Which one, a 96 or 97 GTS?

[THE FLASH]

I did a search on this and the best I could find was that someone said that Dodge worked most of the bugs out of the 96's for the 97's. Does that mean to stay awsy form the 96's? I know sometimes its not the best thing to buy the 1st production run of a particular model.

 

[Red Snake]

The 97 is way better, just because mine's a 97.

 

[viper k]

red snake is worng 96 is better because mine's a 96

 

[Lawrenzo]

Both years require the frame recall, and both have the wheels that could crack under track duty. I'm sure there are some other minor issues, but from what I understand they are both about equal. Although, the 96's seem to cost a bit more since they are the originals and Indy 500 Pace cars.

 

[99 R/T 10]

Both years require the frame recall, and both have the wheels that could crack under track duty. I'm sure there are some other minor issues, but from what I understand they are both about equal. Although, the 96's seem to cost a bit more since they are the originals and Indy 500 Pace cars.

Negative, only the 96 had cast wheels. The 97 came with the forged wheels, much safer to track with.

 

[THE FLASH]

Thanks everyone, I am sorry about this post. I did not mean it to be a post like which oil is best.....if that makes sense. Thinking back, I should have worded it differently. I get that neither is better than the other, just a few accessories might be better on one vs the other. And like everything else, accessories can be changed. I do plan to get different wheels. Based upon the info I just got, it really does not matter if I get the 96 or 97...just which vehicles that is available to meet my needs. Thanks again, everyone is great on this forum!!!

 

[Ratical2]

Outside of the Cast or Forged rims, the only other difference you will notice is the Stripes are wider on the 96 and they pass thru the rear license plate area. BTW The forged rims are brighter/ shinier than the cast.

 

[Ron]

The early 1997 GTS's also had cast wheels, just like the 1996's. You have to look behind the spokes on the rim barrel to identify whether the 1997 wheel is cast or forged. 1998 was the first full year of forged.

 

[2MANYTOYS]

I did a search on this and the best I could find was that someone said that Dodge worked most of the bugs out of the 96's for the 97's. Does that mean to stay awsy form the 96's? I know sometimes its not the best thing to buy the 1st production run of a particular model.

Both had recalls and both are excellent cars. No reason to stay away from either year model.

 

[dave6666]

A 1996 is like a Gen 1.5. Definitely go 1997.

Of course Chad has the Gen 1.5.1, which includes the ******'s model directory and subscription.

 

[Simms]

Not important, but did they go to a single piece weather striping on the bottom of the side windows in 97? I know the 96's have a two piece, and sometimes they lift up on the edges.

 

[Shelby3]

A 1996 is like a Gen 1.5. Definitely go 1997.

Of course Chad has the Gen 1.5.1, which includes the ******'s model directory and subscription.

The 1996 GTS is a Gen II in every regard.

 

[ryan94rt10]

i just happen to be selling a 96 b/w....96 B/W GTS Excellent shape, 37k miles, $45k

let me know!

 

[PDCjonny]

Not important, but did they go to a single piece weather striping on the bottom of the side windows in 97? I know the 96's have a two piece, and sometimes they lift up on the edges.

Terrible weatherstripping design on all of them, both mine (97 and 98) broke at the exact same spot upper left drivers window.
Fortunatly the replacement weatherstripping is only a few thousand dollars....

 

[my viper]

The 1996 GTS is a Gen II in every regard.

Yup, the Gen 1.5 only applies to the RT's.

 

[2MANYTOYS]

The 1996 GTS is a Gen II in every regard.

Exactly!!! You should know you've owned both.