15 MPG combined. Let’s be honest: If you’re considering a 2016 Dodge Viper SRT with its strong 8.4-liter V10, fuel economy is probably somewhere around item number 784 on your list of priorities. This isn’t a car for the faint of heart, nor is it designed for grocery runs. It’s a raw, visceral machine built for one purpose: performance. The kind of person buying this car is looking for an experience, a connection to a bygone era of uncompromising sports cars, and they’re willing to pay the price at the pump for it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Viper SRT aren’t pretty, but they are honest. Expect to see around 12 MPG in the city. Stop-and-go traffic will be your enemy, not just because of the horrendous fuel consumption, but also because the heavy clutch and considerable heat radiating from the engine compartment will constantly remind you that you’re driving a beast.
On the open highway, you can stretch that to a more palatable 21 MPG. The key is keeping the engine in its sweet spot and resisting the urge to constantly dip into the V10’s massive torque reserves. Good luck with that.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Dodge Viper SRT will be about $3,850. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway. It’s also calculated using the national average fuel price at the time of testing. Of course, depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices, your actual costs may vary, possibly increasing that already considerable sum.

Real-world expectations

Real-world MPG figures for the Viper are heavily driver-dependent. Someone who treats every on-ramp like a drag strip will see significantly worse mileage than someone who respects the engine’s power and drives with a light foot when possible. Expect the average to hover around the EPA’s 15 MPG combined figure, but be prepared for it to dip into the single digits during spirited driving sessions. If you’re carefully tracking fuel economy in a car like this, you probably bought the wrong car; see all Dodge fuel economy data.

How it compares

Comparing the Viper’s fuel economy to other sports cars reveals its position as an outlier. A Chevrolet Corvette Z06, for example, manages 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway with its supercharged V8, a significant improvement. Even a Porsche 911 Carrera S, with its turbocharged flat-six, achieves 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. The Viper’s direct competitors from its era, like the Nissan GT-R, fare relatively better, attaining figures around 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The Viper’s poor fuel economy isn’t a design flaw; it’s a consequence of its large, naturally aspirated engine and uncompromising focus on raw power. Remember to check VIPER MPG across all years for more data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Although fuel economy may not be your primary concern, there are still a few things you can do to squeeze a bit more mileage out of your Viper. Smooth acceleration is key. Avoid sudden bursts of throttle, as this will only send fuel consumption skyrocketing. Treat the accelerator like a rheostat rather than an on/off switch.

Proper tire inflation can also make a difference. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure that your tires are inflated to the recommended specifications. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency.

Keep your Viper well-maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and a properly tuned engine can all contribute to improved fuel economy. It’s also worth considering that a properly maintained car is simply less likely to experience any mechanical problems.

Minimize idling time. The Viper’s large engine consumes a significant amount of fuel when idling. If you’re stopped for more than a couple of minutes, it’s best to shut off the engine. And finally, resist the temptation to use the V10’s full potential on every drive. Saving the pedal-to-the-metal antics for special occasions is the best route to saving some gas.

The 2016 Dodge Viper SRT isn’t about practicality; it’s about passion. It’s a statement, a middle finger to the modern era of homogenized, overly-efficient cars. Embrace its glorious inefficiency and enjoy the ride.