Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2003 Dodge Viper VS 2003 Shelby Series Near Scottsdale, AZ

The Viper has standard driver’s and passenger side airbags combined with three-point seat belts, a combination which is 29% more effective in preventing injury and death than seatbelts alone. The Shelby Series I doesn’t offer a driver’s or passenger side airbag.

To maximize occupant safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Dodge Viper have pretensioners to eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Shelby Series I doesn’t offer pretensioners.

The Viper has standard four wheel antilock disc brakes for quicker stops and controlled steering ability, especially under poor traction conditions. Antilock brakes aren’t available on the Shelby Series I.

The Dodge Viper weighs 707 pounds more than the Shelby Series I. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Lighter cars are also affected more by crosswinds.

There are over 226 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Shelby dealers, which makes it much easier to get service under the Viper’s warranty.

The Viper’s 8.3 V10 produces 180 more horsepower (500 vs. 320) and 235 lbs.-ft. more torque (525 vs. 290) than the Shelby Series I’s standard 4.0 DOHC V8. The Viper’s 8.3 V10 produces 50 more horsepower (500 vs. 450) and 125 lbs.-ft. more torque (525 vs. 400) than the Shelby Series I’s optional 4.0 supercharged DOHC V8.

For more instantaneous acceleration and better engine flexibility in any gear, the Viper’s engine produces its peak torque and horsepower at lower RPM’s than the Shelby Series I:

For better stopping power the Viper’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Shelby Series I:

The Viper with its standard antilock brakes stops much shorter than the Shelby Series I:

For better traction, the Viper has larger tires than the Shelby Series I (F:275/35R18 & R:345/30R19 vs. F:265/40R18 & R:315/40R18).

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 Shelby Series I’s standard 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Viper has standard 19 inch rear wheels. Only 18 inch wheels are available on the Shelby Series I.

The Dodge Viper’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Shelby Series I 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 Shelby Series I 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 Shelby Series I doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Viper’s wheelbase is 2.6 inches longer than on the Shelby Series I (98.8 vs. 96.2 inches).

The Viper goes through Motor Trend’s slalom 1.2 MPH faster than the Shelby Series I (67.2 vs. 66 MPH).

For excellent aerodynamics, the Viper has standard flush composite headlights. The Shelby Series I has recessed headlights which spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.