1996 BMW 540 vs. 1998 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1998 Dodge Viper is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 8,001 cc (10 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Viper (450 HP) has 168 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 678 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Dodge Viper (664 Nm) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm). This means 1998 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1998 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 540 | Viper |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 8001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 450 HP |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 664 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1057 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 49 L |
