1980 BMW M5 vs. 1997 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1997 Dodge Viper is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1980 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Viper weights approximately 174 kg more than 1980 BMW M5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Dodge Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1997 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | M5 | Viper |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 7990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
