How much horsepower does a 1992 Viper have?
The 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 delivered about 400 horsepower from its 8.0-liter V10 engine.
In its debut year, horsepower figures were reported using SAE gross standards, which typically yield higher numbers than modern net ratings; the Viper’s 8.0L V10 produced roughly 400 hp and about 465 lb-ft of torque, enabling brisk acceleration for a car with a relatively light chassis.
Power and Performance Snapshot
Below is a concise rundown of the core power-related specs for the 1992 Viper RT/10.
- Engine: 8.0-liter V10 (488 cu in)
- Horsepower: 400 hp (SAE gross, at approximately 5,600 rpm)
- Torque: 465 lb-ft (around 4,000 rpm)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Performance: 0–60 mph around 4.0 seconds; top speed approximately 165 mph
These figures reflect the technology and measurement standards of the early 1990s, and they contribute to the Viper's enduring reputation for raw, unfiltered performance.
Notes on horsepower ratings
Because the 1992 rating used SAE gross figures, which did not account for certain drivetrain losses present in today's testing, comparisons to modern cars should consider the measurement standard. Some modern references list slightly different numbers when using SAE net or other testing protocols, but the 400 hp figure remains the conventional reference for the 1992 RT/10.
Context and Legacy
The 1992 Viper’s power figure, combined with its lightweight architecture and aggressive styling, helped establish it as a symbol of American performance in the 1990s, paving the way for a lineage that continued to push horsepower targets higher in later generations.
Summary
The 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 produced 400 horsepower from an 8.0-liter V10, using SAE gross ratings. Paired with a 6-speed manual and a lean chassis, it offered brisk acceleration and a top speed in the mid-160s mph, cementing the Viper’s place in automotive history.
Was the Viper faster than a Corvette?
Traction on our concrete track limited launch performance somewhat, but, by the quarter mile, each car's true power-to-weight shines through, and here the Corvette scores a victory, besting the Viper by four-tenths and 4.7 mph (11.6 seconds at 126.6 mph versus 12.0 at 121.9).
Why did Dodge destroy 92 vipers?
SPSCC wasn't given an official reason for the request, but it's rumored that the destruction of the Vipers are the result of two educational Vipers that “got loose” and were involved in accidents on public roads, leading to millions of dollars in claims against the automaker.
Is a Ford GT faster than a Viper?
The GT remained a bumper ahead all the way to 100, which the Viper reached in 8.4 seconds and the GT hit in just 8.1. By the time both cars hit the quarter-mile traps, the Viper caught its breath and managed to nip the GT by just 100th of a second with a slightly lower trap speed of 123.63 versus the GT's 124.31. Yeow.
How fast is a 1992 Dodge Viper?
Viper RT/10 Convertible
0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and had a top speed of around 165 mph.
