05Commemorative
05-27-2014, 11:33 PM
Ok, I have waited until I got reasonable mileage (700) on the GenV before posting a comparison. First context of the two cars:
1) 05 Commemorative Edition conv with MCS suspension, 3.33 OSGiken gears, acr brakes (track pack) and PS2 tires
2) 13 Gen5 Launch Edition (100% stock)
So, I have had the Gen3 almost since new and the Gen5 the last two months purchased new and here is a comparison of my experiences:
First, no ambiguity here, the Gen5 is a significantly better built car, it just is in virtually every and any way you can imagine, but does still have pros/cons for each.
Gen5:
Pros: higher quality, great electronics, much stiffer frame, more responsive steering, my opinion is better looking, shifter/transmission much improved, new front end (personally wanted to get away from traditional viper fronts for something new), clamshell hood
Cons: Not as comfortable seats (atleast maybe seats not fully broken in), more finicky to engage first gear due to maybe the aluminum flywheel, taller first gear or just less torque at that speed, engine plastic valve covers, and lastly the small drone at 2000rpm?
Gen3:
Pros: Convertible open air experience (no replacing that feeling), car feels smaller but think mainly because of rear visibility and narrower front, great low-end torque (just let the clutch out and it goes) and with MCS suspension, has a smoother ride if set to soft settings, no drone but likely because a conv, great looking engine.
Cons: Not a gen5... Seriously, it is an almost 10yr car and in comparison, you feel that. Not as explosive at the top end, no cruise, no great electronics, not as stiff.
So, at the end of the day, the biggest shocker is how different the cars are from an experience level, yet both great from just different perspectives. This surprised me because the frames, suspensions, dimensions are very similar, but yet they drive completely differently. Some like to say the older models are more "raw". If referring to lack of leather, electronics, then sure, but if referring to the driving experience at full throttle, I actually think the Gen5 becomes very "raw" in that it is louder and more violent. (so don't let the pretty face fool you)
This is a great thing for me because I can justify keeping both cars due to the different positive experience each provides and the cool factor of having two #'d cars of opposite paint schemes.
So, to finish, what would I change on the Gen5?
1) slightly lower 1st gear and maybe 3.33 gears vs 3.55's, but just a knit as it works great with the new shifter/trans
2) seats a bit more comfortable (hoping just a break-in cycle as others have mentioned
3) wish rear hatch opened with a single push of button
4) wish it came with MCS suspension from factory to get both better ride, more adjustability and ride height adjustment.
5) clamshell hood with carbon fiber is so cool, yet the motor it exposes not as good looking as the gen3 piece.
1) 05 Commemorative Edition conv with MCS suspension, 3.33 OSGiken gears, acr brakes (track pack) and PS2 tires
2) 13 Gen5 Launch Edition (100% stock)
So, I have had the Gen3 almost since new and the Gen5 the last two months purchased new and here is a comparison of my experiences:
First, no ambiguity here, the Gen5 is a significantly better built car, it just is in virtually every and any way you can imagine, but does still have pros/cons for each.
Gen5:
Pros: higher quality, great electronics, much stiffer frame, more responsive steering, my opinion is better looking, shifter/transmission much improved, new front end (personally wanted to get away from traditional viper fronts for something new), clamshell hood
Cons: Not as comfortable seats (atleast maybe seats not fully broken in), more finicky to engage first gear due to maybe the aluminum flywheel, taller first gear or just less torque at that speed, engine plastic valve covers, and lastly the small drone at 2000rpm?
Gen3:
Pros: Convertible open air experience (no replacing that feeling), car feels smaller but think mainly because of rear visibility and narrower front, great low-end torque (just let the clutch out and it goes) and with MCS suspension, has a smoother ride if set to soft settings, no drone but likely because a conv, great looking engine.
Cons: Not a gen5... Seriously, it is an almost 10yr car and in comparison, you feel that. Not as explosive at the top end, no cruise, no great electronics, not as stiff.
So, at the end of the day, the biggest shocker is how different the cars are from an experience level, yet both great from just different perspectives. This surprised me because the frames, suspensions, dimensions are very similar, but yet they drive completely differently. Some like to say the older models are more "raw". If referring to lack of leather, electronics, then sure, but if referring to the driving experience at full throttle, I actually think the Gen5 becomes very "raw" in that it is louder and more violent. (so don't let the pretty face fool you)
This is a great thing for me because I can justify keeping both cars due to the different positive experience each provides and the cool factor of having two #'d cars of opposite paint schemes.
So, to finish, what would I change on the Gen5?
1) slightly lower 1st gear and maybe 3.33 gears vs 3.55's, but just a knit as it works great with the new shifter/trans
2) seats a bit more comfortable (hoping just a break-in cycle as others have mentioned
3) wish rear hatch opened with a single push of button
4) wish it came with MCS suspension from factory to get both better ride, more adjustability and ride height adjustment.
5) clamshell hood with carbon fiber is so cool, yet the motor it exposes not as good looking as the gen3 piece.