I think what bothered me the most was the "thing"
(I don't know what you want to call it) that separates the driver and passenger, and carries all the crap with it. Being used to the rather "open" Corvette, it just felt awkward, and doesn't seem to hold much of a purpose other than to keep you in your seat when cornering extremely hard.
"Console covering the transmission tunnel"?
I'm surprised you didn't know this. You must have been sleep-deprived or something when you typed that.
The Viper's gigantic V10 is pushed so far back, the gearbox is literally right next to your leg. And, yes, that interior is shameful.
I've had time behind the wheel of a lot of cars here and there, including a Triumph TR6, a 1973 911 (non-RS, unfortunately), and a muscle car or three. Never owned much interesting stuff until the last decade or so.
I've been a Subaru fan for a while, with the first being a 1993 Legacy wagon. After some time in England, I switched over to Imprezas (for good reason, of course; WRC fandom in England practically demanded it). Not having any turbo's in the US, I opted for the RS. It was a revelation. I could feel the road! I've had so many unmemorable cars before that, having never been someone to care much about cars other than for transportation. It wasn't fast, but it
felt fast, and I always looked back at it after I parked it, thinking that I could have taken a longer way home. The interior was typical Subaru, and the styling was as butch as could be expected for 1999. It all melded together perfectly for me. Everything about it was "progressive": soft limit on handling, easily modulated brakes, it got up to speed
eventually.... My first truly fun car.
I jumped on the bug-eye WRX after that, but was disappointed. Faster, yes, but a lot less fun. The steering feel was totally gone, and while the braking ability was far superior, it was too much on/off, maybe over-servoed or something. The turbo lag was acceptable, and kind of fun, in a childish sort of way.
I've now got the WRX STi (2006), and it returned much of the RS's appeal, but not all. The brakes are easier to deal with, and a good deal of feel has returned (although it's very tire-specific; stay with the stock tires). It's too harsh down rough roads due to the overly stiff suspension, though, and "progression" can only be had in the snow (where it's actually extremely fun). A better car inside & out, Subaru finally having grown up to match their performance, but the joy of driving a car isn't all about grip and speed. From what many of you have said about the Miata, I think you agree. I miss my RS, but I'm not sure I'd get one (a used 2001) unless I
really had the garage space, which is currently zero. Maybe someday.
There's another car I've driven that truly is the best thing I've ever been blessed to have time with, but I'll post that next year.