I have a gen 2 GTS that I bought about 5 years ago, I also have an 03 Cobra. I had planned to get rid if the Cobra after buying the Viper, but money wasn't a problem so I kept it. I have headers and straight pipes, upgraded brakes, intake, ect... Exhaust and intake wake them up a lot.
Both cars are pretty raw and a lot of fun, the Viper is different though. It doesn't feel like a car as much as the Cobra, it isn't something you get used to. I can drive the Cobra for a couple hours and almost get lost in the cruising, the Viper never lets me forget that I am in a Viper. The seating is very low, the car is tight, the window wraps wide and low, the hood rises up in front of you... it is loud, aggressive and gets attention like a topless teen.
The Viper also feels a bit more correct and connected, it cuts around corners like a razor. The Cobra handles reasonably well too, but it doesnt have the same feel. The Cobra has a fun element to it though, I think it is easier to drive and a little more carefree. Honestly, I bought the Viper because I wanted a real performance car, something that was built from the ground up to be exactly what it is. The Viper is built on a frame with fiberglass panels, a V-10, mid front engine... there is nothing else, no base trim, just a Viper.
As far as reliability. It has been very good to me. Regular upkeep, no real maintenance. I replaced a battery, keep it on a tender because it will slowly drain... it takes 19 different bolts and screws to replace a battery in a Viper btw, it is behind a panel, behind the drivers rear wheel. You have to remove the wheel to remove the battery. I got a bunch of spare parts when I bought mine. Some stuff is easy to get, a few parts can be a pain and cost a bit more.
Overall, I say get a Viper now. The Viper price is stable, if not climbing. If you unload your 14 now, you can get a fair used price, and probably pick up another in 3-5 years for less money than you sold for... It wont be the same car you had, but it is a good chance to shop.
Both cars are pretty raw and a lot of fun, the Viper is different though. It doesn't feel like a car as much as the Cobra, it isn't something you get used to. I can drive the Cobra for a couple hours and almost get lost in the cruising, the Viper never lets me forget that I am in a Viper. The seating is very low, the car is tight, the window wraps wide and low, the hood rises up in front of you... it is loud, aggressive and gets attention like a topless teen.
The Viper also feels a bit more correct and connected, it cuts around corners like a razor. The Cobra handles reasonably well too, but it doesnt have the same feel. The Cobra has a fun element to it though, I think it is easier to drive and a little more carefree. Honestly, I bought the Viper because I wanted a real performance car, something that was built from the ground up to be exactly what it is. The Viper is built on a frame with fiberglass panels, a V-10, mid front engine... there is nothing else, no base trim, just a Viper.
As far as reliability. It has been very good to me. Regular upkeep, no real maintenance. I replaced a battery, keep it on a tender because it will slowly drain... it takes 19 different bolts and screws to replace a battery in a Viper btw, it is behind a panel, behind the drivers rear wheel. You have to remove the wheel to remove the battery. I got a bunch of spare parts when I bought mine. Some stuff is easy to get, a few parts can be a pain and cost a bit more.
Overall, I say get a Viper now. The Viper price is stable, if not climbing. If you unload your 14 now, you can get a fair used price, and probably pick up another in 3-5 years for less money than you sold for... It wont be the same car you had, but it is a good chance to shop.
