2005 Used Dodge Viper Buying Guide
The Viper is practically synonymous with speed, and for good reason. Any time you put a V-10 engine under the hood of a smallish sports car, you know you’re going to be getting some ridiculous ability. And that’s certainly the case with the Viper.
There aren’t many changes to this year’s Viper model, but then again, you don’t really need to add much to what is already one of the fastest production cars on the planet. In fact, in its only change for 2005, the Viper gets two new colors: yellow and, due later in the year, Copperhead Orange.
Under the Hood
The official name of this Dodge mainstay is the Viper SRT-10. That represents the aluminum-block 8.3-liter V-10 engine doing the dirty work. It can generate an eye-popping 500 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque—90 percent of the torque available in the 1500-to-5600 rpm range.
Even with all that muscle, the Viper still receives certification as a Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV). Transferring the Viper’s power to the rear wheels is a heavy-duty 6-speed manual transmission. You’ve got to be able to feel the engine get up to speed, don’t you?
Further features aiding the Viper’s performance include four-wheel independent suspension featuring lightweight, high-performance aluminum control arms and knuckles, damped by lightweight coil-over shock absorbers. A Dana 44-4 Hydra-Lok speed-sensing limited-slip differential is also standard.
The result of all of that engineering: the Viper SRT-10 is capable of an estimated 0-60 mph time of less than four seconds, a top speed of 190 mph and completion of the signature SRT 0-100-0 mph test in less than 13 seconds.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The Viper is a two-door convertible with tons of cool, a low ride, and room for two. Not surprisingly, it is not exactly designed for cargo-carrying.
There is only one Viper trim offered, and no options available for 2005. But that doesn’t matter. The standard features list does well enough on its own.
Some of the things you’ll find inside include air conditioning, power steering, a tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, leather/faux-suede upholstery and supple front bucket seats. There’s also a center console, power mirrors, windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, a digital clock and a rear defogger.
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