Acceleration

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
10	10	8.1

Explosive, even at part-throttle, and from modest rpm. No opportunity yet to time, but Dodge targets under-4-second 0-60-mph times and a 200-mph top speed. Clutch and gearshift demand deliberate action but are not taxing.

Fuel Economy

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
2	2	4.2

In Consumer Guide testing, Vipers averaged 12.0-13.2 mpg. Premium-grade gas is required.

Ride Quality

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
2	2	4.4

Never full-out brutal, but always firm and frequently choppy. Can jar if tar strips or pavement seams simultaneously hit both front tires or both rear tires. Structural flex is impressively absent.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
10	10	8.7

Steering is nicely weighted. Viper's extraordinary width, low center of gravity, and steamroller tires provide uncanny grip and race-car response in changes of direction on dry pavement. Viper is at best challenging on wet surfaces, and down right dangerous in inexperienced hands. Stopping control is resolute, with fine brake modulation and little discernible nosedive.

Quietness

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
1	1	4.2

Viper's big V10 loafs at highway speeds, but it's not quiet at cruise. Even mild throttle application triggers an intrusive roar from the side exhaust outlets. Wind and road noise are always present.

Controls

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
5	5	5.6

Controls are self-evident. Audio and climate systems are generic Dodge items. Instruments have black markings and white faces. The speedometer and fuel gauge can suffer sunlight reflections, rendering them hard to read.

Details

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
3	3	6.9

Rich upholstery, but cabin's only relief from hard matte plastic and textured vinyl are some metal trim pieces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
2	2	5.8

Cabin is cramped for tall occupants. Firm, form-hugging seats are supportive in turns, but climbing in or out is a chore. Seats lack height adjustment, and close-set pedals are skewed far to the left. Their power adjustment is a plus. Engine heat turns footwells into ovens, and doorsills are hot to the touch from exhaust pipes within.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
0	0	.7

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
2	2	2.6

A few soft bags fit in the convertible's trunk. The trunklid is very heavy, and must be opened for clearance to raise or lower convertible top. Cabin storage is limited to a small center console and dashboard glovebox.

Value within Class

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
2	2	5.3

For 2008, Dodge's flagship performance cars get substantial performance upgrades with only modest price hikes. However, a Viper is primarily an emotional statement that makes little sense as daily transportation. A Chevrolet Corvette or base Porsche 911 mimics its usable street performance at lower cost and with more refinement.

Total Score

Coupe	Convertible	Class Average
39	39	56.5

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		39
Average Score		56
High Score		65