Viper In Vegas - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Jeph · 10-03-2005, 04:56 PM

First of all, thanks to everyone that voted on my survey. I took your advice and went for the Ferrari 355. Unfortunately a previous renter totaled it.

So I felt compelled to go with the Viper SRT/10. My experience can be summed up in just one photo.

This picture would be even funnier if I were wearing a watch.

More overwhelming than a thirsty 8.3 10 cylinder is its SCARYNESS! Driving this beast is too much of a chore -and quite frankly, I'm not ready for that kind of responsibility! Just the slightest tap on the throttle and the wheels want to spin (and that's whether you're starting from a stop on already on the go [and made worse when turning]). It rumbles at idle enough to render the rear view mirror virtually useless.

It seems to me that this car is all about numbers, and the braggin' rights to those numbers. It's hard to drive, cheapish on the inside (but a big improvement from the previous version), and requires much bravery from drivers.

The whole time driving it I kept thinking, "with other options out there, why would any one buy this?" And as I watched it drive off when I returned it, I realized all these negative things are wrapped in one cool package -Thus making the purchase of this car acceptible.

But what would a bachelor party of 9 fellas be with one 2-seater car? We had a Carrera Cabriolet and a the REAL winner of the group, a Lotus Elise.

We all know the Carrera is great, so no need to go into detail on that. But who knew how awesome the Elise is? Wow, I really love that car -and if I were much shorter that car would be on my "must have" list. That thing was made for one thing, driving fast! I rode in it with much discomfort, yet still really enjoyed it. It looks cool, sounds alright, and turns heads like neither the Carrera or Viper could. It truly suprised me.

Seriously, I photo-chopped my gut so I'd look skinnier (and it's still too prevalent).

deliriousga · 10-03-2005, 05:12 PM

So what is the MPG in the Viper? That's probably the only American car I'd ever consider owning and one beautiful ride. I would love to take that baby out on the track.

Sorry you ended up not liking it as much as expected, but you'll find the right one for your taste.

One thing, you will end up being happy you can't fit in the Elise. It's a great looking car, but for the price it has a ton of problems. I know of a few of people who had one for a month or two and that's all they could take.

Good luck in your hunt. I hope you find something you can't wait to get into every day.

Rail26 · 10-03-2005, 05:13 PM

Sweet! Thanks for the pics...I went to a bachelor party in Vegas once. I almost didn't survive it.

Rail26 · 10-03-2005, 05:28 PM

Jeph, found the car you could trade your bottle caps for...

Adam · 10-03-2005, 05:38 PM

It looks like you guys know how to party in style. Very sweet pics.

spine911 · 10-03-2005, 06:22 PM

"the REAL winner of the group, a Lotus Elise."....I totally agree. British bred, awesome performance and design, simple and reliable Toyota Celica Engine.

Jeph · 10-03-2005, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rail26

Jeph, found the car you could trade your bottle caps for...

Don't even joke like that! No car is worth my plastic bottle cap collection!

Quote:

Originally Posted by deliriousga

So what is the MPG in the Viper?

It's got to be in the low teens I'm sure. And just to clarify, I'm not looking to buy one, these were just what we tooled around in while in Vegas.

I think to buy an Elise, you've probably got to have a few other cars in your line-up. I can't imagine that for a daily driver.

The Viper is probably on my top 2 U.S. cars (and the ONLY 2 I might add)... the new Z06 may be number 1.

MNBoxster · 10-03-2005, 07:01 PM

Hi,

Interesting observations about the Viper. I agree that there's nothing subtle about it. But that's the point. It is simply the Biggest Punch in the Nose that Chrysler could come up with.

That said, I had the opportunity to track one a few years back and while I agree the it is a Handful, I got on top of it fairly quickly. Fortunately, for the track at least, the Brakes are adequate - it's got enough Whoa for the Go. Turning in wasn't a problem, but it'll get squirrely if you get on the Gas too soon coming out.

It's definitely got a place on my List of Future Cars, but there are a couple ahead of it. Still, maybe someday...

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

Adam · 02-17-2006, 11:41 AM

The viper is the macho mans sports car..
http://www.myphotodrive.com//uploads/627_must8.jpg

Rail26 · 02-17-2006, 11:48 AM

Nice Poster!

denverpete · 02-17-2006, 12:33 PM

I love the Viper but I don't like the most recent changes. They recently did a comparison between the Z06 and the Viper. On the cover of the magazine was a nearly front end shot of both of them racing - I damn near couldn't tell them apart! Sure, from the sides - but even then. It may still be a "beast", but it no longer has that outrageous look that makes your adreneline pump.

Adam · 02-17-2006, 12:57 PM

I agree I like the look of the older snakes better..particulary a nice GTS.

xclusivecar · 02-17-2006, 01:15 PM

Had the Elise, Hate the Elise, Sold the Elise. ONLY suitable on a very twisty road somewhere. Fast...I think not. You must have kept the thing at 8,000 RPM to keep it moving!

Awesome bachelor party though...