1996 Dodge Viper vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Dodge Viper is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 284 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Dodge Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 439 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Viper | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2870 mm |
