How fast is a Dodge Viper RT-10?
In stop-start terms, a Dodge Viper RT-10 typically accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-4-second range and can reach roughly the mid-to-high 160s mph in top speed, depending on the model year and condition.
The RT-10 was Dodge’s early open-top Viper, produced from 1992 to 1995. It paired a large 8.0-liter V10 with a six-speed manual transmission in a lightweight, roadster chassis. This article examines its speed potential, its performance numbers as reported in contemporary testing, and the factors that influenced how fast these cars could go.
Performance benchmarks and what they mean
Representative numbers from period road tests illustrate typical outcomes for early RT-10s. The following figures summarize the commonly cited performance metrics, while noting that exact numbers varied by year, tuning, and equipment.
- Engine: 8.0-liter V10 producing about 400 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive.
- 0–60 mph: generally around 4.4 to 4.6 seconds in contemporary testing.
- Top speed: commonly cited in the mid-to-high 160s mph range, with some tests noting around 170–180 mph under favorable conditions.
- Weight: curb weight roughly 3,100–3,300 pounds (approximately 1,400–1,500 kg), depending on options and removal of the roof.
- Quarter mile: typically in the low 12-second range, around 12.5–13.0 seconds at about 110 mph.
These figures capture the RT-10’s performance envelope as it was originally delivered. Individual cars could differ based on aerodynamic setup, tire choice, fuel, elevation, and maintenance.
Technical specifications and context
Engine and drivetrain
The RT-10 used a naturally aspirated 8.0-liter V10, a hallmark of the early Viper era, delivering substantial thrust with a six-speed manual gearbox. The car emphasized straight-line speed and raw performance over plush refinement, a design philosophy that defined the period.
Performance over the years
Across 1992–1995, the RT-10’s core performance remained anchored by the 400 hp rating and the characteristic V10 surge. While later Vipers would see power and aero refinements, the RT-10’s core speeds—0–60 in roughly 4.4–4.6 seconds and a top pace near the mid- to high-160s mph—remained notable for a two-seat, open-top sports car of its era.
Driving experience and practical considerations
Beyond raw numbers, the RT-10 offered a distinctive driving experience: a heat-generating, loud, driver-focused cockpit with a removable roof, lively throttle response, and a precise manual transmission. The open-top arrangement and stiff suspension produced an exhilarating ride, but it also meant more wind noise, ride harshness, and limited daily comfort compared with modern performance cars.
Summary
The Dodge Viper RT-10 delivered high-performance hardware for its time: a big naturally aspirated V10, a six-speed manual, and a chassis tuned for speed and sensation. Typical speed figures put 0–60 mph in the mid-4-second range, 1/4-mile times in the low 12-second range, and top speeds generally in the mid-160s to around 180 mph, with exact values varying by year, setup, and tires. For enthusiasts, the RT-10 remains a benchmark of early 1990s American performance—uncompromising, visceral, and unmistakably Viper.
