1989 Dodge Viper vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 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 327 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Viper weights approximately 294 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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 484 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Viper | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Viper | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7994 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 610 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.6 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
