Making a purchase. Gen 1 or 2.

[SonicX]

Hi everyone,


I'm finally pulling the trigger on buying my first Viper.

I found a gen 1 and gen 2, both from separate current owners. I've done some research on them but I want the one that has that instant torque right off the bat and a strong mid range. Top end power isn't important to me.

Which is the better one for me? I'm leaning towards the gen 1.

Please and thank you.

 

[daveg]

So the Gen 2 has 50 more HP and the Gen 2 is more refined than the Gen 1. Sounds like you're going for an RT/10 rather than a GTS (Gen 2)?

 

[SonicX]

So the Gen 2 has 50 more HP and the Gen 2 is more refined than the Gen 1. Sounds like you're going for an RT/10 rather than a GTS (Gen 2)?

Yes that's correct.

Originally I was looking at the GTS as my first choice but the owner of the Gen 2 even told me he found the Gen 1 to make more power lower in the revs.

Just for info the Gen 1 is a 1995 and the Gen 2 is a 1999.

Thanks again!

 

[daveg]

Originally I was looking at the GTS as my first choice but the owner of the Gen 2 even told me he found the Gen 1 to make more power lower in the revs.

Huh, find that hard to believe given the Gen 2 has 50 more Ponies. May feel like the Gen 1 has more power but it doesn't.
Gen 2 is much more refined and its lighter.
If you want a GTS, its generally more money though,

 

[daveg]

First is 0-60 Second is 1/4 Mile. Not sure how accurate these numbers are but you get the point.

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[SonicX]

First is 0-60 Second is 1/4 Mile. Not sure how accurate these numbers are but you get the point.

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Thanks a lot for the info!

Gen 2 it is then. Can't wait to bring her home. The GTS is definitely more money. The GTS I'm looking at is more than double the cost of the Gen 1.

I guess the fact that the Gen 1 is more raw gives it a sense of greater acceleration without actually being quicker.

 

[daveg]

Thanks a lot for the info!

Gen 2 it is then. Can't wait to bring her home. The GTS is definitely more money. The GTS I'm looking at is more than double the cost of the Gen 1.

I guess the fact that the Gen 1 is more raw gives it a sense of greater acceleration without actually being quicker.

Gen 1 is definitely more raw, Gen 2 is more refined. If you want to get a GTS, go for a higher mileage one.

It all comes down to wanting a convertible or a Hard Top. The choice was very clear to me when I bought my car.

 

[Bill W]

CHECK THIS OUT.

Dodge Viper (Gen 2) Buyers Guide & Review 1996 - 2002 GTS & RT/10​

Dodge Viper (Gen 2) Buyers Guide & Review 1996 - 2002 GTS & RT/10

Everything you need to know about the 1996 - 2002 Dodge Viper. What's the BEST (Gen 2) Dodge Viper GTS, RT/10 or ACR for you? This is the ultimate guide to G...

www.youtube.com

 

[SonicX]

Gen 1 is definitely more raw, Gen 2 is more refined. If you want to get a GTS, go for a higher mileage one.

It all comes down to wanting a convertible or a Hard Top. The choice was very clear to me when I bought my car.

Thanks again.

Just curious why a higher mileage one?

I actually have a test ride booked for a Gen 5 just for fun. I'm sure that'll feel completely different.

 

[SonicX]

CHECK THIS OUT.

Dodge Viper (Gen 2) Buyers Guide & Review 1996 - 2002 GTS & RT/10​

Dodge Viper (Gen 2) Buyers Guide & Review 1996 - 2002 GTS & RT/10

Everything you need to know about the 1996 - 2002 Dodge Viper. What's the BEST (Gen 2) Dodge Viper GTS, RT/10 or ACR for you? This is the ultimate guide to G...

www.youtube.com

Much appreciated!!!

 

[daveg]

Just curious why a higher mileage one?

Because it wont be as much as a lower Mileage one and more inline with an RT/10

It would be helpful to know how much you're roughly looking to spend.

 

[CharlieBravo]

I would only buy a GEN 1 if I couldn’t afford a GEN 2.

The cam profile on the 2000+ Cars is supposed to give you better low and mid range.

 

[SonicX]

Because it wont be as much as a lower Mileage one and more inline with an RT/10

It would be helpful to know how much you're roughly looking to spend.

In the ballpark of 150k. I could wait and get a later gen but the first and second gen just speak to me. I'll definitely do some mods to the car.

 

[SonicX]

I would only buy a GEN 1 if I couldn’t afford a GEN 2.

The cam profile on the 2000+ Cars is supposed to give you better low and mid range.

I was told that the 1996 to 1999 had the most aggressive cams for low to mid.

Again I'm not sure only what I've been told from other owners.

I'm going to look into this.

Thank you!!!

 

[daveg]

In the ballpark of 150k.

Canadian or US $

 

[99RT10GTS]

Selling a 2001 RT, 14,900 miles.

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[SonicX]

Canadian or US $

Canadian. If I was to put a max number I'd say 170k Canadian.

 

[SonicX]

Selling a 2001 RT, 14,900 miles.

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Where are you located?

 

[99RT10GTS]

Where are you located?

Alabama, $48K

 

[Flipdawg13]

Alabama, $48K

Wow, that is a great price!
GLWS!

 

[matt dillon]

I have a Beautiful 2000 Steel Gray that I need to sell cause I don't drive it anymore cause I have a 2013 Viper, it only has 14k miles on it & has Never been driven in the rain! I also have the 3 piece top on it & I still have the original one also, Text me if you're interested

 

[doctormosfet]

Well, it looks like you've already made your choice, but here's my 2 cents anyway:

There are reasons why Gen 1 are generally cheaper, but ultimately it's because they're in less demand. Certainly cool to have a convertible sometimes, but you sacrifice torsional rigidity. Chassis flex matters for handling and the Gen 2 coupe has ~ 50% higher static torsional rating (7,600 lb-ft/deg for Gen 2 vs. 5,000 for Gen 1). The Gen 2 also had some rear suspension geometry improvements (lower roll center, reduced anti-squat/caster). Ever notice how lots of footage of people wrecking their Vipers tend to be the Gen 1 convertibles? As the Gen 1 has a more flexible chassis and a higher roll center, the first thing that happens is that massive engine torque twists the chassis. Well...that has to unload at some point, like a coiled spring. As it does, the suspension has to respond, but the higher roll center and and anti-squat will lead to the typically squirrely behavior you'll see in Gen 1 convertibles right before they wrap themselves around a tree. Obviously, some of this comes down to the tires and the driver exercising good judgment, but it's worth noting that the Gen 2 has intrinsically better dynamics. Combine that with the timeless look of the Gen 2 coupe which can make even the manliest men weak in the knees and I'd say the choice is obvious.

On the other hand, as long as you don't drive like a buffoon, the Gen 1 is cool AF on a nice sunny day.

 

[matt dillon]

I also forgot to mention I upgraded to the 3.55 gears from the stock 3.08's & it made a WORLD of Difference, by the way the 3 piece top was from Jeff Lemke & I'm not sure but I don't think he makes them anymore! I'm in Louisiana if anyone's interested