quote:I am curious, are there any here who have owned/driven both the Pantera and the Viper or Corvette? I realize there are many technical changes in all autos over 20 or so years but I am speaking of that "seat of the pants" feel. How do they feel-handle compared to other supercars? It seems I am going to be awhile before I can devote the time I want to pleasure/driving but I still want it to be fun when I do. I know that each car has its own "feel" but is there anything I might have driven to compare to a Pantera or are they in a class by themselves?
Yes, I currently own/drive a 71 Pantera, 94 Gen-1 Viper and have had C1/C2 Vettes,Porsches, 440 CI Jensen Interceptor along with some wanna be muscle cars - Z28's, various SS's, Trans AM's and Mustangs.
Like you, The Pantera was my Childhood Dream car along with 427 cobra's.
Your right - the Viper (my RT-10) and my C1 Vette (that was highly modified) are almost identical as far as pure acceleration, cabin heat and comfort (Whats That!).
I don't buy super cars for comfort, technical gadgets, etc.
Too compare a Pantera with any of the above mentioned cars is impossible. They are not in the same league. As mentioned above - "GRAND TOURING" defines it.
Anybody can buy a "Viper" or a Z06 or ?.
There a a few (Here on the boards and some that are not" that truly understand what a pantera is all about.
To me, (being unconventional) is what it's about. Owning a Pantera is like building the perfect women. There are some you want to date and others you gotta keep. To me the Pantera has the lines of Pam Anderson and Jenna Jameson combined - Now add a few of your own custom mods and you see where im going.
I wouldn't trade my pantera for any other cars I could think of.
As far as people that own them - Like no other groups.They are totally dedicated - will help each other out - Have parties etc. GREAT PEOPLE.
You Know,the vette people wave at each other - but there just isn't enough Pantera on the road - Hell they would forget between seeing each other.
Good Luck on your decission and search.
Greg