Is the '06 THAT different from the '08 in overall feel?

Mopar426

Enthusiast
Joined
May 3, 2004
Posts
840
Reaction score
0
Location
Dallas, Tx
Performance aside is the '08 really that more advanced/refined than the '06? I know the updates in terms of engine, clutch feel, etc but is the '08+ that much better overall to justify the big price difference? This will be my first Viper after years of being a fan but am I making a mistake by purchasing a '06 over an '08?
 

1BADGTS

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Posts
3,881
Reaction score
0
I have owned all 4 gen of Viper and i have to tell you it is VERY DIFFICULT to put the performance aspect aside in comparing a GEN 3 and a Gen 4. Yes the 4 is more refined ,shifts better ,sticker tires ,better rear end but to me at least thats window dressing when it comes to putting your foot on the gas as a GEN 4 is a 10 second street car with a full warranty right out of the box.Is it that much faster than a GEN 3 YES .One other thing if your not experienced enough to handle a GEN 4 (ESP IN COLD WEATHER )look out as its really comes on the cam above 4000 rpm.
 

wallbanger

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 26, 2006
Posts
1,961
Reaction score
0
for your first viper you will definitely enjoy the 06...after a while you might yearn for an 08...

If u live in dallas , u have the opportunity to drive an 08 before you decide...either from the dealer or attend a north texas vca event and get those members impressions....looks like 30k is the difference at the moment...
 

Lee00blacksilverGTS

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 27, 2000
Posts
6,595
Reaction score
1
Location
Severna Park, Maryland
I had an 06, the 08 is a completely new generation. In my humble opinion it would be a big mistake not to go 08. That does not take into consideration the deals available on 06 if that's the biggest factor.
And it certainly does not mean the 06 is a bad car, it's an incredible car, it's just that SRT took a big leap forward with the 08.
 

1BADGTS

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Posts
3,881
Reaction score
0
I had an 06, the 08 is a completely new generation. In my humble opinion it would be a big mistake not to go 08. That does not take into consideration the deals available on 06 if that's the biggest factor.
And it certainly does not mean the 06 is a bad car, it's an incredible car, it's just that SRT took a big leap forward with the 08.
Definately ,it really is.I had an 06 for 2 months one drive in an 08 convinced me to sell it.
 

Bobpantax

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 2, 2000
Posts
6,957
Reaction score
3
Location
Miami
It really depends on your skill set level. Since I changed my tranny, diff and tires from '06 to '08 I have had a direct comparison before and after. The '08 tranny, rear end, and tires are better than those found on the Gen III. This allows crisper shifting and better traction under certain conditions. The brakes and suspension, except for the fact that the suspension is tuned for the new tires, are the same. The '08 engine is very different. It has 90 more HP but is far more complicated and far less subject to modification without expensive internal changes. About the most you can do without changing internals is headers, filters and exhaust. With the '06 you can put a stock Paxton kit on it for under 11K without any internal changes and be up to about 750 flywheel HP on a reliable basis. You can also add a quaife and suspension upgrades allowing better traction and handling than the stock '08 for reasonable dollars. The bottom line is that if 600 HP or so is enough and you will not be modding much after that, the '08 would make the most sense. If 600 HP is too much for your skill set or you intend to mod in the future, then a stock '06 is probably the right way to go for you. JM2Cs
 

gb66gth

Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 10, 2007
Posts
1,855
Reaction score
0
Location
Big-D
I had an '05 and now have an '08. One difference that I have not seen anybody talk about is the swing arm oil pick up in the oil pan. This is a development right off the Viper Comp. Coupes.It allows the oil pressure to be maintained even in high g-load situations , such as on a race track. Because the last thhing you want is to starve the engine of oil under extreme condidtions. Big $$$ to fix that!
 

JonB

Legacy\Supporting Vendor
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Dec 8, 1997
Posts
10,325
Reaction score
43
Location
Columbia River Gorge
Performance aside is the '08 really that more advanced/refined than the '06? I know the updates in terms of engine, clutch feel, etc but is the '08+ that much better overall to justify the big price difference? This will be my first Viper after years of being a fan but am I making a mistake by purchasing a '06 over an '08?

HE SAID: "PERFORMANCE ASIDE"
HE SAID: "I know the updates in terms of engine, clutch feel, etc "
AND THEN: "that much better overall to justify the big price difference?"
HE ASKED: "am I making a mistake by purchasing a '06 over an '08?

Paying CLOSE ATTENTION to your QUALIFICATIONS AND parameters above, my 'experienced' answer is this: NO. NOT a "MISTAKE." You seem like an "informed" buyer.

(I just drove Doris' 08 again yesterday.) If you are not SEEKING 100hp AND USING THE 2008 at PERFORMANCE LIMITS you are pretty much unable to tell the difference vs 2006, unless you KNOW the difference. I CAN tell......but a steal on a babied '06 would tip the scale...

Caveat: Ditch the RUN FLATS on 06 before they ditch you....

Either way: YOU'LL FINALLY OWN A VIPER !!!!! Good luck. Call for more....
 
Last edited:

SnakeEye

Viper Owner
Joined
Feb 13, 2002
Posts
991
Reaction score
0
Location
Austin, TX
Significant improvements in the engine, trans, clutch, diff, tires, a better hood and even more performance in the Gen4 is why it's THAT different.
 

PJJP

Viper Owner
Joined
Nov 19, 2007
Posts
312
Reaction score
0
Location
TX
save the 30k, then spend it on paxton, quaife, wheels, etc....
 

Coloviper

Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 5, 2006
Posts
1,883
Reaction score
0
Location
Colorado
As a first time Viper owner of a brand new 06 Coupe. I thought I made a big mistake in not waiting for the 08. After driving in an 08, it has clear advantages over my 06, but for 75% of the people out there that are not bag driving the car day in and out, I doubt they can justify the big price difference for the gains.

It is same frame, same physical layout but a few refined parts. Quality is no different between years.

Having been there and done that and having been in your exact shoes, I would walk into the 06 Coupe and save the money. I assume you mean coupe because you say 06. It is just as fun of a car as the 08 for the majority of driving situations.

If you want an 08 later, well then you can get one. The 06 is and still can be a collectible car down the road. Personally a yellow or slate coupe will always be in high demand. Only year for those in a new style coupe.

BTW I look forward to welcoming you aboard in the future.
 

09 Venom

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Posts
884
Reaction score
0
Location
New York
If eventually you are looking to mod (and who here isn't), mod the '06. It will be faster than the '08.
 

adamlotus

Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 3, 2005
Posts
939
Reaction score
0
Location
los angeles
i would go for the 08 in a heartbeat,if you go buy an 06 and than drive the 08 you will than tell yourself i should of purchased the 08 model.i have owned all generation vipers and the 08 is just awsome.
 

Andrew/USPWR

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 22, 2002
Posts
5,507
Reaction score
0
Location
W. Palm Beach
I've owned the 00 genll and now an 05 genlll and I'll buy an 09 just because they made a 600hp Viper with all those improvements. Right now though I'm enjoying the he!! out of the 05.
 

Paul Hawker

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 1, 2000
Posts
4,660
Reaction score
0
Location
San Diego, Calif, USA
I have driven all the generations of vipers. They all have that big torque, manual shifter, direct connection to the road feel that puts huge smiles on our faces. No matter what model you choose.

Most are totally happy with their 06' until they drive an 08, then the differences become clear.

While both are a blast to drive, the new drive line and suspension would cost more to update an 06 than just buying an 08. Green bonus is that 08 would give better mileage, and be a bit cleaner.

That being said, I would agree with Jon. If money is tight look for a sweet buy on an 06. If you got the extra bucks and want the latest and greatest, you won't be sorry with an 08/09.
 
OP
OP
M

Mopar426

Enthusiast
Joined
May 3, 2004
Posts
840
Reaction score
0
Location
Dallas, Tx
Money is a factor, so it's either buy a '06 coupe now or wait until the '08 prices drop into the current '06 range which is at least a year I would think.
 

1BADGTS

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Posts
3,881
Reaction score
0
Remember with mods on an 06 (supercharger )technically you will LOSE factory warranty and no matter the dollars spent on the mods doubtful you will get it back on resale.The above were the main reasons in my selling the 06 coupe for an 08.
 

Bobpantax

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 2, 2000
Posts
6,957
Reaction score
3
Location
Miami
Under Federal law, you only lose the warranty to the extent the supercharger affects the component that fails. I am not aware of anyone with a stock Paxton kit installation that has had any failure of any kind when the kit has been installed by a competent installer like Mark Jorgensen and his Viper techs at Woodhouse. Furthermore, Mark and Woodhouse are a Five Star Dodge dealer and stand behind their work 100%. Also, the Paxton kit comes with its own three year limited warranty. Unless the '06 is new or is on an extended warranty, it would only have about one year left on the warranty anyway. I have had my Paxton on the car since it was new in May, 2006. I now have 13,000 miles on the car. The only problem I have had with the car is replacing the driver's side window regulator twice. And that is not related to the supercharger and is not unique to Vipers. If you want to track the Paxtonized car, you will need the DC reflash, 170 degree thermostat and a slightly colder plug. Good luck whatever you decide.

As for getting the mod investment back on resale, I agree with 1BADGTS. You will get something but not as much as you might want. But, people have had pretty good luck removing the mods; restoring the car to stock and selling both separately.
 

1BADGTS

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Posts
3,881
Reaction score
0
Problem is Bob (provided the car is under warranty )and there is a problem say hypothethically a transmission problem ALOT of times the zone rep will say the added power caused the tranny to fail Proven or not the dealers flags the warranty and from there the customer has a choice to fight or not.The Paxton warranty is only for the Blower itself (no labor )or anything attached to the engine (i know this and the above personally as i used to have a Carrol Supercharged Vette)
 

JonB

Legacy\Supporting Vendor
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Dec 8, 1997
Posts
10,325
Reaction score
43
Location
Columbia River Gorge
Money is a factor, so it's either buy a '06 coupe now or wait until the '08 prices drop into the current '06 range which is at least a year I would think.

But the 06 will also drop another $10k in another year, so you STILL will be driving SOB while you wait !!!
 

1BADGTS

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Posts
3,881
Reaction score
0
PS as i mentioned earlyier i had the choice to Mod my 06 Viper as i get parts including the blower itself at unbelieveable prices (often my Vipers are used as Mag benchmark test cars accordingly i can get mag test discounts )or go with the 08.The sometimes intended usage here (Evan Smith hotlapping a supercharged Viper on a 95 degree day at Englishtown )convinced me to get the nat aspewrated car.
 

09 Venom

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Posts
884
Reaction score
0
Location
New York
Mopar426, Truth is any year Viper is worth owning. There is still something about the GENII GTS that is not duplicated in the GENIII or GEN IV. So whatever decision you make you will not be disappointed. Good Luck and happy trails!!
 

Bobpantax

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 2, 2000
Posts
6,957
Reaction score
3
Location
Miami
Problem is Bob (provided the car is under warranty )and there is a problem say hypothethically a transmission problem ALOT of times the zone rep will say the added power caused the tranny to fail Proven or not the dealers flags the warranty and from there the customer has a choice to fight or not.The Paxton warranty is only for the Blower itself (no labor )or anything attached to the engine (i know this and the above personally as i used to have a Carrol Supercharged Vette)

How the failure is viewed depends too a large extent on your relationship with the dealer. Those dealers that sell enough Vipers to have a realistic understanding of the Viper and its customers generally are more sympathetic. As for trannies, I am also unaware of anyone who has blown a tranny because of a stock Paxton kit. There are those that blow clutches but usually it is because of poor driving technique not the extra power allowed by the stock Paxton kit. The best supercharged Viper launch is accomplished by rolling into the throttle. This was true with my 1999 Roe blown GTS and it is true with my current Paxtonized SRTC.

Also, keep in mind that a dealer can also decide that a custromer has been racing and that the damage was due to racing and refuse to cover the damage.

The best strategy is to retain the services of a private investigator and have him take photographs of the zone rep having lunch with a Corvette owner. LOL. But since the companies are merging, even that strategy will not work soon.
 

1BADGTS

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Posts
3,881
Reaction score
0
How the failure is viewed depends too a large extent on your relationship with the dealer. Those dealers that sell enough Vipers to have a realistic understanding of the Viper and its customers generally are more sympathetic. As for trannies, I am also unaware of anyone who has blown a tranny because of a stock Paxton kit. There are those that blow clutches but usually it is because of poor driving technique not the extra power allowed by the stock Paxton kit. The best supercharged Viper launch is accomplished by rolling into the throttle. This was true with my 1999 Roe blown GTS and it is true with my current Paxtonized SRTC.

Also, keep in mind that a dealer can also decide that a custromer has been racing and that the damage was due to racing and refuse to cover the damage.

The best strategy is to retain the services of a private investigator and have him take photographs of the zone rep having lunch with a Corvette owner. LOL. But since the companies are merging, even that strategy will not work soon.
Definately depends on the customers relationship with the dealer.Bob its like almost everything in its not what you know but who.
 

cobrapilot

Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 17, 2006
Posts
180
Reaction score
0
Location
Olympia WA
I own both an 06 and 08. I don't like the 08 gas pedal by wire. My 06 has paxton and motons and is way faster and funner than my 08. My 08 is a voilet ACR and is hot looking though. Once you go superchargeron the 06, the 08 performance is a step down unfortunately.
 

Nine Ball

Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 30, 2007
Posts
3,411
Reaction score
10
Location
Houston, TX
I don't think any Viper would be boring to drive. I could have bought an '08, but the color combo I got meant more to me than the 100 hp and tires. I knew I'd mod it anyways, I never leave things stock. I also never leave stock wheels/tires on a car either. So, I got my blue/white '06 coupe instead, best color combo for me.
 
Top