1989 Dodge Viper vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 7,994 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Viper (400 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Viper weights approximately 179 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Dodge Viper is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Dodge Viper. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Dodge Viper (610 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 470 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Viper | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Viper | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7994 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 610 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.6 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
