1989 Dodge Viper vs. 2012 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Charger 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 30 more horse power than 2012 Dodge Charger. (370 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2012 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Charger weights approximately 475 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Charger. (535 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Charger. 2012 Dodge Charger 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. 2012 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Viper | 2012 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Viper | Charger |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7994 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 370 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 610 Nm | 535 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 1929 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5077 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 72 L |
