Well damn. I guess I expected a few less people.
I only have a few quick questions. Just a little to background first, I'd only be driving the car on weekends. The car would be primarily a street car, but going on a road course 1-2 times a year will probably happen.
1) Which car do you think you'd get in my situation?
2) Which car was more reliable (taking into consideration your driving habits)?
3) Mags generally seem to show that the Viper is a tiny bit faster - did this match your experience?
First, welcome to the dark side...we are all here to help out
Answers:
1. Viper GTS
2. Both about the same, but difference is price of the parts.
3. Yes.
Other considerations:
Ergonomics: Z06. Better adjustability of seating position, (though crappy seat bolstering), door entry, more room in the cockpit, visibility and heads-up display (HUD). Both cars have an abundance of plastic, but remember, you're not in it for the luxury. The GTS can be claustrophobic to some and the pedals are somewhat skewed over to the left. So the Z06 is a better daily driver, so what. You're looking for a weekend car.
Track Performance: Viper GTS. Easier to learn from the start with the Z06, but in time, you'll be better rewarded later with the GTS. Like other have mentioned, the Z06 is more forgiving, but the GTS is more "edgier", it's bred for the track. Once you get a few track sessions under your belt, you'll gain more confidence and feel better about it. Oddly, I find it easier to heel/toe with the GTS than the Z06 since the pedals can be adjusted fore and aft. Learn how to modulate with both your feet because there's no active handling/traction control like there is on the Z06. The Z06 guys turn AH off anyways on the track (or switch to comp mode) since it's intrusive and it won't always save your butt. So learn to modulate with the pedals. "Traction Control" is the person who's holding the steering wheel, shifting with the other hand, controling the gas, clutch and brake pedal. Just as long as there's not a "glitch" in one's head...
Fuel Economy: Z06. The Z06 can get an incredible 28 on the highway, usually 20-22 all-around driving. The GTS, I fill the tank twice as often for the same amount of driving, same size gas tank. You can do long trips with the GTS, just plan out your gas/rest stops. Again, you're looking for a weekend car, so fuel economy shouldn't be much of an issue.
In Summary: The Z06 is a great everyday performance car, hard to beat the price (used) that keeps depreciating...But the Viper GTS is a great weekend
warrior at any price, period.