1989 Dodge Viper vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1989 Dodge Viper. (400 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1989 Dodge Viper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 496 kg more than 1989 Dodge Viper. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 391 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Dodge Viper. (610 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Dodge Viper. 2009 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Viper | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | SL |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7994 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 610 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 257 km/hour | 300 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 | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
