This is an odd match up. Can a new 2026 Ram 1500 twin-turbo 3.0L Hurricane I6 sport truck beat the legendary 1994 Dodge Viper V10 in a drag race? Let’s find out!
The truck is a new Ram 1500 Express. I am calling it a sport truck because it’s configured with 2WD, a low stance, and a powerful 420 horsepower twin-turbo engine that is rated at 469 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and an efficiency 3.21-to-1 rear axle ratio. This truck can be even quicker if equipped with a more aggressive 3.92-to-1 rear axle.
The 1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 has an engine with four more cylinders and 5.0 liter more of displacement. The 8.0L V10 is rated at 400 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Viper also weighs about 2,000 lbs less than this Ram 1500.
Before we pit the Ram 1500 against the Viper, we compare the Ram’s twin-turbo to a Ford F-150’s V8. We do our performance testing in Fort Collins, Colorado at 1-mile above sea level. Forced induction helps make up for some of the power loss at this elevation. The Ram easily beats the 400 hp V8 in the Ford.
Now, it’s time to line up against the Viper. The Viper is a raw vehicle. It has no traction control, no stability control, no ABS, no air bags. It’s a giant engine, a manual transmission, and driver’s bravery.
Please join our video below to see what happens. Let me just say that we raced three times, and it was way closer than we ever expected.
