I re-posted a discussion on “Would You Take A Viper Over A ZR1?” (http://wp.me/pKHNM-1nH). To me there is really no discussion to be had. There is absolutely no way I’d select a Dodge Viper for a ZR1. Heck, there’s no way I’d select a Viper over any Corvette (even the ugly, big butted C5’s). Yup, even over the horse power difference.
It is mainly the design. The Viper looks like the it’s either broken in the middle or was two cars shoved together. Check this out?
So here ya go – the curve of the hood and rake of the windshield make he look “bent” at the vertical line drawn on the fender. The bump where the side exhaust starts the bent look. The door is hinged inside what would normally be a fender brake cooling vent. Then notice the back-end – it looks familiar, yes like a Mazda. It really looks like a sports car got been by shoving a Mazda Miata in its trunk.
Now take a look at a 1992 Corvette ZR1.
Let rake in the windshield and the brake vents are as they should be!!! Great lines!!!
Collector for a 1992 Viper vs. the 1992 ZR1 is a little one sided with the Viper about $15k more than the Vette, so for investment purposes the Vipers the one to own.
Your thoughts?
Thanks for reading.
Tim
I love C4 Corvettes, and have a special respect for the ZR1 of the 1990s. GM took the tried and true 350 and had Mercury Outboards build a really great 32 valve overhead cam head. The 1990s ZR1 was a true sleeper Corvette, and I would love to have one in the garage.
Having said all that, the first generation Vipers were the very last of the exoitic sports cars. No abs, straight pipe side pipe exhaust (with catalytic converterts unfortunately), no air bags, no stability control. Large cubic inch V10, a transmission, perhaps a radio, and that is it. The first gen Viper looks like a Chrysler product should (a compliment), and still has cues to tie it back to the original Cobra that inspired the Viper.
I’d love to have both cars in my garage, but if I had to choose one, give me a plain Jane 1992 Viper!