08' Viper 600HP
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: HI
I too looked at a Viiper! I have been a Chevy fan all my life, but I really became fed up with GM's proverbial "head in their ***"! And, when they cancelled the Camaro/Firebird, I went to look at the Viper.
SURPRISE! I don't fit! I knew I was larger then normal, but I couldn't imagine an American auto manufacturer that fit a seat in a car that was for a Japenesse sized person! AND, I had lost weight, over 75 lbs, and still did not fit. Boy was I pissed, 6' and 215 lbs and don't fit. My shoulders have always required a "50 Athletic cut" sized jacket. But I would not fit in the Viper seat. Even my legs were severly cramped. And, I was really ready to buy the limited edition that had just come out. Although I liked the new C6 and wanted one, I thought buying the Viper was the right thing to do.
Face it--GM is just lost! They don't know how to fix the legacy costs of their ridiculous Union obligations and the cost associated with all their retirees. They have lost their way building the wrong cars at the wrong time. But, the Viper didn't fit!
SO, I returned to Chevy and bought a Vette. I guess I should have been 5' 6" and 170 lbs. to buy a Viper!
SURPRISE! I don't fit! I knew I was larger then normal, but I couldn't imagine an American auto manufacturer that fit a seat in a car that was for a Japenesse sized person! AND, I had lost weight, over 75 lbs, and still did not fit. Boy was I pissed, 6' and 215 lbs and don't fit. My shoulders have always required a "50 Athletic cut" sized jacket. But I would not fit in the Viper seat. Even my legs were severly cramped. And, I was really ready to buy the limited edition that had just come out. Although I liked the new C6 and wanted one, I thought buying the Viper was the right thing to do.
Face it--GM is just lost! They don't know how to fix the legacy costs of their ridiculous Union obligations and the cost associated with all their retirees. They have lost their way building the wrong cars at the wrong time. But, the Viper didn't fit!
SO, I returned to Chevy and bought a Vette. I guess I should have been 5' 6" and 170 lbs. to buy a Viper!
I'm 6'1'', 250. They almost had to get the jaws of life to get me out of the Viper. 'Tis a small man's / woman's car , indeed. Crappy mileage, overweight, and overpriced too. Can't say I'd be missing much with it, though.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 755
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield TX
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 0
Yeah, but it'll wind up cheap after a few years, just like the current Viper. With all of its raw power and handling, the car is still very cramped and hot. I think that people realize this after awhile and the demand falls off. Its not a good daily driver. I'm 6'6" and I can't fit in one.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 100,672
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland OH
I guess that is one way to look at it. I am 6'1" and 200lbs. and fit in our Viper just fine. It has better brakes than my Vette, coil over shocks, better paint, better leather, better clutch, so on and so on. I guess all that is why my Vette looks like this to correct all those issues. Oh yeah and the roof stays on.
mods ..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 755
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield TX
I am not picking on Vettes cause I like them and own them. I just like to chime in when people bash other cool cars just because it is not the one they own so they find any little thing while overlooking the flaws on their own cars. I find this at all levels of cars. We have had cars from many manufacturers and I like them all....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
From: CT
Your right. At 6'4 270 I fit just find in all the Vipers I have owned.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Orange County line CA
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: orange county CA
the new car is rumored to be up to 200lbs lighter and it costs what it does because it is built with pride by humans. There is a major difference in build quality vs. the vette.
To say that the viper is "a small man's/woman's car" because someone who is 60+ pounds overweight can't fit in it comfortably is a stretch.
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 174,312
Likes: 1,217
From: Here
Pilot of Beer Force 1
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the new car is rumored to be up to 200lbs lighter and it costs what it does because it is built with pride by humans. There is a major difference in build quality vs. the vette.
To say that the viper is "a small man's/woman's car" because someone who is 60+ pounds overweight can't fit in it comfortably is a stretch.
To say that the viper is "a small man's/woman's car" because someone who is 60+ pounds overweight can't fit in it comfortably is a stretch.
well...I have only rode/driven one.....I am 5'10 185...I was hot uncomfortable and the damn thing was noisy as hell.....I don't think the build quality was that great or anything to brag about......that being said...there is a market for anything/everything...I wouldnt buy one....
as for built by humans.....have you been for a tour of the Viper facility?? I ask because I have no idea....I have been to BG...several times....lots of humans working there...automation.....frame welding and paint...which BTW I must admit although I havent closely inspected alot of Vipers but the paint quality does seem to be better.
Just my .02
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 0
From: Clemmons NC
The newest Motor Trend has it on the cover and an article as well; a fair amount of refinement in the newest edition and you have to love the dual throttle bodies and lovered hood.
http://blogs.motortrend.com/1009298/...8-dodge-viper/
http://blogs.motortrend.com/1009298/...8-dodge-viper/
Last edited by z060ntrack; Jan 2, 2007 at 12:39 PM.