First time in a Viper
Discussion
Managed to end up in a SRT/10 today. In fact, I just got in (01:52 here) and took it out at 3pm!
Never been a fan of the Viper but............... bloody hell! The acceleration on this thing is insane. At 65mph and accelerating it feels like you are doing 100pmh. Not convinced at all by the cornering though - or the horn for that matter
Very snug feel in the cockpit but the cabin got bloody hot from the side exausts. Everyone seems to have decent amount of respect for the thing I must say. Lots of thumbs up and requests for some throttle-to-floor a the lights.
Bloody shame I am on an island 92 miles around otherwise I would really stretch it's legs. Have been contemplating going to the garage and taking it out again but 5hrs sleep will be good enough
MARA
P.S Noise is something else too.......but you boys have known that for a long time I am sure. I see them in a different light now.
Never been a fan of the Viper but............... bloody hell! The acceleration on this thing is insane. At 65mph and accelerating it feels like you are doing 100pmh. Not convinced at all by the cornering though - or the horn for that matter
Very snug feel in the cockpit but the cabin got bloody hot from the side exausts. Everyone seems to have decent amount of respect for the thing I must say. Lots of thumbs up and requests for some throttle-to-floor a the lights.
Bloody shame I am on an island 92 miles around otherwise I would really stretch it's legs. Have been contemplating going to the garage and taking it out again but 5hrs sleep will be good enough
MARA
P.S Noise is something else too.......but you boys have known that for a long time I am sure. I see them in a different light now.
maranellouk said:
Not convinced at all by the cornering though - or the horn for that matter
Speed Magazine just did a comparo track test with a Lotus Elise and a Viper. Found that the Viper could actually carry more speed through all but the tightest corners than the Elise. (but they said the Elise was more fun to drive around corners.)
Other cars may have more finely tuned suspension, but the Viper's massive grip can make up for a multitude of sins when it comes to going around corners quickly.
It takes some getting used to, but once you get comfortable with the SRT-10, it corners very well.
Kai
I am still not sure about the handling. The company gave me the car for 4 hours FOC because I had no way of getting to the airport to pick up a ticket.
I thought I'd give the thing a final blast just to see. I almost got done as I hit 125mph and at the last minute noticed two police bikes at the side of the highway! Thankfully they had pulled over a rather dodgey looking Eclipse and pick-up so I took my foot off of the loud pedal to try and sneak by
I don't know what it is but I just really don't feel at ease on anything but the gentlest of corners in the Viper. It feels like the thing is going to break off as it doesn't feel tactile. Cockpit it very cosy though but the transmission tunnel is painfully hot as the seat doesn't go back far enough leaving my right knee pressed against the tunnel. Was very careful of exit too. The side running exhausts get a little toasty
On return of the car I got the 355 spider out. Completely confident about going for it in this. Has always felt like a balanced car and the tubi it came with was heavenly. However, it did feel underpowered after the viper. Balanced all the eay through but no BRUTAL acceleration.
Bloody fun though and my mate who went with me on most of the runs is having a look at one as they are reasonably priced.
I thought I'd give the thing a final blast just to see. I almost got done as I hit 125mph and at the last minute noticed two police bikes at the side of the highway! Thankfully they had pulled over a rather dodgey looking Eclipse and pick-up so I took my foot off of the loud pedal to try and sneak by
I don't know what it is but I just really don't feel at ease on anything but the gentlest of corners in the Viper. It feels like the thing is going to break off as it doesn't feel tactile. Cockpit it very cosy though but the transmission tunnel is painfully hot as the seat doesn't go back far enough leaving my right knee pressed against the tunnel. Was very careful of exit too. The side running exhausts get a little toasty
On return of the car I got the 355 spider out. Completely confident about going for it in this. Has always felt like a balanced car and the tubi it came with was heavenly. However, it did feel underpowered after the viper. Balanced all the eay through but no BRUTAL acceleration.
Bloody fun though and my mate who went with me on most of the runs is having a look at one as they are reasonably priced.
maranellouk said:
I am still not sure about the handling.
I don't know what it is but I just really don't feel at ease on anything but the gentlest of corners in the Viper. It feels like the thing is going to break off as it doesn't feel tactile.
Driving a Viper takes a bit of time to get used to. I've not driven a 355, but I have driven other sports cars, and it took me much longer to get used to driving the Viper. It took me a number of track sessions to get comfortable with the Viper's handling at the limit. At first, it was hard to recognize the cues the car was giving me, but now I can feel what the car is doing. It takes practice, but once you learn to drive it, you can drive the Viper very hard in the corners. You just need time to become accustomed to the feedback of the car. Once you do, you can control it with a lot of finesse.
Cheers mate,
Well, my friend has just confirmed that he is definately buying the car. Being an Aussie the price of the car (in the U.S) is practically a give-away.
Just trying to decide the colour to go for at the moment. I think he is going for black or white. White because it will be in Miami - home of the best corners in the world
I would like to get a bit of owners info for him. 3 weeks of every month we are traveling. How is the car when not driven for this kind of time? Any other things to watch out for?
MARA
Well, my friend has just confirmed that he is definately buying the car. Being an Aussie the price of the car (in the U.S) is practically a give-away.
Just trying to decide the colour to go for at the moment. I think he is going for black or white. White because it will be in Miami - home of the best corners in the world
I would like to get a bit of owners info for him. 3 weeks of every month we are traveling. How is the car when not driven for this kind of time? Any other things to watch out for?
MARA
If you are spending some time in the US, maybe consider one of the Viperdays.com track sessions- that way you'll get expert tuition, in a car similar to the one you'll be buying. Also, make sure you get somebody that knows about the cars to check it over thoroughly before you part with any cash.......it could save you a fortune in the long run (there's plenty of helpful & knowledgeable folk on viperclub.org that will assist, and maybe even know the history of the car you end up interested in).
Golden rule- don't be afraid to ask for advise or help when in the US, and many of the folks here can point you towards reputable & trusted dealers if you are uncomfortable with private sales.
Golden rule- don't be afraid to ask for advise or help when in the US, and many of the folks here can point you towards reputable & trusted dealers if you are uncomfortable with private sales.
Indeed. Especially as I had just jumped out of my mates Jeep Grang Cherokee and realised the used the same parts!
Although the standard radio was of a good quality - unlike the 355 which sounded like two headphones playing at an annoyingly high volou
me on a tube train.
Is it just me then on does the transmission tunnel burn the legs of anyone else? That thing was HOT!
Although the standard radio was of a good quality - unlike the 355 which sounded like two headphones playing at an annoyingly high volou
me on a tube train.
Is it just me then on does the transmission tunnel burn the legs of anyone else? That thing was HOT!
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