Gen2 owner here do I want a GenV

[GTSgreg]

I have a 96 GTS (and a couple other toy cars), and am intrigued by owning both the Gen2 and a Gen V. This is probably a biased place to ask, but Is it great or needed having both? Will I still even want to drive the Gen2? Or should I go more diversified and get something like a GT350?

[XXX BLK]

I had a 2000 GTS and told everyone I will never sale it after hearing all the talk about the G5 and this being the last year I decided to go for it. I purchased my 2017 SRT almost three months ago and forgot about my G2 from the first drive. The G5 is just freaking "AWESOME"

[1.8t]

I think it depends on the driving experience you appreciate. I had a Gen 2 GTS(TT as a matter of fact) prior to my Gen V. The Gen V offers the raw experience of a Gen 2, while still offering the polish of a modern day sports car. It's the best old school meets new school car out there IMO.

That being said, it would be pretty awesome to own both :)

[viperr]

I had a wonderful 1999 RT-10 for 9 years and 50,000 miles and loved every minute of it. I got my Gen V 1 year ago and have put nearly 10,000 on it since I got it. The quiet and comfort and the very nice interior has spoiled me. Cruise control and the back up camera are 2 other things that were nice additions. I have run it on straightaway speed trials as well as road courses and it does everything the old track set up car did, but better. I am getting older and appreciate all the creature comforts as well as a 640 horsepower car which has a warranty.

[Terminator02]

No you will definitely still want to drive your gen 2: especially if both are in Stock form. The gen ll is much more raw and feels much faster at times due to less sound deadening materials and other factors like power delivery (gen v has never ending power).

I miss my gen ll and if I could have both I would. The gen V is a better car in almost every way but a gen ll offers an amazing driving experience. I would not go 350 and miss out on the best Viper ever made in the gen V. It's an amazing car and really wakes up with good mods.

[venum4u]

I had my 02 GTS prior to purchasing my GEN V GTS. In the end I decided to keep both

[OneofOneViper]

Gen 5 is everything the Gen 2 wanted to be but didn't have the technology and refinement to be 20 years ago. I did the same thing as you---owned a Gen 2 and bought the Gen 5 also because it's everything the Gen 2 wishes it could be now.

[Camfab]

Ok so just to be clear, are you asking should you buy a Gen V and a GT 350 and dump the Gen II. If that's the ultimate question, then why not! The Gen V is certainly an amazing car and the GT 350 would be a fun grocery getter. I mean it sounds like you've already experienced the Gen II, and if you were so in love with it, you wouldn't be asking the question. I'd say go for it. Two new cars, woohoo, lucky for you!!

[zee]

Gen 5 is everything the Gen 2 wanted to be but didn't have the technology and refinement to be 20 years ago. I did the same thing as you---owned a Gen 2 and bought the Gen 5 also because it's everything the Gen 2 wishes it could be now.

This. Enough said.

[GTSgreg]

i think my debate is, the Gen 5 is generally the same car, both have a V10, both have similar body line, etc, but with the many modern perfections. Whereas the GT350 is a different monster entirely, V8 crackle, different shape, and different feel....I love a black with charcoal stripes GT350, but something keeps drawing me to the Gen 5 as well...

22240
22241

[GTSgreg]

Ok so just to be clear, are you asking should you buy a Gen V and a GT 350 and dump the Gen II. If that's the ultimate question, then why not! The Gen V is certainly an amazing car and the GT 350 would be a fun grocery getter. I mean it sounds like you've already experienced the Gen II, and if you were so in love with it, you wouldn't be asking the question. I'd say go for it. Two new cars, woohoo, lucky for you!!

HAHA I actually haven't had the Gen 2 for that long and have no plan on getting rid of her, i love it, and itll be around for a loooong time, BUT Ive never driven a Gen 5 and curiosity is getting to me, are they that much more amazing that the Gen2 will end up sitting with gas rotting in er? Im guess I'm just feeling frivolous and silly?? .....:dancingman:

[BRACR]

I guess I am going to find out...sold my Generation 4 ACR and went for a Generation 5 GTC. I keep thinking about buying an ACR-E but I am not sure what I would do with it other than look at it and make it a garage queen. Plus I plan to travel a lot the next couple of years after having my near death experience with my heart (two stents in one year) so..... 150K can buy you a lot of travel. Back to the topic, I was convinced by Bill and Mark at Woodhouse to buy the Generation 5 car. I would sell the Generation 2. You could keep both and sell the Generation 2 at a later date. If I was going to have two vipers...it would be the current GTC and ACR-E.

[braunstein82]

For double the price I didn't get double the enjoyment switching from my 98 to a 14. I kinda wish I kept a gen 2.

[FSTENUF]

I went from a Gen 2 up to the Gen V Best move I ever made.

[zee]

For double the price I didn't get double the enjoyment switching from my 98 to a 14. I kinda wish I kept a gen 2.

Wow - going from a Gen 2 to a Gen 5 was seriously night and day for me. The Gen 2 is not even comparable.

[harley56]

I have had four Gen 2's, including my current '96 Blue/White. Also have a '13 LE. And yes, the Gen V is "That much more amazing than the Gen 2" That being said, since I first laid eyes on the '96 twenty + years ago it has been my favorite car and if I could only own one, it would be the '96. Fortunately, don't have to make that choice.

[7TH_SIGN]

If you like the GEN II you will love the GEN V. The GT350 is a great machine but just like the Vette they're everywhere. You'll appreciate the Viper experience more.

[ViperJon]

Just happened to find a photo of a Gen 2 at the track amidst a couple of Gen V's......:)

http://i.imgur.com/1L6a7LS.jpg

[GTSgreg]

Just happened to find a photo of a Gen 2 at the track amidst a couple of Gen V's......:)

http://i.imgur.com/1L6a7LS.jpg

Haha that is funny!!

[GTSgreg]

I have had four Gen 2's, including my current '96 Blue/White. Also have a '13 LE. And yes, the Gen V is "That much more amazing than the Gen 2" That being said, since I first laid eyes on the '96 twenty + years ago it has been my favorite car and if I could only own one, it would be the '96. Fortunately, don't have to make that choice.

I like your style! I feel the same way as you, the 96 is the iconic car I have to have, a new GTSR would be my #1 if I could afford it, but I'd be looking at used GTS'...bah tough choice.

- - - Updated - - -


If you like the GEN II you will love the GEN V. The GT350 is a great machine but just like the Vette they're everywhere. You'll appreciate the Viper experience more.

I do agree, a mustang is a mustang to regular joe walking down the street, doesn't have that super car Viper flare

[Policy Limits]

Gen 5 is everything the Gen 2 wanted to be but didn't have the technology and refinement to be 20 years ago. I did the same thing as you---owned a Gen 2 and bought the Gen 5 also because it's everything the Gen 2 wishes it could be now.

This post nails it.

[Fatboy 18]

Just happened to find a photo of a Gen 2 at the track amidst a couple of Gen V's......:)

http://i.imgur.com/1L6a7LS.jpg

What a Brilliant Photo :dude3:

[ViperPete]

I want both :confused:

I want about 10 of them actually.

I bought the Gen V because it has 190hp more.

I bought the Gen V because it has a good stereo, back up camera, power seats, HID headlights, and a warranty.... among a lot of other things.

The 190hp increase should settle the argument every single time. Otherwise why are you interested in a Viper?

[GTSnake]

I owned an RT/10 for 7 years and a GEN2 GTS for 4. After driving a GENV for a couple hours, I knew the days were numbered with me keeping the GEN2. I haven't taken the plunge on the GENV yet because I got a MP4-12C two summers ago, but other than the seats being less comfortable, the GENV is better in every way, except sound. I'll miss the rear exit aftermarket exhaust sound on the 708 cam. I've been daily driving a 2015 Mustang GT with performance pack for the past 8 months and recently got to drive my old GEN2 again (I'm friends with the new owner), and it was alarming how crude I forgot it was. Let's just say I miss it a lot less.

Then I took my stock Mustang with stock tires to the track and nearly matched the best time in the GEN2 time which had track tires and a tune. I never thought in a million years I would see the day when a Mustang would be a better car than a Viper. The brakes, the handling, the steering, it's night and day.

I still do miss the styling and the rawness of the GEN2, but I don't miss the heavy clutch, sloppy steering, horrible brakes, random rattles, and snakebite traction. I'm not saying I still don't love the GEN2, it has a special place in my heart, though it's been moved to the basement in a dark corner under a sheet. What I'm saying is once you start driving the GENV, you'll see it has 95% of all the goodness of the GEN2 with none of the bad. It's just better, more enjoyable to drive, and more confidence inspiring around a track. But hey, I had two generation Vipers at the same time for two years, it's fun. If you can do it, why not. Your GEN2 may just end up being the garage queen though.

...Now you got me thinking about a GENV... Oh, I forgot it costs more to insure than my McLaren. What gives?

[Taximan1]

Had 2 Gen5's.. Bit, I do still truly enjoy getting in my Gen2 BW... IT is THE car that got me into Vipers back in the day. And will probably always be the true definition of a Viper to me...

But comparing it to a Gen5.... There is nothing to compare. The Gen5 blows it away in every single category... not by a little either... The paint, fit and finish, power, sound system, interior.. All on a totally different level...

That said...its no longer double the price... My 96 BW with 7k miles is a 48-50 car.... While my 2014 SRT is a 75k car... the price difference is not huge anymore. which speaks volumes. people still love the Gen2 cars..

[Dman]

I've had every gen except the 1st. I've also had 11 mustangs since 1987, including two GT500's, a '12 and now a'14, and have driven a GT350. I take your question to be, should you keep the gen2 with a gen5, or sell the gen2 for another / different ride.

IMO, as someone who has had 2 vipers at once, and a viper and a stang, I'd go with the gen5 and something else, especially with both being coupes.

I miss my '99 RT/10, but would I trade it for my 800hp GT500, nah. And the GT500 rip your face off muscle feel vs the gen5 sleek, road race exotic feel, play off each other so well. I honestly feel like I have the perfect combo between the two. The GT350 is a great car, but it isn't "quick" or "fast", to me it's too much in the road race category to be very different. The GT500 just has that slam you in the seat nd holy shXt kind of feel, even with the track pack & perf pack options, it's a muscle car blast with some manners. The GT350 is almost docile in comparison. So, I guess I'd say gen5 like you're doing, yay. GT350 I'd say yes, but something a bit more brutal would be even more "different", and I highly recommend the GT500, I'm biased, but they are so much fun and you'll never confuse the feeling between the viper and the GT500. And I can say the GT500 strikes up as many conversations at gas stations and grocery stores as cars far more interesting, and plenty of attention at cars/coffee. It's no gen5, but then that's what you want, something different.

[John N]

Just happened to find a photo of a Gen 2 at the track amidst a couple of Gen V's......:)

http://i.imgur.com/1L6a7LS.jpg

Uummm, not to quibble but that is a Mustang in the middle..... :cool:

[DG1]

.....and maybe a Falcon and a Raptor and.... Hey ViperJon- were you attending a Ford rally?! That is one Mustang that I would own- thanks for the photo!
DG

[white ACR]

I have a Gen 3, Gen 4 and a ACR Extreme--love them all--love the differences--Dave

[GTSgreg]

I had a chance today to go on a drifting "beat on" session in a dodge promo gen 5 today, and hoooooly the acceleration and grunt is intoxicating. That being said, I still can't part with the gen 2, it's just a special car, B/W, which kind of is starting to have a somewhat aged "vintage-ness" to it, when comparing to the gen 5 luxuries. I like the idea of gt500, one of the 665 hp cars, but like the styling of the new gen stang so much more.....but gen 5 too......bahh. I guess the sad reality is I can't just buy em all, and then never work so I can just drive them all everyday!!!!!
22262

[BRACR]

I noticed the P-51 Mustang too.......an expensive flying machine to have and I would take a Generation V Viper and that Mustang !!!!!

[ACR08]

So I just got a Gen V after owning a Gen IV. All the talk about the Gen V got to me and I couldn't pass on it. This got me thinking about about the B/W Gen 2, my first love. Just went and looked at one today. It's amazing. Really thinking about getting it. However, it would probably be just a garage queen. I also happen to be driving a rental mustang and am loving it. Now, I want the GT350. I think once I sale my gen IV, I'll get a GT350 for a daily driver. I really want to drive a fun car every day. Good luck with the decision. You can't go wrong either way. I've only put a few miles on my Gen V (stupid winter) but it felt amazing and I can't stop looking at it.

[Fatboy 18]

I think you could compare this question to most classics, lets take Ferrari, The Gen II Viper would be the Ferrari Dino, a True Classic.
The Gen V would be the 458. Two very different cars. You would probably want one of each :)

Now go and earn some more money :p

[46hemi]

I for one would like both but don't think I would part with my gen II ACR to do it. It's the car that I lusted after when it came out so for me its an emotional aspect as well. I am sure the V is awesome in every way but after being in one for a very brief time you can feel how much more refined it is (relatively speaking). I love how raw the II is. It's hot, the interior is underwhelming for its time, it has no radio, it does not have a/c. It was the undisputed king of the streets when it was released. The V is a much better car I am sure in every mechanical way but the Hellcat is a much better car than my 71 hemi and for many of the reasons above I would never part with that to get the "better" car and I am not just speaking from a dollar value standpoint.

[GTSgreg]

I think you could compare this question to most classics, lets take Ferrari, The Gen II Viper would be the Ferrari Dino, a True Classic.
The Gen V would be the 458. Two very different cars. You would probably want one of each :)

Now go and earn some more money :p

All good points from you all. Definitely think earning more money is the solution!!! It's a new year, new season to make some money, maybe fall of 2017 I'll have my answer lol

[ACRSNK]

I for one would like both but don't think I would part with my gen II ACR to do it. It's the car that I lusted after when it came out so for me its an emotional aspect as well. I am sure the V is awesome in every way but after being in one for a very brief time you can feel how much more refined it is (relatively speaking). I love how raw the II is. It's hot, the interior is underwhelming for its time, it has no radio, it does not have a/c. It was the undisputed king of the streets when it was released. The V is a much better car I am sure in every mechanical way but the Hellcat is a much better car than my 71 hemi and for many of the reasons above I would never part with that to get the "better" car and I am not just speaking from a dollar value standpoint.

^^^ This...

While the Gen V is a much better car in almost every way, much more refined, better engineering, faster, more power, better braking and on and on and on, there is something to be said for having the privilege of getting behind the wheel of the car that Viper is associated with the most, and that in my opinion is the Gen II. There's a reason that the Gen V styling is a look back to the Gen II Viper. The Gen II Viper is arguably one of the best looking cars out there. The B/W GTS is a stand alone in many respects. Having had the opportunity to own one and also having a 92 in the stable currently along with a Gen II ACR, I can tell you first hand that it truly feels special when you get behind the wheel of one of those cars. My 92 gets more attention that most any other car that I have owned, except my 2000 Cobra R, which turned heads everywhere. So while they may not be the latest and greatest by any stretch, there is something very special about driving on of those machines that just can't be replicated by the newer cars in my opinion, no matter how much faster or refined they are. I say keep the Gen II and add a Gen V to the stable, but don't get rid of the Gen II. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[texasram]

gen 5 is everything the gen 2 wanted to be but didn't have the technology and refinement to be 20 years ago. I did the same thing as you---owned a gen 2 and bought the gen 5 also because it's everything the gen 2 wishes it could be now.
this

[Rare Snake]

It's really neat to see how many people feel the exact way I do in taking the jump from Gen 2 to new. My '01 GTS was a wicked car, but it's not even fair to compare the two.

My '95 though...I sure miss that car on a hot, sunny day.

Dason

[commandomatt]

If its all about performance, fit, finish and comfort, then we just have to completely rule out any old cars as not being up to those standards

Any 60's or 70's muscle cars and vintage sports cars from that same era. For us Viper fans, anything pre Gen V would be sub standard. This regardless of rarity and specs.

Someone was looking into a Lambo or McLaren could not consider older models either as the current ones are that much better (in most cases)

Also, if this is the only thing important, forget about these Gen V's in a few years as the 'other' current brands will keep getting better and better. So in 5 years when brand X is making a car that will out perform the Gen V's in every way possible, does that mean we should just abandon the 'old cars' in the relentless pursuit of perfection

I think many of the older models, regardless of brand, are worth owning and keeping. They may not deliver what the new cars will but its like high end audio. When you buy the latest equipment, you are already buying an obsolete model in many respects. Now, if you don't feel the need to own the absolutely latest and greatest, then there is older equipment that will give you an amazing experience

I agree with those who have said that the Gen II GTS may be the Viper that made a bigger impact in the market than any other Viper. Is this not worth owning ? Would you rather have Miura or a Murcielago ? As mentioned, a 70's Hemi Challenger or a Hellcat ?

I think the new Gen V is a 'better' car as well but I would wait until I could own both. Down the road, it may be the Gen V that will be sold and replaced by something better.

[Boosted Motorsports]

I think you could compare this question to most classics, lets take Ferrari, The Gen II Viper would be the Ferrari Dino, a True Classic.
The Gen V would be the 458. Two very different cars. You would probably want one of each :)

Now go and earn some more money :p

:t1236:

[ViperTony]

I had a 2000 GTS and told everyone I will never sale it after hearing all the talk about the G5 and this being the last year I decided to go for it. I purchased my 2017 SRT almost three months ago and forgot about my G2 from the first drive. The G5 is just freaking "AWESOME"

....hopefully you'll drive your GenV faster than 25mph as you did with your G2. :witless: Do I dare suggest you take the G5 to the track this year? :smileys-car-driving Happy New Year my friend!

[ViperTony]

I have a 96 GTS (and a couple other toy cars), and am intrigued by owning both the Gen2 and a Gen V. This is probably a biased place to ask, but Is it great or needed having both? Will I still even want to drive the Gen2? Or should I go more diversified and get something like a GT350?

I have both Gen2 (with mods in my sig), had the 2013 LE and now have the GenV ACR. They're very different Vipers it's like trying to compare apples to oranges. What I do know is that I can never get rid of my Gen2. It's just different. I actually prefer the Gen2 over the ACR when I want the thrill of avoiding death in it. :witless: It makes more power than my ACR, it's raw, no nannies, handles differently, commands respect from it's driver but is very rewarding.

The ACR doesn't give me the fear of death when I push it or test my driving limits. This may be because I spent 9 years respecting the G2. With the LE I felt I was driving a luxury leather couch. The ACR is much more "refined" than the G2 even with the stiffer suspension. What amazes me with the ACR is what I can do with it that I dare not do in the G2. And...it's surprisingly fast. Like surprisingly fast and even more rewarding to drive. Modern sure but it's a different kind of fun for me.

All around the GenV is a much better car than the Gen2. But it will come down to driver skill to determine if it can be driven better than a Gen2. The Wizard....in his Gen1...puts every generation Viper to shame at least on Auto Cross days. :witless:

[Jdmuscle]

I'm all up for diversity in one's stable of arsenal. That said the GT350 can't even hold a candle to what a Gen V can offer you. Poor quality and panel rub paint problems along with a granny driving a rented V6 in the next lane is what a mustang experience is. Yeah they sound good.. just like vanilla ice.. one hit wonder.

Get the gen V, you will never regret it.. but if you want to diversify then get something else.. not a mustang. That said would you miss your gen 2 or never drive it? I have a 90s sports car and always miss driving it and will always keep my old lady around. If you have the means and space.. keep them both and you'll enjoy them, just don't do a mustang. Do anything else.. challenger hellcat, ZL1 or a Z06 or anything.

[dhx]

I have both a G2 and a G5. The G2 makes it's power down low, the G5 makes it's power up high. Both wonderful experiences. Both completely different driving experiences, and yet still similar in many ways. Owning both simultaneously is not redundant. I don't own both because I have money to burn or love showing off, but rather because I love them both that much.

I repeatedly look up pricing on all the super cars I used to lust after, still thinking I will find another car that I will obsess over for years until I find a way to afford it, but I close my ebay tab each night realizing that I have exactly what I want, the perfect combination of sports car and muscle car. ok ok i would take a carrera GT :)

[Uranium235]

I had a Gen 2 for almost 10 years. Sold it for a Gen V last April and haven't looked back. The Gen V is ten times the car that the Gen 2 is. Same raw feeling, better sound, better interior BY FAR, and better looking (in my opinion.)
The Gen 2 was a fun, fast car. The Gen V is a fun, fast car that I can take on a road trip.

[Purple Haze]

Love it!!! Go to air shows every year and that makes a good point...


Just happened to find a photo of a Gen 2 at the track amidst a couple of Gen V's......:)

http://i.imgur.com/1L6a7LS.jpg

[ACR Steve]

Gen 2 I attribute to driving a good performance Classic car- Power is good for the period , handles good for period and the brakes stink compared to today ....... but its still really fun to drive it. It forces you and all your senses at all times. Constantly engaged or else :)

Gen V- Modern day sports car- Power amazing , Handles amazing and the brakes are amazing......... really fun to drive but at the same time during that drive you can take some time and enjoy the scenery. When you really want to go fast its supper engaging but when you don't want to be so engaged its ok as well. You will survive :)

With that said I have had every ACR (2,4,5) each one when I owned it was my favorite car in the world until I drove the next.

Well I am lucky to say I drive my favorite car in the world............ so I say buy it :)

[racegate]

I had a GEN2 which I sold for a GEN5. After I first sold the GEN2, I thought maybe I should have kept it for many of the thoughts outlined in this thread and by the OP. After spending some time with the GEN5, I never thought about the GEN2 again. The GEN5 experience is purely additive, and I didn't miss anything about the GEN2. That said, I'm not a collector, and if you are, I can see the appeal there. But from a pure driving / enjoyment perspective, you won't be missing anything. You can make the GEN5 as raw and rowdy as you want, or as tame as you want -- your choice.

[Bill Pemberton]

Now the Blue Car pictured, folks, that is what you get when you see the car listed as a FCA Executive car at the Auction.

[v10enomous]

Have both and drive both... I actually think it would be tougher to part with the Gen2 even though the Gen5 is a better car by every conventional measure.

I'll add that having a Shelby Mustang has always been on my bucket list since the 70's and I like the GT350 but I am waiting to see the new GT500 as well. I look at cars like the modern Boss 302 and Z/28 and what happened to their values and think the same could be the case with the GT350. It seems like newer cars are becoming like cell phones and become obsolete pretty quickly.

[Dr.Ron]

I don't have any Gen II experience, but when I started shopping for a Viper I considered the Gen IV & the Gen V....until I compared the interiors of the 2....night & day to me!
Then Gen V is just way more modernized, but if that's not your thing, well then........

Ron

[USWAG RT/10]

I own both!! The gen V is really great. As said before, it's everything the gen II wants to be but can't due to lack of technology back then. I thought about selling the 99 RT/10, but I'm so attached to my "first baby", that I couldn't... so I justified having 1 coupe and 1 convertible even though I hardly drive the gen II anymore!! My wife's pissed because I kicked her out of the garage but I had the 99 before I had her! LOL

[dhx]

I had a GEN2 which I sold for a GEN5. After I first sold the GEN2, I thought maybe I should have kept it for many of the thoughts outlined in this thread and by the OP. After spending some time with the GEN5, I never thought about the GEN2 again. The GEN5 experience is purely additive, and I didn't miss anything about the GEN2. That said, I'm not a collector, and if you are, I can see the appeal there. But from a pure driving / enjoyment perspective, you won't be missing anything. You can make the GEN5 as raw and rowdy as you want, or as tame as you want -- your choice.

I respect your opinion, but I must disagree. I believe something is lost that can only be provided by the Gen 2. Maybe it's the lopey 708 cam idle from the rear exit, maybe it's the actual throttle cable and it's response time, maybe it's the fact that you have to work to drive the car. There is something there that can't be reproduced, IMO.

[mblgjr]

Own both.

Gen 5 is superior in every single way.

But I appreciate the heritage and styling of the Gen2.

One wouldn't exist without the other, but if I ONLY had to live with one, it'd be the G5.

[ClayR]

I sold my Gen II after a few months when my ACR-E came in. Night and day difference int he two cars performance wise. I think the Gen II is one of the best looking cars ever built and the Gen V is right up there.

[GTSgreg]

I think I may wait a year or two and look for a (hopefully) gently used ACR-E. can't stop looking at them. So nice....drool.

[GTSgreg]

Anyone care to post pics of their ACR Gen Vs to see different color combos?

[darbgnik]

Anyone care to post pics of their ACR Gen Vs to see different color combos?

There's a whole thread dedicated to 1 of 1 ACR pics.