RS4 in the garage already - what's next? Viper GTS or Lotus Esprit?

[Brian0473]

So I already have an Audi RS4 but I'm itching for something with 2 seats - something which is a bit more of a "super car".

I've thought about either an early 2000's Viper GTS or a 2004 Lotus Esprit Twin Turbo (last year made).

I've been researching for a while...the Lotus is more exclusive but also more maintenance.

Chime in and let me know what you think...

[imola]

R8

[GMG Racing]

What's your price range... are those the only cars that you'd be interested in?

[Brian0473]

What's your price range... are those the only cars that you'd be interested in?

That's the thing...I'm looking at spending in the $40-50k range. Maybe a little more for something ridiculously cool.


...I wish I could do the R8.

[pilihp2]

something ridiculously cool.

V10 R8...

haha sorry. I'd say lotus.

[prew]

Used Gallardos are like $75k.

[ColinAndrews]

If you're willing to spend 50K, and do some homework, you could find a tidy Porsche 996 Turbo. With a few mods, the 996TT will be a full on supercar in terms of speed. Because it's a Porsche, and has the dry sump GT1 block, it will be as reliable as the day is long.

For that money you could almost get a 997S (the MUCH prettier 911 to me), or you could easily get a Cayman S, throw TPC's turbo kit on it for 10K and have a 480hp 3000lb mid engined sports car.

Since you mentioned the viper I am assuming you are OK with domestics. You could have C6 Z06 for that money as well. The Z06 is insanely fast for the money, cheap to run, cheap to mod, and with a few bucks will walk all over most cars you run into.

Just some thoughts.

[highPSI-S4]

If you're willing to spend 50K, and do some homework, you could find a tidy Porsche 996 Turbo. With a few mods, the 996TT will be a full on supercar in terms of speed. Because it's a Porsche, and has the dry sump GT1 block, it will be as reliable as the day is long.

For that money you could almost get a 997S (the MUCH prettier 911 to me), or you could easily get a Cayman S, throw TPC's turbo kit on it for 10K and have a 480hp 3000lb mid engined sports car.

Since you mentioned the viper I am assuming you are OK with domestics. You could have C6 Z06 for that money as well. The Z06 is insanely fast for the money, cheap to run, cheap to mod, and with a few bucks will walk all over most cars you run into.

Just some thoughts.

I like the porsche idea. And the C6 Z06 as well. newier cars than the 2 listed and alot of fun. Also does it have to be a euro car?

My friend has a modded NSX and i was surprised at how nice overall the car is. The HP figures are low but the car is light and handled like it's on rails.

[Howard Hughes]

I would say a 996.. I have seen some nicely modded ones floating around in that price range.

[italian a4 1032]

996, 135?

[Alkivar]

older model/classic lambo's are just above your budget... you know you want a countach or a diablo... nothing like the scream of a V12 at WOT

theres a 97 yellow Diablo for sale in Massachusetts for around $75k if you are interested I can get you more details.

[sean1.8t]

996 turbo/gt2.

i'd personally take the turbo over the GT2 though

[JDM EJ1 95]

do not get a viper.. unless you like driving a tin can with power.. they are built like crap.... unless you find one for like 20k they arent worth the money..


911 turbo is my vote as well

[dchan189]

e46 m3 and mod it!

[ProbablyTaken]

I think you might find the Lotus Exige is fun for a 2-seater.

[Rejoice]

I'd take the Lotus, because you could buy it brand new for your budget. This way you can choose the options you want.

[AudiA4Style]

older model/classic lambo's are just above your budget... you know you want a countach or a diablo... nothing like the scream of a V12 at WOT

theres a 97 yellow Diablo for sale in Massachusetts for around $75k if you are interested I can get you more details.

You do realize that theres more costs to owning a car than just buying it right?

Upkeep and insurance on that car will be ridiculously expensive.

[rjpeaks]

between the two - i'd go Lotus.

...just don't crash or get hit by a truck, bus or burb.

G/L

[Alkivar]

You do realize that theres more costs to owning a car than just buying it right?

Upkeep and insurance on that car will be ridiculously expensive.

I call BS. Yearly maintenance on a Diablo is no worse than on a B5 S4. Its also not that difficult to do the work yourself and there is a TON of online DIYs for common issues.

Insurance will be slightly higher, but unless you are an idiot street racer its not as bad as you think. Not to mention, this doesnt sound like a daily driver and lower miles usually causes lower insurance rates.

[kngfisher]

met several folks the other week who own a Lotus Exige and both state that although they are nice and fast and light more then 45minutes at a time and you bet real uncomfortable. Also, although they are two-seater cars, you are very close to the passenger at times, rubbing shoulders. Sure you might not mind if you were always with your sig other but co-worker/friend? How close to you really want to be to other folks at all times? They look real nice but re-sale takes a big hit due to folks having the magic rub off real quick.

[HotSauce]

996, 135?

[Kev]

I have a 1999 Viper GTS ACR. Is there anything specific you would like to know?

Here is my take on the GTS:

Acceleration on this car is excellent. Low weight, good aerodynamics, great engine. The car will continue to pull well into triple digits and then some. Aftermarket power potential is unlimited and truly impressive, if you want to take it down that route.

The looks of the car are already classic. GTS' are over ten years old already and still look stunning in person.

The reliability of the car is the best you will find for an exotic. The car is so simple, there really is little that can go wrong. The car is nothing more than a frame, engine, wheels and seats.

Handling on the car is incredible. 1.1 Gs or more speak for themselves. It is dangerous if you plan on driving aggressively, make sure you are paying attention. There are no driver aids to keep you out of the ditch besides your right foot.

The build quality is not great. The panel gaps are off, their is no sound deadening, the dash is plastic, and so on. The interior is small, but comfortable and storage room is acceptable. The car is not designed to be a grand tourer as you can imagine.

My advice is to test drive one. You'll know instantly whether you like the car or not. If you do decide to get one, I can guarantee you won't forget it.





My take on the Lotus:

I like the Esprit, always have. It looks good, handles well, and accelerates well. I looked at some before the Viper but decided against it. Mostly because reliability is less than stellar, repair work is expensive, and there is little aftermarket or local support for them.

[GarbatyA4]

e46 m3 and mod it!

E46 with HorsePowerFreaks Stage 3 Turbo kit.

You will have a supercar.

Crank up the volume and watch this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLApqoaAfO4

[SilverBullets]

i have always loved the Viper GTS... Still a head turner to this day.

Whoever said 996 Turbo over a 996 GT2. Maybe for a daily street car, but I always thought the 996 Turbo was a pretty soft car. It is fast as hell, and does handle well, but I always thought it felt very soft for a 'super car'. Personally I would take the GT2

[GQ//S4]

You can get a Ferrari 360 for 50k.... Out of those two listed I'd buy the Viper.

[TapouTx914]

I've loved vipers since I was little just for the way they look so thats my vote. Sorry don't have much reasoning besides for that haha.

[SilverBullets]

You can get a Ferrari 360 for 50k.... Out of those two listed I'd buy the Viper.

ferrari's also cost $1 a mile to maintain

[rjpeaks]

ferrari's also cost $1 a mile to maintain

ouch....doh

[GQ//S4]

ferrari's also cost $1 a mile to maintain

Well he didn't ask for "cheap to maintain" hahahahahah!

[405Z]

IMO, the Viper is terrible. I drove a GTS and could not wait to get out of it. If you want a fun car with ridiculous torque, get a C5 or C6 Z06. 997 GT3 would be near the top of my list as well. Can't comment on an Esprit as I've never driven one. NSX was one of the most fun cars I've ever driven, but they're getting a bit old.

[Kev]

IMO, the Viper is terrible. I drove a GTS and could not wait to get out of it.

What didn't you like about it?

[dchan189]

That it's american.

[405Z]

What didn't you like about it?

It felt like a big boat with a big engine. I couldn't get comfortable in it, and just found it very fatiguing to drive.

OTOH, I think the Z06 is a fabulous car and would make a great weekend toy. Even though it's fairly light, it feels like a heavy car. Still fun to drive though.

[Kev]

I think some of the big "feeling" of the car comes from the long hood. It was hard for me to get use to at first as well. It felt as if the nose of the car was 100 feet in front of me.

Once you get over it, however, its not really an issue.

[405Z]

I think some of the big "feeling" of the car comes from the long hood. It was hard for me to get use to at first as well. It felt as if the nose of the car was 100 feet in front of me.

Once you get over it, however, its not really an issue.

You're absolutely correct. The Z06 feels big for the same reason. Overall, the Viper just wasn't for me but I can understand its appeal. There is no question that it is a capable car, especially the ACR.

I much prefer the 911. Feels light, nimble, and great road feel.

[Kev]

Yeah, the 911 and the Viper are pretty much opposites in what they appeal to. They both accomplish the same thing, but in very different ways.

You have to be very committed to owning a Viper and willing to put up with some of the pitfalls of it for it to be enjoyable.

[JRSpN]

of the 2 i would go lotus, however for your price you can get a lot of nicer cars.

If you want a fast 2 seater I myself would get a 300ZX TT and mod it or a 3rd Gen RX7.

My prior 300ZX made 371 RWHP and 399 RWT and it was running stock turbos. I had under 20K invested including the car with 55K on it. Both the 300 ZX and RX are head turners as long as they are un molested, and they are both parts of auto history, as well as a blast to drive.

The porsche or BMW are great cars as well.

You could also go with a kit car, there are some nice cars you can build in that price range.

You could get a Aston Martin DB7 or a masarerti coupe for around 50-60K

[Kyle H]

c5 z06 or viper gts.

[Kev]

My prior 300ZX made 371 RWHP and 399 RWT and it was running stock turbos. I had under 20K invested including the car with 55K on it. Both the 300 ZX and RX are head turners as long as they are un molested, and they are both parts of auto history, as well as a blast to drive.

I currently have a 300ZX TT as well as the Viper, and they are not even in the same league.

I love the 300ZX. It is a great tourer, easy to drive, awesome power band, reliable, great handling, Ttops, and the list goes on.

However:

The Viper would handle a pretty modified 300ZX any day of the week on any sort of road race.

[JRSpN]

I currently have a 300ZX TT as well as the Viper, and they are not even in the same league.

I love the 300ZX. It is a great tourer, easy to drive, awesome power band, reliable, great handling, Ttops, and the list goes on.

However:

The Viper would handle a pretty modified 300ZX any day of the week on any sort of road race.

Yeah the displacement is way bigger on the viper, but if he is looking at the Lotus the Z is similar to that.

I'v never been a fan of vipers personally. But they are fast and have huge motors.