1996 Chrysler Viper vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chrysler Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chrysler Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1996 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 258 kg more than 2008 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, 1996 Chrysler Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chrysler Viper | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mazda |
| Model | Viper | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2340 mm |
