First Viper Gen III or Gen IV

[Ameration]

Ever since 1992 I’ve wanted a Viper and the time is near.

I’ve narrowed it down to either a Gen III or Gen IV Roadster in Viper Red.

If you were deciding between the two options above, which would you go for and why?

I’ve read about the different differentials, Throttle cable vs. DBW, 500 HP vs. 600 HP, crossover exhaust heat vs. not, different hood, etc.... Just looking to whether a Gen III or IV is the better overall package and is the Gen IV worth the additional $10,000+?

Thanks for the input and your opinions.

[01sapphirebob]

All the reasons mentioned for a GEN IV is pretty much why I bought one. More options as far as colors go too!

[Ameration]

Thanks for the quick reply - for me, I’m just dead set on the Viper roadsters need to be red (Viper Red, not Venom Red) mentality. At least mine does.

[Ameration]

All the reasons mentioned for a GEN IV is pretty much why I bought one. More options as far as colors go too!

But are those things worth the extra $10,000+? How bad is the DBW lag? A lot of what I’ve read says it doesn’t feel like an extra 100 HP and the low end torque seems less than instant throttle cable feel of the Gen III.

[Steve M]

I got a Gen 4 because I knew I would want the extra power. Better drivetrain too...better transmission, beefier differential, better clutch. All those things can be upgraded on a Gen 3, but it ain't cheap. I just feel like the Gen 4 gives you a better baseline to start from.

But it all depends on what you want to do with the car. If you want to heavily modify it, a Gen 3 is probably a better bet since they are a little more mod friendly IMO (blowers especially). A bolt-on Gen 4 is no slouch, but modding much beyond the basic bolt-ons becomes cost prohibitive pretty quickly.

[Steve M]

But are those things worth the extra $10,000+? How bad is the DBW lag? A lot of what I’ve read says it doesn’t feel like an extra 100 HP and the low end torque seems less than instant throttle cable feel of the Gen III.

You'd really have to drive both and decide for yourself. I've never personally been in a Gen 3, so I can't comment one way or the other.

[ViperSRT]

Obviously if costs were equal the Gen 4 would win hands down. But that isn't true. So ... $/fun ratio will favor the Gen 3. With Viper red a common color in Gen 3 you will have an excellent selection available (to choose condition, miles, after market improvements, etc). Many Gen 3 have the Gen 4 hood already for looks and improved cooling. I would also expect a significant portion of Gen 3 have updated exhaust to eliminate the crossover. One major element for me is the Gen 3 has direct throttle control (i.e. cable) and as a result has a higher fun to drive feel. Either way you can't go wrong.

[J TNT]

I concur with ViperSrt , if you decide to mod your car the Gen 3 is a good option . The instant low end torque for Street driving adds to the fun factor......

[FrgMstr]

Have owned both. Gen IV assuredly if budget is not a consideration.

[Vipes]

But are those things worth the extra $10,000+? How bad is the DBW lag? A lot of what I’ve read says it doesn’t feel like an extra 100 HP and the low end torque seems less than instant throttle cable feel of the Gen III.

The lag is noticeable but not terrible. You get used to it and forget about it. I currently have a heads/cam gen V and the absolutely instant cable throttle response is the only thing I do miss about my previous heads/cam gen 3. If 3 and 4 were the same price I would get a 4 since the other advantages of the 4 outweigh the negative DBW. If the price is a big factor the 3 is really a better bang for the buck unless you can get a steal of a deal on a 4.

[boraxman]

I have not owned both but doing the same research I decided on the Gen4 myself. Its also the last generation of convertible. Also yes there is that ~$10K premium.

[ChargerMan426]

If you want to dump A LOT of money into modifying a viper which like most super cars comes with a reduction in value of the car then gen 3 100%. If you want an amazing stock car with the option of say exhaust and an air cleaner for an upgrade path then Gen 4.

For me I already owned an 04 RAM SRT-10 so I wanted the extra 100hp that came with a gen 4. I saved up a little more so I could have what I believe is the pinnacle of the Viper a 2010 ACR.

[E.Murray]

I don't think you're going to get a clear answer, here... Which, to me, says there are enough arguments either way that you can't lose. My personal vote is Gen 3. Not just because I have one, either. For me, torque > hp all day every day. Mine is only driven on the street and the torque is so stupid fun that I can't help giggling every time I come to a low-speed hard corner. There is beautiful, controllable oversteer with the flex of a toe. I don't care about bigger numbers if it costs me even 1% of that instant grunt. More power would be great on the track, but around town I never see more than 5k RPM. Add in the cost differential and it's a lock.
BTW, my Viper red (with carbon fiber Gen 4 hood and trunk lid) 20k mile car will be up for sale soon if you're interested. Coilovers are going on next week, so I have to enjoy them for a little while first...

[efnfast]

Does anybody have a dyno graph on gen 3 and 4 overlayed? I keep hearing about the down-low tq difference but I've never seen a dyno graph ... are we talking like 20tq at 1,500rpm?

But are those things worth the extra $10,000+? How bad is the DBW lag? A lot of what I’ve read says it doesn’t feel like an extra 100 HP and the low end torque seems less than instant throttle cable feel of the Gen III.

IMHO the DBW lag is BAD. If I'd driven the car before I bought it I'm not sure I would have because of how disappointing the throttle response is.

However, the good news is that you can just plug in TKO's throttle unit ($300) and it fixes it.
https://tkomotorsports.com/product/2...-response-kit/

Gen iv w/o a doubt.

[commandomatt]

I would be one of the few in the Gen3 camp I guess. That said, my 3 is modified and the Paxton, Motons, Belanger, Corsa makes this a far more engaging car to drive than my 10 ACR. The 10 has a full Belanger system and Mopar PCM and while no slouch, it doesn’t even compare to the 3. Throttle feel is a biggie but I am considering putting the TKO in the 10 so that may change it a bit. The 3 as set up is definitely the car I pick when I want to blow off some steam

I say go with a 3 and throw some mods on it with the savings between the two

Then again, there is no wrong answer here. Any Viper is the right move

[RCVIPER]

Love my Gen 3, but that being said it's the only Viper I've ever owned. The price was right when I bought it and I really didn't have a clew about all the difference's at the time between generations. One thing that I do enjoy is the fact that I've been upgrading it a bit at a time.. as I can afford to do so. When you need tires put a better set on, when you need new shocks.. upgrade them, etc. before you know it the car is better then most people make it sound out to be. Remember all generations of these cars seem to have their own issues that need to be taken care of. I'm guessing the majority of people out there couldn't tell the difference between a Gen 3 and a Gen 4 especially if you're a newbie like I was. I think either car will out drive the majority of peoples driving skills anyhow.. unless you're an experienced driver with lots of track time. So for me.. as I'm becoming a bit better at driving the car, I feel like I'm growing with the car so to speak. I was told upgrade the tires, brakes, and suspension first before power and that's been some awesome advise, and that probably goes for any generation viper and driving skill. The best thing though.. which to me is more important than the car now, is the people you end up associating with that have these cars especially here in the VOA. Probably the most dedicated and helpful bunch of guys you'll ever meet. Good luck with whichever you decide to get, I'm sure you'll love either one!!

[quickster2]

I was in this same situation in 2016. Hands down go with the Gen IV IMO with 1 caveat. The Gen 3 has more tractable HP. The Gen IV will bite you more if you don't respect it. I don't get all the passion around the throttle lag as being a show stopper in any way. I'm not discounting it, just it is not that big of a deal to me. I've found that it is more important to find the car you want and go have fun! Ignore what others will say as long as you are satisfied.

[Runcharger]

I was considering a Gen3 however I knew I would end up spending more money on it by the time I modified it and I'd be better off with the all the factory engineering of the Gen IV.

[pokeyl]

Gen 3 if you want to do mods, Gen 4 if you don't. It's that simple!