I can't provide much feed back on side x side comparo, but as a gen 3 vert owner, I can say I don't think I'd get out of the 3 for a gen 4 given the opportunity... Would have to be a G5 to make me sell the 2005.

Cosmetically it's just the hood that stands out and you can change that for less than the premium to get a G4.

I also know better than to ever drive a G4 either so I don't find out what I'm missing...

 

I can't provide much feed back on side x side comparo, but as a gen 3 vert owner, I can say I don't think I'd get out of the 3 for a gen 4 given the opportunity... Would have to be a G5 to make me sell the 2005.

Cosmetically it's just the hood that stands out and you can change that for less than the premium to get a G4.

I also know better than to ever drive a G4 either so I don't find out what I'm missing...

Speaking from owning both right now, you're not missing much. I know a lot of guys will argue and say there is this vast difference. I just don't see it. If anything the drive by wire pisses me off so much in the Gen 4, I find myself favoring my Gen 3. I am doing exhaust this year on my Gen 4 so that may at least even it out for me. One day I am going to have Havik Performance tune my Gen 4 and supposedly they can mess with the drive by wire and make it better. Just not looking forward to spending the $1000 to just unlock the ECU for HP tuners.

 

 

Ghey. If you want a reliable car, G4. If you rebuild the G3, then it can be reliable. The worst is a Gen 5, then Gen 3, G1, G4 and then the bullet proof(not including the Gen 2 harmonic balancer issue) G2

 

Thank you everyone, It's a bit of a rabbit hole as alot of people will have their own preference. I am aware of the differences between the 3 and 4 just wanted to hear from personal experiences with them to hear what to look for when purchasing. Can't find a whole lot on either apart from the odd minor issue so I'm guessing they are reliable.

Thanks,

Ed

 

I enjoyed that video bit I dont think it reflects the thoughts I've seen on owner forums and my own from experience. Definitely was not my first thought to rank gens by reliability as that really feels like splitting hairs.

 

I have both a Gen 3 and a Gen 4 and it all depends what you are looking to do with the car. You can mod a Gen 3 way easier and way cheaper. I hate the drive by wire in my Gen 4. My Gen 3 is supercharged and is way faster than my Gen 4. Truthfully I do not notice that much of a difference jumping from one to the other. For the time being I enjoy driving my Gen 3 more. However I think that might change once I do exhaust on my Gen 4 this year.

On all Vipers, regardless of Generation, I tell everyone to get under the car and inspect the frame for any damage. Even if the carfax/autocheck says no accidents and it has a clean title, because at the end of the day you have no idea what the previous owners have done to the car. Common problems: Leaking power steering/oil cooler lines, tires older than 6 years old, rock chips all over, airbag delamination with signs of the steering wheel and airbag being covered in sticky goo, broken interior trim pieces such as the pedal switch adjustment bezel/interior door handles and for whatever reason both my Gen 3 and Gen 4 had broken driver side side mirror mounts where you could wiggle the mirror and it would lift/fall right off of the base. The obvious too, make sure you check the oil and there are no metal flakes on the dipstick. Every Viper I have ever bought has always come with old tires and alignments that are way off. Consequently they always drove like shit until I replaced the tires and had a Viper alignment completed.

 

I have both a Gen 3 and a Gen 4 and it all depends what you are looking to do with the car. You can mod a Gen 3 way easier and way cheaper. I hate the drive by wire in my Gen 4. My Gen 3 is supercharged and is way faster than my Gen 4. Truthfully I do not notice that much of a difference jumping from one to the other. For the time being I enjoy driving my Gen 3 more. However I think that might change once I do exhaust on my Gen 4 this year.

I wouldn't say "way" faster. Maybe slighy.....

But spot on advice!!!

 

Had a GEN II, III and IV. Had a supercharged on the II and a full on build GEN III which I still own making 950 RWHP (on 93 pump gas), but has a GEN IV hood. My GEN IV stock was so boring I got rid of it in 4 months, just sooooo slow. My GEN II with SC and GEN III full build with SC rock. My GEN III SC card is so awesome, absolutely love it and looks like new. Had to do both regulators and top door trim recently and that 950 RWHP is on a STOCK PCM! It will be up for sale this year, but with all suspension mods and such will go for high money for sure and is a VCA edition vert. I would not get a GEN I, no creature comforts, stock Gen III motors no, a GEN II or GEN IV and only if the V is build as too many issues like a GEN III stock. When my GEN III sells, I will be crying but getting closer to elave the USA now, a LOT closer so unloading things now.

 

Wow you reckon a stock gen 4 slow? I thought 600hp would be more than enough haha

 

Dodge had an update on due to the throttle delay, made a small difference, but still had a delay.

 

I will say I believe mine had the update and I say that because its not near as bad as the one low mile ACR I got to drive last year.

 

Yes the dbw isn't as good as the gen 3, but it isn't that bad! I do have both and I do like driving my Copperhead more. My gen 4 is a coup and has a few mods
and puts down 628 rwhp so it is faster than the 3. Looks cooler also, but I love both!! I have had very little problems with the 3, waterpump and power stering but that is all in 44000 miles. Great fun cars!!

 

The GEN III I would full build on any big engine issue, put a SC and a GEN IV hood on.

 

Expect old tires that need to be replaced. Listen for clunks from the rear diff, shocks, and clutch. Don’t ask me how I know.

 

They are mostly just like other cars only more powerfull. Check it the same way and take a test drive. Just dont floor it in a curve or in traffic.