I own a 2001 Viper, and 2005 SSR (05 LS2 with a six speed). It would take a hell of a lot of punch for the SSR to touch the Viper. And the Viper, like the SSR is still a rare sight and a much better exotic than the Vett.
Autoweek said it best a while back in one of their mags.... See highlights in Red. The Viper is the most incredible car I have ever driven and I will probably get a new one soon. Road and Track and car and Driver still give the nod to the Viper over the Z06.
HART: Few other cars I’ve driven give you the kind of rush you get from stepping down hard on the Viper’s throttle. The thrust is impressive as is the rush of sound, from the exhaust and the wind. Steering is quick, and if there are any imperfections in the road they are immediately relayed to you through the steering wheel. The tight bucket seat leaves little room for movement, and when you add all those sensations together you’re left with a uniquely American experience.
I’m glad Auburn Hills still feels it is worth it to build a car like the Viper. It may not be quicker than a Z06, and it doesn’t have the DNA the Ford GT does, but drive the Viper, push it a little bit, and it’s an experience unlike anything else you can find today.
GRITZINGER: They’re crazy machines, these Vipers—race cars for the street with demeanor to match. This car, in contrast, is one I could live with on a daily basis. It’s not quite the full-on race car in road trim the first-generation was, which is exactly why it is a much more driver-friendly, fun-to-drive place to be. It will still make nerves tingle with a mash of the right pedal, the exhaust note is supreme, and the driving experience otherworldly. But this new Viper adds a livable interior, reasonable 360-degree visibility, and a near race-car experience for those who drive on regular highways. This coupe is, hands down, the best Viper I’ve ever driven.
MORRISON: Copy Gritzinger on the “best Viper I’ve ever driven” comment. This new coupe doesn’t feel as rough-and-tumble as the roadster, but it is still a raw, unique experience. If the Viper had hands, it would rip your heart out, show it to you while it was still beating, then devour it right in front of you.
That does not mean the Viper is an uncontrollable spawn of Satan. Spawn of Satan, yes, but you can keep it rubber-side down and pointed in the right direction; you just need a delicate touch. Too much right foot burns the tires in a flash; combine too much right foot (it doesn’t take a lot) with too much or too abrupt steering, and you’ll be headed into oblivion. Cars like the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet C6 Corvette make most anyone look good, but the Viper exposes mediocre talent with less sensitivity than that British clown on American Idol.
And from Car and Driver : Sept 06 Road & Track comparison
They compared the srt10 (convt) zo6, ford gt, gallardo, f430f1 & new 911 turbo. The viper being the only topless car. Stats not so bad. topless viper did 194.8 mph. SRT 10 was tied for 3rd in lap times with the zo6 beating the ford gt & new 911 turbo. In the end they like the viper the best of the american cars
Oh well, enough rambling..... the SSR, like the Viper is a rare and unique vehicle. But the Viper is an amazing car to drive hard. And scary. I take it easy in mine....
I own a 2001 Viper, and 2005 SSR (05 LS2 with a six speed). It would take a hell of a lot of punch for the SSR to touch the Viper. And the Viper, like the SSR is still a rare sight and a much better exotic than the Vett.
Autoweek said it best a while back in one of their mags.... See highlights in Red. The Viper is the most incredible car I have ever driven and I will probably get a new one soon. Road and Track and car and Driver still give the nod to the Viper over the Z06.
HART: Few other cars I’ve driven give you the kind of rush you get from stepping down hard on the Viper’s throttle. The thrust is impressive as is the rush of sound, from the exhaust and the wind. Steering is quick, and if there are any imperfections in the road they are immediately relayed to you through the steering wheel. The tight bucket seat leaves little room for movement, and when you add all those sensations together you’re left with a uniquely American experience.
I’m glad Auburn Hills still feels it is worth it to build a car like the Viper. It may not be quicker than a Z06, and it doesn’t have the DNA the Ford GT does, but drive the Viper, push it a little bit, and it’s an experience unlike anything else you can find today.
GRITZINGER: They’re crazy machines, these Vipers—race cars for the street with demeanor to match. This car, in contrast, is one I could live with on a daily basis. It’s not quite the full-on race car in road trim the first-generation was, which is exactly why it is a much more driver-friendly, fun-to-drive place to be. It will still make nerves tingle with a mash of the right pedal, the exhaust note is supreme, and the driving experience otherworldly. But this new Viper adds a livable interior, reasonable 360-degree visibility, and a near race-car experience for those who drive on regular highways. This coupe is, hands down, the best Viper I’ve ever driven.
MORRISON: Copy Gritzinger on the “best Viper I’ve ever driven” comment. This new coupe doesn’t feel as rough-and-tumble as the roadster, but it is still a raw, unique experience. If the Viper had hands, it would rip your heart out, show it to you while it was still beating, then devour it right in front of you.
That does not mean the Viper is an uncontrollable spawn of Satan. Spawn of Satan, yes, but you can keep it rubber-side down and pointed in the right direction; you just need a delicate touch. Too much right foot burns the tires in a flash; combine too much right foot (it doesn’t take a lot) with too much or too abrupt steering, and you’ll be headed into oblivion. Cars like the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet C6 Corvette make most anyone look good, but the Viper exposes mediocre talent with less sensitivity than that British clown on American Idol.
And from Car and Driver : Sept 06 Road & Track comparison
They compared the srt10 (convt) zo6, ford gt, gallardo, f430f1 & new 911 turbo. The viper being the only topless car. Stats not so bad. topless viper did 194.8 mph. SRT 10 was tied for 3rd in lap times with the zo6 beating the ford gt & new 911 turbo. In the end they like the viper the best of the american cars
Oh well, enough rambling..... the SSR, like the Viper is a rare and unique vehicle. But the Viper is an amazing car to drive hard. And scary. I take it easy in mine....
John
I will own me a viper soon... But no tthe ne wone... I liek the older big bodied car... Who cares about outrunning someone..It is a VIPER!
I own a 2001 Viper, and 2005 SSR (05 LS2 with a six speed). It would take a hell of a lot of punch for the SSR to touch the Viper. And the Viper, like the SSR is still a rare sight and a much better exotic than the Vett.
Autoweek said it best a while back in one of their mags.... See highlights in Red. The Viper is the most incredible car I have ever driven and I will probably get a new one soon. Road and Track and car and Driver still give the nod to the Viper over the Z06.
HART: Few other cars I’ve driven give you the kind of rush you get from stepping down hard on the Viper’s throttle. The thrust is impressive as is the rush of sound, from the exhaust and the wind. Steering is quick, and if there are any imperfections in the road they are immediately relayed to you through the steering wheel. The tight bucket seat leaves little room for movement, and when you add all those sensations together you’re left with a uniquely American experience.
I’m glad Auburn Hills still feels it is worth it to build a car like the Viper. It may not be quicker than a Z06, and it doesn’t have the DNA the Ford GT does, but drive the Viper, push it a little bit, and it’s an experience unlike anything else you can find today.
GRITZINGER: They’re crazy machines, these Vipers—race cars for the street with demeanor to match. This car, in contrast, is one I could live with on a daily basis. It’s not quite the full-on race car in road trim the first-generation was, which is exactly why it is a much more driver-friendly, fun-to-drive place to be. It will still make nerves tingle with a mash of the right pedal, the exhaust note is supreme, and the driving experience otherworldly. But this new Viper adds a livable interior, reasonable 360-degree visibility, and a near race-car experience for those who drive on regular highways. This coupe is, hands down, the best Viper I’ve ever driven.
MORRISON: Copy Gritzinger on the “best Viper I’ve ever driven” comment. This new coupe doesn’t feel as rough-and-tumble as the roadster, but it is still a raw, unique experience. If the Viper had hands, it would rip your heart out, show it to you while it was still beating, then devour it right in front of you.
That does not mean the Viper is an uncontrollable spawn of Satan. Spawn of Satan, yes, but you can keep it rubber-side down and pointed in the right direction; you just need a delicate touch. Too much right foot burns the tires in a flash; combine too much right foot (it doesn’t take a lot) with too much or too abrupt steering, and you’ll be headed into oblivion. Cars like the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet C6 Corvette make most anyone look good, but the Viper exposes mediocre talent with less sensitivity than that British clown on American Idol.
And from Car and Driver : Sept 06 Road & Track comparison
They compared the srt10 (convt) zo6, ford gt, gallardo, f430f1 & new 911 turbo. The viper being the only topless car. Stats not so bad. topless viper did 194.8 mph. SRT 10 was tied for 3rd in lap times with the zo6 beating the ford gt & new 911 turbo. In the end they like the viper the best of the american cars
Oh well, enough rambling..... the SSR, like the Viper is a rare and unique vehicle. But the Viper is an amazing car to drive hard. And scary. I take it easy in mine....
John
I wish we could just line up a stock 01 Viper next to Joe's SSR and see.
Joes SSR is laying down over 400lbs to the wheels at 1900 RPMS and stays over 400 througout the RPM range and I'm telling you that's the difference. That's what you can feel when it's pulling you harder in the lower end of the rpm range than the Viper is.
Maby the guy in the Viper wasn't really pushing his foot down when he took me for a ride and Joe was? Any one in SOCAL have on 01 Viper I can borrow for a few hours????
I wish we could just line up a stock 01 Viper next to Joe's SSR and see.
Joes SSR is laying down over 400lbs to the wheels at 1900 RPMS and stays over 400 througout the RPM range and I'm telling you that's the difference. That's what you can feel when it's pulling you harder in the lower end of the rpm range than the Viper is.
Maby the guy in the Viper wasn't really pushing his foot down when he took me for a ride and Joe was? Any one in SOCAL have on 01 Viper I can borrow for a few hours????
My money's definitely on the Viper hands down!
I love the SSR but anything short of 600 HP in it and 12 in slicks on it and it won't touch a Viper
Ok, I'm not much interested in Vipers, so had to actually go and do a bit of research, but what I found says that a Viper has an 8.3 liter V-10, which means38% larger displacement than Joe's LS2. That right there says it makes about as much torque and power as a supercharged LS2 at low rpm, as a supercharged LS2 picks up maybe 30% torque at any specific rpm via supercharging, at best, which means 6 liters converts to an effective 7.8 liters - still short of the Viper's 8.3 liters.
Confirming that, the Viper makes 510 crank horsepower at just 5600 rpm (it's a torquey truck engine remember?), and peak torque of 535 ft.lb at the crank at 4200 rpm, which with the manual transmission means 468 ft lb at the wheels.
Finally, the Viper weighs only 3400 lb. versus the 4800 lb or more for a supercharged SSR (the supercharger kit adds 100 lb to the stock weight). That means that the Viper needs only 3400/4800 = 70% of the power of the supercharged SSR to accelerate as quickly. That means, it beats the supercharged SSR, rather easily, unless we somehow pump up the superhcarged SSR to over 725 crank horsepower. And that's assuming the Viper is stone stock with not even an aftermarket exhaust.
Yes, it's nice to dream, but the SSR's weight is frankly, a killer in any street race.
Maybe this is why Joe is planning to sell his SSR and build a 32 pickup with a supercharged LS2 and not much bodywork or anything else?
Jim G
Last edited by JimGnitecki; 08-22-2006 at 04:28 PM.
The weight is the biggest drawback to the performance of the SSR, not saying they cannt be made to be fast. Anything can be made to go fast so long as money is no issue. I have reached the peak in performance with my SSR the way it is right now without having to put alot more money in it for small gains.
I am building the 1932 because with the same power and at 2000 pounds it will be great for straight line performance (if I can get traction). Cutting corners is another thing all together.
They are two totally different Vehicles. The SSR sounds great, rides great and is just a loveable roadster. I am not a chevy guy....... at all. But this stupid truck is just too cool. I wish I had the money to but 10 of them. At the prices they are going at, we are all going to kick ourselves someday..... I assure you.
The Viper is a different vehicle. I love my 01. yep the SSR is heavy, But the SSR is unique and beautiful. It really doesn't have anthing to prove. What a great truck at a decent price. My 2 cents..........
Regards,
John
PS. and of course, that Aqua Blur color is killer !
I have a unique way of looking at my recent purchase of a Ram SRT-10. I got 500 h.p. for $31,500. Yes, I DO regret not getting in on some of the SSRs deals I was not ready for but more SSR deals will happen, probably about the time snow flies again. Meanwhile, I got my h.p. for $63 per. What other truck or car, even??? offers h.p. for $63 each?
viper I have seen the viper on the Dyno, both used and one with 10 miles
They are awesum 435 rwhp off the show room floor. At a 100 mph you could smell the new that was gone and would never be again. I said as this happened : THERE GOES THE NEW. 175 MPH, IN THE redline of the dyno. But I did not pay for a viper!!! Customer had stated that their car was not as powerful as when bought new. Dealer took a brand new car and customer's car and did the dyno thing. In fact the used one had the 443 rwhp. Great CAR!!!
Someone out of Indy brought two Vipers to the Muncie dragway, The first one to run lined up with a GMC 6 Cyl., The GMC 6 Cyl. won, The next one run a Chevy astro van, The Astro van won, They didn't run anymore loaded the Vipers and left, This might sound untrue but my friend was on of them, Astro van
6Speed you don't have to worry about traction, You won't be stuck with 20'' wheels that you can't find tires for
I've had that ride with Joe also. While he is accelerating you could pull your belt in about three notches! Of course that purely hypothetical because you wouldn't have time to.
__________________
He came to pay a debt He didn't owe for those who had a debt they couldn't pay.
If the viper wants to race I have my05 6SPD has a 412 Doug Rippie stroker LS2.I gave 30,400.00 for the ssr. It was a GM excec.car 5,000 miles on it. The stroker job ran me 10,500.00 and 2,000.00 for stainless works headers and exhuast. I have half the cost of a new viper in it . None of the hemi cars or even hardly any vettes can take me in the 1/4 mile. For a pickup their is nothing that matches the ssr. The viper would have to have a perfect run. I am sure I will be trying a few before it is over.
Yes but you still have that weight walleye, You could put a 502 crate in it and I could still beat you through the 1/4 with my Buick 6 Cyl., I am not saying you couldn't beat a Viper with your stroked SSR but you would have to get him sleeping off the line and even then it would be close, Wish we live closer I would love to race my SSR 5.3 and your stroked LS2
My SSR: 2006 Racy Aqua Blur 6spd Front end all Chrome/SS Tuned/ported
Browse the new issue of Consumer Reports for Oct 2006, they have the super cars all lined up and stats to review. The Corvette Z06 and the Dodge Viper were dead even in the 1/4 mile, both at 12.3 sec. The Viper is $15 grand more and has a $3 grand gas-guzzler fee. I think both cars are awesome and Beautiful but the Jaquar XK was the real surprise! Read all about it.
We just bought a 2003 Viper last week with 10,000 miles on it. The previous owner was a pro football player. He had it tweeked with headers, exhaust and other goodies. 11.9 second car. Right place at the right time when we purchased it. But still love our SSR.
The Viper is a factory race car right off the show room floor. There is NO COMPARISON between the Viper and the SSR on the performance issue. Period. The 2003 Viper we bought last week is scary fast. The 3 second 1/4 mile difference is like chocolate and vanilla, walking and running, night and day, etc, etc,etc. Totally 2 different vehicles.
The Viper is a factory race car right off the show room floor. There is NO COMPARISON between the Viper and the SSR on the performance issue. Period. The 2003 Viper we bought last week is scary fast. The 3 second 1/4 mile difference is like chocolate and vanilla, walking and running, night and day, etc, etc,etc. Totally 2 different vehicles.
The Viper is a factory race car right off the show room floor. There is NO COMPARISON between the Viper and the SSR on the performance issue. Period. The 2003 Viper we bought last week is scary fast. The 3 second 1/4 mile difference is like chocolate and vanilla, walking and running, night and day, etc, etc,etc. Totally 2 different vehicles.
Try reading the whole thread. The comparison was an '01 Viper and a Supercharged 6speed SSR with 4:10 gears. I rode in both and was saying that Viper might be quite suprized by that SSR.
when I first read that I thought it meant a 3 sec. 1/4 mile run, That would be scary fast for a street car, I would even have to see one beat a 06 SSR by 3 sec., Not putting the Viper down great car just never seen one that fast
Quote:
Originally Posted by Double-L
The 3 second 1/4 mile difference ???
O.K. I should have used by calculator instead of my head for the numbers - it's more in the 2 second range. I was referring to the 2003 Viper we just purchased and the stock SSR. This Viper runs between an 11.7 and 11.9 currently. And when racing the 2 seconds is like eating a sandwich at the finish line waiting on the other car. The old rule of thumb is it cost about $10 Grand for every second 1/4 mile gain. It looks like I'm going to be adding some $$$$$ to my SSR.
The Viper is a factory race car right off the show room floor. There is NO COMPARISON between the Viper and the SSR on the performance issue. Period. The 2003 Viper we bought last week is scary fast. The 3 second 1/4 mile difference is like chocolate and vanilla, walking and running, night and day, etc, etc,etc. Totally 2 different vehicles.
yeah. the viper i drove was scary fast too. especially when you're driving it on a race track and can just GO.
I traded in my 01 Viper and 05 SSR and 02 Aurora (my everyday driver) for a new 05 Copperhead Viper.
I do not doubt Joe's truck would surprise a Viper - It sounds fast. I have looked it over many time on the web and I wish I could buy it..... It's beautiful.
I hate to say it (Please don't kill me here) but my 01 Prowler with Borla exhaust and MTD Intake , weighing just 2500 Lbs., would surprise a viper.... till about 30 MPH. Especially if the Viper Driver did not know what they were doing which is often the case.... I am going to Driving school (SRT Experience) to learn how to launch these things. Because of the torque, it is not easy. No traction control..... I have watched my Viper Tech here in Dayton drive a Stock Viper with exhaust and hit 11.8 ..... then the owner ran it and ran 12.8. It's knowing how to launch, when to shift etc. Spin too much, you get beat, don't spin enough, your not hitting it hard enough. It's a challenge to drive correctly, which in my mind is why it is so much fun.
Please read my post again. It takes skill to get the power to the ground in a Viper. I do not push mine. There was just another set of kids killed in one in NJ last week. There was a young man killed in Dayton a year or so ago. If you don't know what your doing in a Viper, it will kill you. I do not let people drive my Viper.
Again, from Autoweek "Cars like the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet C6 Corvette make most anyone look good, but the Viper exposes mediocre talent with less sensitivity than that British clown on American Idol." This is so true.
I miss my SSR badly, but the wife wanted me to pair down. I want to stay active on this site. I wish I had the money to keep it and I hope I can afford another someday. They are better vehicles (IMHO) all around than either a Viper or a Prowler. I just couldn't sell my Prowler as too much history and the Viper is my hands down favorite to drive.
BTW, I picked up my brand new Viper for 68K. There are deals out there. I was at Jeff Schmitt Chevrolet last week (Yes, I was looking at the 05 Yellow six speed SSR that is still there - they are holding out on the price and will not Give it away) and anew Z06 sold for $86,000 while I was there. So I paid almost 20K less. And I got a V10, and a Viper. If you want an open air Roadster with over 500 HP (and yes, they are putting 435 RWHP out - Stock), Viper is the only Game in town. Z06 comes in coupe only. I Love the car..... here is a picture of one like mine. The color is beautiful.
My SSR: '06 Screamin' Redline Red Vin # 23025 3SS Born Dec, 4, 2005 , Chrome package, gauges
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stray Cat
Please read my post again. It takes skill to get the power to the ground in a Viper. I do not push mine. There was just another set of kids killed in one in NJ last week. There was a young man killed in Dayton a year or so ago. If you don't know what your doing in a Viper, it will kill you. I do not let people drive my Viper.
Again, from Autoweek "Cars like the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet C6 Corvette make most anyone look good, but the Viper exposes mediocre talent with less sensitivity than that British clown on American Idol." This is so true.
Great post, John
A portion of your post reminded me of an old interview, decades ago, which Playboy Magazine had with Enzo Ferrari, that went something like this: (I'm paraphrasing)
PLAYBOY: Mr. Ferrari, what do you do on an average day when you're just hanging out with your friends ?
ENZO FERRARI: I don't have very many friends
PLAYBOY: What ! You don't have many friends ? Why do you say that ?
ENZO FERRARI: Because most of my friends keep getting killed in my automobiles !
(the saddest words of prose and pen, are the words, "what might have been")
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Viper vs SSR
Linear Mode
