G5 vs GTR

[swexlin]

Thanks for the great feedback everyone. Really do appreciate it. The TA is not a daily, just a weekend blaster. I was considering the GTR only cause I could potentially drive it more if back seats were useable. The more I think about it, the more ridiculous it sounds to use with the baby. I have an SUV for a daily and the viper is paid off. It makes more sense to keep the TA and enjoy it when I can. It just sucks to think that I can't take it around with wife and kid as we go to a lot of places(family, friends, etc) on the weekends and the highlight for me is driving a fun car to get there. Going to the in laws house is only fun because of the drive! Lol. But as others have said, I wouldn't drive it aggressive with the kid in the back. I thought about a hellcat charger, maybe I can save up and get one of those along with the viper. I'd imagine in another year or so I could pick a used one up for around $50k? Not a bad idea...

Glad you came to your senses! I too want to pick up a Hellcat in a couple years in ADDITION to the Viper.

[CJS]

One other possibility I didn't see mentioned was the Chevy SS. We love ours, the back seat is huge, and they are going in the mid $40s new. Sure it's no GTR or hellcat in a straight line but the handling is really dialed in well and they have an available 6 speed.

[Terminator02]

If it's a weekend warrior car then I can see not much weekend driving with a new born. I'd say you could drive it more during the week possibly to and from work, ride things out and keep the viper while saving for a fun family friendly weekend car, or possibly just sell.

Given your goal of wanting a car you would drive more I just think it makes sense to drive the viper more when you don't need transportation for 3. A good alternative to the GTR is a Porsche 911 but also agree any sports car isn't good with a new born. You mentioned needing money for a new business so maybe the Stars have aligned to sell the viper now while the TA still fetch top dollar. You can always get back into the car at any point as income goes up. Maybe we will see you in an ACRE in a few years!

[NT-ACR]

Not surprisingly, when this forum is asked about any vehicle that possibly could be considered a competitor to the Viper, the answer is always, "The Viper is the best!" I'm not sure why people even get their hopes up that they'll get a impartial answer when posting here. So, in order to maintain my street cred on this forum, I'll start by saying that if you're considering any vehicle other than a Viper then you are crazy. Now that that's out of the way, I'll give my unbiased opinion.

Unlike most of those that have responded so far, I actually have owned a GT-R, specifically a 2009 Premium that I bought new off the showroom floor. Keeping this in mind, I probably have more experience with one than they do and might be able to point out a few things.

Cons:
-The car rides rough no matter the suspension setting (the "comfort" mode does slightly lessen the impact of bumps but you would honestly have to know a road like the back of your hand to sense the difference)
-The car has quite a bit of NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness). The tires are runflats so they do produce quite a bit of noise especially at highway speeds. In addition, there is quite a bit of wind noise. Finally, the engine is turning 2,500rpm at 70mph in 6th gear so you do get a bit of engine noise. As for drivetrain noise, specifically the infamous transmission noises, they are pronounced and you will hear them. In fact, you will think there is an issue at first. Over time though, you learn to live with it and hearing the different gears actually select I guess could be amusing for some.
-The exhaust note is a mixed bag. Some describe it as a vacuum cleaner but I like to compare it to a jet taking off. Basically a big whoosh.
-Roof height- I'm 6'5'' and my hair would brush the headliner.
-Stoplight takeoff- Taking off from a stoplight was a bit odd and frustrating. It seemed you could do it fast and buck or slow and probably be smooth. The best method seemed to be feeding in the power slowly and in a constant manner.
-Steering- The steering is well weighted but the feel is lacking.

Pros:
-Excellent front seats. While the NVH and suspension could prove tiring on long trips, I never had any issues with the seats and this is coming from an individual who has struggled with back pain throughout his life. Great mix of adequate bolstering without pinching.
-Cavernous trunk. Probably one of the most overlooked aspects of this vehicle.
-Information available. You can quite literally bring up almost any gauge reading that you want and can configure the multiple screens to display what you find most helpful. I loved the ability to see my transmission and engine oil temperatures so I knew precisely when I could start using the entire rpm range.
-Reliability. I bought mine new and put 10,000 miles on it and never had one issue. These early cars did suffer from gearboxs going boom but from what I remember, it was pretty hit or miss. Either way, Nissan was great about replacing them with the newest gearbox available (i.e. if your gearbox went pop during the 2015 model year, then your 2009 model would receive a 2015 model's gearbox and all the improvements that that entails).
-Ability to see out of it. The C-pillar is the only slightly bothersome blindspot but can easily be adjusted to.
-Interior space. The front area will never feel cramped. As for the backseat, it should be fine for a babyseat but accessing it will be a bit tricky.
-AWD. This system is absolutely amazing as it contributes not only to performance but also enhances the usability in multiple weather conditions.

Note- These pros and cons are just general. They are not comparisons to any other vehicle.

My advice would be to purchase the latest model possible, as Nissan was constantly tweaking and improving aspects of the vehicle. Some people actually love the 2009 models because they were so raw and unrefined but you and the family would probably benefit from a later model. That said, if you did consider an early model, there are a few things you can do to make it more livable:

1. Change from runflats to a traditional tire (most like Michelin's Pilot Super Sport). It will reduce the road noise by quite a bit.
2. Install a Litchfield Performance Suspension Kit. It retains use of the factory suspension button and it's three modes but supposedly does improve the ride quite a bit without taking away the dynamic abilities of the vehicle.
3. Install sound deadening especially in the trunk. Fairly self explanatory.

If I were in your position, I would keep the TA. You've paid it off and you already have an SUV for the whole family. The TA is a better sounding, more involving, and (in my option) better looking vehicle. The GT-R is a terrific vehicle but as your only "fun car" I don't believe it would excite you as much as the TA.

I hope this is helpful if for no other reason than I'm brand neutral and would have no problem telling you to buy something other than a Viper if I truly thought you and the family would enjoy it more.

P.S.- In case you're wondering why I sold it, it's because I usually only keep cars 4-6 months (in fact, the only car I've kept over 6 years recently were my 2 Ford GTs) and then move to something new. It had nothing to do with the car itself.

[Brian GTS]

Congrats! I would keep your TA for a while longer. I actually drove my Viper MORE when we started having kids....lots of solo trips to the store for the wife to pick up supplies....and lots of takeout meals! If you still have the desire to sell, I would consider a Charger Hellcat.

[zee]

Not surprisingly, when this forum is asked about any vehicle that possibly could be considered a competitor to the Viper, the answer is always, "The Viper is the best!" I'm not sure why people even get their hopes up that they'll get a impartial answer when posting here. So, in order to maintain my street cred on this forum, I'll start by saying that if you're considering any vehicle other than a Viper then you are crazy. Now that that's out of the way, I'll give my unbiased opinion.

Unlike most of those that have responded so far, I actually have owned a GT-R, specifically a 2009 Premium that I bought new off the showroom floor. Keeping this in mind, I probably have more experience with one than they do and might be able to point out a few things.

Cons:
-The car rides rough no matter the suspension setting (the "comfort" mode does slightly lessen the impact of bumps but you would honestly have to know a road like the back of your hand to sense the difference)
-The car has quite a bit of NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness). The tires are runflats so they do produce quite a bit of noise especially at highway speeds. In addition, there is quite a bit of wind noise. Finally, the engine is turning 2,500rpm at 70mph in 6th gear so you do get a bit of engine noise. As for drivetrain noise, specifically the infamous transmission noises, they are pronounced and you will hear them. In fact, you will think there is an issue at first. Over time though, you learn to live with it and hearing the different gears actually select I guess could be amusing for some.
-The exhaust note is a mixed bag. Some describe it as a vacuum cleaner but I like to compare it to a jet taking off. Basically a big whoosh.
-Roof height- I'm 6'5'' and my hair would brush the headliner.
-Stoplight takeoff- Taking off from a stoplight was a bit odd and frustrating. It seemed you could do it fast and buck or slow and probably be smooth. The best method seemed to be feeding in the power slowly and in a constant manner.
-Steering- The steering is well weighted but the feel is lacking.

Pros:
-Excellent front seats. While the NVH and suspension could prove tiring on long trips, I never had any issues with the seats and this is coming from an individual who has struggled with back pain throughout his life. Great mix of adequate bolstering without pinching.
-Cavernous trunk. Probably one of the most overlooked aspects of this vehicle.
-Information available. You can quite literally bring up almost any gauge reading that you want and can configure the multiple screens to display what you find most helpful. I loved the ability to see my transmission and engine oil temperatures so I knew precisely when I could start using the entire rpm range.
-Reliability. I bought mine new and put 10,000 miles on it and never had one issue. These early cars did suffer from gearboxs going boom but from what I remember, it was pretty hit or miss. Either way, Nissan was great about replacing them with the newest gearbox available (i.e. if your gearbox went pop during the 2015 model year, then your 2009 model would receive a 2015 model's gearbox and all the improvements that that entails).
-Ability to see out of it. The C-pillar is the only slightly bothersome blindspot but can easily be adjusted to.
-Interior space. The front area will never feel cramped. As for the backseat, it should be fine for a babyseat but accessing it will be a bit tricky.
-AWD. This system is absolutely amazing as it contributes not only to performance but also enhances the usability in multiple weather conditions.

Note- These pros and cons are just general. They are not comparisons to any other vehicle.

My advice would be to purchase the latest model possible, as Nissan was constantly tweaking and improving aspects of the vehicle. Some people actually love the 2009 models because they were so raw and unrefined but you and the family would probably benefit from a later model. That said, if you did consider an early model, there are a few things you can do to make it more livable:

1. Change from runflats to a traditional tire (most like Michelin's Pilot Super Sport). It will reduce the road noise by quite a bit.
2. Install a Litchfield Performance Suspension Kit. It retains use of the factory suspension button and it's three modes but supposedly does improve the ride quite a bit without taking away the dynamic abilities of the vehicle.
3. Install sound deadening especially in the trunk. Fairly self explanatory.

If I were in your position, I would keep the TA. You've paid it off and you already have an SUV for the whole family. The TA is a better sounding, more involving, and (in my option) better looking vehicle. The GT-R is a terrific vehicle but as your only "fun car" I don't believe it would excite you as much as the TA.

I hope this is helpful if for no other reason than I'm brand neutral and would have no problem telling you to buy something other than a Viper if I truly thought you and the family would enjoy it more.

P.S.- In case you're wondering why I sold it, it's because I usually only keep cars 4-6 months (in fact, the only car I've kept over 6 years recently were my 2 Ford GTs) and then move to something new. It had nothing to do with the car itself.

Aweome review, thank you!

- - - Updated - - -

Congrats! I would keep your TA for a while longer. I actually drove my Viper MORE when we started having kids....lots of solo trips to the store for the wife to pick up supplies....and lots of takeout meals! If you still have the desire to sell, I would consider a Charger Hellcat.

Great point!! I already started getting things for wife's cravings. Short trips but always take the long way lol.

[zee]

Congrats! I would keep your TA for a while longer. I actually drove my Viper MORE when we started having kids....lots of solo trips to the store for the wife to pick up supplies....and lots of takeout meals! If you still have the desire to sell, I would consider a Charger Hellcat.

Great points!! Can always take the long way right??

[zee]

Again, awesome feedback. I got some time to think about it more and I'll just enjoy it for now. Let's see how things play out.

[Murpowa]

To NT-ACR, this IS a viper forum after all

To Zee, keep the TA, sell the SUV, buy a four door CTS-V. Drives to inlaw's are fun once again.

[The_Ruski_Driver]

My opinion is to have 3 cars. Keep the TA for YOUR time, a econobox for the family day to day use (10-15k) , and a pretty cool sedan that is used for special trips, such as a CTS-V or Chevy SS (30-40k).

[repiV]

Once the divorce is final you can use the Viper to go pick up the little one on your visitation days. There are some child car seats that fit nicely in the Viper passenger seat.

[NT-ACR]

To NT-ACR, this IS a viper forum after all

To Zee, keep the TA, sell the SUV, buy a four door CTS-V. Drives to inlaw's are fun once again.

I'm well aware but the homerism sometimes exhibited on this site can be downright mind-blowing.

[NT-ACR]

Once the divorce is final you can use the Viper to go pick up the little one on your visitation days. There are some child car seats that fit nicely in the Viper passenger seat.

I know you're attempting to be funny but divorce is not a laughing matter. The impact on your life and that of your children is unbelievable.

Try to be more tactful in the future.

[Ninjakris]

My boy just turned 2 last Saturday. He has been riding in vipers with me since he was 3 weeks old.

Pro's
-The seat has a sensor that will turn off the passenger side air bag, so no worries there.
-A rear facing seat fits fine.
-A umbrella style stroller fits in the trunk.
-The trunk also works great to change their diapers since they can't really roll around when you place them in there.
-Cup holders are in a good location for bottles or sippy cups.
-The kid can see you while your driving, my son loves that.
-You can reach them and scoop anything out of their hands or mouth while driving.

Cons:
-You have to use the seat belt to secure the baby seat, no latch system (at least that I could find). It does have a rear hook for the forward facing seats.
-Only 2 of you can ride in it. No room for mama

The best part of having the viper with my son is the bonding we have had. I didn't see that one coming. I honestly don't know if I could ever sell this car. From rolling into C&C with people taking pictures of him in the viper to seeing him passed out next to me even with all that noise, its been great. He goes to the garage and pretends to drive the viper, and even knows where the push button start is. Its great.

At the end of the day, you have to do whatever is best for your family. Congrats on becoming a dad, and sleep now, because you won't be once the baby is born.

[repiV]

I know you're attempting to be funny but divorce is not a laughing matter. The impact on your life and that of your children is unbelievable.

Try to be more tactful in the future.

JEEZ!! Lighten up dude! I guess if you don't use a smiley face people aren't smart enough to figure out your kidding. Been though the divorce thing so I know all about it but I can still joke about it.

Seriously though the little ones love the Viper. And since it's going to be your weekend car anyway why not have the best weekend car you can have?

[zee]

Selling my SUV and getting another daily is not an option since it's a company car. As many have said, I can get a fun sedan like a charger hellcat/M5 and keep the TA too. I would have 4 cars then...wife's Porsche Cayenne, my company car, the TA, and a fun sedan....hmmmm...need to convince wife to sell cayenne and maybe get a M5 - don't think she will go for the hellcat lol

[serpent]

There was an Orange Charger Hellcat with gold gas monkey rims driving around town. Holy cow did it sound bad ass, was stock too I believe.
Probably as quick as a viper from a roll. 4 door sedan with 707hp. Whats not to love?

[Next Phase]

If I needed a backseat I'd have a GT350 over a GTR or Challenger.

The back seats in a GT350 and GTR don't compare to the back seats of a Challenger. I have a rear facing baby seat in my Hellcat and my wife or another adult can fit up front no problem. Can't say the same for the others...

Thanks for the great feedback everyone. Really do appreciate it. The TA is not a daily, just a weekend blaster. I was considering the GTR only cause I could potentially drive it more if back seats were useable. The more I think about it, the more ridiculous it sounds to use with the baby. I have an SUV for a daily and the viper is paid off. It makes more sense to keep the TA and enjoy it when I can. It just sucks to think that I can't take it around with wife and kid as we go to a lot of places(family, friends, etc) on the weekends and the highlight for me is driving a fun car to get there. Going to the in laws house is only fun because of the drive! Lol. But as others have said, I wouldn't drive it aggressive with the kid in the back. I thought about a hellcat charger, maybe I can save up and get one of those along with the viper. I'd imagine in another year or so I could pick a used one up for around $50k? Not a bad idea...

I'd keep the Viper... Once the baby is here, you'll see how much the car is used and you can sell it down the road. Enjoy it and congrats on the new addition!

Congrats! I have 4 and 6 year-olds, and have always had an old Mopar or two as my toys. Recently sold my last one and bought an 08 ACR. My daily is a Ram 1500 crew cab, which is very useful, confortable and safe, with tons of room for both car seats in the back. When the kid(s) get a little older, you can always convince your wife to let you drive your Viper separately for semi-local trips, and when you're all going somewhere together you won't miss the Viper because you'll be having a blast with your kids. I say keep the TA.

Darren

Agree with this... keep the Viper.

[TrackAire]

Very easy answer......keep the TA and buy a nice quality used (if money is tight, otherwise buy new) SUV or mini van to haul the kids and family. Do you really want to have a baby in your "baby"?....you do know they spill food, upchuck, vomit, explosive shits, drop their milk bottles and spill their sippy cups?......and eventually you'll have to use the Vipers rear hatch area as a changing table....not desirable.

The first time your wife tries to strap the little bugger into the back of the GTR will also be the last time....very tight and hard to get back there to put the baby carrier in and belt them in. Even a Challenger will be a pain in the ass. Get something with four doors, a shitload of safety features and air bags and lots of room. Trust me, I've been through all of this.

Keep the Viper as a weekend get away toy that both you and your wife can enjoy together while the babysitter watches the baby for a few hours to give the mommy break and you a reason to drive your car.

Congrats on the new baby!!

[Terminator02]

Thanks for the great feedback everyone. Really do appreciate it. The TA is not a daily, just a weekend blaster. I was considering the GTR only cause I could potentially drive it more if back seats were useable. The more I think about it, the more ridiculous it sounds to use with the baby. I have an SUV for a daily and the viper is paid off. It makes more sense to keep the TA and enjoy it when I can. It just sucks to think that I can't take it around with wife and kid as we go to a lot of places(family, friends, etc) on the weekends and the highlight for me is driving a fun car to get there. Going to the in laws house is only fun because of the drive! Lol. But as others have said, I wouldn't drive it aggressive with the kid in the back. I thought about a hellcat charger, maybe I can save up and get one of those along with the viper. I'd imagine in another year or so I could pick a used one up for around $50k? Not a bad idea...

To think you almost bought a 2013 Launch Edition to go with your TA just a few months ago too. If sticking with the Mopar family then a hellcat charger or SRT grand Cherokee are much cheaper and family friendly options. I'd look at a 911, BMW m series, or other 4 seat fast coupes/sedans. The work suv sounds more like a regular daily. Have you considered like a big luxo suv or are you set on performance? I have all the performance I want in the viper so having a Mercedes G Wagon or other luxury SUV is more attractive to me than performance cars or trucks. Tons of options to have while keeping your TA. Nothing wrong with driving it less as you will look forward to it more. Another option since you cycle cars often would be to not invest in other daily drivers but keep your daily, get rid of the TA and get a used lambo huracan. It's definitely a car that the wife can drive and you both would be chomping at the bit for date night and who would get to drive her.

[zee]

To think you almost bought a 2013 Launch Edition to go with your TA just a few months ago too. If sticking with the Mopar family then a hellcat charger or SRT grand Cherokee are much cheaper and family friendly options. I'd look at a 911, BMW m series, or other 4 seat fast coupes/sedans. The work suv sounds more like a regular daily. Have you considered like a big luxo suv or are you set on performance? I have all the performance I want in the viper so having a Mercedes G Wagon or other luxury SUV is more attractive to me than performance cars or trucks. Tons of options to have while keeping your TA. Nothing wrong with driving it less as you will look forward to it more. Another option since you cycle cars often would be to not invest in other daily drivers but keep your daily, get rid of the TA and get a used lambo huracan. It's definitely a car that the wife can drive and you both would be chomping at the bit for date night and who would get to drive her.

Lol - a huracan would be out of the question right now but love the thought. I'm glad I didn't get the LE...it was my friends and that was the only reason I was considering it. Wouldn't have been a big deal as I could have sold it even if I bought it. My biggest thing is I wanna enjoy what I drive. I can't do it for work since I have a company car and need that daily. So I look forward to driving the TA on weekends. I know for a fact it will be A LOT less once baby is here

[swexlin]

Even if it's less, that makes it better. I've driven my car TWICE (a total of less than 100 miles) since 7/15. Just haven't had the time. That makes looking forward to going for a drive even better.

[Junkie]

I've owned both back to back, I absolutely hated my GTR.

-tons of driveline noise
-notchiness during turning
-rattle trap
-incredibly boring to drive

Honestly after driving it for 20 minutes I realized buying it was a huge mistake. I'm also a big fan of RWD "fun" cars, when something has autopilot like features it just doesn't excite me in the least.

[Larryskillzs]

Vipers and babies are A OK.

The first weekend we had our Viper, my wife strapped our 6 month old in the passenger seat of the Viper with a car and air bag turned off. (Make sure you buckle the seatbelt in!!) and I followed her to a C&C in my S2000.

It was awesome. On Friday's, I'll sometimes pick up my daughter in the Snake from daycare. She loves it!

Life does not end when a baby comes along.

I've known a few GT-R owners that have sold them usually after 18 months of ownership. Whenever I would ask them about the car during and after ownership, it's a lukewarm response at best when they describe the car.

I would never consider owning a GT-R, so my bias is pretty bad. It's a look only a mother can love. The car is a very numb feeling experience, which is the complete opposite of everything the Viper is.

[ek1]

Selling my SUV and getting another daily is not an option since it's a company car. As many have said, I can get a fun sedan like a charger hellcat/M5 and keep the TA too. I would have 4 cars then...wife's Porsche Cayenne, my company car, the TA, and a fun sedan....hmmmm...need to convince wife to sell cayenne and maybe get a M5 - don't think she will go for the hellcat lol

A friend of mine had a similar dilemma. He ended up selling the wife.