Opinions on a very tough choice - trade Exige S/Viper for Ford GT?

[SOCRATES]

Hi All,

Normally I don't ask for many opinions on things, but this is a VERY tough choice for me. I've been looking at getting a Ford GT for the past couple of years, but it has always been slightly out of reach. I'm now in a comfortable enough position to do so, but I'll have to trade both my 2009 Viper ACR, as well as the Lotus. I've had 8 Vipers so far, so that one is not a big deal for me, but the Lotus -- well, let's just say it's the best money I've ever spent on a car. So, would you do it? Just for a nice visual reference, this is the car in question:

[MickOpalak]

Interesting dilemma since, to me at least, the Ford GT seems to fall right between the Viper ACR and the Exige S. The Ford GT has the grunt of the Viper but probably not all of its track prowess. The Ford GT probably handles better than the Viper but not as well as the Exige. That's a tough call.

[nsxmatt]

Have you drove the GT yet? You will regret selling the car, but point is it's just a car. If you change your mind there is always plenty of examples out there to pick up at a later date.

[SOCRATES]

Originally Posted by MickOpalak

Interesting dilemma since, to me at least, the Ford GT seems to fall right between the Viper ACR and the Exige S. The Ford GT has the grunt of the Viper but probably not all of its track prowess. The Ford GT probably handles better than the Viper but not as well as the Exige. That's a tough call.

After taking one for a drive, I agree very much with this statement. That's why my decision is all the more difficult.

[CosmosMpower]

I wouldn't do it. Viper has raw grunt and good handling and Exige has awesome handling and decent acceleration. They both should get as much attention (if you like that kind of thing) as the Ford GT. I would rather have the Lotus/Viper combo for different driving scenarios.

If you're going to dump both current cars you better get something interesting like a 360 challenge, 430 Scud or Gallardo Superleggara not a ford with a truck engine.

[Tracktimeplz]

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

I wouldn't do it. Viper has raw grunt and good handling and Exige has awesome handling and decent acceleration. They both should get as much attention (if you like that kind of thing) as the Ford GT. I would rather have the Lotus/Viper combo for different driving scenarios.

Was with you until here...

If you're going to dump both current cars you better get something interesting like a 360 challenge, 430 Scud or Gallardo Superleggara not a ford with a truck engine.

Lost me here...Those cars cost more to buy, maintain, and track than the ford, for about the same performance.

Also that truck engine is tried and true, and is responsible for the ford GT's large variety of aftermarket HP upgrades.


@OP, this is a VERY hard choice, as I too am a fan of the Ford GT, but the fact that you have two extremely capable track/weekend cars, gives you a huge advantage. You can always drive the other in different weather/track conditions, or if one is simply down due to mechanical issues.

Very hard decision, but a good one to have to make as far as decisions go


Good luck

[SOCRATES]

Originally Posted by Tracktimeplz

Was with you until here...
Lost me here...Those cars cost more to buy, maintain, and track than the ford, for about the same performance.

Also that truck engine is tried and true, and is responsible for the ford GT's large variety of aftermarket HP upgrades.


@OP, this is a VERY hard choice, as I too am a fan of the Ford GT, but the fact that you have two extremely capable track/weekend cars, gives you a huge advantage. You can always drive the other in different weather/track conditions, or if one is simply down due to mechanical issues.

Very hard decision, but a good one to have to make as far as decisions go


Good luck

Honestly, I don't have a lot of time to drive both (except on the weekends, and even then, I'm usually only driving one of them per weekend), so that has played into my consideration as well. I figure I don't necessarily mind going back to one car, but I want it to be as enjoyable as the Lotus has been for me.

And as far as considering other cars, the Ford GT is the only one I'm considering. If not for it, I would be keeping what I have.

[lotuselise7]

Dont do it!!!! I'd rather have the best of both worlds rather than 1 car.

[Tejs]

I want to preface this by saying that I wish I had a Ford GT. That said, I would NOT trade both for the GT. The variety is nice to choose different cars to drive on different days.

Plus, when you go into the garage, would you rather see one centerpiece Ford GT, or have a nice contrast with Lotus and Viper?

[jasper]

I'd do it in a second. The Ford GT is one of the rare exotics that has actually appreciated in value. I've always wanted one as well, and it looks like you have found a rare stripeless variety. Used lotus can be had for cheap, so you could almost certainly pick one up in the future if you missed it. The Ford GT will be a classic and you won't lose money on it, the same can't be said for either the lotus or the viper. As far as what is more "fun" to drive, only you can answer that for yourself.

[SOCRATES]

Originally Posted by jasper

I'd do it in a second. The Ford GT is one of the rare exotics that has actually appreciated in value. I've always wanted one as well, and it looks like you have found a rare stripeless variety. Used lotus can be had for cheap, so you could almost certainly pick one up in the future if you missed it. The Ford GT will be a classic and you won't lose money on it, the same can't be said for either the lotus or the viper. As far as what is more "fun" to drive, only you can answer that for yourself.

Actually, I've considered both those points. I figure I could pick up a used Exige next year at a decent price, if things go well, assuming I decided to do so.

[knucklehead]

Originally Posted by jasper

I'd do it in a second. The Ford GT is one of the rare exotics that has actually appreciated in value. I've always wanted one as well, and it looks like you have found a rare stripeless variety. Used lotus can be had for cheap, so you could almost certainly pick one up in the future if you missed it. The Ford GT will be a classic and you won't lose money on it, the same can't be said for either the lotus or the viper. As far as what is more "fun" to drive, only you can answer that for yourself.

+1 trade for the Ford. Wait a bit and buy another Lotus later.

[RichS]

I'd say go for it. It's not like you'll never be able to get out of it if you decide that you made a bad choice.

[antinym]

better to regret the things you did, than the things you didn't.

[Mulder]

I want a modified SC Elise, and my wife's dream car is a Viper. Since you own both (almost), which do you think would be better for us to buy first? I dont know if we will ever be able to afford both. I've never even been able to find someone with a Viper to give me a ride.

[BadMonkey72D]

I asked 2 guys who are race driving instructors (that have driven all three of these at the track) - both said they'd keep the lotus & viper.

I also looked at getting a GT, but kept finding reliability horror stories and decided against it. I just think they are one of the best looking cars ever.

The GT is more rare and you would probably get more attention in it - but maybe not without the stripes (they do stand out).

I know 3 guys that have them and they love them and dismiss the claims of unreliability. It seems like you get bored of your cars pretty quickly, so if you want a GT I'd say go for it.

When I asked my mechanics, they all said F430 - as did the 2 guys mentioned previously (if you're getting a car in that price range) - and I never presented that as an option and the F430 is probably more.

Used lotuses in are getting pretty cheap - if you change your mind on that its not a big deal. The viper may be a different story once they stop making them - not many ACR's for sale.

One thing I have found, if you have only one cool car and it breaks, you've got nothing fun to drive. If you have two -chances are you'll at least have one available. I've had 2 out of 3 go on me at one time.

For me, I really enjoy the looking for the next car - that's a big part of the fun.

[choi0706]

get the ford.. It's certainly my favorite "attainable" car..

There are quite a bit of differences between the "truck" engine and Ford GT engine.. Probably similar to comparing the 2zz/1zz or 20valve 4age vs 16valve 4age..

The Ford GT version of the 5.4 L is a highly-specialized version of the Modular engine. It is an all-aluminum, dry-sump 5.4 L 4-valve DOHC with a Lysholm screw-type supercharger and showcases numerous technological features, such as dual fuel injectors per cylinder and oil squirters for the piston skirts, not found in other Ford Modular engines. The GT 5.4 L benefits from an improved version of the high-flow 2000 Cobra R cylinder head and unique high-lift camshafts. The GT is rated at 550 hp (410 kW) and 500 ft·lbf (678 N·m), though independent tests conducted on chassis dynamometers have shown these numbers to be conservative, with as delivered Ford GTs often producing nearly 550 hp (410 kW) at the rear wheels.


5.4 L 4-valve DOHC supercharged V8 installed in a 2007 Ford Shelby GT500The Shelby GT500 uses an iron block 4-valve DOHC 5.4 L with an Eaton M122H Roots type supercharger and air-to-liquid intercooler.[10] The GT500 5.4 L shares its high-flow cylinder head castings with the Ford GT, with only minor machining differences, and shares camshafts with the 2003–2004 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra; which have less lift and duration than the Ford GT camshafts. All of the 5.4 L 4-valve engines destined for use in SVT vehicles, such as the Ford GT and Shelby GT500, have been hand-built by technicians at Ford's Romeo, Michigan plant.[6]

[SOCRATES]

You guys are certainly making this difficult.

In all seriousness, I appreciate the replies and opinions.

[ewalberg]

are the reliability issues associated with track time? The OP didn't specify if he's actually putting track time in them. It's a sweet car in person but it's still a little mix and match styled in my opinion. For some reason it has a vaguely dated look to me. i've only seen 2 on the road so it's rare for sure.

I recently pulled up next to one at a freeway offramp and the fellow gave me a thumbs up (or something similar, i don't recall exactly what he did) but at n=1 they're an unpretentious and friendly owner group, which is nice.

But if you've always wanted one, so it qualifies as some kind of dream car, then i think i'd do it. Although if i were you i might sell the viper and get one of the blown g55's. 500hp and even more torque in a tank-like 5500lb leather tirmmed service vehicle with solid axles and 3 lockers... now there's something interesting to drive. I kid you not, it really is a fun car to drive. I truly enjoy driving my g500... the view of the road is fantastic and unparalleled. That was one of the things that i liked about the elise... the did a great job of keeping the hood line low. I hate having a swollen puffed-up hood in front of me, and I like the feeling of having me feet between 3'-4' from the front of the car. okay, i'll stop with the OT stuff.

[MadMan Markiss]

If it were I, than I would agree with most of the others in saying that it would be nice to have the choice of either Viper or Exige to boot around in.
But if you're saying that you barely use them, then its a waste for one to be sitting there doing nothing for most of its life.
The Ford GT is a killer though. I must agree on this choice. I've seen them in action, and IT IS a pretty site. They handle real good and got some raw power. For a car that it is(size and power wise), it sure handles its own quite well and has been continuing to kick Ferrari's ass since the 'good ol' days'.....for a cheaper price and still reliable.
I had a pretty much the same engine in my '01 Ford SVT Lightning(slight de-rate in power from the GT though). That thing hauled ass and never gave up. I was rather impressed at the whole thing. It kept wanting to pull. There wasnt any lag, it just kept wanting to give more. Definately will keep ya grinning and wanting more. A better choice than a Viper
But in the end, if you're in a position where you are thinking you could get into an Exige next year or something, than whats holding ya back there son. Get out and get that thing. Hammer down!!
Cheers,