Well I added a GT500 to my stable of cars and thought I would share how it compared to my Viper. Both cars are very appealing, but the Viper is well much much more exotic looking. Have to give the Viper the nod on that one Comfort wise the Stang is much more comfortable to be in. I don't kill my knee's getting in and out. (36 and 6 foot tall but the Viper is low and you do feel it a bit in your knees after a while)
Handeling is pretty neutral in both vehicles. The Viper seems to grip a whole lot more in turns and is lower to the ground so no surprise it handles a bit better.
Acceleration - both cars can move, but the Viper definately comes on much stronger (mine is 510rwhp vs a stock GT500). Seems the Viper puts down the power much earlier in the power band. The GT500 moves but it doesn't have that throw your ass back in the seat effect I was expecting. Then again the stats are GT500 at 4.5 seconds, and my Viper is 3.7 seconds 0 to 60. I am also running R compound semi slicks on the Viper.
Daily driving: GT500 hands down is a way way better daily driver. I can actually drive below 20 miles per hour without the car lurching. Yeah my Viper with the 3.07 gears does not like being under 30mph. It lurches where your on the clutch half the time. Really a pain in the ass in parking lots and through 15mph parks.
One thing I really noticed about the GT500 is that it revs really fast. Seems like I am shifting much faster in the GT500 than the Viper. Almost seems like 2nd and 3rd gear are just too close together. Only other disappointment was the whine of the supercharger is almost not there unless you are really getting on it. I suppose a pulley swap or swapping out the Super charger could remedy that.
So far both cars are very enjoyable. It is looking to be a fun summer!
Thanks for the comparison. It does look to be a fun summer for you. My sense has always been that the GT500, although powerful, was not designed to be the road car the Viper was designed to be. I have seen many of the GT500 guys re-doing the suspension to lower the car and, at the same time, install better control arms and the like (such as a Watts Link). Report back as you put miles on the GT500 and, in particular, if you modify it in any way. Jim
_____________________________
2008 Shelby Mustang GT, Vista Blue with Silver Stripes, 5-Speed, Coupe, CSM# 08SGT0282. Currently in Shelby's Mod Shop for installation of Paxton S/C and other performance and styling items.
You migt want to replace the supercharger with a KB kit, the whine there is pretty strong and you make 700hp. I'm guessing you didn't get the convertible GT500 as this reduces your sense of speed.
Glad you went with a GT500. I remember you were contemplating a GT a while back. Let the mods begin.
Oh yeah, Post some pics!
quote:
ORIGINAL: Zan186
Well I added a GT500 to my stable of cars and thought I would share how it compared to my Viper. Both cars are very appealing, but the Viper is well much much more exotic looking. Have to give the Viper the nod on that one Comfort wise the Stang is much more comfortable to be in. I don't kill my knee's getting in and out. (36 and 6 foot tall but the Viper is low and you do feel it a bit in your knees after a while)
Handeling is pretty neutral in both vehicles. The Viper seems to grip a whole lot more in turns and is lower to the ground so no surprise it handles a bit better.
Acceleration - both cars can move, but the Viper definately comes on much stronger (mine is 510rwhp vs a stock GT500). Seems the Viper puts down the power much earlier in the power band. The GT500 moves but it doesn't have that throw your ass back in the seat effect I was expecting. Then again the stats are GT500 at 4.5 seconds, and my Viper is 3.7 seconds 0 to 60. I am also running R compound semi slicks on the Viper.
Daily driving: GT500 hands down is a way way better daily driver. I can actually drive below 20 miles per hour without the car lurching. Yeah my Viper with the 3.07 gears does not like being under 30mph. It lurches where your on the clutch half the time. Really a pain in the ass in parking lots and through 15mph parks.
One thing I really noticed about the GT500 is that it revs really fast. Seems like I am shifting much faster in the GT500 than the Viper. Almost seems like 2nd and 3rd gear are just too close together. Only other disappointment was the whine of the supercharger is almost not there unless you are really getting on it. I suppose a pulley swap or swapping out the Super charger could remedy that.
So far both cars are very enjoyable. It is looking to be a fun summer!
Yeah after I pay Uncle Sam his cut, I gotta buy new tires for the Viper and a new 5 channel amp as the last one was defective. After that I will probably look to upgrade the stangs drive shaft to carbon fiber or Aluminum (less rotational weight = more power and better gas mileage. Then it will be long tubes (favoring the JBA or Kooks) with some axle back exhaust. Might get a JLT intake this year too depending on how much money I have left. I gotta build a 3 bay garage in the next two years as well. Eventually will go either KB or whipple.
Printable Version
GT500 Compared to Viper GTS - 
