The Three Greatest Dodge Cars of the 90s
Automobile technology has progressed immensely since the 1990s. The advancement of on-board computer systems and new engine technologies has made cars more efficient and reliable than ever before without sacrificing power or performance. Nevertheless, a lot of awesome cars were produced throughout the 1990s, including a number of great Dodge vehicles that are often overlooked by contemporary enthusiasts.
1992 Dodge Viper RT/10
When it comes to sports cars, the Dodge Viper is a legend. With its huge V10 engine and relatively simple technology, the Viper has always been able to perform alongside supercars such as Ferrari and Lamborghini while costing a fraction of the price.
The original Dodge Viper RT/10 made its debut as the 1991 Indianapolis 500 pace car before going into production in 1992. Its 8.0-liter V10 churned out a 400 horsepower and 465 lb/ft of torque, making it the brute-force hero of American sports cars. The massive V10 could take the Viper from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds flat and reach a top speed of 180 mph. The car”s beautiful exterior design is perhaps even more impressive than its performance: unlike many of the boxy pseudo-futuristic super cars of the time, which look quite dated today, the original 1992 RT/10 looks as sleek and modern as when it debuted.
1990-93 Dodge Stealth R/T
The first generation Dodge Stealth R/T was a marvel of automotive engineering when it came to budget-priced sports cars. Derived from the Mitsubishi 3000GT, the Dodge Stealth R/T was powered by a sophisticated twin-turbo DOHC V6 engine that produced 296 horsepower and 306 lb/ft of torque. However, even more impressive than the Stealth’s engine were its numerous other performance-enhancing technologies.
Unlike most sports cars of the time, which were rear-wheel drive, the Dodge Stealth R/T had a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Additionally, it was one of the first vehicles to employ a four-wheel steering system, making it feel much more nimble than its 3,700-pound curb weight would suggest. Other cutting-edge technologies included active aerodynamics, which adjusted the front and rear spoilers according to speed, as well as an electronically-controlled suspension system. Though these technologies have become more commonplace today, the fact that they were included on the 1990 R/T model shows just how ahead of its time the Dodge Stealth was.
1991-92 Dodge Spirit R/T
On its surface the boxy, four-door Dodge Spirit doesn’t stand out too much from the slew of other 1990s economy cars. However, the 1991 R/T edition can be seen as one of the first American tuner cars, which became increasingly popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Dodge Spirit R/T was powered by an award-winning four-cylinder engine that was designed by Lotus. The turbocharged 2.2-liter DOHC churned out 224 horsepower and 217 lb/ft of torque, giving the Spirit R/T one of the highest horsepower-per-liter ratios of its time. Capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, the 1991 Spirit R/T has gone down in history as one of the fastest front-wheel-drive American sedans, even by today’s standards.
