1996 Chrysler Viper vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 16 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, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Chrysler Viper. (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Chrysler Viper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1996 Chrysler Viper. 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 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chrysler Viper | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Chrysler | BMW |
| Model | Viper | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2761 mm |
