RT/10 vs. SRT

verc · Jun 16, 2007

So I'm comparing these two. It seem a lot of GenII's have the same if not lower mileage than the newer SRTs? I want an open top so looking at the '97-'02 RT/10. I like the GenII styling better and it will be $10k cheaper as a bonus. I'm not too concerned about the performance, since I just picked up a Ducati 1098 <-- that thing is killer on my back during my commute, though!

What I AM worried about though is bad stuff happening from not mileage but AGE. One of my friends chose to get a used 911 turbo instead of a new z06 since he likes Porsche, but is deeply annoyed by the squeeks and rattles from worn out bushings/plastics (and that's just an '02 porsche, not '97+ like some of the RT/10s I'd be considering!)

I am thinking garaging and temperature/humidity of where the car was located will make a huge difference, but I would like your guys' advice on this. Although I like the body styling of the GenII, I like the wheels and brakes on the SRT, and it's my understanding the SRT is a full-on roadster compared to the targa top of the RT10. I don't plan on spending money on modifications, as as it'll take a lot to make this Viper faster than the superbike anyway. Because of this the weighing scale really comes down to the price difference. I'd hate to buy an RT/10 and then spend thousands of dollars fixing mechanical deficiencies that come from age. Any comments?

Thanks!
Ambert

Newport Viper · Jun 16, 2007

Had both go SRT-10.

For the reasons you mentioned.

Cobraken · Jun 16, 2007

SRT 10 = convertible, faster & more comfortable. RT 10 = roadster. If you like cars with power you can't go wrong with either one. Since your not buying practicality, buy the one your heart goes to.

verc · Jun 16, 2007

Much thanks for the responses!

Question still remains though: given it's a tossup, it will be an uneccessary headache to fix age related issues with the rt/10. So if I pick up a '97 rt/10 with 5000 miles vs. an '03 SRT w/ 20k miles, will the rt/10 unreasonably susceptable to annoyances?

I guess my concern is with buying garage queens - sportscars are meant to be driven, and they sometimes go stale when left in a nice place for too long

Cobraken · Jun 17, 2007

I believe vehicles wear out faster not being used. Stuff dries out & becomes brittle. Gasses escape from paint, rubber & plastics.

Chuck 98 RT/10 · Jun 17, 2007

You're thinking too much. If rattles and noises concern you then don't buy a Viper, they do that straight outta the box.

98 RT/10
107,000 miles.

SylvanSRT · Jun 17, 2007

SRT for sure i have had both and the SRT is much better car in every respect(some will argue about the style), but i even like that better.

99 R/T 10 · Jun 17, 2007

Is the 97 RT/10 a B/W?

The Great One · Jun 17, 2007

SylvanSRT said:
SRT for sure i have had both and the SRT is much better car in every respect(some will argue about the style), but i even like that better.

I guess I'll be the one to disagree with you about style....

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SylvanSRT · Jun 17, 2007

two can play at that

The Great One · Jun 17, 2007

SylvanSRT said:
two can play at that

Oh yes, we can

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Chuck 98 RT/10 · Jun 18, 2007

There is no question the GenI&II win hands down the style game. In many people's opinion and not just Viper fanatics, it is the best looking car of all time. That isn't to say the SRT isn't a good looking car, just no where near the original.

ViperGTS · Jun 18, 2007

This topic has been discussed many many times here ... but Chuck is right :2tu:

black mamba1 · Jun 18, 2007

Of course I am biased, but IMO the SRT looks more aggressive. And as w/ any car, the later the technology the better the performance, quality, etc. But the Gen 1&2's are the second sexiest and meanest cars on the planet!

Ken Lally · Jun 18, 2007

Chuck 98 RT/10 said:
You're thinking too much. If rattles and noises concern you then don't buy a Viper, they do that straight outta the box.

98 RT/10
107,000 miles.

5000 miles - on my SRT, not a squeak nor rattle, maybe he should go with the SRT :eater:

Chuck 98 RT/10 · Jun 18, 2007

Ken Lally said:
5000 miles - on my SRT, not a squeak nor rattle, maybe he should go with the SRT

No strange noises on a new Viper? You should get that fixed.

Stray Cat · Jun 18, 2007

They are both beautiful styles and depending on wheels, suspension, color etc., I now think that the GEN III's are a darn near perfect successor to the Fabulous GENII car. Didn't always feel that way but owning an 05 copperhead changed my mind. It's just a beautiful car.

One thing is for sure, old viper, new viper (even though many argue that the new one too clsely resembles the Vette) when one is coming up on you in your rear view mirror or you see one coming your way, you know its a viper and it looks Bad A**. You can't go wrong with either. Pick a year, color and target dollar amount for each model you are considering and start your search.... Example - "I want an 01/02 yellow RT/10 with good miles, or an 05 Copperhead with good miles." When you find one in target price range, pull the trigger....

John

The Great One · Jun 18, 2007

Chuck 98 RT/10 said:
There is no question the GenI&II win hands down the style game. In many people's opinion and not just Viper fanatics, it is the best looking car of all time. That isn't to say the SRT isn't a good looking car, just no where near the original.

Exactly

verc · Jun 19, 2007

Yeah I'm very sorry for posting a question that has doubtlessly been discussed a million times already.

I was trying to decide between a Viper of Z06 last year and posted on this forum about it, I actually decided to make a downpayment and buy my first house instead (not really a house, more like a creaky little 2br 1 bath condo in the SF Bay Area for $400k

).

Now I actually am fortunate to have built a bit of equity so I was going to leverage the tax deduction of that to partially finance my dream car

Target RT/10 range: 40-50k depending on condition and mods
Target SRT range: 50-55k, more if mods

Chuck 98 RT/10 · Jun 19, 2007

verc said:
Yeah I'm very sorry for posting a question that has doubtlessly been discussed a million times already.

I was trying to decide between a Viper of Z06 last year and posted on this forum about it, I actually decided to make a downpayment and buy my first house instead (not really a house, more like a creaky little 2br 1 bath condo in the SF Bay Area for $400k ).

Now I actually am fortunate to have built a bit of equity so I was going to leverage the tax deduction of that to partially finance my dream car

Target RT/10 range: 40-50k depending on condition and mods
Target SRT range: 50-55k, more if mods

In that case...

http://www.babelmotorsports.net/2001Viper/2001Viper.htm

ledfoot · Jun 19, 2007

i was lucky enough to have a Sapphire/Silver ACR and a Copperhead Srt in my garage....one had to go...I kept the SRT for overall driving enjoyment AND I prefer the styling.....

Smog Dog · Jun 20, 2007

An 03 will still have a few years of factory warranty remaining, if that matters to you.

Stray Cat · Jun 22, 2007

One additional thing - I have a high curb to my home and I live in Ohio..... not always the best of roads. I had a fairly scratched up front facia on the 2001 just from normal, careful driving. And I really had to be careful on the driveway.

The SRT sat higher and I did not have one scratch on it when I sold it. Sounds crazy but it made for less stressful daily driving because I wasn't always looking for dips in the road etc. to avoid. And of course, your weekly possum to drive over.....

John

MikeR · Jun 22, 2007

Since there basically the same price range, though some SRT's may be a bit more then a older R/T, get the newer of the two. With the SRT you will get more power, alot better brakes and ABS among all the other updated parts. One might always argue style, but you cant beat advances in technology and engineering. So go with the SRT.

Warfang · Jun 22, 2007

For some... style is all that matters. Whether you're a half second faster at the drag strip isnt important to everyone. That said... there are ppl that prefer the SRT's styling. So you have to ask yourself... do you want best in performance or the legend that started it all? Can't lose with either really.

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