Dodge Viper Power

[austin552]

Vipers have so much power, but...
http://www.compfused.com/directlink/922/

Not worth a #@%* at cornering.

[jorian]

Wow. I think my 911 could take that corner faster... in reverse!

[Z-man]

Driver error. Entry was too fast into the corner. Most likely there was dirt on the road as well, limiting the traction.

The fact that he was over the yellow line prior to the corner also shows his stupidity for driving like that on public roads.

In the right hands and in the proper venue (ie a racetrack), the Viper is a formidable beast - it does handle quite well. Numbers don't lie: Road and Track measured 1.02g's around the skidpad.

Here's what R&T had to say about the venomous car:

Road and Track article: Best All-Around sports car, March, 2005
Its handling character is not unlike that of a race car. One exaggerated input (whether it be throttle, brake or steering) and you’re headed into the guardrail. Understeer is apparent going into tight turns, but the real attention-getter here is oversteer. Sloppy driving, like braking a bit too late or getting on the gas too early, can swing the rear end out like the boom on a sailboat. Lose it through a 100-mph sweeper, and not even a Mario Andretti or Phil Hill can bring it back. Exciting? You bet — it scored a perfect 20 in Driving Excitement — however, “thrilling” or “teeth-clenching” may be a more apt description of driving this 2-seater.

The key here is respect. Respect its power, and it’ll reward you. The chassis is communicative, with the suspension system — upper-and-lower A-arms at both front and rear — providing exceptional mid-turn balance. The massive Michelins stick to the pavement like super glue. Get everything right through a corner, and the Viper will easily be the first one through. It registered an amazing 1.02g around the skidpad.

Just because a stupid driver doesn't know how to drive his expensive toy on the street, that doesn't mean the car handles like crap. I can probably find dozens of 911 crashed on the intraweb -- does that mean the 911 is an ill-handling car?

End rant,
-Z-man.

[}{arlequin]

yup, he drove like a tool

[Burnin' oil]

Compare his driving with the rally car driving

[Rob Channell]

Pretty well balanced and a lot of power, but very heavy feeling.

I had the opportunity to drive one at Putnam Park once. In my 911 I could barely top 125mph on the front straight if I got a good line through the previous corner (~1:25-1:26 laptimes, not great, but OK). In the Viper (student's car) I was staying away from the railing and short shifting the car and hit that speed waaaaaaay before the braking point. I just let off and coasted to my braking point from there. I can't afford to write that check.

This was an early model where they still had the throttle sync problems and lots of other problems. It was a fun car.

I caught a ride in an ACR coupe later in the day. I think he turned a 1:17. It was fast and unbelievable. Love to have one, but missing the $80k in my bank account. I'm pretty sure if I had the money I'd just backdate my SC with a 3.6 and build a nice big garage........