Owner Review; Ford GT vs. Viper ACR (Long, w/photos)

[VIPER R]

Having a supercharged 04 Viper convertible and 05 Ford GT with a Whipple and living in southern California is about the most perfect combination I can think of. The two cars are the different sides of the same coin. This is coming from someone who is not a track person however, just someone that appreciates Dodge and Ford cares enough to make it happen.

[AFL in NJ]

Thanks for the great writeup, I didn't accomplish much at work this morning, so I'll have to make up for it this afternoon....what a great read!

I'll be very interested to hear some of your lap times as you get more and more comfortable with the ACR.

Regards,
Aaron

[Brad04Mamba]

Originally Posted by Boxer12

Let me rail on the ACR for a moment, to be fair. I think the design is gimicky with the big wings and winglets, esp when its just being driven to Hooters to show off. Why not rely more on ground effects and less on wing? After all, the Cobra never had one and neither did the GT40. (I know, it adds downforce and its easier and cheaper than redesigning the car and wind tunnel time was limited..., and the goal was to keep it under $100k.) I think wings look at home on the track, and should be left off for street cars, or they look too much like a "Fast & Furious wannabe." (Same for the GT3.)

IMO, I think the most valid comparisons would be a full blown track version of the GT with an ACR, or the standard 08 Viper with the GT. Everyone knows the ACR is more suited to the track, and most people could care less (its a fact, track rats are the distinct minority). How does the 08 Cpe measure up to the GT? How does the modded GT stack up to the ACR?

Final thoughts? The ACR is about what, five to seven years more advanced (modern) in technology than the GT? The fact that a GT is even being compared to a state-of-the-art track weapon is testament to the car. I also think the comparison of a full blown Z06 to an ACR is a valid one, and frankly, I don't see anyone with an ACR setting any track records in NASA or SCCA. I hope that will come, but if it won't beat a modded Z06, then it better have some mods of its own to bring to the track. I don't think the Z06 guys that I know are shaking in their shoes. They are still running P1 in their classes at NASA (where I race in TT Unlimited), and bringing a bit more than 600 HP. Nationals in one month. Will the 08 Viper show and take the crown? Lets not just talk trash, lets see some results in the real world before we put the Vette down.

I have been reading your posts on the ACR for a while now, and you come off as an angry viper racer who believes the viper should only be run on the track.

Let me start with your comment on the wings of the ACR as gimicky, and that the Cobra didn't need them. Have you ever driven a Cobra over 150 mph. We had a club meeting where Dick Smith, one of the greatest Cobra drivers ever, brought his original Cobra and talked with our club. One of his comments were of driving on Leguna Seca in the 60's. He said that if you didn't come out of the last turn into the straight pointing in the right direction you were in trouble, because at top speed down the straight you could turn the steering wheel 180 degrees and the car wouldn't move. These cars were scary to drive with no down force.

Then you say the ACR should be compared to a full race GT and not the street version. The ACR was not made to be a one dimensional track car. If was to be the best car that could be driven to and from the race track. You don't see any ACR's setting any track records. Give us a break, what, there are at the most 30 ACR's delivered in the whole country. How long does it take to tune a car and set it up to compete in NASA or SCCA. How old are the Z06's you are talking about.

Your final thoughts say the viper is 5 to 7 years more advanced in technology. Please explain how an 06 GT compared to an 08 ACR is 5 to 7 years more advanced.

Anyway, I know your a viper owner and racer but lately you have been really down on the new cars for some reason, and some of your arguements don't hold water in my opinion.

[ASPIRATIONS]

GREAT READ!!! Two beautiful cars. Any flaws (to you) on either car that bug you???? I WANT A RIDE (PLEASE)in BOTH if possible but definatly the GT,Iam in Park CITY......Kevin

[pcc]

Two of the best cars ever made in America, lets hope Viper production continues for years to come.

[SnakeBitten]

Very enjoyable read. +1 on your writing skills. I could almost feel what you were saying it was so discriptive.

[Hamrhead]

Excellent Write-Up!

I'm checking on flights to Utah right now!!j/k

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Originally Posted by Boxer12

I think the design is gimicky with the big wings and winglets, esp when its just being driven to Hooters to show off.

That is not the target market for the ACR. Let the Hooters crowd stick with the regular coupe. The ACR goes to trackers.

[Warfang]

Originally Posted by Chuck 98 RT/10

That is not the target market for the ACR. Let the Hooters crowd stick with the regular coupe. The ACR goes to trackers.

You gonna take that Chad?

[rocman]

Originally Posted by Chuck 98 RT/10

That is not the target market for the ACR. Let the Hooters crowd stick with the regular coupe. The ACR goes to trackers.

Damn! There goes my plans for some chicken wings this weekend.

[Viper X]

Fun read.

The Ford GT is a very cool car, so is the Viper.

Comments;

Don't know of any vinyl in / on the Viper's seats as stated above.

Hard to take much with you in a FGT and the seats are a bit hard along with being less ergonomic than they should be for a car in this price range.

Couldn't fit in a FGT with a helmet on - not sure if the seat can be lowered.

Ride is very firm and not that great on the street in a FGT either for a car of it's size.

Power in the GT was just "OK" when I drove it.

High speed stability is mostly due to the alignment in either car. Both seemed very stable at speed to me.

Again, good write up.

Maybe we could put together a track weekend at Miller Motorsports Park - could be fun.

Dan

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Originally Posted by rocman

Damn! There goes my plans for some chicken wings this weekend.

Why? You're a tracker.

Um, I mean Ron is.

[KenricGTS]

Great write up! I have a Gen 3 and a GT and I love them both! The GT is by far and away the best car I have driven. So unique and American!

[Ricksnake1]

I would like you to write my life`s story!!!! It would read wayyy more exciting then it is! Excellent write up
Thanks

[doctorbob]

Excellent article.....a neighbor of mine sold his FGT because he did not like the doors....He has over forty cars and multiple classic vets....I would have bought it but he sold it for some crazy low amount before I got to him. My other assumption is that you first name is Walter....i.e. of Walter Mitty fame or should I say short story.