i have had the good fortune of driving a couple of these beasts... while i love being able to say i have driven them, i didn't love the actual experience.
while it was exciting when i would get in the car, it took quite a bit of effort. the shifting was very short and after hearing so many cases of people skipping gears by accident when downshifting, i was scared to do anything that involved more direct gear changes. the ride was uncomfortable and unrefined...
but i still think these cars are an amazing machine and hope there are enough great drivers out there willing to put their skills to the test. luckily, the cars have been greatly improved since i had the opportunity to drive them.
vipers are the new american muscle... more power than most can handle and will get 90% of the driving public in an early grave if they were given the chance to unleash it. while the vette is just as quick, it just doesn't have that scary factor. it's like being chased by a greyhound and a doberman... both are damn fast, but i'm only worried about one killing me when it catches me... (i'm sure i look like a big t-bone to both)