! It has always been my dream car. LIke I once heard from a great Vette owner, a bad *** car is a bad *** car. We'll always welcome you back if you decide to buy another Vette.
Good luck
Tim
Good luck
Tim
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
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Glad you're happy with your car, but I personally will stick to my Vette. Never been a fan of the Viper. To each his own I guess.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 818
Likes: 7
From: Senecaville Ohio
Gorgeous car. People flock to Viper's because they are not out there as much as a Vette. The cost is probably a big issue and they make allot less of them per year. My Generation 1 Viper is is no comparrison to yours, but it was fun for the short time I had it. Purchased with the dream of finally owning a Viper, it was a mistake for me. In your case, luxury, technology, and style, are all there. For me, the Generation 1 was a plain jane, uncomfortable, unfinished, road worthy race machine. Trading it in for a up to date sports car was a blessing. Good luck on the beautiful ride.
Laurie
Laurie
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Originally Posted by BioRxOkc@aol.com
I told you guys that I would post a comparison from my C5 built Vert to my (new to me) 99 Viper GTS.
Here is the skinny: The Viper is definately built better. Parts are of a higher quality, and tolerances are much better (fitment/gaps, seams...etc.) of course, new it was almost $80,000. The power is extremely linear and the torque of the V10 is very impressive. It doesn't need to "wind up" like the small block. Both cars are equally comfortable, that is, neither is a Lexus, and they both have their quirks. Vette has cheesy GM parts bin interior, rattles, and computer annoyances. Viper has hot sills (cats go through them) and the huge armrest divider along with no A/C vents toward the door panels (only 3 vents in the center and two shooting you in the crotch).The suspension seems better in the VIper and it drives more "solid". C5 had better brakes, though.
It comes down to this: Most Viper guys were Vette guys. I had 5 Corvettes and loved them and was ready to move to something new. The Viper is hand built and WAY more exclusive (I have 1 of 26 total made in my color combination) and that makes it special to me. The Vette is better car "for the money". There is no way that this Viper is worth literally double of my last Vette, but the Viper is a "Rockstar". I am constantly hounded by people, people are always around it and driving down the street is nothing but pointing and camera phones taking pictures/videos. The Vette is simply another Corvette, but there is nothing wrong with that. I would have paid even more for the Viper - it really is that great to me, it is almost "rolling art".
Hope this helps or was at least interesting to some. I know that there are members on this forum who were like me and waiting for the right time to go for the Viper, and other who are simply interested in the comparison from a previous Vette guy. So, I have posted a couple pics of the new car and one last one of my old signature picture...
Take care,
Jason
Here is the skinny: The Viper is definately built better. Parts are of a higher quality, and tolerances are much better (fitment/gaps, seams...etc.) of course, new it was almost $80,000. The power is extremely linear and the torque of the V10 is very impressive. It doesn't need to "wind up" like the small block. Both cars are equally comfortable, that is, neither is a Lexus, and they both have their quirks. Vette has cheesy GM parts bin interior, rattles, and computer annoyances. Viper has hot sills (cats go through them) and the huge armrest divider along with no A/C vents toward the door panels (only 3 vents in the center and two shooting you in the crotch).The suspension seems better in the VIper and it drives more "solid". C5 had better brakes, though.
It comes down to this: Most Viper guys were Vette guys. I had 5 Corvettes and loved them and was ready to move to something new. The Viper is hand built and WAY more exclusive (I have 1 of 26 total made in my color combination) and that makes it special to me. The Vette is better car "for the money". There is no way that this Viper is worth literally double of my last Vette, but the Viper is a "Rockstar". I am constantly hounded by people, people are always around it and driving down the street is nothing but pointing and camera phones taking pictures/videos. The Vette is simply another Corvette, but there is nothing wrong with that. I would have paid even more for the Viper - it really is that great to me, it is almost "rolling art".
Hope this helps or was at least interesting to some. I know that there are members on this forum who were like me and waiting for the right time to go for the Viper, and other who are simply interested in the comparison from a previous Vette guy. So, I have posted a couple pics of the new car and one last one of my old signature picture...
Take care,
Jason
Does anyone else see what I see. There's no comparison man. This is comparing apples to oranges. Its not fair. You gotta have a lady in both pictures. Otherwise, the picture with the lady WINS !!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
You're kidding on the interior comments right? And what suspension mods do you have on that vert?
Two good racing budies of mine have GenII vipers and GenIII convertibles too. The interior on them is crap compared to the C5. The parts seem cheaper to me.
Drive a Z06 w/ a track allignment then a Viper and see how it feels... The Viper does have factory coil-overs, but the vette is easier to drivce faster and has beter weight distribution.
I will agree on the crazy torque and the rock star attention though.
Two good racing budies of mine have GenII vipers and GenIII convertibles too. The interior on them is crap compared to the C5. The parts seem cheaper to me.
Drive a Z06 w/ a track allignment then a Viper and see how it feels... The Viper does have factory coil-overs, but the vette is easier to drivce faster and has beter weight distribution.
I will agree on the crazy torque and the rock star attention though.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,980
Likes: 6,207
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Yep, here we are on the Corvette Forum, and this is what we want to read about... how the Viper is better than the Corvette.
Well, technically, so are a few other very expensive autos. Whatever. Enjoy your new car and have a nice day. Buh-bye.
Well, technically, so are a few other very expensive autos. Whatever. Enjoy your new car and have a nice day. Buh-bye.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 0
From: Clanton AL
I think its a great car. How many miles are on her, how much did ya have to give for her, and how fast have you had her up to. PM if you want , bro.
P.S. guys, he doesn't want us to get a viper, just giving his honest two cents.
P.S. guys, he doesn't want us to get a viper, just giving his honest two cents.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Originally Posted by Vette_Fan
Does anyone else see what I see. There's no comparison man. This is comparing apples to oranges. Its not fair. You gotta have a lady in both pictures. Otherwise, the picture with the lady WINS !!!!
I absolutely agree with this...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,992
Likes: 0
From: West Coast Muscle Cars CA
I went from vette to viper and back to z06. The reason was I wanted an everyday car that I can make fast as f*&$. For the price of a stock viper, I can buy a c5 z06, 402, FI, wheels, body, paint, suspension, etc., and still drive it everyday without having the world's attention. For me it's a no- brainer. I don't want everybody to point. The guys who are into cars will appreciate a modded Vette as much as a modded Viper. When everything is said and done both are fantastic race cars. One is just more usable and forgiving. The Vette is a lot easier to push to the limit, not to mention lighter (Z06). The Vette tax doesn't seem to be as high as the Viper tax bull ( $25,000 - $30,000 for ball bearing twin turbos installed 
). I drove the Viper on the weekends and enjoyed it 4 times a month. Now, I drive the vette evryday and even my wife loves to drive it. So far, I've spent half the price I got my Viper for and I'm making almost 100 more HP to the wheel. At the end of the day, I love them both... 
). I drove the Viper on the weekends and enjoyed it 4 times a month. Now, I drive the vette evryday and even my wife loves to drive it. So far, I've spent half the price I got my Viper for and I'm making almost 100 more HP to the wheel. At the end of the day, I love them both...