1991 Chrysler Viper vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Chrysler Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Chrysler Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1991 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 451 kg more than 2012 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, 1991 Chrysler Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 431 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1991 Chrysler Viper has manual transmission. 1991 Chrysler Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Chrysler Viper | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mazda |
| Model | Viper | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2329 mm |
