2004 Dodge Viper - Reviews - Buying Guide
2004 Dodge Viper Buying Resources:
2004 Dodge Viper Review:
You can't really question the fastest production car in the
United States. It does what it does without equal. So if you
think the makers at Dodge are a little cocky when it comes
to touting their Viper, now you know why.
When you have the brute power that the Viper does, it's hard
not to make the styling too dramatic. The key is to match
power with cool, which is exactly what the Viper does. With
a look that Dodge describes as being classic yet outrageous,
the Viper catches everyone's eye.
For 2004, the Viper doesn't see too many changes. Among those
of note are trunk carpeting and red-colored brake calipers.
Under the Hood
OK, you don't start talking about the fastest production
car without throwing out some numbers. Here they are: 0-60
mph in less than four seconds, a top speed of 190 mph and
0-100-0 mph in less than 13 seconds.
The engine that makes this all happen is an aluminum-block
8.3-liter V10 that cranks out a whopping 500 horsepower at
5600 rpm and 525 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. 90 percent of
the torque is delivered from 1500 to 5600 rpm.
A 6-speed manual transmission is mated to the Viper's monstrous
V10 engine. Other performance features include an aluminum,
four-wheel independent suspension with lightweight high-performance
aluminum control arms and knuckles and lightweight aluminum-bodied
front and rear coil-over shocks.
All that speed needs to be controlled by a world-class braking
system. 2004 Vipers have Brembo 44/40 dual opposing piston
fixed front calipers with 14-inch rotors and Brembo 42/38
dual opposing rear calipers with 14-inch rotors.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The two-seat Viper is nothing if it's not a driver's car.
A pushbutton starter lets you fire on the engine, and with
a bi-fold clamshell top with a single center latch, the Viper
is a true convertible.
For wheels, the Viper has polished 19" x 13" rear
and 18" x 10" front forged aluminum models. They
are clad with Michelin zero pressure tires, designed to transfer
the Viper's power to the ground. They also incorporate low-pressure
sensors in the valve stems.
It's not just about performance, however. Interior comfort
is also well accounted for. Standard features in this regard
include air conditioning, a tilt leather-wrapped steering
wheel, leather/faux-suede upholstery and AM/FM radio with
an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
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