Track car comparison: E46 M3 vs 1997 Viper GTS

[Jason W]

Okay guys, here's the situation:

I'm trying to decide on a good "weekend car" and occasional track car. Budget is about $50k, and I plan to purchase in the next 6 months. Just want to start the research early.

This won't really be an Auto-X car. More of a track car at Texas Motor Speedway or Motorsport Ranch. I'm not too into drag racing, but I might hit the drag strip every once in awhile.

My question is this: Which would be better for road racing? Both of them are good, if the driver can handle it. I'm pretty sure I could drive the M3 faily well, but the Viper - well, that thing scares me (the handling aspect). I've heard that it is very easy to lose controll of that car through the turns.

I plan to go to a driving/racing school prior to whichever car I purchase, so hopefully that will effect my decision as well.

So, could you guys give me some opinions?

BTW: I know the Z06 is in my price range, but I'm jut not much of a fan.

Thanks!!!

Jason-

[oldtimer]

Hi, I'm in the UK so we don't see many Vipers here but plenty of M3's. I followed a Viper round Mallory Park racetrack in the wet, it went pretty well, the driver was being careful on the turns but was able to get foot down on the straights. I was in a Porsche 964RS which could be quicker in the turns. The M3 might have been a good car on that circuit but hey why not have a bit of challenge. I would go for the Viper as its potentially more fun and makes you work at it

[Jason W]

I think I'm starting to lean more towards the Viper as well. The ACR is just calling my name.

I think with some good tires, upgraded breaks, suspension, I/H/E it would be a good contender at the track.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

Jason-

[Icarus]

Jason W - what are you trying to achieve?

you're in the lucky, but not necessarily convenient, position of being able to choose, so you need to set some parameters. Assuming 'road use' (and thus minor issues like practicality, boot space etc) are irrelevant, do you want:
- handling (good/bad)
- power (lots/lots: can you ever have 'too much)
- looks ( stealth/outrage)

in the uk, you can usually find all three in a TVR... anything else is a compromise on one (or more) of the above..... (dons flameproof suit prior to flame-war!)
but seriously....
the BMW will 'outhandle' the Viper - but the Viper might be a lot more fun (i've several friends who've got 'bored' with their Imprezas - very capable cars, and at least one of those friends was a 'good' driver, with racing/m-sport experience).

IMHO, the Viper would be the obvious choice - what it lacks in handling finesse it (over)compensates in power and looks.

I bought _my_ play-car on the basis of the sound it makes....
If you're really not sure, then beg/borrow/steal a ride in something that handles (like an Elise/Caterham), and something 'fullbore' (if you're stateside, get a Lightning or a Mustang.... and see which is more enjoyable.

whatever anyone says, there's no 'best' track day car, there's no 'best' race car, or road car.
(although the McLaren F1 must come close to the top of any such list!)
ciao
h.

[mikeylad]

aren't noble going to be available in the states?

if so, decision made!!!

[anonymous-user]

VIPER!!! ooh 8 litres and a V10 get my vote.
the car is simply sensational, i watched the GTs at Silverstone years ago and the Vipers were awesome, somewhat tail happy but i doubt you can beat the noise and the experience of driving one on a track!

[ribbo]

what about a AC Cobra replica? they're about $30-40k new stateside for the big power ones? surely that'll give you everything that the viper offers (apart from a dry seat in the wet)

[viper]

don't waste your money paying extra for a ACR, unless its the right price, the only main difference over the standard GTS is the fully adjustable Koni suspension at a turn of a nob, and BBS wheels. Both of which can fitted after if you feel you need it. Vipers are notoroiusly heavy on the brakes, and if you intend to track the car this should be your first upgrade