Against 272 other V8 cars rated 2015–2017, the Viper trails their 17.3 mpg average by 3.3 mpg, about $523 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1992, the 8.4L 10-cyl (2008–2017), does 15.3 mpg and the thirstiest, the 8.3L 10-cyl (2003–2006), 13.3: $377 a year apart.
Every Dodge Viper engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.4L 10-cyl | 12.5 / 21.2 | 2008–2017 | $2,510 | |
| 8L 10-cyl | 10.9 / 19.6 | 1992–2002 | $2,783 | |
| 8.3L 10-cyl | 11 / 19.3 | 2003–2006 | $2,887 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Audi R8 gets 17.5 mpg, the Chevrolet Corvette 19.7 mpg and the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 18 mpg, next to 14 mpg for the 2017 Viper. The Viper costs the most of them to run: $794 a year more than the Chevrolet Corvette.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2017) | $0.229 |
| Fuel per year | $2,743 |
| Fuel over five years | $13,715 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2015–2017 | +$523 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $5,483 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2017 Dodge Viper gives up 7 mpg in town: 19 on the highway against 12 in the city, $1,179 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2017) | 12 mpg | $3,200 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (58%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Viper changed over the years
The Viper peaked in 2010 at 16 mpg (13 city, 22 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 13 — 3 mpg apart, or $554 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2017 car does 14.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 12 / 19 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2016 | 12 / 21 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2015 | 12 / 21 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2010 | 13 / 22 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2009 | 13 / 22 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2008 | 13 / 22 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2006 | 11 / 19 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2005 | 11 / 19 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2004 | 11 / 19 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2003 | 11 / 20 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 2002 | 10 / 19 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2001 | 10 / 19 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 2000 | 11 / 19 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 1999 | 10 / 19 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 1998 | 11 / 20 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 1996 | 11 / 20 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 1995 | 11 / 20 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 1994 | 12 / 20 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1993 | 12 / 20 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1992 | 11 / 20 | 1 | $2,743 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 20 EPA ratings of the Dodge Viper — 3 engines across 1992–2017. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $5,483. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2017 Dodge Viper get?
14 mpg combined, 12 city and 19 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1992 the Viper has averaged 14.2 mpg.
Is the 2017 Viper more efficient than the 2016?
No: 14 against 15 mpg combined, about $183 a year more to run.
Which Viper year has the best gas mileage?
The 2010, at 16 mpg combined (13 city, 22 highway).
Does the Viper get better gas mileage than the Audi R8?
No: 14 mpg for the 2017 Viper against 17.5 for the 2018 Audi R8, about $549 a year more to run.
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