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How fast is a SRT Caliber?

The Dodge Caliber SRT-4, commonly referred to when people mention the SRT Caliber, was a late-2000s high-performance variant built by SRT. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed near 140 mph, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing about 285 horsepower.


What is the SRT Caliber?


The SRT Caliber is the performance-focused version of the Dodge Caliber, produced for a brief period in the late 2000s. It paired a turbocharged engine with sport-tuned suspension and braking to deliver noticeably quicker acceleration than the standard Caliber hatchback.


Variants and availability


In the United States, the SRT Caliber was offered for model years 2008 and 2009 as part of the Caliber lineup. Availability and equipment could vary by market, with specialized options and dealer-installed components contributing to the car's relative rarity among compact hatchbacks of its era.


The following key specifications summarize the main performance characteristics of the SRT Caliber.



  • Engine: Turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4

  • Horsepower: 285 hp (213 kW)

  • Torque: 265 lb-ft (360 Nm)

  • Transmission: 6-speed manual

  • 0–60 mph: approximately 5.9 seconds

  • Top speed: around 140 mph (225 km/h)

  • Production years: 2008–2009


Times and figures cited above come from factory data and contemporary testing, but actual results can vary due to weather, tires, and drivetrain configuration. The SRT Caliber represents Dodge's effort to offer affordable, official performance in a compact hatchback during that generation.


Performance in practice


Real-world testing often yields slightly different results from the official numbers. Factors such as tire choice, elevation, and maintenance can shift 0–60 times by a few tenths of a second and affect top speed by a small margin. Nonetheless, the SRT Caliber remains notable as one of the more aggressive mainstream hatchbacks of its era.


Summary


In brief, the SRT Caliber could reach 0–60 mph in about 5.9 seconds and sprint to a top speed around 140 mph, thanks to a turbocharged 2.4L engine delivering approximately 285 hp. It was a short-lived but memorable entry in Dodge's SRT lineup, emblematic of late-2000s affordable performance hatchbacks.

How much horsepower does a SRT-4 Caliber have?


The Dodge Caliber SRT4 produces 285 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. This is from a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
 
This video is a review of the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4, discussing its performance and features: 45sMr Random ReviewsYouTube · Apr 12, 2021

  • Engine: Turbocharged 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-four
  • Horsepower: 285 hp at 6,400 rpm
  • Torque: 265 lb-ft at 5,600 rpm
  • Transmission: Getrag 6-speed manual
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive 

You can watch this video to see the Dodge Caliber SRT4 being put to the test, including its acceleration and handling: 1mHondata97YouTube · Aug 8, 2024



What is the Caliber SRT-4's 0-60 time?


6.4 seconds
And it goes like it looks! The SRT4 hits 60 in 6.4 seconds, and runs the quarter-mile in 15-seconds at 97 miles-per-hour. That's 3-seconds faster to 60 and over 2-seconds quicker through the quarter-mile than the standard Caliber 2.4. But you pay a price of serious torque steer.



Is a SRT or RT faster?


SRT is faster than RT because SRT models have more powerful engines, more horsepower, and better performance features. For example, a Challenger SRT has a more powerful engine with 475 horsepower compared to the 375 horsepower of the Challenger RT. This translates to quicker acceleration, with an SRT model achieving 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, while the RT model takes 4.3 seconds.
 
SRT

  • Higher horsepower: SRT models typically have larger and more powerful engines, such as a 6.4L V8, producing around 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. 
  • Quicker acceleration: The combination of more power results in faster acceleration, with some models reaching 0-60 mph in around 3.7 seconds. 
  • Advanced performance features: SRT models come with performance-oriented features, including a sport-tuned suspension and other technology, according to Bomnin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Doral and Reddit users. 

RT
  • Lower horsepower: RT models have a smaller engine, such as the 5.7L V8, that produces around 370-375 horsepower. 
  • Slower acceleration: The RT's acceleration is still quick, but it is slower than the SRT. For example, the 0-60 mph time is around 4.3-5 seconds. 
  • More affordable: RT models are often more budget-friendly and offer a balance between performance and practicality. 

Ultimately, the SRT is the faster and more performance-oriented option, while the RT is a more affordable and practical choice for drivers who want good performance without the highest price tag and fuel costs, notes Napleton's Northlake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.



How fast is a Dodge Caliber SRT?


Top speed is officially listed as 155 mph, although one of the SRT development guys says he ran a prototype to as high as 161. Regular readers will recall that the Neon-based SRT4 we tested in April 2004 posted better numbers: 5.3 seconds to 60, the quarter in 13.9 at 103.


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.