Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2003 Dodge Viper VS 2003 Ford Mustang Near Scottsdale, AZ

Using vehicle speed sensors, smart airbags in the Viper deploy with different levels of force to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Mustang SVT Cobra’s airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

Both the Viper and the Mustang SVT Cobra have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks and four wheel antilock brakes.

Dodge’s powertrain warranty covers the Viper 4 years and 34000 miles longer than Ford covers the Mustang SVT Cobra. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 7 years and 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Mustang SVT Cobra ends after only 3 years or 36,000 miles.

The Viper’s 8.3 V10 produces 110 more horsepower (500 vs. 390) and 135 lbs.-ft. more torque (525 vs. 390) than the Mustang SVT Cobra’s 4.6 supercharged DOHC V8.

As tested in Car and Driver the Dodge Viper is faster than the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra (manual transmissions tested):

The Viper has 2.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Mustang SVT Cobra (18.5 vs. 15.7 gallons), for longer range between fill ups.

For better stopping power the Viper’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Mustang SVT Cobra:

The Viper stops much shorter than the Mustang SVT Cobra:

For better traction and acceleration, the Viper has larger rear tires than the Mustang SVT Cobra (345/30R19 vs. 275/40R17).

The Viper’s 275/35R18 front and 345/30R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) which provides a stiffer sidewall than the Mustang SVT Cobra’s standard 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Viper has standard 18 inch front and 19 inch rear wheels. Only 17 inch wheels are available on the Mustang SVT Cobra.

The Dodge Viper’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Viper has a standard tire pressure monitoring system, which will alert the driver to a drop in tire pressure before damage to the tire or an accident might occur. The Mustang SVT Cobra doesn’t offer a low tire pressure warning system.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the Viper can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Mustang SVT Cobra doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The Dodge Viper may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 400 pounds less than the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra.

The Viper is 7.9 inches shorter than the Mustang SVT Cobra, making the Viper easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Viper has standard flush composite headlights. The Mustang SVT Cobra has recessed headlights which spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.