Question: Given the choice between a 95 Viper RT10 or a 98 NSX-T , which would you rather have.?

Reason for question: Thinking of getting one of these cars. Drove the Viper today, and that car is crazy fast, but doesn't really have any comforts that I am used to. However, but the seemingly endless hp is a nice factor in the Vipers favor. Haven't had a chance to drive the NSX, but I would imagine it drives a little smoother ( I did sit in one and the clutch did seem a bit lighter) and would require a bit less effort to drive and gives me a little bit more in the way of interior ergonomics......

I am not sure when I am buying one (maybe within the month, maybe not till summer) and I would like some opinions (since the members on this board are not short on those)

 

i would go with the NSX. I'm looking at getting one myself in 2yrs or less

 

Well you could not possibly pick two more different cars .The Viper is all about power ,refinement ,comfort are of secondary concern .The NSX is the grace in motion with awe inspiring handling and a sweet song from the engine .Both cars i would imagine are about equal in the "getting looks from strangers " department but both cars will also atttract the attention of the police so play nice .The NSX has Honda Civic reliability and I know of quite a few of them that have served as daily drivers for their lucky owners without much cause for any concern ,But if there is a problem expect to pay some big money .Body parts are aluminium and very expensive as are many other parts unique to the car .The Viper seems to be fairly solid as well but it too will cost some money to maintain properly .
In the end I think it is a good time for you to ask the question "how fast is fast enough ?" .Both cars will get you to ultra legal speeds in short order both cars command respect but it is a different sort of respect .
Personally I have no great need for the bellowing monster the Viper is I'll take my sports car pill in the form of awesome handling and superb accomodations .My vote says NSX .

Jens

 

There is a good possibility for you to be totally turned off by the NSX's lack of torque when you drive. I say this because it sounds like you liked the immense torque of the Viper.

I would go for neither cars. Both are in the opposite extremes of the exotic realm. I would pick something more balanced than both these cars.

 

Yes, I do hear that the NSX doens't really have the low-end torque that I would possibly be expecting. On the otherhand, it does have the looks and comfort that I do appreciate (I really do miss my CL-S). In my search for a secondary driver, I was looking for something more exotic without being ridiculously expensive (bye bye Ferrari).

I understand that these to cars are polar opposites, but they both do fit the more important criteria I am looking for which is a car you don't see everyday and that brings a smile to your face everytime you drive it. I had considered a 98-99 Porsche 996, but you see them everyday so it wasn't exclusive enough. Ditto to the Vette. I had considered a Esprit v-8, but their clutch is way to heavy and the reliability issues with that car are a huge concern (also the fact that there is only 1 lotus dealership in my area and past experiences with them were horrible).

So that left me with the Viper and NSX. I don't know, driving the Viper today was incredible, but I don't know if I can live without a hard top (which I like for the NSX) and then service issues may be a factor also.

Out of curiosity to the second part of your response....what car (or cars) would you recommend?

 

Totally agree. It's all about priorities and likes and dislikes. But let me give you a list of cars to look at and that's not necessarily an exotic list.

Mostly used...

Z06. You see Vettes but not many Z06s so...

M Roadster - Drove it with the 240HP engine and loved it. I can only imagine how it feels with the 325HP engine. And there are very few of those going around

Even more rare....M Coupe. Excellent thrilling ride.

1996 Supra. Still reliable.

or 1996 RX7. Not reliable though.

or even an older BMW 8 series (can find an 850CSi for $34K)

 

NSX for me.

 

I would take the NSX any day over the Viper. The NSX will be a much better daily driver and is the more forgiving of the two. The NSX will also be much more reliable, has abs, and gets great gas mileage. Sure the Viper is a beast.....but be prepared for more headaches with it. If you want all out speed get the Viper but if you want a more refined quality car get the NSX.

 

After driving both......my vote goes to the Viper.
Fuck refinement, gas mileage, and "comforts". I want balls to the wall, "i dare you to try me" speed.

 

And if you want excitement? LIke it sounds that he does want excitement above all. I say Viper. But there are other possibilities other than the Viper.

 

Out of the above, I would get the NSX.......not a fan of the Gen I (sidepipe) version Vipers. They have 400hp and still had the zippered windows at that point. Power windows came in 1997 for the RT/10.

A 98 RT/10 would be a better comparison.....450 hp, power windows and other improvements.

Never had any problems with my GTS in the 3 years I had it.

 

nsx for sure

 

It's a tough choice. Remember, I have not had a chance to drive the NSX, basically I have only been able to sit in one.

I drove the Viper today (95 Yellow/Tan) and I am still kind of riding high on it. It was tough to walk away from it, but when you're potentially spending that kind of $$$, it's always good to sleep on it.

Both cars have pros and cons going for it.

Gavrill, it's funny you mentioned the M Coupe, coming back from the dealership, I saw one for the first time in at least 2 yrs. and asked the g/f about it. She thought it was cool, but liked the Viper more. But she also is in favor of the NSX.

 

NSX, just because for myself, I like a combination of almost every day drivability (in this type of comparison), power, and ergonomics... NSX all the way... I'd take the Viper if I was taking it to the track every weekend for example.

 

It's so funny that you guys mentioned the M Coupe when discussing these exotic cars. It goes to show what a good car this really is.

Go drive this car-

http://www.bmwworld.com/pics/z3/download_08.jpg

 

I had a 00 Mcoupe with a bunch of Dinan mods (overpriced shit), was an awesome car.

Some friends think I should of kept it and never got the Viper.

 

Beltfed, I actually like the sidepipe vipers better. They just look cooler IMO. But you make a good point about the zipper windows and such. Price does come into play also where a 97 viper is probably gonna set me back well over 50, the 95 and lower will be in the mid 40's maybe even close to 40 if i get one with a bit higher mileage (25K or so?).

Since you are a current owner, any advice on what to look out for if I buy one? Again, the decision isn't made yet, but I like to be an informed buyer of whatever I am buying. I regularly look over at NSX prime for info on the NSX, but I am not sure of any good Viper forums.

And thanks for all the opinions, keep em' comin....

 

NSX or M Coupe!!!

do love the Viper though.

 

NSX. ill never buy american

 

Id say NSX or Z06

the Z06 has the power of the viper (you guys said 400 hp for the '95 viper) i dont know ab torque, but i cant imagine it being that much off. it also gets 1.02 g's on teh skidpad

 

Only available in auto, though. Apparently, someone at Toyota thought it was a good idea.

Look for a '94, '95, '97 (15th Anniversary), or a '98.

 

viper

 

Out of those 2, the Viper.

(but if I really had a choice, it'll be a used Z06 or a used 993).

 

i will get 98 NSX - T..
fully aluminum body..with MR engine design..
the best handling car u can get among all other design
and it has C32B VTEC ..what else can u ask for more..

 

 

I personally would not get a Viper under 97, just for the fact the RT/10 makes 450hp (96 RT10s were 415, GTS was 450). Also, the earlier year Vipers were known for their bumpers dragging a bit....more prone to bottoming out. Also, the 97+ Vipers have the infinitely better looking hood with the center air intake.

Between the additional hp, power windows, and a host of other improvements (between 95 and 97 there were other modifications done to the car).

You can check out http://www.viperclub.org and http://www.viperalley.com/summary.php?Cat= for additional info.

 

didn the vipers used to have plastic windows??

 

Get the nsx and if the power is not enough there is always the comptech supercharger!

Kevin

 

Yes, RT/10s had zippered windows up to the 96 model year. Also the 97 RT/10s added an outside door release button. Previously, you had to reach inside the car to open it.

 

oh, i remember back in the day my uncle use to bring ome the rt10's

i burned my leg on the side exhaust getting out of the car

 

Yup, you'll burn your leg on newer Vipers as well. Even though the sidepipes disappeared after 95, to be replaced by a rear exit exhaust. The pipes still ran through the side sills, causing them to get extremely hot.

 

I love both cars but if I had to choose I'd pick the NSX.

 

nsx

 

I'd take the Viper.

 

I thought the Supra 1996 model was the last one for the USA. No?

 

you'll get used to getting out of your car a diff way though, its def worth the comprimise, i love the side exhaust on the viper, hennesy got a srt running high 10's on the stock michelin tires it comes with thats just nutz

 

:phatyo: :phatyo: :phatyo:

Hell yeah...bout fucking time someone said it!!!!!!!!

 

'98.

 

If I had to choose between the two, I'd go with the Viper. Why not. Even with an SC, the NSX won't beat that Viper by much. Unless you wanna go with some of those turbo kits that'll boost the NSX's WHP to 500+ =)

(There are 10 or so of those around these days.)

 

To further clarify, the MKIV was built from '93 ('93.5) to '98.