Conflicted need advise buy RT 10 Gen I or Gen II

[Racejaw]

Looking for my 1st viper but can't decide if it's going to be Gen I or II, can you give me your opinions?

Here is the reasons for the GenI

1) love the styling and the smooth look of this body
2) it's was what the original idea was to look like
3) 3 spoke wheels
4) simple no windows, airbags, etc

Why I like the GenII

1) like convenience of electric Windows and hardtop
2) parts are easier to get
3) tires are easier to find
4) newer car so better condition
5) advanced design of engine, eliminates issues of 1st gen
6) like the fact you can lock up the car

My gut says Gen I but the rational part says Gen II. Don't think I can go wrong with either, but plan
To keep the car a long time and want to make right decision. I found a Gen I with a good hardtop and glass windows, so that could make a better case for Gen I.

Thanks for your comments in advanced.

[ViperTony]

Get both, Problem solved!

[Desert Venom Racer]

Very much a personal choice but, obviously the breed improved as years went by. Unless you live in a warm/dry climate, the GEN 1 may be a bit too much of a pain. Engine, suspension geometry and handling were significantly improved in the GEN 2. Either way, the Viper will change your life forever.

[daveg]

Personally, for me, first choice is a 92. If not a 92, Second choice is a 97-99 Gen II.
That's just me though..

[RedTanRT/10]

I’ve had a G1 since ‘96. Fun cars but definitely old school and unrefined.

G2’s have another 50 hp, better suspension and a wider choice of colors, plus as you said real windows. I also like the 18” wheels and have them on my ‘94. Easier to find aftermarket and performance parts for the G2’s.

G1’s have the classic sidepipe look, but a G2’s with an exhaust upgrade will sound much better

If you go the G2’s route, get a ‘01 or ‘02 as they have ABS. Good luck!! Mike

[Racejaw]

Thanks for the feedback. Appears that the Gen 2 might be the best option at this point. Still going to see if others can comment. The more I learn about these cars means a better buy I can make.

[Ross L]

gen 1 here. Love the crudeness and lack of anything. Plus ,Vipers have sidepipes. I drove mine 2200 miles on my very first drive. Go with what fits you best.

[Lalmeida617]

Why not a 96 RT then you can have the both! Gen one engine and style. Gen 2 aluminum suspension. Gen 2 wheels are not too expensive and fit just fine. You get a black dash. Exhaust out the back so not as much side sill bubbling. You probably won’t be driving in the weather so who needs roll up windows and doors heavier than the hinges were designed to handle! But you will get glass slider windows. All in all you will love either one. It’s all good!

[PittsburghRT]

I have owned both. Gen 1 is a great car, but the novelty of no windows will wear off. If you do go Gen1 get one with A/C (was an option) because these cars are hot inside. You will use it even with the roof off. You could fix that problem some by going with either high flow cats or not cats. Gen 2 is a little more refined and useful in my opinion mainly because of the windows and safer with the airbags.

[DirtyD]

1. The wheels are a moot point as you can easily add them to a Gen2.

2. The side-pipes are a moot point as you can easily add them to a Gen2.
I run a side exit on my GTS that looks badass with slant-cut pipes peaking out the OEM sidesills. Ive sen others just bolt up the Gen1 sills to their Gen2 because they like the look of the black insert.

3. if you don't like the windows in the Gen2 you could just remove them. Mine mostly stay down(even when parked) and i hate when the DMV inspection guy asks me to raise them(its a check here in DE) and as they slowly go up i'm waiting for him to tell me there is something wrong with them.

4. If you dont want an airbag then you can disable it, or better yet replace with a racing wheel.
The OEM Gen1 Momo's are available used for cheap $.



As a Viper & Miata enthusiast i look at the Gen1 Viper as a 1.6 NA Miata. I cant understand why anyone would want that anemic motor when you can get a 1.8 in the same body or better yet get the more capable NB model.

Good luck in your search Racejaw.
Where are you located?

[Racejaw]

Hey DirtyD you make some good points. I have looked at the gen 1 posted on this site with the custom top and lex Windows. I really like the look and it's got the side pipes/ wheels I like. Miles are higher than I like. Not much service history.

Still the Gen 2 is more appealing due to the upgrades.

Iam located in south nj.

[Drummerviper]

I’ve had multiple of all Gens (except gen 5 in which I only had 1). Love my 92, but to me the high water mark of Viper was Gen2.

[Racejaw]

Any parts issue's with the Gen 1? Can you still get everything?

[99RT10]

Any parts issue's with the Gen 1? Can you still get everything?

There are a lot of parts issues with the Gen 1, but Generally is gettable from shops like X2, Scharf auto.

[Racejaw]

OK thanks 99RT10, that removes that concern...since the parts are out there

[Drummerviper]

PS. If you are keeping it a long time, the Gen 1 that will hold value will be the 92. By 93 production ramped up. But , then again if you are going to drive it, definitely the Gen 2. The Gen 1 tops and windows are a PITA . The Gen 1 wheels are loved or hated. Back in the day those of us that thought they looked like a veg A matic couldn’t wait to replace them. I also bought after market hard tops. Beware of early 96 wheels, however-some broke.

The Gen 1s were not great drivers but I put 60,000 miles on a 95. As far as parts Jon B at parts rack has a lot and would know more .

[Pauler85]

I have a gen 1 with removable top and snap in windows. I mostly drive it on a nice day in Chicago area 3 months out of the year. I have driven Gen 2 and 3 and yes a bit more refined. People love the side pipes and there is always a story on the original Gen 1 with lookers. Parts have been found for me at Don Scharf in Eagle River. Its fun going though the yard finding parts there. I enjoy how raw it is. Mine does have A/C so not bad.

[USAFPILOT]

Put Gen I sidepipes on a Gen 2!

[06SRTCoupe]

The Gen 2 is superior in every way. You can add side exhaust to the Gen 2...as well as three spoke wheels. The removable windows will get old quick.

Get a Gen 2.

[Bill W]

2001 or 2002 have ABS. Gen ll has many upgrages over a Gen l and parts are more available. I was considering a Gen l but did some research and purchased a 2002 with 11,000 miles last October. No regrets.

[Racejaw]

Found a good gen 1 and decided to purchase ...very happy with my new to me 1994 RT/10!

[Bill W]

Congrats! Looks nice!

[ky13]

Congrats!!

[Ross L]

Details man! Congrats!

[Racejaw]

Thanks, Viper is red with grey interior all stock except chrome stock wheels, Hurst shifter and smooth tubes, silicone coolant hoses. 29k miles, custome 3 piece top and lexan Windows which all fit in the trunk! Looks great, driver not garage queen. Look forward to meeting some other local VOA members....