Hey guys I'm gonna finally pull the trigger on a Dodge Viper. My problem is I cannot decide if I want to get a Gen2 2000 model which I have found at a good price or a 2006 model. I love both body styles, don't get me wrong, they both have their flare in their own way. I love how the 2nd Gen model has such swoopy curves, it's almost like looking at a women. The 2006 model has clean lines and flows beautifully but it seems almost to be a different creature altogether. I'm sure they have cleaned up the drivability of the Viper for the 2006+ model and is not as hard to control so I guess I am going to go take a look at a couple of Vipers and make a decision. I guess I will know when my heart pumps the hardest by looking at one and driving one; then a decision can be made. As far as the 2006 model, I am going for the blue with white stripes color combo..if I am to go for the 2000 model, I wouldn't be able to make up my mind. As far as the earlier gen model, I love the blue and white, the red and silver stripe, the red and white stripe and the grey with silver stripe. So this is a dilemna I am facing within the next month or so. Since many of you have driven both Vipers please share with me what you thought of the earlier generation and the latest Vipers and how they compare. Which to you was more fun and which to you looked better. Thanks!

 

I agree the 2000 Viper has a more timeless look to it, with its fantastic curves. However, I think if you drive both you will find the '06 to be far more driver friendly and the extra hp is nice.

 

Thank you for your reply! As far as the interior, I'm sure the 2006 feels better does it not? And how about the exhaust sound? 2000 model has the exhaust out the back while the 2006 has it coming out the sides. Anybody care to share their observation on the two?

 

ok first off
1992 -1995 = Gen 1
1996 -2002 = Gen 2
2003 -2006 = Gen 3
2008 -2010 = Gen 4

A 2000 car has NO ABS and NO forged pistion/708 cam. 2001+ has ABS and 1999- has the fully forged motor. The 2006 car should be much more refined than the 2000 if you drive them both. There's lots of good info over on viperclub.com

 

I noticed that you have a '99 model. Have you driven the newer models? Is it as crazy fun as the '99?

 

My 99 is modified. The word that everyone uses to describe the earlier cars is "raw". All vipers are pretty fun to drive. I do wish I had ABS but it wasn't a dealbreaker for me. The lines of the Gen 2 cars are timeless and will always be popular. Only Viper I'd trade mine for is a Gen 4 ACR.

 

Go for the 06 -

I've not driven previous gens before but am very happy with my 05, it is an amazing car. See if you can drive both before you buy, it will be the best way for you to tell the difference. Each successive year and generation brings better performance, comfort and sound qualities.

I still don't consider the Viper to be a good candidate as a daily driver, it attracts way too much attention which will be/can be annoying after a while. People driving right up on you to look ending up boxing you in and or driving too close in combination of people wanting to touch it, lean on it to have their picture taken etc.

My 05 has been absolutely reliable with no issues at all. Not sure about the sound of the earlier models but there were some complaints from a few that they didn't like the exhaust sound. In my generation they worked out the exhaust to come down the sides and cross over under the car and exit the sides, really nice popping on decel and a good soundtrack going up the gears with 1/2 throttle and above.



Good luck.

 

MTGTS has this covered i see.

2000 is an odd year. IMO not the best late gen2 to own

 

Never owned any but the 96 blue/white is the one Id die for. Only SRT Id go for is the Gen IV either ACR or Coupe. Cant argue with 550rwhp stock. If they bring back the Viper I hope they return to the curves of the GTS. Wish you the best. Dont think you can go wrong with either.

 

I wish I had money for 2nd gen and 4th gen but I have to make a decision. You guys have been more then helpful. I have to say that the Dodge Viper has to be one of the most bad ***, coolest and timeless cars ever made. If you stand the Viper next to a Diablo 6.0, which I have seen pictures with both together, the Diablo looked a little dated while the Viper still looked fresh and somewhat new. Ugh, decisions. I kinda like the attention it would attract but I know it will get annoying.

 

So with the 2000 model year you get none of the forged internals and no ABS. So if you plan on building the bottom end for a turbo app, does it really matter? I mean the block is pretty much the same am I correct? What besides the pistons are forged in the '96-'99?

 

If you're open to the expense of a bottom end build then adding boost then the year would be irrelevant. The truth is, you can build enough power on a stock forged bottom end than most people know what to do with. I wish my 97 had ABS, but preferred the forged internals and the color over the brakes. I can easily build my brakes to my liking for relative decent cost while improving the aesthetics at the same time.

 

I'm sure I'll get alot of **** for this, but I think the only category that the GTS beats a 06 coupe is looks, and even then, today, they are starting to look dated.

In 20 years, it's GTS all the way...but today, with more power, better driveability and better interior, it seems a no-brainer

 

You son of a......

Kidding bro. Gotta agree with your post except that the GTS is looking dated. The SRT's have a lot more technology, revisions, and show the results of lessons learned. The interior quality is improved and seems like the aftermarket response to them has opened up even more room for quality interior & exterior upgrades. They're up on power and have much better brakes.