Daniel Heraud test drives a 2003 Viper.
Some points of note:
"the soft top is rather ordinary and is not even electrically driven. "
It's called weight savings! And that's a good thing. I guess because the Viper is already such a cow, we might as well throw in a power convertible top!
"This does not seem to provide adequate occupant protection given the car's performance capabilities. "
I'm not sure how to take this...
Does that mean the car is so fast that you're almost certain to get into a severe accident?
Does that mean the car performs so poorly that you won't be able to avoid a severe accident?
Is that saying "It's okay to drive this ultra-high performance machine to dangerous limits, to limits where you'll surely get into an accident?"
Is that saying "People are going to drive this ultra-high performance machine at dangerous levels on public roads?"
"Furthermore, the heat produced by the exhaust system prevents you from bracing yourself on the door sills"
Interesting...
"Also, pants are a must"
You know, I was going to buy a Viper, but I frequently like to drive around naked. Guess the Viper's out.
"However, the parking brake gets in the way when in use. "
I hate it when the parking brake gets in my way when in use while I'm trying to drive.
"It produces lateral acceleration that exceeds the magical 1.0 g mark. "
Sweeeeeeeet!
"Seats: Their ergonomic form and consistent padding provide perfect lumbar and lateral support but the lack of adjustments makes it impossible to find a comfortable position. 75%"
So, we give 75%'s to seats that are uncomfortable?
"Noise: The engine's rumble is worthy of a Sunday drag race and gives you the constant impression that you're not alone on board. Add to this road noise generated by the tires and wind noise that infiltrates the cabin from all sides. 10%"
10%?? It's a muscle/GT/performace car, for cryin' out loud! That's part of the car's soul! Would anyone buy a car like this without an engine that growls like a tiger?
"Climate Control: The simple system nevertheless gets the job done. Thank goodness, because the engine and exhaust system give off so much heat that you'll need to operate the air conditioning even during the fall and spring to avoid being cooked alive. "
I just found this amusing.
"Satisfaction: Information in this respect is scarce, whether from the manufacturer or owners. "
Maybe they're all dead due to lack of adequate occupant protection!
Viper : 8.3-liter, 6-speed manual
Engine: 8.3-liter V10
Horsepower: 500 @ 5600
Torque: 525 @ 4200
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.0 sec. 1/4-mile in 12.6 sec.
Top Speed: 165 mph
Braking: 60-0 mph in 126 ft.
Road Holding: 1.15 g.
Fuel Economy: 11 (City) / 23 (Highway)
Some points of note:
"the soft top is rather ordinary and is not even electrically driven. "
It's called weight savings! And that's a good thing. I guess because the Viper is already such a cow, we might as well throw in a power convertible top!
"This does not seem to provide adequate occupant protection given the car's performance capabilities. "
I'm not sure how to take this...
Does that mean the car is so fast that you're almost certain to get into a severe accident?
Does that mean the car performs so poorly that you won't be able to avoid a severe accident?
Is that saying "It's okay to drive this ultra-high performance machine to dangerous limits, to limits where you'll surely get into an accident?"
Is that saying "People are going to drive this ultra-high performance machine at dangerous levels on public roads?"
"Furthermore, the heat produced by the exhaust system prevents you from bracing yourself on the door sills"
Interesting...
"Also, pants are a must"
You know, I was going to buy a Viper, but I frequently like to drive around naked. Guess the Viper's out.
"However, the parking brake gets in the way when in use. "
I hate it when the parking brake gets in my way when in use while I'm trying to drive.
"It produces lateral acceleration that exceeds the magical 1.0 g mark. "
Sweeeeeeeet!
"Seats: Their ergonomic form and consistent padding provide perfect lumbar and lateral support but the lack of adjustments makes it impossible to find a comfortable position. 75%"
So, we give 75%'s to seats that are uncomfortable?
"Noise: The engine's rumble is worthy of a Sunday drag race and gives you the constant impression that you're not alone on board. Add to this road noise generated by the tires and wind noise that infiltrates the cabin from all sides. 10%"
10%?? It's a muscle/GT/performace car, for cryin' out loud! That's part of the car's soul! Would anyone buy a car like this without an engine that growls like a tiger?
"Climate Control: The simple system nevertheless gets the job done. Thank goodness, because the engine and exhaust system give off so much heat that you'll need to operate the air conditioning even during the fall and spring to avoid being cooked alive. "
I just found this amusing.
"Satisfaction: Information in this respect is scarce, whether from the manufacturer or owners. "
Maybe they're all dead due to lack of adequate occupant protection!
Viper : 8.3-liter, 6-speed manual
Engine: 8.3-liter V10
Horsepower: 500 @ 5600
Torque: 525 @ 4200
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.0 sec. 1/4-mile in 12.6 sec.
Top Speed: 165 mph
Braking: 60-0 mph in 126 ft.
Road Holding: 1.15 g.
Fuel Economy: 11 (City) / 23 (Highway)
