Overpowered

The saving of gas with low numerical gear ratios is that while cruising (highway speeds) the engine will be turning fewer RPMs than with a higher numerical gearset thereby the potential of better MPG.

The lower numerical gearset will get to a higher top speed (if there is enough power/torque based on the aerodynamics) with the consequence of acceleration. The higher the numerical a gearset is, the quicker it can accelerate (if you can actually hook up to the ground). Watch monster trucks with extremely high overall numerical gear ratios will accelerate from 0-60 in 2 seconds (guess)? but thats probably their top speed too.

Let's see how the SRT-8 really performs in real tests not on paper. Tests need to include more than a drag race to 60 or a 1/4 mile - this is the "New Challenger" that can also stop and turn which wasn't a major goal or achievement with muscle cars in general in the 70s.

0 to 100 to 0 for acceleration & decelleration combined
Skidpad for turning Gs
Autocross type track for times, ease of driving, consistency, etc.
Big oval or superspeedway to open her up - let's see if she'll really run 170 MPH

I have driven my brother's Viper many times and although it is an awesome machine, it is really only fast in the hands of a competent driver and can be deadly in the hands of inexperience or cockiness.

Eric