1996 Dodge Viper vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1996 Dodge Viper is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Viper (444 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 406 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Viper weights approximately 815 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. 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 Dodge Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 575 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Viper | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Viper | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
