USA vs USA — 2004 vs 1978
| Ram SRT-10 Viper V10 | Lil Red Express D150 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 500 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 525 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 8,277 cc | 5,899 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 sec | 7.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 154 mph | 118 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.4 sec | 15.4 sec |
| Weight | 5,098 lbs | 3,998 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,069 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,578 mm | 5,077 mm |
| Units Produced | 10,096 | 7,118 |
| Original MSRP | $45,245 | $6,532 |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Viper V10 brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150 answers with lighter weight, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Dodge has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Viper V10 with the 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express D150 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Viper V10 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 500 hp compared to 225 hp, a 275-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Dodge Ram SRT-10 uses a V10 OHV 20V displacing 8,277 cc, while the Dodge Lil Red Express relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 5,899 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Viper V10 edges ahead at 4.9 seconds versus 7.5 seconds. The Dodge Lil Red Express carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1100 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.