1989 Dodge Viper vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 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 98 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 426 kg more than 1989 Dodge Viper.
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, 1989 Dodge Viper (610 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1989 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1989 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Dodge Viper | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Viper | SL |
Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7994 cc | 4966 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 302 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 610 Nm | 460 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 98.6 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Top Speed | 257 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 1880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |