<FONT COLOR="Black">Here are some rambling thoughts on commuting in a Viper. I like driving the Viper to work and back but it does get tiring.
The Viper ride is great for a sports car, but it can wear on you after a while. My longest day trip has been 788 miles (23 mpg @80 on western freeways) which was a little tiring, but still different than a few days back to back in commute land. I think it is worrying over half sleepy drivers with one hand on the cell phone and the other on the latte, the ride, and the fact that you end up at work anyway that makes it different. An additional problem is that you really need to be on the lookout for road hazards (limbs falling off of trees, roadkill, and so on).
My commute is only 16 miles and I hit the first light at about mile 14 so stop and go does not present a problem for me. I drive it on a tree-lined twisty two lane next to a river and it doesn't get much better than that. It seems that the ride and extra level of alertness is what causes me not to drive it every day. The longest I have ever gone is 7 days without driving it, so one recovers quickly. Usually it is driven 2-3 days a week by me and my wife drives it 1-2 days herself.
There are days where I really like piling into the plush leather of the Yukon; it feels like an overstuffed living room couch to the Vipers (very raked) kitchen chair. I get better mileage in the Viper on the same commute than I do in the Yukon (14.8 avg v. 14.4 in the truck).
At work, I have a great parking area away from others, and I can see the car from the window. No one ever bothers it, but it is good to know it is secure.
Going to the grocery store takes longer in the Viper. Seems that the more people want to chat at the store than anywhere else. If you have the time that is great, otherwise drive the stealthmobile. Also, even though I park well away from the store there are occasionally rude people. Last Saturday my wife and I came out to find a clapped out Camry 4 inches off of the nose, a good 8 spaces away from any other car. Obviously someone thought they we being funny. Since I am not always up for this kind of humor, driving something else to the store is often the case.
Also one last thing to consider is that if you are driving to a new place, more attention is needed. Manhole covers, driveway ramps, road construction, the ominous orange BUMP sign, speed bumps, and all other form of ground level intrusions really take attention. Add that to the uncertainty of not knowing where you are going, normal traffic, and people hanging out the window yelling and cheering the car requires some extra attention.
Just depends on the mood and destination I guess. All in all, drive it if you want, but I am glad that I have choices based upon what I am up to.
Good luck with your Viper hunt. The car is fantastic to drive, is a great piece of artwork, and does draw some attention too. (tongue is in the cheek!)
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