1989 Dodge Viper vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 23 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 230 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 51 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 420 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 120. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Viper | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Dodge | BMW |
| Model | Viper | 120 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7994 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 610 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 51 L |
