What would you do ACR vs TA decision

[Dman]

Ok, went thru my decision process to do a viper again, now, which one. I think my ownership smart move would be the TA 2.0, the ACR would provide less depreciation for a couple reasons. But here's where I am, your thoughts are welcome.

I do drive my vipers, so it'll see 3-5k per year. I have a race car and most track is spent racing, so few Viper track days, I usually only do like 3-4 track day events in a street car per season, so track use is very light, and just for fun, giving ride alongside, etc.

All my below options will be equal amounts of money, within a couple grand difference at most, so money isn't a factor, the budget is the same for all.

ACRE- lightly used, under 1500 miles and only build dates after Jan 2016, after block washing started.
Pros and cons- I'd have to upgrade the stereo, but most have paint protection already. ACR would be slightly used and an ACRE so depreciation would be jump started, and so reasonably controlled. At this price point, it's totally stock. Adding anything, adds to the budget. Unknowns, ride quality for doing real driving, not having the flick of a switch dual mode suspension vs manually adjusting, less ground clearance and driving. And then there's having an ACRE that's so track oriented when I'm only tracking a few times a year.

TA 2.0- this is for a new one, would have HK 18 spkr setup, otherwise, a straight TA 2.0. So I get a zero mile car, I would add paint protection, film or wrap, or dip. I then have $ for a setup from Calvo for a 680-700whp which is my dream spot for pretty trouble free awesome setup. Also a post Jan 2016 build. But, the second I buy it, I flush about $10k minimum in depreciation, and another $12-14k in mods that would have less residual value on a TA than an ACRE.

I'm really struggling to choose between the TA 2.0 vs ACR. I have found a couple ACRs with the stage 2 already on them, but they're pre-Jan 2016 builds and so I'd have debris concerns, and I'm trying to buy as smartly as possible, and buying post block cleaning has been recommended to me so I'm trying to stick to it.

Sorry for the length.

[texasram]

the only reason for a ta 2.0 is you need an even more track munching machine than the 1.0, and now theres an even better version in the acr platform. the answer is in your profile pic

[ViperSRT]

In my opinion the 2.0 provides a much better street driving experience with most of the aggressive looks of an ACR. Short track performance may be close as well. I find the 2.0 to be a perfect mix of performance and streetability.

[dmann]

I would also look at the ACR between those two or... you could do a GT/GTS/BASE with tractive suspension and advanced aero. This would prob be just as competitive and much cheaper if you shop around.

[OneofOneViper]

TA 2.0 I don't get. TA 1.0 is probably what would suit you best imho, but everyone should go for an ACRE if they can. There are only about 400 of them, they look the best, they are the best to drive, but clearance can be an issue. I also suggest staying away from pre '16 block cleaning units unless they have the 100,000 mile warranty on them and haven't been modded to void that warranty.

[Snakebit10]

If the ACR's have the VE stage two already would they have been inspected already by VE? Just wondering. I'm thinking they may have checked the blocks since they opened the engine to put the cams in. If that is the case and I were in your position that would put those two stage 2 ACR's at the top of my list.

[ViperGeorge]

I already have a 2015 TA 2.0 with 10K miles. Solid as a rock, MCS dual mode shocks, Bellangers, 18 speakers, Under drive pulley, Comp Blue, Racing Brakes rear bias calipers, and more. Yea, it is modded but it is a very good car and I love it, BUT I would love to trade or sell it for an ACR.

[OneofOneViper]

I already have a 2015 TA 2.0 with 10K miles. Solid as a rock, MCS dual mode shocks, Bellangers, 18 speakers, Under drive pulley, Comp Blue, Racing Brakes rear bias calipers, and more. Yea, it is modded but it is a very good car and I love it, BUT I would love to trade or sell it for an ACR.

Hey Goerge! You're so close to me. I'm in DU Denver area. Haven't met many viper guys here in CO and the ones I did have moved away. My new ACR should be ready to pick up soon. Love to see your snake some time.

But OP see? Who wouldn't want the ACRE. They weren't available until 2016 or I'm sure many that own the TA 2.0 would have went with an ACR

[ViperGeorge]

Hey Goerge! You're so close to me. I'm in DU Denver area. Haven't met many viper guys here in CO and the ones I did have moved away. My new ACR should be ready to pick up soon. Love to see your snake some time.

But OP see? Who wouldn't want the ACRE. They weren't available until 2016 or I'm sure many that own the TA 2.0 would have went with an ACR

PM sent.

[Boosted Motorsports]

I still say ACR.

On another note how come there are TWO "Dman" users in here lol

[Dman]

I still say ACR.

On another note how come there are TWO "Dman" users in here lol

Dman and Dmann.

We're both equally awesome. I'm the original and he's just got a little more N than I do. lol

[Dman]

If the ACR's have the VE stage two already would they have been inspected already by VE? Just wondering. I'm thinking they may have checked the blocks since they opened the engine to put the cams in. If that is the case and I were in your position that would put those two stage 2 ACR's at the top of my list.

No. They say they "give it a look", but they won't claim to be checking bearings and all unless that work is separately requested.

I think to do a car like that, I'd have it go to Antonio and have him drop the pan and give it a once over. Of course that adds budget and still not necessarily a guarantee about debris.

[Terminator02]

If the ACR's have the VE stage two already would they have been inspected already by VE? Just wondering. I'm thinking they may have checked the blocks since they opened the engine to put the cams in. If that is the case and I were in your position that would put those two stage 2 ACR's at the top of my list.

People need to be careful here. Having heads and cam does not rule out the potential for engine failure due to debris. Debris is TINY and engines are huge. It's just nice that some eyes are seeing parts of the block up close.
In this scenario it's a no brainer to get an ACRE with the HC package. It's way cheaper to get that and rebuild an engine in the worst case scenario than to buy a HC package new. HC cars have rarely failed and the ACRE is the ultimate car with the HC package IMO. I never could handle the ACRE as it's way too much of an enthusiast car for me. I think it's the perfect car for the person who loves the track and loves to tinker with a vehicle for fun and find the perfect performance balance. It has a lot of extra customization that the other vipers don't have. I would never take advantage of those features. However, if I was a viper enthusiast and loved tracking and tweaking the vehicle, I don't think I would be satisfied with anything BUT the ACRE.

[Special Ed]

Both the TA2.0 and ACR/E were available when I bought my car. I was concerned about the ride between the two cars and the price difference. The ride is probably a nonissue, tire wear between the kumos and the corsa's is an issue ad the price between the ACRE ( which was only available new at the time ) and what I paid for a 3200 mile 13 month old TA2.0 was $70000.00 which made my decision a no brainer.

[Arizona Vipers]

The ACR will be worth MUCH more money down the road. I think this car will be similar to the Ford GT at some point.
But the TA 2.0 with Calvo's heads/cams would not only get you faster lap times than the ACR, but would be a much better street car. Best of both worlds.

[ACRucrazy]

My screen name says it all.

[BlknBlu]

The ACR-E is the modern day HEMI Cuda convertible. The top of the heap for Mopar.

Bruce

[ViperJon]

Never a doubt or slightest hesitation. I wanted the greatest Viper ever made.

[Dave1968]

If you are going to keep the car, get the TA, invest some money into it and it's yours for life. You start fresh with nobody else's miles on it; you can over maintenance it, mod it and it will last. You already have a dedicated race car for the track that will take all the abuse, scuffs, close calls, etc... The TA will be nicer on long trips and it's not all stripped down for weight. I vote for the TA.

[Terminator02]

The ACR will be worth MUCH more money down the road. I think this car will be similar to the Ford GT at some point.
But the TA 2.0 with Calvo's heads/cams would not only get you faster lap times than the ACR, but would be a much better street car. Best of both worlds.

Well I still think the acre is the car to get and the best Viper ever made but totally disagree with your value assessment. I think both TA 1.0 and 2.0 will fetch more with collectors.

[Bruce H.]

The Viper (or any other exotic) that you'll love the most, and the longest, will surely be the one that's spec'd perfectly for your tastes and needs. That sounds like one that combines an ultimate engine build and just enough ride quality and general usability for you and your wife. A built ACR-E with DSC/Tractive/TA spring suspension setup, sound deadening, 12-18 spkr, and without aero extensions most of the time might be the ticket, or a post Jan 2016 built TA 1.0 or 2.0 with your choice of tweaks would be killer to criss cross the country in as well! Values will be strong on both record setters, with production numbers always being a factor.

[Arizona Vipers]

Well I still think the acre is the car to get and the best Viper ever made but totally disagree with your value assessment. I think both TA 1.0 and 2.0 will fetch more with collectors.

LOL! When do you think this will happen? What year do you think TA's will be selling for more money than ACR-E's? Next year? 2020? 2030?

[ViperTony]

Acr

[dmann]

Dman and Dmann.

We're both equally awesome. I'm the original and he's just got a little more N than I do. lol

[Terminator02]

LOL! When do you think this will happen? What year do you think TA's will be selling for more money than ACR-E's? Next year? 2020? 2030?

You laugh like I am well off base but quite honestly I was trying to be polite. Yes the ACR-E is the better track car but who knows who will be buying what in the new few years. The Gen V ACR is the best performing car but that hasn't always translated to the most valuable with viper collectors. There are PLENTY MORE ACR-E cars to buy than TA 1.0 and especially 2.0 cars. The TA is iconic as well, has a story, has a following and generally has a more accessible and pleasing aesthetic to many buyers. In the next few years after vipers are no longer produced, they will be harder to get and likely sell for more. Down the road, iconic low mileage mint examples will probably fetch much more. Only the limited edition ACR-E cars will outprice the TA cars but common ACR and ACR-E cars likely won't.