12th Jun 2006, 02:23

GTP? That also costs about 10k more than the stratus and it's a 3.8 supercharged engine. I would sure hope it's faster.

12th Jun 2006, 13:40

People seem to think it's a big deal when they beat an older V8 like a 302 or 305 but it isn't much of an accomplishment. Reason being that those engines were 2 valves per cylinder and that's why they were only pushing a little over 200 horsepower. Now take your 4 valve (newer v6s have 4 I'm pretty sure) per cylinder v6 and you get a lot more out of it with more valves.

But if you tried taking on a 3 newer 3 valve 4.6 or the cobra DOHC 4.6 you'd get killed. Or any 5.7 for that matter.

But seems like a great inbetween sports car.

7th Jul 2006, 10:12

I recently aquired a 2001 R/T, and am very happy with it. I was able to find a model with every factory option, with the exception of the side impact air bags (it turns out those were only available at Mitsubishi dealerships.)

The handling is great... but the turn radius leaves much to be desired. Only 200hp is discouraging, but the wealth of aftermarket parts available makes up for that (Since the engine is basically an Eclipse GT).

A lot of Eclipse fans have knocked the FWD... but if you live in a colder climate, in the winter it's much better in the snow!

My buddy owns a 99 Trans-Am 5.7. I can't out speed him, but given the right curvy road, he hasn't had a chance!

6th Oct 2007, 20:13

I am looking to buying a 2001 Dodge Stratus RT,125,000 miles excellent condition. I am a single female and need some man help and true facts and not a dealership that wants money to see overall performance of car. Buying this car today will only be a car wash and new tires. Please help: (

6th Aug 2009, 21:53

I own a 2001 Stratus, and I agree that the Stratus can outrun the Mustangs and Firebirds. I have had my car for 3 years and just turned the 100,000 mark, and the dyno test still reads out 286 at the wheels.

My car does as good on the track as just driving block to block.

To every one that owns one, get your computer upgraded and get the e3 diamond fire spark plugs, run a good gas and I run 110 octane when I am racing. Next switch out to a cold air intake. Zex makes a small nitrous system; I run a small shot.

Now I am trying to find out where I can get a turbo manifold made for the car, then I will be having some fun. The engine is able to handle about 10 pounds of boost.

A well equipped Stratus can put about 600 hp if you have a good race shop to help you out, and the money to put into it.

26th Dec 2009, 00:26

I think the 04 Dodge Stratus RT Coupe is a great American made car. It's a cross between performance, affordability and comfort. While it is a bit underpowered compared to other cars in its class, it will leave them all in the dust at the track. Even the 04 BMW M3. Sebring raceway didn't get its name from Honda or Chevy. Nah, it's mopar baby.

Also if you want to make the Stratus faster, it's easy; high flow intake, magnaflow cat back, jet piggyback and weight loss will do the trick. If you can get it around 3000 lbs, you'll keep up with a stock G35 no prob, and for the price difference on the sticker and at the pump, you can't beat it.

13th Oct 2011, 23:59

I don't know what you Stratus guys are smoking, but 0-60 in 7.4 seconds and 15.7 second quarter mile times aren't fast. That's what the Stratus RT Coupes were tested at when new. That's slower than a similar year Nissan Maxima, Ford Contour SVT, or first gen Ford Taurus SHO V6. Cold air intakes and cat back exhausts aren't going to improve performance as much as the manufacturer's claim. The Mitsubishi 3.0 L V6 engine is not a high performance engine. The Dodge Intrepid 3.2 L and 3.5 L V6 engines are more powerful. The Stratus Coupe is just a crappy replacement for the Avenger coupe. And the 42 foot turning circle is worse than a minivan. The Stratus Coupe is more show than go, and V6 Mustangs are a good comparison.