Review: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Overview

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Interior & Safety

Normally, we don't discuss width and height and other dimensions, but the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10's dimensions are a little peculiar. It is 14.5 feet long, 6.2 feet wide (just less than half its width), and just under 4 feet tall. In other words, "long, low and wide" describes it, yet there's so much more to the exterior styling. Every curve is exaggerated, every vent twice as big as you'd think it needs to be. Park it in your garage and you'll see how small it is in person, but the styling is so dynamic that it looks huge.

All of which makes the tiny interior all the more strange. Dodge doesn't list interior volume measurements, but the interior is compromised by the Viper's incredibly wide drivetrain, all of which sits behind the front axle line. This means a good chunk of the engine and transmission are shoved into the passenger compartment. The driver's legs are pushed off to the left, and there's precious little head room. Tall drivers sit bolt upright. It's surprisingly hard to see out of as well. The huge pontoon fenders make it hard to place the front tires, and rearward visibility is decidedly pinched. Getting in and out isn't easy, either, especially in the coupes. The exhaust pipes are positioned under the door sills, so not only is there an ungodly amount of noise, you literally run the risk of burning yourself if you aren't careful.

The Dodge Viper boasts a decent amount of cargo room under the hatch, as long as you only pack soft sided luggage and don't mind a little squishing. The car's lack of height (a Dodge Viper is two inches lower to the ground than a Chevy Corvette) and tiny passenger compartment means there's little room left over for anything else. On the other hand, considering the Viper's lack of amenities, constant interior racket, harsh ride, sensitive steering and look-at-me styling, we can't imagine taking it on a long road trip anyhow. The Dodge Viper SRT10 is a weekend car, one that you drive to the track, have your fun, and drive home.

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