1989 Dodge Viper vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 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 247 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (153 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Viper weights approximately 399 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1989 Dodge Viper (610 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Viper | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Viper | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7994 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 610 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
